The Best Christmas Light Displays on Long Island

Christmas lights aren’t something Long Island holds back on. From almost the moment the Thanksgiving turkey is put away, Long Islanders begin the pivot from autumn’s oranges and yellows to the reds, greens, blues, and silvers that symbolize the holidays.

Wherever you are on Long Island—from Port Washington to Port Jefferson—you’ll find neighbors who go all out to show off their holiday decorations, including Christmas lights, nativity scenes, Santas, reindeer, misfit toys, and other beloved seasonal symbols.

So, pack some snacks and hit the road to catch these spectacular Christmas light displays. We’ve got plenty more seasonal fun for you to check out in our Holiday Guide, including some over-the-top professional drive-thru holiday light displays.

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Most homes turn on their holiday lights each evening from about 5-11pm through New Year’s Eve. Some owners even host special events or Santa evenings. As we remind you every year, these are all private homes. While owners expect sightseers, don’t touch any displays or enter private property. Also, keep it down: Almost all of these homes are located on residential streets. Some homes collect money for charity, so chip in a few dollars if you can.

Be advised that while these houses traditionally have done elaborate holiday light displays, some may have decided not to participate this year.

Christmas Light Displays in Nassau County

1. The Massapequa Christmas House – Massapequa

309 Philadelphia Avenue

The Scarpias family begins planning its elaborate display in July. When arriving at the house, tune in to 89.7 FM and fill the family with holiday spirit. New adornments are presented each year, but a popular one remains the fully lit, larger-than-life teddy bear sitting on the front lawn. Check the Facebook page for updates on this year’s schedule.

2. Franklin Square Christmas Display – Franklin Square

1051 Harrow Road

This Franklin Square home features lighted archways, toy soldiers, inflatables, blown plastic, and lots more. Stay updated on the Facebook page to see when the Grinch and Santa will be stopping by for pictures. 

3. Walsh Home – Lynbrook

113 Wood Street

Lights remain on until 11:30pm at this central Nassau destination where the owners use their property’s natural landscaping to great effect. Fully lit reindeer, candy canes, and a Santa delight visitors, but the nativity scene is not to be missed. The home is located just north of Sunrise Highway.

4. Winkler Home – Levittown

28 Serpentine Lane

Lights remain on until after New Year’s Day at this home. There is a 20-minute projection with music. 

5. Froehlich Home – East Meadow

1439 Sherwood Drive

In addition to Halloween lights, the Froehlich home does a spectacular Christmas display set to music. This year, Santa will be visiting on Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 6-9pm. 

RELATED: Holiday Light Shows: Drive-Thru and Drive-by Christmas Displays on Long Island

Listen to Christmas music while watching the dancing light show at the Elwood Road Lights Show.

Christmas Light Displays in Suffolk County

6. Elwood Road Lights Show – Centereach

14 Elwood Road

More than 10,000 glittering lights adorn this home that sits off Nicolls Road in central Suffolk. Visitors can sit in their cars and listen to holiday music from 107.3 FM. Opening night this year is set for Friday, November 24, 2023.

The Arlington Avenue display in St. James features a Dickens Village. Photo by the author

7. Arlington Avenue – St. James

10 Arlington Avenue

This home won ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight in 2022. Among the standout features are lights on the roof that spell out “Kringle” and a Dickens Village. My family had the opportunity to see this house in person last year, and it did not disappoint. The kids loved being able to explore the Dickens village made of playhouses. You’ll want to park down the block and get out for this one. 

8. East Quogue Christmas House – East Quogue

10 Oakland Lane

If you are out shopping for a tree, make a stop in East Quogue to view one of the East End’s best displays on Oakland Lane, which features lighted Santas, snow scenes, and more.

9. Fifth Street Christmas Lights – Ronkonkoma

8A Fifth Street

Unique to this display is the Star of Bethlehem, which sits atop a utility pole outside the home. The star casts a wide eye over a display that includes glittering snowmen, lighted trees, Santa, seasonal characters, and plenty more. Kids can write a letter to Santa and leave it in his North Pole mailbox. Charitable donations are accepted. The home is situated just off the LIE at Exit 60.

10. Fabris Family Christmas Wonderland – Centereach

3 Malibu Lane

Be prepared to be amazed by the dozens of candy canes along the front fence at this home, which is also synchronized to holiday music. Delight in the inflatable Santas, Mr. Grinch, reindeer, and more.   

11. WI Christmas House – West Islip

40 Pace Drive S.

This is one of the South Shore’s most illuminated and longest-running light displays. The homeowners have been decorating their house every year since 1987, raising thousands for the Long Island chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.      

12. Wichard’s Winter Wonderland – Commack

Wichard Boulevard

Teenager Joseph Barragato and his family welcome you to this holiday display that raises money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. More than 75,000 lights adorn the property, which is just east of Sunken Meadow State Parkway. 

13. Beatty House – Brentwood

163 Grand Boulevard

Over-the-top Christmas decorations run in the Beatty family as owner Ritch Beatty has taken the baton from his father to keep this more than 30-year-old holiday tradition going. Tons of twinkling lights, inflatables, and plenty of Christmas cheer are on display at the house Beatty describes as a Christmas wonderland. The lights turn on daily beginning Friday, December 1, 2023, and stay ablaze from 6-10pm nightly, weather permitting. 

More Ways to See Holiday Lights on Long Island

If you don’t want to brave the Long Island Expressway traffic, consider making a day of it at one of these commercial holiday light installations:

Unless noted, photos are courtesy of the families/houses.

This article was first published in December 2012 and has been updated for 2023.