What’s Happening on Long Island This Weekend? (Dec 5–7, 2025)

If you’re looking for something to do on Long Island this weekend — good news: December has officially entered its “I will not let you stay home” era. Seriously. The island is bursting with tree lighting, cozy markets, Dickens cosplay, and even a comedy show starring… Krampus. Yes, we’re doing that this year. So here’s what’s going on from December 5th through 7th — in paragraph form, because you deserve a story, not a checklist.


Long Island gets festive fast, and the weekend starts strong on Friday, December 5th, with not one but TWO tree lightings. At Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River, the big tree lights up at 5:30 PM, giving you picture-perfect holiday vibes against one of the prettiest estates in Suffolk. If you want an earlier start (or just want to see if you can feel your face in that North Fork wind), head to Orient Beach State Park at 4:00 PM for their tree lighting — complete with waterfront views and the type of cold breeze that reminds you why gloves were invented.

But if standing outside in December isn’t your thing, if you want to embrace chaos in a different form, the Connetquot Public Library in Bohemia is hosting beginner-friendly country line dancing from 5:30–7 PM. That’s right — you can kick, turn, clap, and mildly panic your way through choreography you definitely won’t remember the next day. Fun though!

Saturday, December 6th, is when Long Island goes full “holiday festival” mode. The entire Port Jefferson Village Center transforms for the Charles Dickens Festival from 10 AM to 8 PM. Expect carolers, costumes, maybe a fake British accent or two, and the kind of Christmas nostalgia that makes you want to drink hot cider and quote “A Christmas Carol” like you’re auditioning for a local theatre production. A little later in the day, over in Ronkonkoma, Station Yards hosts a festive holiday market from 2–6 PM, giving you a chance to buy gifts, treats, and maybe something you 100% didn’t need but definitely convinced yourself you did.

Sunday, December 7th, brings a softer close to the weekend with the Planting Fields Arboretum Holiday Market in Oyster Bay from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. Between the beautiful historic mansion, the gardens, and dozens of vendors, it’s pretty much impossible not to feel like you’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie. Just try not to fall in love with the local baker selling gingerbread — unless that’s your thing.

And of course, all weekend long, you’ll find holiday lights, seasonal shows, ice skating rinks, and festive performances all over Long Island. Basically, you can’t throw a snowflake without hitting a holiday event right now.

Final Thoughts

Long Island really said, “Let’s give them options,” this weekend — and honestly, we appreciate the effort. Whether you're looking to feel cultured, festive, active, or just mildly entertained, there’s something going on between Dec 5–7 that fits the assignment.