Where to See Santa on Long Island 2026: Breakfasts, Photos & Experiences

Long Island has plenty of creative ways to visit Santa beyond the mall photo line. Here are the best Santa experiences for 2026, from farm walks and aquarium brunches to a trolley ride to the North Pole.

Santa Experiences With 2026 Dates

• Santa on the Farm, Long Island Game Farm (Manorville) — Sat–Sun, Dec 5–6, 2026, from 10 a.m. A woodland trail, animal ambassadors, nature crafts, a story circle and photos with Santa.
• Santa Brunch at the Long Island Aquarium (Riverhead) — Sunday, Dec 13, 2026, in the Sea Star Ballroom, with a buffet, keepsake and family photo, paired with aquarium admission.
• Polar Express Trolley (Calverton) — from Friday, Nov 27, 2026.
• Bayville Winter Wonderland — from Friday, Dec 4, 2026, with Santa visits inside the village.
• Magic of Lights Jones Beach — Santa photos at the end of the drive-through, Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027.

Seasonal Santa Traditions

• Flying Santa at Fire Island Lighthouse — a mid-December Saturday.
• Christmas at Westbury House — Santa photos in a Gold Coast mansion on December weekends.
• Port Jefferson Dickens Festival — Santa in a Victorian setting the first weekend of December.
• Village tree lightings — Santa often arrives by fire truck (see tree lightings).
• Malls: Roosevelt Field (Garden City), Walt Whitman Shops (Huntington Station), Smith Haven Mall (Lake Grove) and Green Acres (Valley Stream) all host Santa photo sets from mid-November; most offer online reservations.

Tips for Santa Visits

• Book reservations as soon as they open; popular slots go fast.
• Weekday visits in late November and early December have the shortest waits.
• Bring a small snack and a favorite toy for young children while you wait.
• Check whether photos are included or sold separately.
• For sensory-sensitive children, ask about quieter or sensory-friendly sessions, which many malls and venues now offer.

Planning a Santa Day

Combine a Santa visit with a light show in the evening: for example, Santa on the Farm in Manorville with the Riverhead Holiday Light Show, or Bayville Winter Wonderland with a visit to Old Westbury Gardens.

More on Long Island

See our Christmas on Long Island guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I have breakfast with Santa on Long Island?

The Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead hosts a Santa brunch on Sunday, December 13, 2026, and many local restaurants and clubs host Santa breakfasts in December.

When is Santa on the Farm at Long Island Game Farm?

Saturday and Sunday, December 5–6, 2026.