Holiday pop-ups, parties and festive events around Long Island
The holiday season is here, transforming Long Island into a winter wonderland filled with festive pop-up bars, experiences and events. Here are spots to visit that'll get you into the holly jolly spirit:
THE CHRISTMAS CLUB
The Christmas Club Pop Up Bar returns to Farmingdale for the holiday season on Nov. 25 and runs through Jan. 8. Credit: The Christmas Club/The Christmas Club
This family-friendly pop-up is back at Main Street Social featuring plenty of festive décor and holiday fun. The menu will be inspired by the season with an Italian spin like chicken alla vodka and a “Feast of the Seven Fishes” dish. Look for live entertainment and a rotating roster of holiday-centric characters that will sing and be available for photo ops. Available for parties of two to six
‘WINTER WONDERLAND’ AT WATERDRINKER FAMILY FARM
A couple explores the annual "Winter Wonderland" festival at Waterdrinker Family Farm in Manorville. Credit: Marc Weiss
CHRISTMAS HOUSE
A group poses for the camera while visiting the Christmas House holiday experience, which has moved to the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove. Credit: Christmas House USA
Head to the Smith Haven Mall, where guests can walk through holiday themed spaces. The “Santa and Elves Illusion Room” creates an optical illusion where people on one side of the room seem smaller than they are, while on the other guests appear larger. There’s also a new “Harry Potter” styled space that features callbacks to the books and movies that inspired its creation. Visitors can purchase items at the gift shop and explore the “Snow Room,” where a machine pumps out flurries of real, melt-on-your-skin snowflakes. Other rooms to view include the sandy "Tropical Room" and the "Blockbuster Room," a representation of the video chain stores where holiday movies filled the racks.
MR. GRINCH CHRISTMAS POP-UP
These holiday-themed characters are among those set to appear during the 2022 Christmas Club pop-up inner party, slated to be held at Main Street Social in Farmingdale from Nov. 25-Jan. 8. Credit: Mike Marra
This holiday season guests can meet Mr. Grinch at Alibi Lounge in Farmingdale. During each 90-minute timed session, the Grinch will move around the room and begin as a cranky fellow — hurling jokes and insults — before ending the event changed for the better by the holiday season. The experience will be a cocktail-driven affair with some smaller plates like flavored wontons, Bavarian pretzels and photo ops.
CHARLES DICKENS’ ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ ON SHELTER ISLAND
Actor Scott H. Severance, dressed as his "Storyteller" character, leads an annual one-man dinner theatre performance based on Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol" at venues around the North Fork. Credit: Ethan Popp/Broadway on the North Fork
Grammy and Tony Award-nominated music producer/orchestrator Ethan Popp and costume designer/ producer Vanessa Leuck are once again bringing their take on the classic holiday story to Long Island. This year, the one-man show moves to the Ram’s Head Inn resort for a one-night-only $125 three-course dinner performance on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m., with Actor Scott H. Severance returning as the storyteller; tickets available in advance at exploretock.com. The hotel is also offering a “Brunch with Santa” the following day starting at 11:30 a.m. Nightly rates to stay start at $217.67.
‘HAWKINS SNOW BALL 1984’ SKATE SOIREE
A staffer at United Skates in Seaford, poses for the camera while dressed like a character from the Netflix program "Stranger Things" during one of the rink's "1984 Hawkins Snow Ball" parties. Credit: Lisa Ingenito
Inspired by the holiday school dance held on the Netflix show “Stranger Things,” United Skates is holding a pair of glow skate sessions where there will be decorated photo spots, a waffle bar and music from the show. Come dressed like a character for a chance to win prizes.
CHRISTMAS PARTIES AT 317 MAIN STREET
This restaurant and nightspot is hosting four events centered on the holiday season, starting with a Christmas edition of its Game Show team competition ($10; Dec. 7), followed by a “Christmas Boozy Bingo Brunch” ($40; Dec. 11) and a “Christmas Music Bingo” challenge (Dec. 14) before wrapping the month with its “Studio 54 Christmas Spectacular” dance party ($8 in advance, $15 at the door; Dec. 23)
‘UGLY XMAS SWEATER PARTY' AT MULCAHY’S PUB AND CONCERT HALL
People pose for the camera while attending the annual "Ugly Xmas Sweater Party" at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh. Credit: Mulcahy's
Head to Mulcahy's for an ugly Christmas sweater party. The festive outfit deemed the ugliest will win a $100 Amazon gift card. The night will also include beats by DJ Mike Savage and live music by '90s cover band Plunge.
HOLIDAY FARM TOUR WITH MRS. CLAUS
The nonprofit Spirit’s Promise horse rescue and recovery group has upgraded its annual holiday celebration this year and guests can visit with the farm’s resident animals, then head into the barn for a story time session with Mrs. Claus.
'THE POLAR EXPRESS' EXPERIENCE
See a screening of the "Polar Express" aboard the Polar Express Experience in Port Jefferson Station. Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc./Warner Home Video
Hosted by the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce, this kid-friendly event takes place aboard an authentic 1914 train car where the film “The Polar Express” will be shown. Attendees will receive popcorn and hot chocolate, as well as a bell to ring in order to create interactive opportunities. After the show youngsters can meet Santa who will be available for photos. Private experiences can also be arranged for groups of 20 or more.
CHRISTMASLAND
A view of the "Elf School" room, one of the many festive holidays spaces to explore when attending the new "ChristmasLand" walk-through at Tanger Outlets in Deer Park. Credit: ChristmasLand
This family-friendly indoor walk-through at Tanger Outlets Deer Park will take visitors through a space featuring over 20 Christmas-themed environments where photos can be taken and all who purchase a ticket will receive a branded Santa hat ready to wear during photo-ops. Rooms to expect include “Mrs. Claus Gift and Bake Shop” (where items like trinkets, hot cocoa and cookies can be purchased), a “Santa's Workshop” space and an “Elf School,” among other festive zones.
