When you hear “Long Island,” many people might think of terms like “Iced Tea,” “Billy Joel,” “The Long Island Medium'' or “45 minutes from New York City.” While yes, these things can be easily associated with the Island that many of us call home, there are hundreds of fun activities and attractions all over the Island that are greatly under-appreciated. We are always looking for exciting and festive things to do with friends or family, especially during the holiday season. Lucky for you, this list will provide you with the five top attractions the Island has to offer this winter.‍

5. Syosset-Woodbury Community Park Ice Rink: Syosset, NY

A holiday time classic, the Syosset-Woodbury outdoor skating rink is a perfect place to go with friends and family on a cold winter day. Although it can be cold on the ice, it's definitely worth the extra scarf and mittens in order to be able to experience the beautiful outdoor scenery while gracefully skating (or accidentally face-planting) on the ice. Also, they have concessions including hot chocolate that can help you to stay warm throughout the skating session!‍

4. The Milleridge Inn Holiday Village: Jericho, NY

The holiday village at the Milleridge Inn is a classic winter day activity for hundreds of families from Long Island. Whether you're taking in the scents of freshly baked bread at the bakery, buying souvenirs at the general store, or just admiring the bright lights and friendly warmth that the village has to offer, this spot should be a must on your winter to-do list. The village also includes a holiday store with a huge selection of menorahs and other Jewish decorations for Hanukkah! Lastly, the Inn has a restaurant attached to it with a variety of different breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. I definitely recommend checking out this spot for an evening full of excitement, cheer, and everlasting memories.‍

3. Magic of Lights Holiday Drive-Thru Light Show at Jones Beach: Wantagh, NY

Driving through the holiday light show at the Jones Beach State Park with my family is an everlasting tradition. With over a mile of drive-thru paths, the light show provides a great representation of all different holidays (as well as non-holiday-related lights) that come to life with thrilling animations. Halfway through the show, you can park your car and choose from a selection of roasted nuts, kettle corn, cotton candy, and other festive snacks to keep you going for the rest of the show. This attraction is truly like no other, and it's bound to keep you entertained no matter how old or young you may be.‍

2. Luminocity Festival @ Whitney Pond Park: Manhasset, NY

New to the Island this winter, the Luminocity Festival is a walk-through immersive light show. With lights from head to toe, the Festival is truly the closest thing to Disney World that you'll find here on Long Island. It contains over 1,200 lanterns that surround the entire path. In addition to being made out of real ice blocks, the festival features an 18-feet-long slide for tubing! There's also a huge ice castle with live music every night. I know I’ll be sure to check this out with my friends, and I hope to see you there too!‍

1. Menorah Car Parade & Menorah Lighting: Dix Hills, NY

The Menorah Lighting in Dix Hills is an annual tradition that welcomes an entire community of Jewish & non-Jewish families from across the island. Starting at the Chai Center in Dix Hills, the parade goes on for about 5 miles with live music, donuts, latkes, and other festive activities leading up to the lighting of the grand menorah. This event is one of my favorite things to do each holiday season because it reminds me of the strong Jewish community that I have in Long Island. If you want to build stronger connections to fellow Jews in the surrounding area and have a memorable Jewish experience, this is surely an event you won’t want to miss.

I hope this article has convinced you to check out some of the things the Island has to offer!