Image from depositphotos.com
Each winter, Long Island transforms into a winter wonderland. If you love the cold this is the place, from snowshoeing and cross country skiing to ice fishing and ice skating. As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, it’s time for Long Island to show itself. The area is home to some of the best winter activities, from quaint towns with holiday events and charming shops to snow-capped hiking trails and cozy pubs where you can warm up with a hot toddy.
Winter on Long Island is a magical time of year. We have some of the best snowmobile trails in the country and there are plenty of places to go snow riding. If you’re looking for a quieter winter activity, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at one of our local wineries or breweries. Here are some great winter activities on Long Island.
Shop at the East End Food Market
riverhead
Photo credit: East End Food Market
The East End Food Market runs from May to October. The winter market is open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. until April 29, 2023. The market features local food, wine vendors, music and activities with local non-profit organizations.
The market makes an excellent stop on a day trip to the East End, whether you’re visiting the North Fork or the South Fork. Meet staff, volunteers and vendors to learn more about the community.
Cradle of the Aviation Museum
Uniondale
The Cradle of Aviation Museum features 75 aircraft and spacecraft in eight galleries spanning over 100 years of aerospace history and awaits at the Donald Everett Axinn Air & Space Museum Hall. Over 150,000 square feet of spacecraft and air are on display, including 75 hot air balloons and an Apollo lunar module. Learn about Long Island’s role in aviation and why it’s called the birthplace of aviation.
The museum’s eight galleries are arranged chronologically. Volunteer docents can be found throughout the museum to share their aviation knowledge. Over 30 exhibits are available for use and half a dozen cockpits can be climbed. There is also a short film throughout the museum. Check out this virtual tour of the museum before you visit.
Ice skating
Ice skating is one of the best winter activities for both kids and adults. In addition to ice skates, most of these centers also offer a snack bar and skate rental. Options include indoor and outdoor ice rinks — options for anyone and everyone. Ice skating rinks on Long Island include:
- Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink/Parkwood Ice Skating Rink in Great Neck
- Newbridge Arena in Bellmore
- Northwell Health Ice Center at East Meadow
- Port Washington Ice Skating Center in Port Washington
- Christopher Morely Park in Roslyn
- Grant Park Rink at Hewlett
- Marjorie R. Post Park Ice Rink in Massapequa
- Syosset-Woodbury Community Park ice rink in Syosset
- City of Oyster Bay Skating Center in Bethpage
- Freeport Ice Rink in Freeport
- Island Long Island in the new Hyde Park
- Long Beach Ice Arena in Long Beach
- Dix Hills Ice Rink in Dix Hills
- The Rinx in Hauppauge
- The Rinx at Harbor Front Park in Port Jefferson
- Tanger Outlets Deer Park Outdoor Ice Rink in Deer Park
- Buckskill Winter Club in East Hampton
- Southampton Ice Rink in Southampton
- Outstanding ice rink in Kings Park
- Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm in Cutchogue
Visit the wineries and microbreweries
Photo credit: Evan Ducz
Long Island is also known for its wineries and microbreweries. Many offer tours and tastings throughout the year. However, if you come in winter you will find special events such as wine festivals, live concerts, comedy shows and more!
Things to know about in Long Island during the winter:
- Ackerly Pond Vineyards / Bella Vita Vineyard in Peconic
- Bedell Cellars/Corey Creek Vineyards in Cutchogue
- Clovis Point in Jamesport
- Countess Therese in Aquebogue
- Diliberto Winery in Jamesport
- LI Vineyard Tours in Freeport
- Macari Vineyards & Winery in Mattituck
- Palmer Vineyards in Riverhead
- Paumanok Vineyards in Aquebogue
- Peconic Bay Vineyards in Cutchogue
- Pellegrini vineyards in Cutchogue
- Valuable moment sedans in Commack
- Pugliese Vineyards in Cutchogue
- Regency wine tours in Nesconset
- Roanoke Vineyards in Riverhead
- Shinn Estate Vineyards in Mattituck
- Waters Crest Winery in Cutchogue
Visit the Fire Island Lighthouse
fire island
Image from depositphotos.com
The Fire Island Lighthouse was an important landmark for transatlantic ships arriving in New York Harbor around the turn of the century. Fire Island Light was the first sight of land for many European immigrants upon their arrival in America.
In 1826, Fire Island’s first lighthouse was built. It was an octagonal, cream-colored pyramid of Connecticut River blue chippings that was 74 feet tall. The tower was at the end of the island, near the bay. The low height of the tower made it ineffective. It was almost entirely removed and the stone was used to build the terrace of what is now the lighthouse.
The original lighthouse is now a circular ring of stone and brick. The bay is about six miles west of the original lighthouse due to coastal drift, which is the westward migration and movement of sand along the beaches.
Fire Island’s lighthouse, originally lit on Memorial Day, May 25, 1986, was lit again and reinstated as the official navigational aid. The Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society (FILPS) assumed maintenance and operation of the Fire Island Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters in December 1996. This was done through an agreement with the National Park Service.
Two 1000 watt bulbs currently illuminate the light. They rotate clockwise and give the illusion of blinking every 7.5 seconds. It is visible from about 21-24 miles. FILPS assumed ownership and management of the maintenance of the beacon from the United States Coast Guard in January 2006. As a private navigational aid, the beacon will remain on all charts.
Seal watching/seal walks
Long Island’s north shore is home to the largest colony of seals in upstate New York. They gather along the coast from December to April. The best place to see them is Fort Tilden in Queens County, where the National Park Service offers seal-watching tours.
It is also possible to see seals on Long Island. Here are some of the most popular ways to seal watches.
- Jones Beach Seal Watching
- Seal migrations in Montauk
- Atlantic Marine Conservation Society
Ride
Horseback riding is a popular activity for young and old on Long Island. There are many scenic hiking trails, farms offering horseback riding lessons and pony trekking, and indoor horseback riding competitions year-round.
A popular horse-loving destination for visitors to Long Island is Deep Hollow Ranch in Montauk on the Montauk Highway. Originally founded in 1658, Deep Hollow Ranch is the oldest cattle ranch in the United States. Visitors to Deep Hollow Ranch can greet the horses, take lessons and ride trails through Montauk’s woods and white sandy beaches.
Other great equestrian trails include Muttontown Preserve in Syosset with Big River Barn Rescue, Inc., Parkview Riding Center at Connetquot State Park in Central Islip, and Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest, which features five equestrian trails.
Visit the Gold Coast Mansions
Courtesy of Old Westbury Gardens
Wealthy families built the Gold Coast mansions on Long Island, but they are now open to the public for tours. During your tour you will see how these families lived during their time on Long Island. You will also see how their lifestyle changed as they moved from one mansion to another. Some mansions have been converted into hotels or restaurants, while others still serve as private residences.
Dine-in igloos
Photo credit: Flora
Flora, a fine dining restaurant in Westhampton Beach, offers a unique dining experience with its igloo seating area. Guests can dine within the icy walls while enjoying their food and drinks at a table or bar stool. It’s a great place for a date night or a family dinner!
The Coach Meeting House has an igloo and a village with a fire pit. Keep it casual and cozy. An igloo can be booked for groups. Each igloo has an outdoor fire pit. The igloo features a Roku TV and a bluetooth speaker. Adirondack chairs are also available.
Mirabelle Restaurant & Tavernn offers fine dining amidst its dazzling winter igloos. Each party has its own server for 2 hours.
Enjoy lunch in RGNY’s winter greenhouses, an igloo with edges. Each guest receives a personal couch, plush seating, speaker and climate control in the greenhouse overlooking this beautiful Riverhead Vineyard.
Patchogue steak and seafood restaurant offers al fresco igloo dining all winter. Enjoy delicious appetizers and wintry cocktails while entertaining your friends and family. To keep you and your guests warm and cosy, the Oars Igloos have lights, garlands and a faux fireplace and are decorated for the holidays.
And there’s more!
Winter is a beautiful season. It’s cold but the snow is lovely and you can hike in the forest. Winter also means more indoor activities like watching hockey, playing indoor tennis or bowling. When it’s cold outside there are many activities to do.
The best way to enjoy winter is hiking. There are so many trails that are perfect for winter hiking. You can even get a permit to camp at this time of year!
Hockey games are always fun no matter the time of year, but they’re especially fun in winter because they’re held in an arena! You can watch these fast-paced games with your friends or family and cheer for your favorite team!
If you’re looking for something educational and fun during the winter months, we highly recommend checking out the Long Island Science Museum in Manhasset! This museum has many interactive exhibits that will keep you busy for hours!
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