NEWSLETTER
More Than Two Dozen Holiday-Themed Events Across the State
Jones Beach Magic of Lights Show on Long Island Kicks Off Seasonal Events
Photos Of The Light Show Can Be Viewed Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today invited New Yorkers to celebrate the holidays at dozens of seasonal events and programs at State Parks and Historic Sites across the state through the end of the year, starting with the annual Jones Beach Magic of Lights show kicking off Friday, Nov. 19, on Long Island.
"Jones Beach is home to a meaningful holiday tradition, where friends and families gather for the spectacular annual light show, or explore the decorated historic site and take in the natural beauty of New York," Governor Hochul said. "Our Parks have something for everyone of every age to enjoy and as the State continues on the path to return to normalcy, the Magic of Lights Show is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season."
The Magic of Lights Show at Jones Beach State Park, which begins Friday, Nov. 19, and continues through Jan. 2, 2022. The drive-through show is placed along 2.5 miles of park roadway, lit with the latest LED technology, including a 200-foot light tunnel, 40 different lighted holiday scenes, and LED decorated holiday trees. Hours are dusk to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and dusk to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
More details are available here. Ticket proceeds support charitable causes, with last year's show raising more than $150,000 for local organizations, in addition to collecting non-perishable food items, toys, books, coats and more.
State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "Come and see the seasons change at our State Parks and Historic Sites. We have a number of holiday-themed events scheduled with more to come. Start a new tradition with your friends and family."
Highlights of other holiday-themed events include a Gilded Age Christmas celebration at the decorated Staatsburgh State Historic Site in the Hudson Valley, a Black Friday hike through a rare Lake Erie sand dune environment at Woodlawn Beach State Park, a post-Thanksgiving "Turkey Trot" run at Shirley Chisholm State Park in Brooklyn, a visit by Santa Claus at the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, and the 47th annual Christmas Bird Count at Letchworth State Park in western New York.
For those wishing to head outside instead of a crowded shopping center, several other parks are also offering Black Friday hikes the day after Thanksgiving. Or to simply hike on your own, visit the State Parks website for a trail near you.
For a complete listing of holiday events, please visit the NYS Parks calendar of events here. The list will be updated as further events are added. Some events may require pre-registration or an admission fee.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails, and boat launches, which were visited by a record 78 million people in 2020. A recent university study found that spending by State Parks and its visitors supports $5 billion in output and sales, 54,000 private-sector jobs and more than $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit www.parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518.474.0456. Also, connect with the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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