As the crisp autumn air settles over Long Island, November 2024 offers a plethora of activities, dining experiences, and events that cater to all interests. Whether you're a local or planning a visit, here's a comprehensive guide to making the most of Long Island this November.
Thanksgiving Feasts/Parades
Celebrate Thanksgiving by dining at some of Long Island's renowned restaurants. Many establishments offer special Thanksgiving menus featuring traditional favorites and unique culinary twists. Reservations are recommended, as spots fill up quickly during the holiday season.
Garden City Thanksgiving Day Parade
Date:Â Thursday, November 28, 2024
Location:Â Franklin Avenue, Garden City, NY
Highlights:Â Marching bands, festive floats, dance troupes, and a Santa Claus finale.
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Montauk Thanksgiving Weekend Parade
Date:Â Saturday, November 30, 2024
Location:Â Main Street, Montauk, NY
Highlights:Â Seaside celebration with local musicians, vintage cars, and holiday floats.
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Southampton Chamber of Commerce Thanksgiving Parade
Date:Â Sunday, November 24, 2024
Location:Â Southampton Village, Southampton, NY
Highlights:Â Marching bands, holiday-themed floats, and a unique display of farm animals dressed for the season.
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Rockville Centre Thanksgiving Parade
Date:Â Saturday, November 23, 2024
Location:Â Village of Rockville Centre, NY
Highlights:Â Local school bands, costumed characters, and community floats that celebrate the season with a small-town feel.
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Holiday Light Shows
As November progresses, Long Island transforms into a luminous wonderland with a variety of holiday light shows that captivate visitors of all ages. Here are some must-see displays:
Magic of Lights at Jones Beach State Park:
Running from November 22, 2024, to January 4, 2025, this drive-through experience features over 2 million lights, including new attractions like a zoo animal scene and an expanded 12 Days of Christmas display. The event operates from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on weekdays and until 11:00 PM on weekends.
LuminoCity Festival at Eisenhower Park:
From November 7, 2024, to January 5, 2025, Eisenhower Park hosts the LuminoCity Festival, themed "Sweet Dream." This walk-through event showcases large-scale light art displays and attractions, making it a fantastic family-friendly outing. The festival runs from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM on weekdays and until 10:00 PM on weekends.
Girl Scouts of Suffolk County's Holiday Light Show:
Starting November 25, 2024, this drive-through light show at Smith Point County Park in Shirley features over 100 holiday-themed displays, including new designs by local Girl Scouts. The event supports leadership programs and financial assistance for girls in Suffolk County.
Riverhead Holiday Light Show:
This drive-through experience offers a mile of holiday light displays, providing a festive outing for families. The show typically begins in mid-November and runs through December.
Sayville Falls Holiday Light Show & Winter Garden:
A charming display perfect for families, featuring festive decorations and seasonal treats. Details about dates and times are typically announced closer to the event.
Veterans Day Parades and Ceremonies
On November 11, communities across Long Island honor veterans with parades and ceremonies. Towns like Huntington, Smithtown, and Garden City host annual events to pay tribute to those who have served.
North Fork Wine Tours
November is an ideal time to explore Long Island's wine country. The North Fork boasts numerous wineries offering tastings and tours. With the harvest season concluding, it's a perfect opportunity to sample the latest vintages.
Notable Wineries to Visit:
Pindar Vineyards:
As one of Long Island's largest and oldest wineries, Pindar offers a diverse selection of wines. In November, they host live music on weekends from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, providing a lively atmosphere for visitors. Additionally, they offer Champagne tastings every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, where guests can learn about the "méthode champenoise" process and sample their Champagnes, including Cuvée Rare, Premier Cuvée, and Dr. Dan's Extra Dry. Reservations are recommended for these events.
Sparkling Pointe:
Specializing exclusively in sparkling wines made in the traditional méthode champenoise, Sparkling Pointe celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. Their tasting room offers unique pairings, such as caviar, local cheese, and potato chips, alongside events like oyster tastings and themed dinners, promoting the idea that sparkling wine can be enjoyed regularly, not just for celebrations.
Fall Festivals and Fairs
While many fall festivals occur in October, several extend into November, offering a variety of activities for all ages. Here are some notable events:
North Meets South Festival
Date:Â November 2, 2024
Location:Â Suffolk County Farm, Yaphank, NY
Details:Â This festival celebrates Long Island's farm-to-table movement, featuring local vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities. Attendees can enjoy fresh produce, artisanal goods, and educational workshops on sustainable farming practices. The event runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and admission is free.
Heritage Farm & Garden Fall Festival
Date: September 21 – November 3, 2024
Location:Â Muttontown, NY
Details: Extending into early November, this festival offers an extensive selection of fall plants, pumpkins, décor, and activities such as a corn maze and crafts. It's an ideal spot for families looking to embrace the autumn season.
LuminoCity Festival at Eisenhower Park
Date: November 7, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Location:Â East Meadow, NY
Details:Â Returning for its fifth year, this festival transforms the park into a luminous wonderland with enchanting light displays suitable for all ages. The festival runs from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM on weekdays and until 10:00 PM on weekends.
Riverhead Holiday Light Show
Date:Â Starting November 17, 2024
Location:Â Riverhead, NY
Details:Â A drive-through experience featuring dazzling light displays, bringing holiday cheer to visitors of all ages.
Jones Beach Magic of Lights
Date:Â Starting November 20, 2024
Location:Â Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh, NY
Details:Â A festive light show set against the backdrop of the beach, offering a magical experience for the whole family.
Outdoor Activities
The cooler temperatures make November ideal for outdoor activities:
Hiking: Explore trails at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve or the Sands Point Preserve.
Fishing: The fall run brings striped bass and bluefish close to shore, making it a prime time for surf fishing.
Cultural Experiences
Long Island's rich cultural scene offers various events in November:
·      Theater Performances
"A Christmas Carol" at Theatre Three
Dates: November 9 – December 28, 2024
Location:Â Port Jefferson, NY
Details: Celebrate the season with Long Island’s own holiday tradition and BroadwayWorld.com winner for Best Play. Adapted by Jeffrey Sanzel, this production brings Charles Dickens' classic tale to life.
"A Christmas Carol" at The Argyle Theatre
Dates: November 7, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Location:Â Babylon, NY
Details:Â Ebeneezer Scrooge and his ghostly encounters come to life in this lavish and thrilling Broadway adaptation.
Art Exhibitions
"The Body Politic: Long Island Biennial 2024" at The Heckscher Museum of Art
Dates: September 14, 2024 – January 19, 2025
Location:Â Huntington, NY
Details:Â The museum-wide 2024 Long Island Biennial is the 8th edition of the juried show, which fosters connections between artists from Nassau and Suffolk Counties and the communities in which they live and work.
"Promoting Long Island: The Art of Edward Lange, 1870–1889" at Preservation Long Island
Dates: August 16 – December 1, 2024
Location:Â Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Details: Step into the late nineteenth-century world of Edward Lange (1846–1912) and follow his journey as an immigrant artist encountering a Long Island rapidly transforming into a modern suburb.
Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame
Location:Â Stony Brook, NY
Details: Dedicated to celebrating Long Island's rich musical heritage, the Hall of Fame features exhibits honoring local artists and hosts live performances. In November 2024, visitors can enjoy concerts by local musicians and explore exhibits showcasing the region's musical legacy. For event schedules and more information, visit limusichalloffame.org.
Shopping Events
With the holiday season approaching, November is perfect for shopping:
Holiday Markets: Local markets offer unique gifts and crafts from artisans.
Black Friday Sales: Malls and outlets across Long Island provide significant discounts.
Holiday Markets
Old Westbury Gardens Holiday Market
Dates: November 30 – December 15, 2024
Location: Old Westbury, NY
Details: Join in celebrating the start of the holiday shopping season with amazing holiday craft and gift vendors, holiday carolers, great food, and delicious desserts.
Broadway Commons Mall Christmas Show
Dates: November 16 – December 24, 2024
Location: Hicksville, NY
Details: Vendors set up inside the mall along the main aisles near IKEA, Broadway Multiplex Cinemas, and Round 1 Bowling and Arcade, offering a variety of holiday gifts and crafts.
Black Friday Shopping
Roosevelt Field Mall
Location: Garden City, NY
Details: As one of Long Island's largest and most popular shopping malls, Roosevelt Field features over 270 stores, including designer brands, department stores, and specialty shops. The mall also offers a variety of dining options and a movie theater, making it the perfect destination for a full day of shopping and entertainment.
Tanger Outlets Riverhead
Location: Riverhead, NY
Details: Long Island's largest outlet center featuring over 165 manufacturer and designer outlet stores. Situated at the gateway to Long Island's East End, the Tanger Outlet Center is conveniently located just off the LIE at Exit 73.
Tanger Outlets Deer Park
Location: Deer Park, NY
Details: Visit Tanger for a unique shopping experience. Find your favorite brands and experience exceptional guest service. Shop with unbeatable value at Tanger.
November 2024 on Long Island is brimming with activities, events, and dining experiences that cater to all tastes. Whether you're exploring light festivals, savoring gourmet meals, or participating in community events, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit and immerse yourself in the rich offerings of Long Island this November.
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