Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Weather in December on Long Island
- Top Cities and Places to Explore
- Suggested Tourist Circuits (Winter-Friendly)
- Seasonal Activities in December
- Festivals and Events in December
- 1–3 Day Itineraries
- How to Reach Long Island
- Where to Stay in December
- Estimated Costs in December
- Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Tips for Different Travelers
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Long Island in December is a cozy, twinkle-lit escape: quiet beaches dusted with frost, vineyard tasting rooms pouring bold reds, Gold Coast mansions glowing with holiday décor, and towns hosting cheerful winter festivals. It’s off-season along the Hamptons and North Fork—meaning lighter crowds, better rates, and a more relaxed pace—yet there’s still plenty to do from Garden City’s museums to Montauk’s wild Atlantic edge.
Weather in December on Long Island
- Temperature: typically 30–45°F (-1 to 7°C). Wind along the shore can make it feel colder.
- Precipitation: occasional rain; light snow is possible, and nor’easters can occur. Check forecasts often.
- Daylight: about 9–9.5 hours near the solstice. Plan earlier starts for outdoor activities.
- What it’s like: crisp, calm beaches; cozy tasting rooms; illuminated gardens and villages in the evenings.
Top Cities and Places to Explore
Nassau County
- Garden City: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Long Island Children’s Museum, Roosevelt Field shopping.
- Old Westbury: Old Westbury Gardens with seasonal evening light installations on select dates.
- Long Beach: iconic boardwalk walks on clear winter days; cafés and brunch spots nearby.
- Gold Coast (Roslyn, Glen Cove, Oyster Bay): mansions, quaint villages, harbor views.
Suffolk County
- Huntington: lively Main Street dining, The Paramount for concerts, Oheka Castle tours on select days.
- Port Jefferson: storybook harbor village; early-December Dickens-themed festivities most years.
- North Fork (Riverhead, Greenport): wineries, breweries, cozy inns; Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead.
- Hamptons (Southampton, East Hampton, Sag Harbor): galleries, the Parrish Art Museum, serene beaches.
- Montauk: dramatic shoreline, lighthouse views (museum typically limited winter hours).
- Fire Island edges (Robert Moses, Smith Point): peaceful boardwalks and wide-open sand; services limited.
Suggested Tourist Circuits (Winter-Friendly)
- Gold Coast & Gardens Circuit (Nassau): Old Westbury Gardens → Roslyn village → Oyster Bay waterfront → Nassau County Museum of Art. 20–30 minutes between stops.
- North Fork Wine & Water Circuit: Riverhead Aquarium → Jamesport/Peconic wineries → Greenport village → Orient scenic drive. 10–25 minutes between stops.
- Hamptons Art & Shoreline Loop: Parrish Art Museum (Water Mill) → Southampton village → Sag Harbor → East Hampton Main Beach. 10–20 minutes between stops.
- South Shore Lights & Boardwalks: Jones Beach or Robert Moses State Park → Babylon village → Patchogue Main Street. 10–25 minutes between stops.
Seasonal Activities in December
Outdoors
- Beach walks and photography at Robert Moses, Jones Beach, Montauk Point.
- Seal-watching walks (scheduled programs often run Dec–Mar) at Cupsogue Beach and Jones Beach.
- Hikes at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, Sands Point Preserve, Planting Fields Arboretum.
- Ice skating: outdoor rinks at county parks on select days; indoor rinks in Hauppauge, Syosset, and Eisenhower Park.
Indoors
- Wineries and cideries (North Fork and Hamptons): fireside tastings; sparkling wine flights for the holidays.
- Museums: Cradle of Aviation, Long Island Children’s Museum (Garden City), Heckscher Museum of Art (Huntington), Parrish Art Museum (Water Mill).
- Performing arts: shows at The Paramount (Huntington), Patchogue Theatre, Gateway Playhouse (seasonal).
- Spas and wellness: resort and day spas across the Hamptons and North Shore for a warm-up day.
Festivals and Events in December
Event schedules vary each year; always confirm dates and tickets in advance.
- Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival (early December): costumed carolers, markets, and performances.
- Holiday Light Shows: drive-through or walk-through displays often staged at venues like Old Westbury Gardens and Smith Point County Park.
- Village festivities: tree lightings, menorah lightings, and holiday markets in Huntington, Patchogue, Greenport, and more.
- New Year’s celebrations: special dinners and concerts across the Island.
1–3 Day Itineraries
1 Day: Festive Nassau County
- Morning: Cradle of Aviation Museum or Nassau County Museum of Art.
- Lunch: Garden City or Roslyn cafés.
- Afternoon: Stroll Old Westbury Gardens; shop at Americana Manhasset or Roosevelt Field.
- Evening: Timed holiday light experience (when scheduled) and dinner in Roslyn/Oyster Bay.
2 Days: North Fork Wine & Harbor Towns
- Day 1: Riverhead Aquarium → lunch in Riverhead → two wineries (e.g., in Jamesport/Peconic) → dinner and overnight in Greenport.
- Day 2: Explore Greenport boutiques → hot chocolate on the pier → scenic drive to Orient → return via additional tasting room or farm stand.
3 Days: Hamptons & Montauk Off-Season Escape
- Day 1: Parrish Art Museum → Southampton village → sunset beach walk.
- Day 2: Sag Harbor brunch → East Hampton galleries → spa afternoon; fireplace dinner.
- Day 3: Montauk Point trails and lighthouse grounds → seafood lunch → leisurely coastal drive back.
How to Reach Long Island
- By Train (LIRR): frequent service from NYC (Penn Station and Grand Central Madison) to hubs like Mineola, Huntington, Babylon, Patchogue, and Montauk (fewer winter trains to the far East End). Weekend/off-peak fares are cheaper than peak.
- By Car: I-495 (Long Island Expressway), Northern/Southern State Parkways, and NY-27 (Sunrise Highway/Montauk Highway). Allow extra time for holiday traffic and winter weather.
- By Air: Long Island MacArthur (ISP) in Islip; NYC airports (JFK/LGA) with rental cars or LIRR connections.
- By Ferry: From Connecticut via Bridgeport–Port Jefferson Ferry or New London–Orient Point Ferry; useful for North Shore/North Fork access.
Where to Stay in December
- North Fork: inns and boutique hotels in Greenport, Southold, and Riverhead; great for winery weekends.
- Hamptons/Montauk: many properties stay open year-round with off-season rates; check for fireplace rooms and spa access.
- Nassau/Western Suffolk: full-service hotels near Garden City, Huntington, and Patchogue for easy dining and entertainment.
Typical December Price Ranges (per night, before tax):
- Budget: $120–$180
- Mid-range: $180–$300
- Upscale/Luxury: $350–$700+
Note: Local occupancy taxes generally range ~3%–5.5% in addition to state sales tax.
Estimated Costs in December
- Daily budget per person (excluding flights):
- Budget: $90–$150
- Mid-range: $160–$280
- Comfort/Luxury: $300–$500+
- Transport:
- LIRR one-way off-peak from NYC to central Nassau/Suffolk: roughly $8–$22 depending on distance.
- Car rental: about $45–$95/day; gas extra.
- Ferry (CT routes): passenger and vehicle fares vary; reserve for holiday periods.
- Activities and meals:
- Winery tasting flights: $15–$30.
- Museum admissions: $10–$25.
- Holiday light shows: typically $20–$40 per adult (walk-through) or per vehicle (drive-through).
- Dining: casual $15–$25 per person; mid-range $30–$55; fine dining $60+.
Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
Food & Drink
- Seafood in season: local oysters (excellent in cold months), chowders, and winter seafood stews.
- North Fork wines: bold reds, sparkling wines, and tasting-room specials; craft cider and beer across the Island.
- Cozy bites: bakeries and cafés in Huntington, Greenport, and Sag Harbor; farm-to-table dining year-round.
Shopping
- Luxury/brands: Americana Manhasset; Roosevelt Field; Walt Whitman Shops.
- Outlets: Tanger Outlets in Deer Park and Riverhead for holiday deals.
- Village finds: Greenport, Port Jefferson, Huntington, and Patchogue boutiques for gifts.
Culture
- Art and history: Parrish Art Museum, Heckscher Museum, local historical societies.
- Performances: concerts and holiday shows at The Paramount, Patchogue Theatre, and community venues.
- Heritage homes and estates: seasonal tours and décor at select mansions.
Tips for Different Travelers
Families
- Pick a base with a pool and easy dining (Garden City, Riverhead, Huntington).
- Kid-pleasers: Long Island Aquarium, Children’s Museum, holiday light shows, indoor rinks.
- Packing: warm layers, waterproof boots, hats/gloves, snacks for car/train days.
Honeymooners & Couples
- Look for fireplace suites, spa access, and late checkout; consider North Fork inns or Hamptons boutiques.
- Plan a winery tour, candlelit dinners, and sunset beach walks with thermos cocoa.
- Reserve timed-entry light displays for atmospheric evenings.
Friends & Groups
- Designate a driver for wine/beer trails or book a local car service.
- Bundle activities: brunch → museum → tasting room → show at The Paramount or Patchogue Theatre.
- Consider a rental house midweek in the Hamptons for value.
Safety & Practicalities
- Check winter closures and reduced hours, especially on the East End.
- Beach safety: no lifeguards; watch surf and keep distance from wildlife (including seal haul-outs).
- Driving: monitor weather; carry windshield scraper, phone charger, and a small blanket in the car.
FAQs
Q: Is December a good time to visit Long Island?
A: Yes, if you enjoy festive lights, winery tastings, quiet beaches, and lower hotel rates. Some attractions have limited hours, so plan ahead.
Q: Will I need a car to get around?
A: The LIRR reaches many towns, but a car offers the most flexibility—especially for wineries, beaches, and dispersed sights in Suffolk County.
Q: Are the beaches open in winter?
A: Beaches are open for walking and photography year-round, but there are no lifeguards and services are limited. Parking fees are often reduced or waived in winter at many state parks.
Q: What should I wear in December?
A: Dress in warm layers with a windproof jacket, waterproof footwear, hat, gloves, and a scarf. Coastal wind can make it feel colder than the forecast.
Q: Are wineries and tasting rooms open in December?
A: Most are open year-round, often with indoor seating and fireplaces. Weekdays are quieter; some require reservations on weekends.
Conclusion
December on Long Island blends peaceful coastal scenery with holiday sparkle—Gold Coast mansions lit for the season, vineyard tasting rooms pouring winter-friendly reds, and harbor towns hosting cheerful events. With lighter crowds and off-season pricing, it’s an easy, rewarding winter getaway—just plan for shorter days, check seasonal hours, and pack for crisp ocean air.
