Winter Bucket List 2016-17: Not To Be Missed Seasonal Fun on Long Island

LongIsland.com

Make the most out of the wintry season by checking out our must-do Bucket List for Winter 2016-17!

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Experience extra joy this season with our Bucket List for Winter 2016-17!

Photo by: Rob Hirai via Flickr. (CC BY 2.0)

With the drop in temperature, and the holiday season right on the horizon, it seems that winter has finally come to Long Island. Though some may see Winter as a cold and dead time of year, the truth of it is that here on L.I. winter is a lively time with plenty of happening events and seasonal fun to be had, both indoors and outdoors!  
 
This winter, get out of the house with friends and family in tow to view a festive tree lighting ceremony, hop on a sled for an exhilarating ride down a snowy slope, curl up by the fireplace with a warm cup of hot cocoa, and ring in the New Year at a celebratory party on the Island! There is truly no lack of things to do this winter on Long Island.
 
Do you have a list of different activities that you would like to accomplish this winter season? Then why not turn those fun ideas into an official winter bucket list! Don’t have a winter to-do list of your own yet? Then check out our Bucket List for Winter 2016-17 and be sure to let us know what is on your Winter 2016-17 Bucket List in the comments below!
 
During the Holiday Season
The official start to Winter doesn’t begin until December 21st, but that doesn’t mean that you have to wait until then to start enjoying seasonal fun on Long Island. All across the Island there are numerous activities, events and celebrations going on to get L.I. locals, and visitors, in the holiday spirit! From watching the 90th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the comfort of home surrounded by friends and family on Thanksgiving, to driving thru a holiday light show, to attending a Menorah lighting, this year, instead of wondering what there is to do, you’ll have a hard time figuring out what you have time to do!
 
  • Watch the 90th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! This long held tradition is one that is not to be missed, whether you choose to watch from the comfort of home, or head into New York City to see the parade in person. Find out which of your favorite characters will be showing up in balloon form this year!
  • Pick Out Your Own Christmas Tree for the Holiday Season! Find the perfect Christmas tree for your home by going out to hand pick one at one of the many tree farms on Long Island! 
  • Get Into the Spirit of the Season During Christmas at the Montauk Lighthouse! Take in countless holiday festivities at one of the oldest active lighthouses in the United States! From caroling, to pony rides, to a visit with Santa!
  • Visit a Craft Fair to Find Unique Gift Ideas for the Holidays! Looking to find a special present for a loved one for the holidays this year? Then make your way over to a holiday craft fair to find something truly remarkable that supports local entrepreneurs!  
  • Head to NYC to See the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting! The 84th Annual Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony will be taking place on Wednesday, November 30th, don't miss out on this holiday spectacle featuring different celebrities!
  • Attend a Holiday Theatrical Performance at a Long Island Theatre! Take advantage of seeing theatrical performances, like A Christmas Carol and others, that only come alive on the stage this time of year!
  • Make Your way Over to Northport’s A Christmas Story Leg Lamp Lighting Ceremony! Everyone remembers the leg lamp from A Christmas Story, so why not come out to see one get lit up in person during this annual event!!
  • Bring the Kids out for Some Morning Fun at a Santa Brunch! Enjoy a filling meal with some extra entertainment in the form of a visit with Santa at a Long Island Santa Brunch! Don’t forget your camera!
  • Don’t Miss Out on the 13th Annual Girl Scouts of Suffolk County's Holiday Light Show! Now at a new location, the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County are ready to wow you with their annual holiday light show taking place from Dec.1st - Dec. 23rd.
  • Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth & Bake Some Seriously Tasty Christmas Cookies! Whether the weather outside is frightful or not, it’s always a good time to stay in to bake some warm, delicious cookies!
  • Go for a Ride at Bayville Adventure Park’s Winter Wonderland! Bayville Adventure has transformed this holiday season into a beautiful winter wonderland! Be sure to stop by now thru January 1st to go ice skating, visit Santa's Toy factory Funhouse, ride on the Holiday Express Train and more!
  • Get a Glimpse of Santa During Your Local Fire Station’s Holiday Parade! Step outside to see what all of the commotion is about while Santa drive thru town a top your local fire department’s fire truck!
  • View a Bright & Beautiful Tree Lighting on the Island! Bundle up and bring the family out for a holiday treat by watching, and participating in, a tree lighting ceremony on L.I.! 
  • Give Back to Your Community this Holiday Season by Volunteering! The holiday season is a time for giving and that means to charitable organizations and efforts too! Whether you donate your time, money or skills, there are many non-profits who could use a lending hand.
  • Celebrate the Eight days of Hanukkah with a Menorah Lighting! Commemorate the Festival of Lights by going out to see a menorah lighting on the Island!
  • Attend an Unforgettable New Year’s Eve Party on the Island! Ring in the New Year surrounded by excitement and cheer at a New Year’s Eve bash on Long Island!
Throughout The Winter
Even after the holiday season has come and gone, there is plenty of stuff to do on Long Island for the remainder of winter! From building an igloo, to visiting local museums, to going ice skating, there’s no lack of fun wintertime things to do on to keep you and your family entertained all season long.
 
Get creative and make your own tasty gingerbread house this holiday season! Photo by Don LaVange via Flickr. (CC BY-SA 2.0)
 
Outdoor
  • Go Sledding! Take a ride down a snowy slope at one of the many thrilling sledding spots on Long island!
  • Take Part in a Snowball Fight! Make teams or conduct a surprise attack of tightly packed snow balls!
  • Build a Snowman! After a good snowstorm there’s nothing quite like creating your very own snowman, or woman, out of the fallen snow. Get creative and deck them out with facial features and clothing!
  • Go Ice Skating! You may not be able to walk on water, but you can lace up your skates and take a glide on the frozen ice. Best of all, there are both indoor and outdoor rinks on L.I. to choose from!
  • Build an Igloo! Put your architectural skills to the test by setting out to construct an igloo in your front or backyard!
  • Make Snow Angels! Lie down in the snow and flap your arms and legs to create a snow angel in your likeness! 
Indoor
  • Go Bowling! Take aim and try your hand at bowling a strike this winter at a Long Island bowling alley!
  • Build a Gingerbread House! Have some fun with your food by making a gingerbread house this holiday season!
  • Check out a Local Art Gallery! Go get cultured during the wintry season at a L.I. art gallery!
  • Make Some Hot Cocoa! Warm yourself up during the cold weather with a steaming cup of hot chocolate!
  • Host a Game Night! Bring the part inside this winter by hosting a game night with friends! From board games, to video games to card games, there’s plenty of fun to choose from!
  • Warm Up by the Fireplace! With snow falling outside and the temperature dropping, why not curl up and get toasty by the fireplace! 
  • Throw a Gift Wrapping Party! Instead of wrapping all of your holiday gifts alone, make an event out of it by inviting over friends and family to do the same. Throw on some holiday music and share wrapping tips!
  • Visit a Museum! Learn something new this winter by taking a trip over to one of the many museums on Long Island!
  • Watch Classic Holiday Films! Get yourself in the holiday spirit by watching a classic holiday film, like A Christmas Story, and Home Alone! 
  • Get Crafty with Winter Decor! Let your crafty side shine this season by using that creativity to decorate your house! From simple paper snowflakes, to decked out mantelpieces, there’s plenty to adorn!
Loads of 2016-17 Winter Fun: MLK Day, Valentine’s Day, St.Pat’s & More!
Christmas, Hanukkah & New Year’s aren’t the only holidays happening this winter! Don’t forget about these exciting events and festive features coming up later on this winter season!
 
Super Bowl
  • Watch the Big Game at a Long Island Bar or Restaurant! Fully immerse yourself in the excitement of the Super Bowl by heading over a bar or restaurant hosting some game day fun!
  • Make Super Bowl Munchies! While the game itself is important, so is the food and drink served during it! Satisfy your Super Bowl watchers with these great recipes!
MLK Day & Black History Month
Valentine’s Day Fun
  • Find Out the Meaning Behind Valentine's Day! Before you rush off to the flower store to buy a bouquet of roses, or to the candy store to pick up a box of chocolates for your valentine, find out the meaning behind the holiday - plus some tips!
  • Take the One You Love Out for a Night Out at a Romantic Restaurant! Show your appreciation to the one you love by taking them out for a fun night at a romantic restaurant on L.I.!
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
  • Make Your Way Over to a St. Patrick’s Day Parade! You don’t have to head all the way into the city to take part in a St. Patty’s Day parade, you can stay close to home instead by enjoying one of the many parades taking place in local Long Island towns, cities and villages!
  • Plan an Unforgettable St. Patty’s Day Meal! Make a tasty Irish meal to share with friends and family during this festive holiday. Don’t forget the Irish Soda Bread and Corned Beef & Cabbage!
What’s on your Winter 2016-17 Bucket List? Let us know in the comments below!