New York state parks celebrate the holidays with various events and shows – Telemundo New York (47)

New Yorkers can celebrate the holidays of the season with various events and programs in state parks and state historic sites through the end of the year, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Thursday.

One of those events is the show Magic of Lights on Jones Beach State Park, on Long Island, which began on Friday, November 19 and continues through January 2, 2022. The show is located along the 2.5 miles of the park’s walkway that is illuminated with the latest LED technology. This includes a 200-foot tunnel of light, 40 different illuminated Christmas scenes, and Christmas trees decorated with LEDs. Ticket proceeds support charitable causes. More details here.

Highlights of other Christmas-themed events include a Christmas celebration of the Gilded Age at the Decorated State Historic Site of Staatsburgh at Hudson Valleand.

Also a hike on Black Friday through a rare sand dune setting on Lake Erie in Woodlawn Beach State Park, a post-Thanksgiving Turkey Trot at Shirley Chisholm State Park in Brooklyn, a visit from Santa on the Walk over Hudson State Historic Park, and the 47th Annual Christmas Bird Count at Letchworth State Park in western New York.

For a complete list of these events and others during the holidays, visit the NYS Parks calendar here. The list will update as more events are added. Some events may require pre-registration or an admission fee.

Other parks also offer walks on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. Visit the State Parks website to find a trail near you.

“Jones Beach is home to a significant holiday tradition, where friends and families gather for the spectacular annual light show, or explore the decorated historic site and enjoy the natural beauty of New York,” said Governor Hochul. “Our parks have something for everyone of all ages to enjoy, and as the state continues on the road to getting back to normal, the show Magic of Lights it’s a perfect way to start the holiday season. “