Neighbor News
LICM's popular Countdown to 12 event features confetti-filled New Year's fun at kid-friendly times
Three separate ball drop events give families a chance to celebrate the New Year with their little ones all day long.
Families across Long Island will be diving into 2026 at the Long Island Children’s Museum’s annual “Noon” Year’s Eve celebration, Countdown to 12! This year’s event, “O-FISH-ally 2026!”, will make a splash on Wednesday, December 31, from 11 am to 4 pm, with an ocean of activities inspired by the Museum’s newest permanent exhibit, Saltwater Stories.
Visitors will enjoy all the excitement of a Times Square-style New Year’s Eve—confetti, countdowns, and dancing—on a schedule designed for children… and parents who prefer a mid-day celebration!
· The party includes three confetti-filled ball drops (noon, 2 pm, and 4 pm)
· Live DJ entertainment
· Hands-on sea-themed crafts spread throughout the Museum’s galleries.
· Sock Skating and winter village
“Each year, Countdown to 12! gives families a chance to celebrate the start of a new year together,” said Ashley Niver, LICM Director of Education. “This year’s ocean-inspired theme lets us connect our guests to the wonder of Saltwater Stories—and to the Long Island communities who have always made the Museum part of their family traditions.”
Throughout the day, families will create festive keepsakes and party gear to ring in the new year, including:
· O-FISH-ally 2026 Top Hats – Party in Saltwater Stories style to welcome 2026!
· Jellyfish Puppets – Jiggle and wiggle into the new year with your very own floating friend.
· Catch of the Day Necklaces – Reel in the fun by designing your own “lucky catch” to wear.
· Octopus Noisemakers – Shake things up with an eight-armed celebration accessory!
Guests can grab a confetti favor upon entry—free of charge—to toss at the ball drop of their choice, then hit the Under the Sea Dance Party in the Museum’s Outer Lobby to show off their splashy dance moves.
“‘Countdown to 12!’ has become one of our most joyful days of the year,” Niver added. “We love watching families—many of whom have been coming for years—grow and celebrate together at LICM.”
All Countdown to 12! activities are included with Museum admission on Wednesday, December 31 ($20 for non-members, free for LICM members). To avoid disappointment, visitors are encouraged to purchase admission tickets in advance.
All activities will take place at the Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY. For the safety of visitors, adults are not permitted in the Museum without children; visitors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Museum admission: $18 for adults and children over 1 year old, $16 for seniors, FREE to museum members and children under 1 year old. For additional information, contact 516-224-5800.
