The hangars of the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City will share their floor with more than 60 arcade machines on the first weekend of December. The museum's Festival of Games runs Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and play on the arcade cabinets is unlimited and included with admission.

The weekend is put on with two partners: Cradle-Con, the museum's own nonprofit convention for comics, collectibles and pop culture, and the Long Island Retro Gaming Expo. The museum bills it as a combined holiday shopping and gaming event.

What is on the floor

  • Arcade classics: more than 60 cabinets set to free play for the whole day.
  • Retro consoles: dozens of older home systems hooked up and ready to pick up.
  • Holiday games: seasonal titles set up for the weekend.
  • Board and tabletop games: tables for families who would rather roll dice than push buttons.
  • Workshops: hands-on sessions run through both days.
  • Vendors: local small businesses selling retro video games, toys, comics, collectibles and pop culture merchandise, which is where the holiday shopping comes in.

Tickets

Ticket prices for the festival had not been posted as of this weekend; the museum says more details are coming, and sales run through the Festival of Games site. Library museum passes will not be accepted for the event. Parking is free.

Two weeks later: a Grinch pajama night

The museum follows the festival with A Very Grinchy Pajama Party on Friday, December 18. Guests are asked to come in pajamas. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for holiday activities and a chance to meet the Grinch, and at 7 p.m. the 2018 animated film The Grinch plays in the museum's theater, with hot chocolate and nut-free cookies served.

  • Ages 13 to 62: $25
  • Children 2 to 12 and seniors 62 and over: $23
  • Museum members take $5 off each ticket with the code memb5off and show a membership card or photo ID at check-in.

Plan your visit

  • Where: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City
  • Festival of Games: Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Pajama party: Friday, December 18, doors at 5:30 p.m., movie at 7 p.m.
  • Regular hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Standard admission is $18 for adults and $16 for children 2 to 12 and seniors.
  • Phone: 516-572-4111

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