32 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Kids

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Enjoy the free holiday parade and drone show at the Galleria at Crystal Run in Middletown. Photo courtesy of the event

Looking for FREE Christmas events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Read on for dozens of options. 

From holiday lights and parades to visits with Santa, we've got the goods on free holiday events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Grab a free hot chocolate and marvel at the spectacular holiday light display at the Grand Holiday Illumination at Untermyer Gardens or enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, flame throwers, ice sculpture carvings, a tree lighting by Santa, and more at Kingston's Snowflake Festival.

Read on for more free family-friendly holiday events, and bookmark our Holiday Guide for more ways to savor this holiday season.

22 Free Holiday and Christmas Events on Long Island for Kids

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Take in Hicks Nurseries' Animated Christmas Story for free this holiday season. Photo courtesy of Hicks Nurseries

Looking for FREE Christmas events on Long Island? Read on for tons of great options.

We love to visit decked out downtown areas during the holidays. At Miracle on Main Street in Sayville, we enjoy the ice sculptures, ice skating, and live reindeer spottings. At the old fashioned Christmas in Bellmore, we love to ride in a horse and buggy and clip-clop down the town's main strip.

We're also looking forward to taking our eyes to the skies at the Fire Island Lighthouse and in East Hampton as Santa makes an aerial entrance in both areas. He also arrives by boat in Riverhead ahead of a festive parade and bonfire. 

Any of these events will keep your family entertained, and you'll still be able to afford those last-minute gifts. Find all our top picks for holiday fun in our Long Island Christmas Guide. 

34 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey for Kids

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It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House

Looking for FREE Christmas events in New Jersey? Read on for dozens of great options. 

It's the most wonderful—and expensive—time of the year. While big-budget gifts take a toll on your wallet, our gift to you is this list of holiday events and FREE Christmas activities in New Jersey that don't cost a penny.

In a season where finances may be tight, treat the family to FREE and fun holiday festivities for the kids across New Jersey, including light spectaculars such as Lighting Up Nature Drive-Thru and small-town celebrations in areas like Dickens Village. 

Mark your calendars with these 30+ no-cost holiday events that take place nearly every day of the season. For more seasonal fun, don't miss our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for New Jersey Families. 

42 Warm and Sunny Family Winter Vacation Ideas in the US and Abroad

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Make memories to last a lifetime at the all-inclusive Beaches Turks and Caicos.

From perpetually wet feet to relentlessly bundling (and unbundling) your kids with layer upon layer, the need to escape grows for many parents as the winter drags on. Even those families who don't live with the finicky four-season cycle might prefer their family vacation with a side of palm trees, rather than fur-trimmed snow boots.

So whether you're seeking to escape the cold or just don't want to spend your holiday season vacation in it, we've rounded up 42 of the best winter vacation ideas in the US and abroad filled with sun, fun, and warmth.

Read on to find great all-inclusive resorts, beaches, and charming cities teeming with culture that will give you a family vacation that’s sunny, not snowy. For even more winter vacation ideas, be sure to check out our Family Travel Destination Guide.

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