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24 Best Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley December 2024 with Kids

Celebrate the holiday spirit at the Snow Ball with the Snow Sisters at FASNY Museum of Firefighting. Photo courtesy of FASNY
Celebrate the holiday spirit at the Snow Ball with the Snow Sisters at FASNY Museum of Firefighting. Photo courtesy of FASNY
12/1/23 - By Katherine Dhurandhar

Christmas lights and holiday activities are back this December, and that's just the beginning of all there is to see and do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this month.

Westchester and the Hudson Valley absolutely sparkle during the holiday season, with light displays and fun celebrations for the whole family. We are kicking off the month with Frosty Day in Armonk, the birthplace of the song "Frosty the Snowman," featuring a parade, tree lighting, entertainers, and kids' activities.

Other festive celebrations this month include Tuckahoe's Winterfest, the Kingston Snowflake Festival, and plenty of opportunities to meet Santa, including at Brunch with Santa at the Bear Mountain Inn.  

Be sure to bookmark our Holiday Activity Guide, which features tons of articles on things like our favorite Christmas and holiday events.

Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Untermyer Garden's Grand Holiday Illumination runs nightly from Saturday, December 7 to New Year's Day. Photo courtesy of Untermyer Gardens
Untermyer Garden's Grand Holiday Illumination runs nightly from Saturday, December 7 to New Year's Day. Photo courtesy of Untermyer Gardens

Top Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids in December 2024

Frosty Day in Armonk

Armonk–FREE
Sunday, December 1, 2024
The holiday song "Frosty the Snowman" is reportedly based on Armonk, and the town celebrates its claim to fame in a big way. This year's event features a rousing parade "down to the village," a tree-lighting ceremony, entertainers, train rides, a magician, clowns, crafts, cartoons, and more.  READ MORE

Sesame Street Live at MJN Convention Center

Poughkeepsie
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to the MJN Convention Center to say hello! At Sesame Street Live! Say Hello, sing, dance, and play alongside your favorite furry friends, all while you follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide & seek. READ MORE

Kingston Snowflake Festival

Kingston–FREE
Friday, December 6, 2024
Enjoy carolers, s'mores, horse-drawn carriage rides, flame throwers, ice sculpture carvings, and more at Kingston's Snowflake Festival. Don't miss the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on an antique fire truck to light the holiday tree. Open stores offer treats and hot beverages.  READ MORE

Shake it Off's Snowflake Ball

Scarsdale
Friday, December 6, 2024
Come and join Shake it Off's Annual Snowflake Ball. This winter event is sure to be a fantastic experience, complete with dancing, crafting, and delicious pizza. Don't miss out on the fun!  READ MORE

Tuckahoe's Winterfest

Tuckahoe–FREE
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Tuckahoe's Winterfest returns with a day-long lineup of seasonal fun. Enjoy Santa encounters, Dawny Dew puppet play, train rides, face painting, food vendors, caroling, and other holiday entertainment.  READ MORE

Katonah Peppermint Parade

Katonah–FREE
Saturday, December 7, 2024
See the arrival of Santa in the Peppermint Parade through downtown Katonah. Enjoy live holiday music in the gazebo.  READ MORE

Grand Holiday Illumination at Untermyer Gardens

Yonkers–FREE
Daily from Saturday, December 7, 2024, to Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Inaugurated in 2015, the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy's Grand Holiday Illumination has quickly become a Yonkers tradition, and thousands of visitors come to enjoy the spectacle. Come for FREE and see the Walled Garden lit with more than 100,000 lights and listen to holiday music from many traditions.  READ MORE

The Laurie Berkner Band Holiday Celebration at the Tarrytown Music Hall

Tarrytown
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Enjoy both original and classic holiday songs as performed by beloved children's artist Laurie Berkner and friends.  READ MORE

Skate with Santa at Hommocks Park Ice Rink

Larchmont
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Heighten the Christmas spirit by enjoying an afternoon on the rink ice skating with Santa Claus at the Hommocks Park Ice Rink.  READ MORE

Snow Ball with the Snow Sisters at FASNY Museum of Firefighting

Hudson–FREE
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Appearing for this special event are the Snow Sisters, Elsa and Anna. First, the Snow Sisters lead a festive sing-a-long and teach a dance. Then, kids play some winter-themed games with prizes for all and do a holiday craft. All attendees can pose for pictures with the Snow Sisters in front of a magical winter background.  READ MORE

Winter Stroll - Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow

Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow–FREE
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Experience the charm of the season as the towns of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown come alive with festive lights, warm treats, and joyful celebrations. Enjoy extended shopping hours, outdoor dining, storytelling, a holly jolly trolley, holiday treats, carolers, an ugly sweater contest, live entertainment, and other special events! READ MORE

Emelin Theatre's Nutcracker Dream

Mamaroneck
Select dates from Saturday, December 14-Thursday, December 26, 2024
The Emelin Theatre proudly continues its December holiday tradition by presenting "Nutcracker Dream" performed by Ballet des Amériques, Westchester’s premier professional dance company. Inspired by the work of Rudolf Nureyev and Marius Petipa, this 90-minute family-friendly adaptation is an exquisite interpretation of the beloved holiday classic.  READ MORE

"Elf Jr.," the Musical at Rhinebeck Center for Performing Arts

Rhinebeck
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Kids on Stage presents "Elf Jr." at the Rhinebeck Center for Performing Arts. Based on the cherished movie, "Elf Jr." tells the story of Buddy, a young orphan raised by elves at the North Pole who returns to New York City. READ MORE

The Nutcracker Performed by New York Theatre Ballet at the Tarrytown Music Hall

Tarrytown
Sunday, December 15, 2024
This abbreviated production of The Nutcracker, an annual staple at the Tarrytown Music Hall, is best suited for young audiences with short attention spans. The production is presented by New York Theatre Ballet. Two productions are scheduled at 3pm and 6pm.  READ MORE

Interactive Elf Movie Screening at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center

Chappaqua
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Join Friends of ChappPAC and the Town of New Castle for the return of the very popular interactive showing of the film Elf, led by Elfin actors. The performance also includes a goody bag for each child, an indoor snowball fight, and free hot chocolate.  READ MORE

Brunch with Santa at the Royal Regency Hotel

Yonkers
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Join Santa for a magical holiday experience at the Royal Regency Hotel in Yonkers. Enjoy brunch favorites—from fluffy pancakes to savory scrambled eggs—followed by photos with Santa and holiday activities like face painting, balloon art, gingerbread cookie decorating, and a creative coloring station. READ MORE

Jessica Lynn: A Very Merry Classic Christmas at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater

Peekskill
Sunday, December 15, 2024
This show is a full multimedia presentation featuring dancers, marching bands, choirs, and special effects. The production raises money for Toys for Tots. READ MORE

Brunch with Santa at Bear Mountain Inn

Tomkins Cove
Weekends through Sunday, December 22, 2024
Restaurant 1915 hosts Santa—and you—for a special holiday meal at the Bear Mountain Inn. Start the day with a hearty breakfast, then take a hike to see real black bears at the zoo! READ MORE

KM's Holiday Spirit Festival

Wappingers Falls
Fridays-Sundays through Sunday, December 22, 2024
also on Monday, December 23, 2024
KM's Holiday Spirit Festival is a joyous outdoor journey, brimming with unique displays, interactive mini-shows, and delightful sights and sounds to celebrate the holiday season. READ MORE

Giant Menorah Lego Build at Chabad of the Rivertowns

Dobbs Ferry–FREE
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Enjoy traditional Hanukkah treats including fresh, crispy latkes and delicious sufganiyot (donuts) at Chabad of the Rivertowns as you work with master Lego architect Stephen Swissa to construct a giant 12-foot menorah entirely out of Legos. A special lighting ceremony will follow. READ MORE

Cross County Center Menorah Lighting

Yonkers–FREE
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Join Cross County Center for a special Chanukah Menorah Lighting with Chabad of Yonkers. Rabbi Mendy Hurwitz will light the menorah in celebration of the festival of lights, and guests will enjoy live music, cultural dancing, and delicious treats. READ MORE

Watt Christmas Wonderland

Goshen
Daily through Sunday, December 29, 2024
Pile in the car for a visit to this holiday staple. This drive-thru exhibit features an assortment of inflatables, hundreds of lights, and other seasonal displays to enjoy. READ MORE

Legoland New York Holiday Bricktacular

Goshen
Select dates through Saturday, January 4, 2025
Experience the holidays at Legoland New York, where the entire resort is bursting with holiday cheer. Visit the new Lego City Elf Extravaganza, sing and dance at one of the seasonal shows, take “elfies” with your favorite holiday Lego characters, and more. READ MORE

The New Castle Historical Society's Great Holiday Train Show

Chappaqua
Select dates through Sunday, January 4, 2025
Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day
All aboard for some holiday fun as the New Castle Historical Society hosts its annual Great Holiday Train Show at the historic Horace Greeley House, which has been festively decorated for the season. Now in its fourth year, the show features two new model trains and all-new displays with a mix of vintage and returning family favorites.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

MJN – Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center
Kingston Historic Stockade District
The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck
Chappaqua Performing Arts Center
Bear Mountain Inn and Overlook Lodge
Kevin McCurdy's Holiday Spirit Festival