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Christmas Tree and Menorah Lightings in Westchester this Holiday Season

Ring in the holiday season at Ridge Hill on Saturday, November 16. Photo courtesy of Ridge Hill
Ring in the holiday season at Ridge Hill on Saturday, November 16. Photo courtesy of Ridge Hill
11/15/19 - By Michelle Vames

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to herald its arrival than with the lighting of Christmas trees and menorahs? You don't have to head to Rockefeller Center to enjoy that holiday magic.

Many tree lighting events in Westchester have live music, toasty refreshments, a visit from Santa himself and—in some cases—some extra bells and whistles. Menorah lighting celebrations include parties, music, and plenty of tasty treats. Note that Hanukkah starts on Sunday, December 22 this year. We're still waiting for word on several Westchester menorah lightings—so stay tuned for updates!

Read on for a variety of lighting festivities, ranging from big celebrations to cozy, small-town affairs. Most of these events are FREE.

Looking for more seasonal fun? Check out our November GoList and be sure to browse our Event Calendar. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletters to keep up to date on our latest info.

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Celebrate winter at Frosty Day in Armonk on Sunday, December 1. Photo courtesy of the event
Celebrate winter at Frosty Day in Armonk on Sunday, December 1. Photo courtesy of the event

Christmas Tree Lightings in Westchester

Ring in the Season at Ridge Hill

Saturday, November 16, 2019 – Yonkers – FREE
Enjoy live music, a magical snowfall, a visit from Santa, and free giveaways for the first 200 children. Pre-show activities begin at 4pm, and the tree lighting is at 5pm. READ MORE

Cross County Tree Lighting Celebration

Saturday, November 23, 2019 – Yonkers – FREE
Entertainment is piled high at this holiday kickoff. Enjoy a concert, dance performances, strolling characters, stilt walkers, and a DJ. Take a ride on the electric train, meet Mrs. Claus, pose in front of selfie stations, and snag a giveaway. Grab a bite from food trucks and spin on the pop-up skating rink. READ MORE

Westchester's Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza

Frosty Day in Armonk

Sunday, December 1, 2019 – Armonk – FREE
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

City Lights, Bright Holiday Nights - Tree Lighting

Sunday, December 1, 2019 – White Plains – FREE
Celebrate the sights and sounds of the season as the Mayor lights the city's Christmas tree. Carolers, music, refreshments, and visits with Santa follow.  READ MORE

Mount Kisco Holiday Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 7, 2019 – Mount Kisco – FREE
The Mount Kisco annual tree lighting includes caroling, crafts, hot chocolate, and more. Enjoy a ukelele song or two by the Westchester Family Church, the Mount Kisco Elementary School Chorus, and the St. Francis Contemporary Choir, who will lead seasonal carols.  READ MORE

Yorktown Holiday Electric Lights Parade & Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 7, 2019 – Yorktown – FREE
Yorktown sparkles during its annual Holiday Electric Lights Parade Spectacular, when parading vehicles are illuminated with strands of festive lights.  READ MORE

Community Sing, Holiday Crafts, and Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 7, 2019 – Chappaqua – FREE
Enjoy the tradition of a holiday open house, tree lighting, visit with Santa, a caroling sing-along, and an old-fashioned craft workshop in this town-wide festivity. Help decorate the community tree.  READ MORE

Tuckahoe's Winterfest

Saturday, December 7, 2019 – Tuckahoe – FREE
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

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Holiday Market

Saturday, December 7, 2019 – Tarrytown – FREE
Join the Village of Tarrytown for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Patriot's Park at 5:00 pm, preceded by the TaSH holiday market. READ MORE

Irvington Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Saturday, December 7, 2019 – Irvington – FREE
This annual tree-lighting event features a musical performance at 4:30pm, the tree-lighting ceremony at 5:00pm, followed by more music at 5:15pm and refreshments courtesy of the Irvington Volunteer Fire Department.  READ MORE

Katonah Annual Tree and Menorah Lighting

Sunday, December 8, 2019 – Katonah – FREE
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Katonah’s annual tree and menorah lighting celebration. Families are invited to join the festivities in downtown Katonah for an evening filled with music, delicious treats, and a holiday spirit in the air. READ MORE
Celebrate Hanukkah on Fifth in Pelham on Monday, December 23. Photo courtesy of the Chabad of Pelham
Celebrate Hanukkah on Fifth in Pelham on Monday, December 23. Photo courtesy of the Chabad of Pelham

Menorah Lightings in Westchester

Bedford Outdoor Menorah Lighting

Sunday, December 22, 2019 – Bedford – FREE
Though giveaway details have yet to be announced, this annual tradition typically includes latkes, doughnuts, and dreidels for distribution. The menorah lighting is held on the Village Green. READ MORE

Hanukkah City at Ridge Hill

Sunday, December 22, 2019 – Yonkers – FREE
Enjoy rides, music and entertainment, crafts, a gelt drop, the world’s first Virtual Reality Hanukkah experience, the Inventor Mentor, Mario the Magician, a train ride, balloon sculpting, 3D printing and robotics, latkes, clay sculpting, a Kosher food truck, glitter tattoos, menorah lighting, and more. READ MORE

Hanukkah on Fifth

Monday, December 23, 2019 – Pelham – FREE
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a menorah lighting, treats, music, a scavenger hunt, crafts, games, and swag. An added highlight: an LED robot show! READ MORE

Cross County Menorah Lighting

Monday, December 23, 2019 – Yonkers – FREE
Chabad of Yonkers will host a menorah lighting at Cross County Shopping Center, along with live music, cultural dancing, and treats. READ MORE

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