A Frosty Fest in Ulster Park features a drive-thru display of holiday lights and animations with music and actors. Photo courtesy of the fest

Christmas Weekend 2024 in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Best Things To Do

Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in the Hudson Valley

The Keeler Christmas light display in Putnam Valley features nearly 1 million lights.

Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Westchester

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Holiday and Christmas Activities Guide for Westchester Kids

Journey through illuminated tunnels at Lumina - A Magical Lights Experience at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard. Photo by the author

Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Westchester

Peace, Love & Lights at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts features lots of groovy displays. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar

Spectacular Neighborhood Christmas Lights and Holiday Light Displays in the Hudson Valley

Cross County Center’s popular pop-up ice skating rink is located right in the heart of the center. Photo courtesy of Cross County Center

Christmas Vacation in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: 40 Things To Do with Kids

Stroll by the booths of the lovely White Plains Holiday Market. Photo courtesy of the market

Holiday Craft Fairs and Christmas Markets in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

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

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

Legoland New York has gotten a seasonal makeover with plenty of festive fun, food, and attractions during its Holiday Bricktacular.

Why a Visit to the Legoland New York Holiday Bricktacular Is a Seasonal Must-Do

Celebrate the holiday spirit at the Snow Ball with the Snow Sisters at FASNY Museum of Firefighting. Photo courtesy of FASNY

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

All aboard a festively decorated Polar Express train ride for some holiday magic and memories. Photo by Gwendolyn Tundermann

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC

This December, Westchester Ballet Company returns to Lehman Center for the Performing Arts.

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Westchester Ballet Company’s World-Class “The Nutcracker” Coming to Lehman Center

Castle Fun Center in Chester has a giant inflatable park, a rock wall, laser tag, and more. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar

15 Family Fun Centers in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Peekskill, NY, is a lovely riverfront community that acts an the unofficial gateway to the Hudson Valley.

25 Best Things To Do in Peekskill, NY, with Kids

Grab a colorful treat at Harley's Sweet Shop in Woodstock. Photo courtesy of the shop

25 Best Things To Do in Woodstock, NY, with Kids

Kids can climb the walls at the Cliffs in Valhalla. Photo courtesy of the Cliffs

29 Things To Do on a Rainy Day Indoors in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

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Guide to Indoor Fun for Westchester & Hudson Valley Kids

Romp through the woods in the beautiful Catskills. Photo by Deborah Dadlani

40 Best Things To Do in the Catskills with Kids

Touch the soft rabbits at the Greenburgh Nature Center's petting zoo in Scarsdale. Photo courtesy of the center

Best Animal Petting Zoos near Westchester and the Hudson Valley Where Kids Can Meet Animals

Explore what makes things fly with the Westchester Children's Museum's Wind Tunnel Design Challenge. Photo courtesy of the museum

Visiting the Westchester Children's Museum in Rye: New and Ongoing Exhibits

Friends young and old enjoy the attractions and Legoland New York, the first major theme park in the Northeast in 40 years.

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Legoland New York: A Guide to Visiting the Hudson Valley Theme Park with Kids

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Classes Guide for Westchester & Hudson Valley Kids

The Play Place in Elmsford is one of Westchester's top indoor play spaces.

Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Westchester

Tig & Peach offers drop-in, no reservations required, open play 7 days a week.

7 Indoor Playgrounds in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for a Wild Romp

Aspiring artists love the 3-hour workshops at MADE Art Studio in Mamaroneck,

Free and Affordable Summer Camps in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Tour the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, an annual rite of fall. Courtesy Historic Hudson Valley

100 Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley Before Kids Grow Up

Summer camps are a great way to make new friends and develop new skills

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Summer Camps Guide for Westchester & Hudson Valley Kids

These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.

75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day

Kids love a birthday party filled with games and pizza at Chuck E. Cheese. Photo courtesy of Chuck E. Cheese

Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in Westchester

Head to the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum from 5-8 pm on the third Saturday of the month to explore the museum for free, Photo by the author

Free Museums and Museum Days in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Kids can run, swing, slide, and even make music at Sally’s Dream Playground in Montgomery. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar

Top Playgrounds in Westchester and the Hudson Valley Worth Driving To

The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader

100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up

Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander

67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home

Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette

Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects

75 Best Movies for Kids: Top Family Movie Night Ideas

Westchester kids will love a visit during FREE hours at the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum. Photo by KD

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Guide to Free Fun Things to Do with Westchester Kids

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Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in Westchester & the Hudson Valley

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Boredom Busters for Kids

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

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.