Celebrate the new year before dark with crafts, confetti, and a dance party at the Westchester Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
New Year's Eve Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids: Countdown to 2026
Make tracks to a train show during the holiday break. Photo by the author
Westchester and the Hudson Valley's Top Things To Do Between Christmas and New Year's with Kids
Visit the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum for all kinds of interactive fun during Family Free Nights. Photo courtesy of the museum
Top Free Things To Do with Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley in January 2026, According to MP Editors
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Ice Castles New Hampshire makes for a great winter day trip. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar
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Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
23 Fun Winter Day Trips from NYC
Enjoy glorious views on the Walkway Over the Hudson. Photo by Fred Schaeffer/courtesy of the Walkway.
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A visit to the United States Military Academy is a lesson in history and patriotism, but also tons of fun for families.
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Kids can run, swing, slide, and even make music at Sally’s Dream Playground in Montgomery. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar
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The Saugerties Lighthouse is a stunning getaway no matter the season.
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The Play Place in Elmsford is one of Westchester's top indoor play spaces.
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Roam the the cedar walk and gardens at Caramoor for a free, fun outing. Photo by Gabe Palacio
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Enjoy water sports at Westchester Summer Day in Mamaroneck. Photo courtesy of the camp
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Palisade Center's Climbzone features themed rock walls as high as 40 feet. Photo courtesy of Climbzone.
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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
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Poughkeepsie's Gravity Vault is an indoor rock-climbing gym with classes for kids as young as 5. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
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Mount Kisco's Grand Prix New York, a go-kart hot spot, offers birthday parties with racing, arcade play, and virtual reality.
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Kids explore the great outdoors Hudson Highlands Nature Center. Photo courtesy of the center
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At Moe's Southwestern Grill, kids eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entree. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
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Kids under 1 are FREE hours at the Westchester Children’s Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Kids can peek into the marine life in the aquariums at the Marine Education Center in Mamaroneck. Photo by Susan Miele
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Castle Fun Center in Chester has a giant inflatable park, a rock wall, laser tag, and more. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar
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Grab a colorful treat at Harley's Sweet Shop in Woodstock. Photo courtesy of the shop
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Kids can climb the walls at the Cliffs in Valhalla. Photo courtesy of the Cliffs
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Touch the soft rabbits at the Greenburgh Nature Center's petting zoo in Scarsdale. Photo courtesy of the center
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Peekskill, NY, is a lovely riverfront community that acts an the unofficial gateway to the Hudson Valley.
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Explore what makes things fly with the Westchester Children's Museum's Wind Tunnel Design Challenge. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Romp through the woods in the beautiful Catskills. Photo by Deborah Dadlani
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Tig & Peach offers drop-in, no reservations required, open play 7 days a week.
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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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Frost Valley YMCA offers a variety of day and overnight camps for kids ages 5-14. Photo courtesy Frost Valley YMCA
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Kids love a birthday party filled with games and pizza at Chuck E. Cheese. Photo courtesy of Chuck E. Cheese
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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
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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
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Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Connecticut for Kids 2025

Connecticut is full of happiness, joy, and free Christmas and holiday activities in 2025, like Santa at Cabela's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of Bass pro Shops
Connecticut is full of happiness, joy, and free Christmas and holiday activities in 2025, like Santa at Cabela's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of Bass pro Shops
11/23/25 - By Jennifer Coe

'Tis the season for free holiday and Christmas events in Connecticut for kids. And every Connecticut mom and dad likes the sound of FREE! Visit Santa at Cabelas in East Hartford (and get a free 4x6 photo), or see him at the Annual Santa's workshop at Wickham Park. See real reindeer in Greenwich, at the 16th Annual Reindeer Festival and Santa's Workshop, and dash through the snow through sleigh rides with Sandy Hook Fire and Rescue! Love the classics? See A Year Without Santa Claus on the big screen at Warner Theater. 

If you can't get enough of the sparkle of holiday lights, consult our list of Connecticut's Best Holiday Drive-Thrus and Christmas Lights. For more holiday adventures, consult our Holiday Fun Guide and the Must-do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Connecticut for Kids.

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Explore the holiday sights around New Haven for Free the 2025 holiday season! Photo courtesy of The Shops at Yale
Explore the holiday sights around New Haven for Free the 2025 holiday season! Photo courtesy of The Shops at Yale

Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Connecticut for Kids 2025

Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village

Mystic
November 21, 2025 - January 31, 2026
Olde Mistick Village has created an old fashioned Holiday Light Spectacular for you and your family. In fact, this event will be the largest holiday lights display in southern New England! READ MORE

Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden

Meriden
November 28, 2025 - January 1, 2026
The Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden, Connecticut, is a beloved annual event that transforms the park into a magical winter wonderland with over 300,000 sparkling lights. Each year, the festival features an array of displays, including illuminated animals, trees, and intricate holiday scenes, all beautifully arranged around the park’s lake and walkways.  READ MORE

Watershed History Collective's Annual Gingerbread House Festival

South Windsor
November 28 - December 21, 2025
One of the largest gingerbread house displays in New England features an incredible array of candy covered houses. The Festival will take place with the Watershed History Collective and will be held at NOMAD's this year.  READ MORE

Winterfest at Bushnell Park in Hartford

Hartford
November 28, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Free skating 7-days a week at Winterfest on the east side of Bushnell Park over by the Pump House. Don’t have your own skates? Winterfest has free skate rentals too. READ MORE

17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop

Greenwich
Friday, November 28 - Tuesday, December 24, 2025
The 17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop presented by Jenny Allen & Kristen Studwell at Compass Real Estate is proud to once again support Kids in Crisis for the seventeenth consecutive year by donating a portion of every Photo with Santa to Kids in Crisis. READ MORE

2025 Holiday Events at The Shops at Yale

New Haven
Friday, November 28 - Tuesday, December 24, 2025
Join us this holiday season for fun & festive experiences that are free and open to the public, along with exciting shopping rewards.  READ MORE

A.C. Gilbert's American Flyer Train Show

Hamden
Friday, November 28, 2025 - Sunday, January 25, 2026
​The Eli Whitney Museum delves into New Haven's past to bring back a special tradition dating back more than 60 years: The AC Gilbert American Flyer Train collection.  READ MORE

Niantic Holiday Stroll

Niantic
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Come celebrate Small Business Saturday and the holiday season in Niantic at the Niantic Holiday Stroll. This family-friendly day fills the streets, eateries and shops with thousands of visitors, and, of course, the holiday spirit. READ MORE

Trees in the Rigging at CT River Museum

Essex
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Trees in the Rigging is back! Come to the Museum for a full day of holiday fun. Together with the Essex Historical Society, the Connecticut River Museum is pleased to present this classic event. READ MORE

Downtown Mystic Holiday Stroll & Lantern Luminary

Mystic
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Stroll the illuminated streets of downtown Mystic during this joyful community-oriented event marked by Christmas carolling and light displays. READ MORE

Heights and Lights in Stamford

Stamford
Sunday, December 7, 2025
From 22 stories high above Stamford Downtown, watch and cheer for Santa Claus, Rudolph, Grinch and friends as they make their descent, twisting and flying from the top of one of Stamford’s tallest buildings, Landmark Square followed by a festive fireworks show. READ MORE

Lisbon Santa Parade

Lisbon
December 12-14, 2025
Sponsored by the Lisbon Fire Department, the Santa Parade will be lighting the way for Santa to visit! Santa is coming to town and will be escorted around town by the department. READ MORE

Annual Santa's Workshop at Wickham Park

Manchester
December 13 - December 23, 2025
Enjoy an enchanted visit with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the elves in the beautiful log cabin nestled at the highest point in the park. This is a traditional, family friendly event. There are no sponsorships or commercialization of the event and it is free for everyone.  READ MORE

Sleigh Rides with Sandy Hook Fire and Rescue

Sandy Hook
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Tolland Santa and his friends will be returning to our main station for free sleigh rides. Rides will begin at 1 and continue until at least 6 pm. Santa always promises to stay until everyone in line enjoys a ride on the sleigh. READ MORE

Water Witch's Annual Parade of Lights in New Milford

New Milford
Saturday, December 13, 2025
The night we look forward to all year! The 2025 Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday, December 13th, Immediately following the New Milford Commission of the Arts Annual Caroling on the Green. READ MORE

Chanukah Book and Craft Fair in Orange

Orange
Sunday, December 14, 2025
The  Annual Chanukah Book & Craft Fair! Bring the whole family for a fun-filled celebration! READ MORE

East Windsor Torchlight Parade

East Windsor
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Holiday Season with the annual Torchlight Parade & Carol Sing brought to you by the Broad Brook Fire Department and East Windsor Parks & Recreation. READ MORE

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About the Author

Jenny Coe
Jenny Coe is a longtime Mommy Poppins writer and contributor and full-time mom to three boys. Jenny has also been a contributor at Patch and The Reminder (Hartford Courant). Here at Mommy Poppins, Jenny writes about great things for kids to do in Connecticut and New England, affordable fun, and nature experiences (her favorite!).
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