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The Orange County Arboretum's Holiday Lights in Bloom is a charming and free light display. Photo courtesy of the arboretum
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12/3/23 - By Katherine Dhurandhar

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

From craft-making to stage performances, community festivities, and light shows, we've got the goods on free holiday events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Whether you plan to attend a tree-lighting celebration or see Santa land by helicopter, we've compiled lots of no-cost ways to celebrate the season below. 

We've captured many more ways to savor the season in our Holiday Guide, where you'll find more holiday resources, like our roundup of Polar Express and Christmas train rides. 

There's a lot more where this came from in our constantly-updated activities calendar!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Enjoy an epic Hanukkah family event for free at the Dobbs Ferry's waterfront park. Photo courtesy of the event
Enjoy an epic Hanukkah family event for free at the Dobbs Ferry's waterfront park. Photo courtesy of the event

Free Holiday Events for Families in Westchester

Philipsburg Manor Holiday Boutique & Activities

Sleepy Hollow
Daily through Sunday, December 17, 2023
Shop local, handmade gifts at the historic Philipsburg Manor and grab a bite to eat at the cafe. Special holiday events are planned for select dates.  READ MORE

Katonah Peppermint Parade

Katonah
Saturday, December 2, 2023
See the arrival of Santa in the Peppermint Parade through downtown Katonah. Enjoy live holiday music in the gazebo.  READ MORE

STEM Sparks - Gingerbread STEM

Rye
Saturdays, December 2-30, 2023
Drop by the Children's Room at the Rye Free Reading Room every Saturday for an introduction to STEM designed just for preschoolers. Sensory boxes are filled with open-ended activities and materials to boost fine- and gross-motor skills, and games to enhance problem-solving and decision-making skills through experimentation with different objects.  READ MORE

Rudolph Rocks New Ro

New Rochelle
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Join the celebration honoring the tale of Rudolph and New Rochelle’s own Robert May, who brought this holiday classic to life. There will be arts & crafts, a Bubble Bus dance party, face painting, holiday gift making, a gingerbread bouncy castle, and more.  READ MORE

Christmas Handbell Concert

Bronxville
Sunday, December 3, 2023
The Reformed Church of Bronxville presents its annual Holiday Handbell Concert. The performance typically features three handbell choirs comprising some 40 ringers aged 11 and up, along with organ and congregational singing. Traditional and contemporary carols are performed. READ MORE

Dreidel Game Workshop @ The Home Depot

Yonkers
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Get into the Chanukah spirit and get ready to start spreading the light and joy of the holiday! Everyone gets to make their own dreidel game to take home and play with during the holiday. READ MORE

Holiday Tree Lighting

Ossining
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Enjoy the 24th annual lighting of the holiday tree with music, a visit from Santa Claus, and delicious snacks and beverages. READ MORE

Menorah Lighting at Ridge Hill

Yonkers
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Celebrate the joyous spirit of Hanukkah with Chabad of Yonkers at Ridge Hill! Join us for a traditional menorah lighting ceremony, along with lively family-friendly entertainment, festive activities, and delicious treats.  READ MORE

Festival of Lights

Mt Kisco
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Join the community-wide ceremony and celebration of the Festival of Lights, with treats and a Menorah lighting at Mount Kisco Village Hall. READ MORE

Katonah Holiday Stroll

Katonah
Friday, December 8, 2023
Kick off the holiday season with festive music, pop-ups and trunk shows, and assorted treats, as the shops in Katonah stay open late for gift-giving. READ MORE

Grand Holiday Illumination at Untermyer Gardens

Yonkers
Friday, December 8, 2023, through Monday, January 4, 2024
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

Firetrucks and Holiday Party

Mt Kisco
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Children have the opportunity to ride on a firetruck with Santa from Leonard Park to the American Legion. Santa will also be on hand to pass out candy and gifts. READ MORE

Hanukkah Family Extravaganza in Dobbs Ferry (New Location)

Dobbs Ferry
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Enjoy an epic Hanukkah family event at Dobbs Ferry's waterfront park. Witness the Guinness World Record Holder create a massive ice menorah! Enjoy a thrilling drone light show and gelt drop, a spectacular fire performance, arts and crafts, plus delicious latkes and doughnuts. READ MORE

Chappaqua's Holiday Stroll

Chappaqua
Saturday, December 10, 2023
It’s the most magical time of year again and the annual holiday stroll is back! Christmas comes alive in this charming hamlet, and this is the perfect time for families to enjoy a festive day in downtown Chappaqua with ice sculpting, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa.  READ MORE

Chanukah On Fifth

Pelham
Monday, December 11, 2023
Celebrate Hannukah at this Glow in the Dark Chanukah spectacular at the Pelham Town House. There will be Hannukah activities with latkes and donuts followed by a performance by Neon Circus and Grand Menorah Lighting.  READ MORE

Yonkers Downtown Winter Market 2023

Yonkers
Saturday, December 16, 2023
The Yonkers Downtown Waterfront Business Improvement District invites guests to an enchanting indoor/outdoor Winter Market. Perfectly timed to ring in the holiday season, this festive, one-day special market is all-ages friendly. The heart of the Winter Market is the wide variety of 20+ local artisan vendors. This fun-filled event features ice skating, snow globe photo-ops, and festive live entertainment. READ MORE

Family Holiday Happening : The Little Red Hen

Pound Ridge
Saturday, December 23, 2023
Back by popular demand, Matthew Leonard from The Lionheart Puppet Company entertains families with a holiday-themed version of The Little Red Hen. Holiday refreshments follow this show at the Pound Ridge Library.  READ MORE

Nutcracker Everywhere

New Rochelle
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Families are invited to hear the story of the timeless classic The Nutcracker told through narration and dance. Everyone gets a chance to learn sections of choreography with the performers! READ MORE

Gingerbread House Workshop

New Rochelle
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Kids can make their own edible candy houses with lots of sweets and treats to decorate them. READ MORE

Rye Noon Year's Eve Party

Rye
Saturday, December 30, 2023
Celebrate the new year at the Rye Free Reading Room with 2024-themed crafts, snacks, and a countdown to 12 noon. This party is a great option for kids who want to celebrate but are not yet ready to stay up until midnight. READ MORE
Celebrate the season at the Pleasant Valley Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the festival
Celebrate the season at the Pleasant Valley Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the festival

Free Holiday Events for Families in the Hudson Valley

Holiday Lights in Bloom

Montgomery
Select dates through December 30, 2023
This charming outdoor light display at the Orange County Arboretum features illuminated flora and fauna for a garden-themed holiday light show. The event is offered on weekends between Thanksgiving and the end of December; daily the week before Christmas. READ MORE

Arlington Holiday Festival

Poughkeepsie
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Arlington piles on the festivities for this daytime holiday kickoff. A shopping village takes place from noon to 4pm, where attractions include an egg nog crawl, vendors, Santa Claus, and more! READ MORE

Pleasant Valley Festival of Lights Parade

Pleasant Valley
Saturday, December 2, 2023
This holiday celebration centers around a festive lights parade. Attendees are encouraged to dress festively for the occasion. Visit Santa after the parade at Town Hall Upper Parking Lot. READ MORE

Santa Helicopter Landing

Monroe
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Santa and Mrs. Claus make a dramatic helicopter entrance at the front gates of Museum Village. They travel by horse-drawn carriage to Rest Haven, where kids can meet Santa and enjoy holiday music by local musicians.  READ MORE

Sinterklaas Festival Day

Rhinebeck
Saturday, December 2, 2023
This multivenue tradition celebrating Dutch holiday heritage bursts with delights. Sinterklaas is a day-long, colorful celebration that includes children’s workshops, dance, theater, and music all over the village of Rhinebeck. Don't miss the stunning Children's Starlight Parade, featuring 2-story animated puppets carried by hundreds of volunteers. READ MORE

Sensory Friendly Santa at the Poughkeepsie Galleria

Poughkeepsie
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Children with special needs can have a tailored visit with Santa in a supportive environment that tends to their sensitivities. Lighting is low, and music is turned off. Register early to avoid a sellout. READ MORE

Palisades Holiday Gift Bazaar and Visit from Santa

Palisades
Friday, December 8-Saturday, December 9, 2023
Enjoy two days of holiday shopping at a historic schoolhouse, featuring quality crafts handmade by Hudson Valley artisans. Special events include a caroling sing-along, a tree lighting, and a visit from Santa.  READ MORE

Orangeburg Holiday Parade

Orangeburg
Saturday, December 9, 2023
This annual holiday after-dark parade features floats and vehicles with festive decorations and lights. After the parade, kids can meet with the elves, Mrs. Claus, and Santa at the firehouse. READ MORE

Holiday Maker's Market

Rosendale
Saturday, December 9-Sunday, December 10, 2023
The Circle Creative Collective presents a maker's market featuring the wares of local artisans. Also included: music, stories, hot cocoa, and more.  READ MORE

Snow Ball with the Snow Sisters at FASNY Museum of Firefighting

Hudson
Saturday, December 16, 2023
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

Beary Merry Holiday at Bear Mountain State Park

Bear Mountain
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Kids can make holiday snacks for the zoo's bears and watch them enjoy their tasty gifts. Afterward, enjoy the carousel and ice rink in the park. READ MORE

Holiday Card Making Party

Nyack
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Kids are invited to make their own holiday cards for friends and family. Supplies will be provided to make cards for all the holidays in December.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Library Green/Ruby Dee Park
Reformed Church of Bronxville
Orange County Arboretum, Thomas Bull Memorial Park (Grove St. entrance)
All along Raymond Avenue