Enjoy a traditional three-course Thanksgiving dinner at Fleming's. Photo courtesy of Fleming's
16 Kid-Friendly Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Dinner in Miami & South Florida
Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Photo courtesy of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thanksgiving, Pumpkin Destruction Day, and More Holidays & Activities for November 2024
Kayaking is one of the many outdoor activities available at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park.
  VIDEO
West Palm Beach with Kids: 40 Things To Do in West Palm Beach, Florida
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Miami with Kids
Meet the horses and enjoy a free ride at Happi Farm in Davie. Photo courtesy of the farm
Meet the Animals at These 10 Great Miami and South Florida Petting Zoos and Animal Farms
Photo courtesy of Just 4 Fun Family Fun Center
Best Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, & West Palm Beach
The Burger Shack welcomes small children who enjoy the state-of-the-art playground, attached to the restaurant. Photo courtesy of Burger Shack at Lighthouse Cove
Restaurants in Miami Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat
The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables features 820,000 gallons of water fed from an underground aquifer. Photo courtesy of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
12 Great Public Pools for Kids and Families in Miami & South Florida
The splash pad at Sugar Land Park is on another level of fun! Photo courtesy of Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District
50 Free Fun Things to Do in Miami & South Florida with Kids
Photo courtesy of Ocquatics Swim School
Swimming Lessons for Miami Kids: 10 Best Swim Schools in South Florida
Enjoy great outdoor music at The Lawn at Dania Pointe during Family Sundays. Photo courtesy of the venue
Free Summer Concerts and the Best Outdoor Music Festivals for Families in Miami and South Florida
Get close to underwater creatures at the Frost Science Museum's massive aquarium. Photo by Jackie Jones
Frost Science Museum: Miami's Must-See Family Attraction
Enjoy aquatic shows, aquarium tanks, even a chance to swim with dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium. Photo courtesy of the Seaquarium
3 Days in Miami with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Kidmoto car service addresses the all-too-common challenge of getting families with young kids to the airport safely.
Kidmoto’s Airport Car Service Offers Safety & Comfort with Up To Five Car Seats
Let your imagination soar at the
Best Playgrounds in Miami & South Florida
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Tidal Cove Waterpark - Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor
Best Ft. Lauderdale and Miami Beach Hotels and Resorts for Kids and Families
Get to know your baby during the My Grownup and Me classes at Baby Stars! Photo courtesy of Baby Stars
15 Best Mommy-and-Me Classes in Miami for Kids
Get up-close with crocodiles at Zoo Miami. Photo by Ron Magill for Zoo Miami
55 Fun Things To Do around Miami with Kids Before They Grow Up
Zoo Tampa has lush tropical exhibits that will leave visitors in awe. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Tampa with Kids: 20 Best Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
The secluded St. Augustine Beach is a perfect respite from daily life. Photo Photo by Mancy Carter
St. Augustine with Kids: 30 Best Things To Do in St. Augustine, Florida
Anclote Key, made up of four islands off the Gulf Coast's Tarpon Springs, is a popular gathering place for boaters. Photo courtesy Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
Best Sandbars Near Orlando and Central Florida for Families Interested in Adventure
Go snorkeling in the stunning water at Tranquility Bay Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
30 Things To Do in the Florida Keys with Kids (Besides Key West )
Photo by Jackie Jones
Butterfly World in Coconut Creek: Why Kids Love this South Florida Bug Zoo
These gentle giants love the warm waters at Blue Springs in Central Florida. Photo by the author
Best Places to See Manatees in Orlando & Central Florida
Take in Day of the Dead celebrations across South Florida ... if you dare. Photo courtesy of Canva
Halloween Weekend 2024 in Miami & South Florida: Trick-or-Treat and More Things To Do with Kids
All Aboard South Florida's New Train: Riding the Brightline to Miami
There are more than just lions at Lion Country Safari.
Lion Country Safari: Drive-thru Zoo with Wildlife, Water Rides, & More in South Florida
Sweeten someone else's day and donate Halloween candy to troops, the elderly, or children in need. Photo courtesy of Canva
Sweet Ways to Donate Halloween Candy: Ronald McDonald House, Operation Shoebox, and More
South Florida’s Kids Got Talent auditions take place this weekend in Fort Lauderdale. Photo by Michael Murphy Photography
Holiday Happenings, Family Fun Day, and More Great Things to Do in Miami This Weekend with Kids

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

"Peace, Love & Lights" brings a drive-thru light experience on the site of the Woodstock Festival. Photo courtesy of Bethel Woods
11/12/24 - By Katherine Dhurandhar

This year's must-do Christmas events and holiday activities in the Hudson Valley include a wintry mix of spectacles, tree lighting ceremonies, Santa sightings, and other fun. 

Whether you’re looking for a drive-thru holiday lights display or a Christmas event outside in frosty air, we’re highlighting can't-miss holiday activities in the Hudson Valley below. Enjoy Lego-themed holiday festivities at Legoland New York's Holiday Bricktacular or dance and sing with the holiday characters at A Frosty Fest.

For an unforgettable family holiday experience, put on your pajamas and take a Polar Express-themed train ride with Santa through the Catskill Mountains.

Find even more ways to celebrate the season in our curated Christmas and Holiday Guide for Westchester & Hudson Valley Families. We also populate our Family Activity Calendar with loads of fun throughout the holidays, so keep close tabs to stay informed.

As always, if an event piques your interest, click through to our listing for all the details, including addresses, times, and recommended ages. And keep in mind: Really cool things to do with kids often book up quickly, so register or buy your tickets ASAP.

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

2024 Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in the Hudson Valley

Polar Express Train Ride in Kingston

Kingston
Weekends from Friday, November 15-Sunday, December 29, 2024
Once on board, the conductors walk through the coach to punch your golden ticket as you’re served hot chocolate and a cookie by dancing chefs, while passengers read the classic children’s book. READ MORE

Legoland New York Holiday Bricktacular

Goshen
Daily from Saturday, November 16-Saturday, January 4, 2024
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 Wonderland of Lights in Rhinebeck

Rhinebeck
Multiple dates from Thursday, November 28-Sunday, December 29, 2024
This spectacular drive-thru holiday light experience returns to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. The attraction features dozens of illuminated exhibits along a mile-long route.  READ MORE

A Frosty Fest

Ulster Park
Select days from Friday, November 29-Sunday, December 22, 2024
A Frosty Fest is the Hudson Valley's Largest holiday lights spectacular. Enjoy a drive-thru experience in the comfort of your vehicle, then park and walk inside to visit Santa and dance with the characters.  READ MORE

Peace, Love & Lights at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Bethel
Nightly from Friday, November 29-Sunday, December 29, 2024
This drive-thru light experience on the site of the Woodstock Festival returns with even more lights, with themed displays depicting New York and holidays around the world plus special rock-n'-roll-themed displays honoring the site's history.  READ MORE

Holiday Spirit Festival Winter Wonderland Walk

Wappingers Falls
Fridays-Sundays, November 29-December 22, 2024; also on Monday, December 23
This outdoor extravaganza features an enchanting assortment of holiday scenes to walk through. See the western-themed Christmas Canyon, the Legend of the Frost Fairies and Trolls, and more. Hop aboard the holiday train, join a misfit-toy scavenger hunt, and bring your wish list for Santa's magic mailbox! READ MORE

Greenwood Lake Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting

Greenwood Lake–FREE
' Saturday, November 30, 2024
This outdoor holiday festival features kids' crafts, caroling, hayrides, and a Christmas tree lighting by Santa himself. After the lighting, kids can meet with Santa and pose for pictures.  READ MORE

Arlington Holiday Festival

Poughkeepsie–FREE
Saturday, December 7, 2024
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

Orangeburg Holiday Parade

Orangeburg–FREE
Saturday, December 14, 2024
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

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

Rhinebeck
Saturday & Sunday, December 14 & 15, 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

Beary Merry Holiday at Bear Mountain State Park

Bear Mountain
Saturday, December 21, 2024
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

Places featured in this article: