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

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

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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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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.

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