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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Pictures with Santa in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

1. Peace, Love, and Lights Dinner with Santa – Bethel

Multiple dates in December
When reserving your drive-thru experience, tack on a reservation for either dinner with Santa on December 15-16, 2023, or Santa's Workshop on Dec 21-22, 2023—but don’t delay, as sittings are known to sell out. Plus, on weekends, check out the special holiday market at Bethel Woods. 

2. Holidays on the Hill Train Show – Somers

Thursdays-Sundays through December 24, 2023; daily from Tuesday, December 26-Sunday, December 31, 2023
Combine your Santa visit with a holiday train show at this popular annual event in Lasdon Park. 

3. Christmas in the Village – Monroe

Saturday, December 2-Sunday, December 3, 2023; Saturday, December 9-Sunday, December 10, 2023 
This event with holiday shopping at Museum Village includes a chance to not only meet Santa, but Mrs. Claus, too. 

4. Holiday Lane at American Christmas - Mount Vernon 

Wednesdays and Fridays through December 22, 2023
There are tons of cool things to see at this amazing Mount Vernon Christmas store—including an impressive display of 100,000 lights. Twice a week, kids can also meet the Big Guy himself! 

RELATED: Christmas Tree Farms Near NYC 

Santa and his elves hop aboard the Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express Train Ride in Kingston. Photo courtesy of the Polar Express

Santa Photos at Hudson Valley Holiday Drive-Thrus and Experiences

5. Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Experience – Valhalla

Daily through Sunday, December 3, 2023, excluding December 24-25
Families pass a waving Santa and other costumed characters along this 1.2-mile, drive-thru experience, which also features elaborate light displays. Read our full review of the experience here. 

6. A Frosty Fest – Ulster Park

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through December 23, 2023
In addition to large-scale attractions, you can meet Santa at this annual event. Also fun: Santa's Magical Mansion features a choreographed light show. 

7. Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express Train Ride – Kingston

Through December 29, 2023; days and times vary 
Take a ride to the North Pole on a vintage train with a cup of hot cocoa to keep you warm. Along the way, meet Santa and his elves—you may even be able to snap a pic—when they come onboard. 

RELATED: Holiday Craft Fairs and Markets in Westchester

Snap a pic with Santa at Ridge Hill in Yonkers. Photo courtesy of Ridge Hill

Pictures With Santa at Westchester-Area Malls in 2023

8. Photos With Santa at Cross County Shopping Center – Yonkers

Daily through Saturday, December 24, 2023
The outdoor mall has set up Santa’s Workshop in a special "winter wonderland cabin" where you can snap a photo with the big guy. While there, take a spin around the pop-up outdoor ice rink or check out the Holiday Food Truck Market. Note: Reservations are recommended every day—but are a must on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 2023. 

9. Santa Photo Experience at The Westchester Mall – White Plains

Daily through Saturday, December 24, 2023
Santa welcomes visitors at The Westchester, where visitors can get a bird’s-eye view from his spot on Retail Level 1 in Center Court from the floors above. Check out additional events, like Cookies & Cocoa with Santa, pet photos, and Caring Santa, which features sessions for children with special needs. 

10. Photos with Santa at Jefferson Valley Mall – Yorktown Heights

Daily through Saturday, December 24, 2023
Santa and his team visit Jefferson Valley Mall in Yorktown Heights. Super fun: If you book your reservation online, kids will get a surprise call from Santa! 

11. Santa Visits and Photos at Ridge Hill – Yonkers

Daily through Saturday, December 24, 2023
Choose your photo package for this Santa encounter, located near Starbucks. Reservations are encouraged. 

12. Santa Photos at Palisades Center – West Nyack

Daily through Saturday, December 24, 2023
While walk-ins are accepted, your best bet is to reserve your child’s spot for a visit with Santa, who is set up on Level 1. 

This post was originally published in 2014 and has been updated for 2023.