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The drive-thru light experience on the site of the Woodstock Festival runs through this weekend. Photo courtesy of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
The drive-thru light experience on the site of the Woodstock Festival runs through this weekend. Photo courtesy of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
12/23/25 - By Katherine Dhurandhar

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for Christmas weekend.

Christmas is officially over, but the fun doesn't have to stop! Many local holiday activities continue well after Christmas, including the Polar Express Train Ride in Kingston, Westchester's Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights Drive-Thru Extravaganza, and Legoland New York's Holiday Bricktacular.

Alternatively, if you've had all the Christmas fun you can stand, check out a Planetarium Laser Show at the Hudson River Museum or a Reptile Show with the NJ Snake Man at the Kartrite.

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Legoland New York's Holiday Bricktacular brims with Christmas spirit. Photo by the author
Legoland New York's Holiday Bricktacular brims with Christmas spirit. Photo by the author

Top Things To Do Christmas Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Planetarium Laser Shows - Hudson River Museum

Yonkers
Select dates from Wednesday, December 24 - Sunday, January 4
This holiday season, experience Planetarium Laser Shows at the Hudson River Museum, featuring holiday classics alongside the music of some of the most famous pop artists in history! These audiovisual spectacles fuse synchronized laser light displays with unforgettable tracks, from classic holiday tunes and “The Nutcracker" to iconic pop songs by The Beatles, Beyoncé, Bad Bunny, and Taylor Swift.  READ MORE

Meet Live Owls at the New Rochelle Library

New Rochelle – FREE
Saturday, December 27
Join the New Rochelle Library for an owl discovery program and get an in-depth look into the fascinating world of these common - but seldom seen - local inhabitants! Enjoy up close observation of their amazing nocturnal hunting adaptations.  READ MORE

Shake it Off Holiday Craft & Dance with Bluey

Scarsdale
Saturday, December 27
Get ready for a pawsome holiday celebration inspired by everyone’s favorite Blue Heeler! Join Shake it Off for a fun-filled event with music, dancing, and creative crafts that will bring holiday cheer to little ones of all ages! READ MORE

KM's Holiday Spirit Festival

Wappingers Falls
Select dates through Saturday, December 27
Experience the magic of Kevin McCurdy’s Holiday Spirit Festival Winter Wonderland Walk! Take a fun-filled stroll through the sparkling Enchanted Forest of Lights, discover the cozy Polar Bear Igloo, and dance along to the tunes of Candy Cane Lane Musical Trees.  READ MORE

Make Your Own Snow Globe at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum

Poughkeepsie
Sunday, December 28
Design and craft your very own personalized snow globe to take home at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum! Using a variety of materials, children will create a unique winter wonderland inside their globe. They’ll learn how to assemble their snow globe, pour in the magical “snow,” and seal it up for endless winter fun! READ MORE

Meet the Animals & Explore the Winter Woods at Westmoreland Sanctuary

Mt Kisco
Sunday, December 28
Join us for a special two-hour program that brings together an indoor wildlife encounter and an outdoor winter adventure. Meet Westmoreland Sanctuary’s resident animals up close, then head out on a guided nature hike to explore how local plants and wildlife adapt to the winter season. A fun and educational experience for families and nature lovers of all ages during the holiday break. READ MORE

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

Bethel
Select dates through Sunday, December 28
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

Reptile Show with NJ Snake Man at the Kartrite

Monticello
Sunday & Monday, December 28-29
Families can enjoy a unique one-hour interactive learning experience with exotic snakes and fascinating reptiles! The Kartrite welcomes the NJ Snake Man for an up-close adventure with a variety of cold-blooded creatures. Guests will discover fun facts, explore hands-on learning opportunities, and even have the chance to safely interact with some of these amazing animals.  READ MORE

Holiday Experience at Christmas in America

Mt Vernon – FREE
Select dates through Tuesday, December 30
Experience holiday magic on a grand scale at the Holiday Experience at Christmas in America. Explore a 12,000-square-foot immersive experience with festive photo ops, dazzling displays, and more than 3,000 items available in the store. READ MORE

Polar Express Train Ride in Kingston

Kingston
Select dates through Tuesday, December 30
All aboard this special, seasonal train ride from the Catskill Mountain Railroad. 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

Holidays on the Hill Train Show at Lasdon Park & Arboretum

Somers
Select dates through Wednesday, December 31
Discover an all-new Holidays on the Hill Train Show, featuring a 2,500-square-foot exhibit set within the stunning Lasdon Glass House Conservatory. Afterward, visit Santa in his cozy cottage and explore the beautifully decorated Conservatory Plaza with a fun scavenger hunt as you try to find the little elves hiding throughout. READ MORE

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza

Valhalla
Select dates through Wednesday, December 31
This holiday lights extravaganza returns to Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla for its 12th season. This year's three-day opening weekend will be a walk-thru and will feature the return of the Santa Fun Run, an all-new Mascot Dash, and a winter market.  READ MORE

Legoland Discovery Center Westchester | Holiday Bricktacular

Yonkers
Daily through Wednesday, December 31
Come explore an indoor winter wonderland filled with Lego holiday-themed creations made up of thousands of Lego bricks. Festivities include cookie decorating with the Lego gingerbread man, Lego ornament building, giant holiday Lego builds, and more! READ MORE

Legoland New York Holiday Bricktacular

Goshen
Select dates through Saturday, January 3, 2026
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, go ice skating at Icicle Alley, and more. READ MORE

Cross County Center Pop-Up Holiday Ice Skating Rink

Yonkers
Daily through Sunday, January 4, 2026
Closed December 29-January 1
Cross County Center’s popular pop-up ice skating rink is located right in the heart of the center. The pop-up rink is not made of real ice, it is a synthetic floor that glides slower than real ice making it perfect for first-time and young skaters.  READ MORE

Finding Neverland: The Musical at White Plains Performing Arts Center

White Plains
Select dates through Sunday, January 4, 2026
The story of how Peter became Pan comes to life in this hit Broadway musical at the White Plains Performing Arts Center! Based on the movie, Finding Neverland tells the story of J.M. Barrie, the playwright who created "Peter Pan," exploring themes of imagination, friendship, and the spirit of childhood. READ MORE
Ring in the new year early at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
Ring in the new year early at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

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About the Author

Katherine Dhurandhar
Katherine Dhurandhar is a Community Publisher for Mommy Poppins, representing the Westchester and Hudson Valley region of New York, and a freelance copyeditor for Westchester Publishing Company. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling with her husband and son.
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