Elsa and Anna are the special guests at FASNY Museum of Firefighting's Snow Ball this weekend. Photo courtesy of FASNY
Best Things To Do with Kids this Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
Journey through illuminated tunnels at Lumina - A Magical Lights Experience at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard. Photo by the author
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Westchester
GUIDE
Holiday and Christmas Activities Guide for Westchester Kids
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in the Hudson Valley
The Keeler Christmas light display in Putnam Valley features nearly 1 million lights.
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Westchester
Stroll by the booths of the lovely White Plains Holiday Market. Photo courtesy of the market
Holiday Craft Fairs and Christmas Markets in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
Enjoy the free holiday parade and drone show at the Galleria at Crystal Run in Middletown. Photo courtesy of the event
32 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Kids
Peace, Love & Lights at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts features lots of groovy displays. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar
Spectacular Neighborhood Christmas Lights and Holiday Light Displays in the Hudson Valley
Legoland New York has gotten a seasonal makeover with plenty of festive fun, food, and attractions during its Holiday Bricktacular.
Why a Visit to the Legoland New York Holiday Bricktacular Is a Seasonal Must-Do
Celebrate the holiday spirit at the Snow Ball with the Snow Sisters at FASNY Museum of Firefighting. Photo courtesy of FASNY
24 Best Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley December 2024 with Kids
All aboard a festively decorated Polar Express train ride for some holiday magic and memories. Photo by Gwendolyn Tundermann
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC
This December, Westchester Ballet Company returns to Lehman Center for the Performing Arts.
Westchester Ballet Company’s World-Class “The Nutcracker” Coming to Lehman Center
Castle Fun Center in Chester has a giant inflatable park, a rock wall, laser tag, and more. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar
15 Family Fun Centers in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
Peekskill, NY, is a lovely riverfront community that acts an the unofficial gateway to the Hudson Valley.
25 Best Things To Do in Peekskill, NY, with Kids
Grab a colorful treat at Harley's Sweet Shop in Woodstock. Photo courtesy of the shop
25 Best Things To Do in Woodstock, NY, with Kids
Kids can climb the walls at the Cliffs in Valhalla. Photo courtesy of the Cliffs
29 Things To Do on a Rainy Day Indoors in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Fun for Westchester & Hudson Valley Kids
Romp through the woods in the beautiful Catskills. Photo by Deborah Dadlani
40 Best Things To Do in the Catskills with Kids
Touch the soft rabbits at the Greenburgh Nature Center's petting zoo in Scarsdale. Photo courtesy of the center
Best Animal Petting Zoos near Westchester and the Hudson Valley Where Kids Can Meet Animals
Explore what makes things fly with the Westchester Children's Museum's Wind Tunnel Design Challenge. Photo courtesy of the museum
Visiting the Westchester Children's Museum in Rye: New and Ongoing Exhibits
Friends young and old enjoy the attractions and Legoland New York, the first major theme park in the Northeast in 40 years.
  VIDEO
Legoland New York: A Guide to Visiting the Hudson Valley Theme Park with Kids
GUIDE
Classes Guide for Westchester & Hudson Valley Kids
The Play Place in Elmsford is one of Westchester's top indoor play spaces.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Westchester
Tig & Peach offers drop-in, no reservations required, open play 7 days a week.
7 Indoor Playgrounds in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for a Wild Romp
Aspiring artists love the 3-hour workshops at MADE Art Studio in Mamaroneck,
Free and Affordable Summer Camps in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
Tour the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, an annual rite of fall. Courtesy Historic Hudson Valley
100 Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley Before Kids Grow Up
Summer camps are a great way to make new friends and develop new skills
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for Westchester & Hudson Valley Kids
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Kids love a birthday party filled with games and pizza at Chuck E. Cheese. Photo courtesy of Chuck E. Cheese
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in Westchester
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
Free Museums and Museum Days in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
Kids can run, swing, slide, and even make music at Sally’s Dream Playground in Montgomery. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar
Top Playgrounds in Westchester and the Hudson Valley Worth Driving To
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
These kids' movies are classic hits!
75 Best Movies for Kids: Top Family Movie Night Ideas
Westchester kids will love a visit during FREE hours at the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum. Photo by KD
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things to Do with Westchester Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in Westchester & the Hudson Valley
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Best Things To Do

Enjoy a drive-thru experience and visit Santa at A Frosty Fest in Ulster Park. Photo courtesy of A Frosty Fest
Enjoy a drive-thru experience and visit Santa at A Frosty Fest in Ulster Park. Photo courtesy of A Frosty Fest
11/29/24 - By Katherine Dhurandhar

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

Families are invited to get a pre-turkey workout at one of the many turkey trots held on Thanksgiving Day throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley, including the Westchester Turkey Trot in Valhalla, which also includes a kids' dash and free donuts at the finish line. 

Other awesome things to do this Thanksgiving weekend include Frosty Day in Armonk, Rye's Mistletoe Magic, and the weekend-long Holiday Kickoff at the Hudson River Museum, with storytelling, a magic show, and a special holiday planetarium show.

Looking for more holiday options? Browse our Westchester Kids Guide to Christmas and the Holidays, which is full of our top picks for holiday events.

More Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this Week with Kids

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Best Things To Do Thanksgiving Weekend 2024 with Kids

The Wonderland of Lights in Rhinebeck

Rhinebeck
Opens Thursday, November 28
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

Family of New Paltz Turkey Trot

New Paltz
Thursday, November 28
Family of New Paltz is raising money in support of its food pantry and crisis service by organizing this community run. Younger runners can sign up for the Mashed Potato Fun Run, which is free for ages 12 and under. Prizes are awarded in multiple categories—including best costume. READ MORE

New Rochelle Turkey Trot

New Rochelle
Thursday, November 28
Get some exercise in before the big feast with a Tot Trot for ages 5 and under at 8:45am (FREE), a Kid's Mile for ages 10 and under at 9am, and a 5K run/walk at 9:30am. Prizes are awarded by age group and for dogs and strollers. READ MORE

Westchester Turkey Trot

Valhalla
Thursday, November 28
Join the 5th annual Westchester Thanksgiving 5K/10K or kids dash, all with free local Duck donuts waiting at the finish line.  READ MORE

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza

Valhalla
Friday, November 29-Sunday, December 1
This holiday lights extravaganza returns to Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla for its 11th season. The interactive holiday event is bigger and better than ever, with two 100-foot light tunnels, a live Santa Claus, and thousands of electrifying lights that create magical vignettes.  READ MORE

A Frosty Fest

Ulster Park
Opens Friday, November 29
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

Christmas on the Farm with Eggbert 2024

New Windsor
Opens Friday, November 29
It’s a Hudson Valley thing, and if you know who Eggbert is, then you know how special he is to the local community. The Christmas trail weaves through Devitts nursery, rated one of the top 100 garden centers in the country. Attractions include candy land, Eggbert's barnyard pals (the cutest farm animals ever), Eggbert's garage, a slot car track, face painting, visiting with Santa, a Christmas train, and more.  READ MORE

Legoland Discovery Center Westchester | Holiday Bricktacular

Yonkers
Opens Friday, November 29
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

New Rochelle Holiday Market

New Rochelle–FREE
Opens Friday, November 29
The City of New Rochelle presents the 4th Annual Holiday Market at the New Rochelle Train Station. New Rochelle is getting in the holiday spirit with entertainment for all ages in a charming winter village setting at the bustling transit hub. READ MORE

Holiday Kickoff at the Hudson River Museum

Yonkers
Friday, November 29-Sunday, December 1
Enjoy this weekend-long event at the Hudson River Museum, which celebrates both Thanksgiving and December holidays. View the night sky in a holiday-edition planetarium show, tour Victorian Glenview, which is decked out in its holiday finery, and enjoy storytelling and a mesmerizing magic show by Didi Maxx. READ MORE

Hudson Valley Artisan Marketplace

Poughkeepsie–FREE
Friday, November 29-Sunday, December 1
More than 30 vendors are scheduled to attend this 3-day fair, bringing crafts and other handmade wares. While there, purchase a ticket to tour the historic Locust Grove Estate, decorated with fanciful and historic ornaments. Mansion tours are by timed ticket entry. READ MORE

Holiday Market at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Bethel–FREE
Friday, November 29-Sunday, December 1
Stock up on holiday gifts purchased from Hudson Valley artisans at this craft fair featuring more than 75 craft, artisan, and specialty food vendors. The market coincides with the drive-thru holiday lights experience, Peace, Love & Lights, which requires advance reservation.  READ MORE

Winter Welcome Weekend at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum

Cornwall–FREE
Friday, November 29-Sunday, December 1
Join the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum for a weekend of family fun celebrating meteorological winter, which begins on December 1. Walk off your Thanksgiving meal on a guided hike on Friday, celebrate the Museum's Box Turtle’s 100th Birthday Party on Saturday, and enjoy Winter Birds storytimes and crafts on Sunday, along with "Meet the Animal" presentations throughout the weekend. READ MORE

Lyndhurst Holiday Opening Weekend and Makers Market

Tarrytown
Saturday, November 30-Sunday, December 1
Enjoy a festive Holiday Makers Market featuring local artisans and their handcrafted treasures at Lyndhurst. The carriage house and heated tent will be overflowing with a diverse range of offerings, including handmade jewelry and accessories, artisanal food and drink, unique home goods, and specialty skincare products.  READ MORE

Greenwood Lake Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting

Greenwood Lake–FREE
Saturday, November 30
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

Holiday Parade & Drone Show at the Galleria at Crystal Run

Middletown–FREE
Saturday, November 30
Enjoy a holiday parade, drone show, and tree lighting ceremony at the Galleria at Crystal Run. Entertainment includes dance performances by Artistic Dance Connection and more.  READ MORE

Winterfest at the Shops at Nanuet

Nanuet–FREE
Saturday, November 30
'Tis the season for holiday fun! Enjoy complimentary family activities, visit with Santa, holiday photo opportunities, and tons more festive fun at The Shops at Nanuet Winterfest. READ MORE

Frosty Day in Armonk

Armonk–FREE
Sunday, December 1
The holiday song "Frosty the Snowman" is reportedly based on Armonk, and the town celebrates its claim to fame in a big way. This year's event features a rousing parade "down to the village," a tree-lighting ceremony, entertainers, train rides, a magician, clowns, crafts, cartoons, and more.  READ MORE

Mistletoe Magic in Rye

Rye–FREE
Sunday, December 1
Rye comes alive the Sunday after Thanksgiving at this annual kickoff to the holiday season. Activity stations, sales, entertainment, and refreshments are all on the agenda. Expect pony rides, horse-and-carriage rides, an obstacle course, rock-climbing wall, Santa in his sleigh, and a chili cook-off.  READ MORE

Katonah Annual Tree and Menorah Lighting

Katonah–FREE
Sunday, December 1
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Katonah’s annual tree and menorah lighting celebration. Families are invited to join the festivities in downtown Katonah for an evening filled with music, delicious treats, and a holiday spirit in the air. READ MORE

Meet the Grinch at Christmas Tree Lane

Wallkill–FREE
Sunday, December 1
The Grinch will be back at Christmas Tree Lane on December 1 at 10am. Come grab some lunch, look for your tree, relax with some hot cocoa, and say "hi" to the Grinch. Don't forget your camera. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: