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Best Things To Do with Kids this Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Elsa and Anna are the special guests at FASNY Museum of Firefighting's Snow Ball this weekend. Photo courtesy of FASNY
Elsa and Anna are the special guests at FASNY Museum of Firefighting's Snow Ball this weekend. Photo courtesy of FASNY
12/13/24 - 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.

Kick off the weekend with Shake it Off's Grinchmas celebration, where kids can meet and take photos with the Grinch and enjoy a dance party, crafts, pizza, and a hot cocoa station. 

Other festive holiday fun this weekend includes Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow's Winter Stroll, Skate with Santa at Hommocks Park Ice Rink, and Westchester's own Jessica Lynn in A Very Merry Classic Christmas at the Paramount Hudson Valley benefiting Toys for Tots. 

Read on for lots more standout events happening this weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

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Best Things to do with Kids this Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Celebrate the Holidays at PaleyLand!

New York, NY
Through Sunday, January 5, 2025
The Paley Center's must-see holiday extravaganza fills five floors of the Paley with holiday fun and winter wonderland magic. Enjoy free hot chocolate, watch past and present holiday family specials on the big screen, discover the magic of a classic model railroad display, and so much more. READ MORE

Shake it Off's Grinchmas

Scarsdale
Friday, December 13
Shake it Off invites you to celebrate Grinchmas. This event celebrates all things Grinchy, complete with meeting the Grinch himself, a dance party, and photo opportunities. There will also be a hot cocoa station, a fun craft, and delicious pizza.  READ MORE

Nutcracker by Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble

Suffern
Opens Friday, December 13
The Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble (RYDE) returns with its stunning performance of the Nutcracker. This special narrated performance of the full-length ballet has a tree that grows, snow that falls, and beautiful sets and costumes. READ MORE

Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow Winter Stroll

Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow – FREE
Saturday, December 14
Experience the charm of the season as the towns of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown come alive with festive lights, warm treats, and joyful celebrations. Enjoy extended shopping hours, outdoor dining, storytelling, a holly jolly trolley, holiday treats, carolers, an ugly sweater contest, live entertainment, and other special events! READ MORE

Snow Ball with the Snow Sisters at FASNY Museum of Firefighting

Hudson – FREE
Saturday, December 14
Appearing for this special event are the Snow Sisters, Elsa and Anna. First, the Snow Sisters lead a festive sing-a-long and teach a dance. Then, kids play some winter-themed games with prizes for all and do a holiday craft. All attendees can pose for pictures with the Snow Sisters in front of a magical winter background.  READ MORE

Skate with Santa at Hommocks Park Ice Rink

Larchmont
Saturday, December 14
Heighten the Christmas spirit by enjoying an afternoon skating with Santa Claus at the Hommocks Park Ice Rink.  READ MORE

Village of Monroe Winterfest

Monroe – FREE
Saturday, December 14
Celebrate winter and the festive season at this outdoor community gathering with Santa & Mrs. Claus, sleigh rides, music, and activities. READ MORE

Emelin Theatre's Nutcracker Dream

Mamaroneck
Opens Saturday, December 14
The Emelin Theatre proudly continues its December holiday tradition by presenting "Nutcracker Dream" performed by Ballet des Amériques, Westchester’s premier professional dance company. Inspired by the work of Rudolf Nureyev and Marius Petipa, this 90-minute family-friendly adaptation is an exquisite interpretation of the beloved holiday classic.  READ MORE

Orangeburg Holiday Parade

Orangeburg – FREE
Saturday, December 14
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

Marvelous Mammals with The Stamford Museum and Nature Center at Pound Ridge Library

Pound Ridge – FREE
Saturday, December 14
Meet some furry animal ambassadors up close at the Pound Ridge Library. Using artifacts, participants will take a look at some of the many adaptations and differences in mammal fur, from a porcupine to a chinchilla. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at The Westchester School

Yonkers
Saturday, December 14
Join The Autism Project-FLOS for a delicious breakfast with Santa at The Westchester School. Enjoy all of your favorite breakfast items, including pancakes and waffles, along with other yummy treats and holiday snacks, even a hot cocoa bar! Participate in fun activities and crafts while you wait to take a very special picture with Santa. READ MORE

Winter Spectacular Show Presented by Tig & Peach at the Pelham Picture House

Pelham
Saturday, December 14
Join Tig and Peach at the Pelham Picture House for a magical 45-minute show featuring Elsa, Toy Soldiers, and Santa Claus. In partnership with Juliette & Ella’s Playdate, this holiday performance is full of songs, dancing, laughter, and fun. Unleash the magic of Frozen, watch toy soldiers come to life, catch a glimpse of the "real" Santa Claus, and get in the spirit of the season! READ MORE

The Nutcracker at the Irvington Theater

Irvington
Saturday, December 14
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker with a twist at the Irvington Theater. Amanda Kupillas Dance brings a new take on a classic winter tradition to Westchester; her students study all kinds of dance from ballet to break dance and everyone gets to participate. The Nutcracker features the timeless musical creations of Tchaikovsky with modern pop hits sprinkled in. READ MORE

Interactive Elf Movie Screening at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center

Chappaqua
Sunday, December 15
Join Friends of ChappPAC and the Town of New Castle for the return of the very popular interactive showing of the film Elf, led by Elfin actors. The performance also includes a goody bag for each child, an indoor snowball fight, and free hot chocolate.  READ MORE

Brunch with Santa at the Royal Regency Hotel

Yonkers
Sunday, December 15
Join Santa for a magical holiday experience at the Royal Regency Hotel in Yonkers. Enjoy brunch favorites—from fluffy pancakes to savory scrambled eggs—followed by photos with Santa and holiday activities like face painting, balloon art, gingerbread cookie decorating, and a creative coloring station. READ MORE

Jessica Lynn: A Very Merry Classic Christmas at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater

Peekskill
Sunday, December 15
This show is a full multimedia presentation featuring dancers, marching bands, choirs, and special effects. The production raises money for Toys for Tots. READ MORE

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