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Top Things To Do This Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids

Get on your feet for the lively celebration of Kwanza at Hudson Hall. Photo courtesy of the Historic Hudson Opera House
Get on your feet for the lively celebration of Kwanza at Hudson Hall. Photo courtesy of the Historic Hudson Opera House
12/19/25 - By Katherine Dhurandhar

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this weekend? Here are our editors' picks for the best family-friendly events and activities!

The holiday spirit is in full swing this weekend with multiple festive events for families. Kids are invited to Brunch with Santa at the Royal Regency Hotel in Yonkers, which also includes fun activities like face painting, balloon art, and gingerbread cookie decorating. Or, if they prefer the grumpy green one, you can check out Grinch-A-Palooza at the Jefferson Valley Mall in Yorktown.

Other fun holiday events include a unique Hanukkah Laser Light Show at the Ark in Tarrytown and Kwanzaa 2025 at Hudson Hall, featuring arts and crafts, dancing, drumming, a candle-lighting ceremony, and more.

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our Westchester and Hudson Valley Events Calendar is packed with great family activities for every day of the week—and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not receiving our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

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

Winter Glow Holiday Lights Drive-Thru

Wappingers Falls
Opens Thursday, December 18
Take a holiday journey like no other at the Winter Glow Experience. Travel down a 1-mile route filled with spectacular light displays, enjoy cheerful music via your car radio, and soak in the festive atmosphere.  READ MORE

Paris & Pups Holiday Paw-ty at the Paley

New York City
Saturday, December 20
A glitterally glamazing day of fun and festivities with Paris & Pups includes an exclusive screening of an unreleased episode of the show, giveaways, crafts, and more.  READ MORE

Shake it Off's Baby Shark Holiday Dance and Craft Party

Scarsdale
Saturday, December 20
Dive into holiday cheer with Shake it Off's Baby Shark Holiday Dance & Craft Party! Grab your little sharks and mermaids and wiggle, clap, and shake to some holiday beats for a fun-filled event with dancing, crafts, and bounce time. READ MORE

Grinch-A-Palooza at the Jefferson Valley Mall

Yorktown
Saturday, December 20
Get ready for a wild and wacky Grinch-A-Palooza, filled with mischievous fun, music, and a whole lot of Grinchy goodness at Pitstop in the Jefferson Valley Mall. Each ticket includes a photo-op with "the mean one himself" as well as unlimited arcade games, a bounce house, bumper cars, and more. READ MORE

Snow Ball with the Snow Sisters at FASNY Museum of Firefighting

Hudson – FREE
Saturday, December 20
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

Hanukkah Laser Light Show at the Ark

Tarrytown
Saturday, December 20
You’ve never seen a laser show like this! With fog, the Hanukkah story becomes a duel of light beams with incredible laser lighting effects. The show culminates with a giant menorah lighting you’ll never forget. READ MORE

Kwanzaa 2025 at Hudson Hall

Hudson – FREE
Saturday, December 20
Come celebrate African-American culture and unity with friends and family at Hudson Hall. Enjoy an afternoon of arts and crafts for children, dancing, drumming, a candle-lighting ceremony, and the sharing of Nguzo Saba: the seven principles of Kwanzaa. READ MORE

Yuletide at Hilltop Hanover Farm

Yorktown
Saturday, December 20
Learn about the history and celebration of Yule and the importance that the winter solstice and agriculture play in this inclusive celebration at Hilltop Hanover Farm. Enjoy traditions new and old as you enjoy some snacks, activities, and craft a Yule log to take home. READ MORE

The Nutcracker at the Irvington Theater

Tarrytown
Saturday, December 20
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

Winter Solstice Celebration at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum

Cornwall
Saturday, December 20
All are invited to come and celebrate the longest night of the year at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum. Guests will go on a scavenger hunt for the hidden Yule Log and then cheer on the lengthening days with a warm fire and hot beverage.  READ MORE

Yorktown Stage Presents Dance for Joy’s Nutcracker for Kids

Yorktown
Saturday & Sunday, December 20-21
The Nutcracker for Kids is a one-hour, condensed, and narrated version of the full story of The Nutcracker, in which all parts are danced by students at the Yorktown Stage. It allows audience members of all ages to experience the magic of the Nutcracker during the holiday season! READ MORE

Holiday Puppet Show at the Pound Ridge Library

Pound Ridge – FREE
Saturday, December 20
Kids can solve a holiday mystery in this puppet show at the Pound Ridge Library, "The Case of the Missing Presents." Holiday refreshments follow the performance. READ MORE

Brunch with Santa at the Royal Regency Hotel

Yonkers
Sunday, December 21
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

Nutcracker, Short and Sweet at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater

Peekskill
Sunday, December 21
Don’t miss this local, family-oriented rendition of a classic holiday favorite ballet, The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker, Short and Sweet offers the timeless music of Tchaikovsky, favorite dances performed by a company of committed dancers from the Hudson Valley, engaging narration, and costumes that will delight every guest—in a setting and at a price that is perfect for audiences ages 3 and older. READ MORE

Hanukkah Celebration at the Nanuet Town Centre

Peekskill – FREE
Sunday, December 21
Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Nanuet Town Centre's Hanukkah Celebration. Enjoy live Hanukkah music, Hanukkah crafts, dazzling "Light Up the Menorah" performances, and festive treats featuring fruit and kosher chocolate. READ MORE
There are lots of great day trip opportunities this holiday season. Photo courtesy of Hershey Park
There are lots of great day trip opportunities this holiday season. Photo courtesy of Hershey Park

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Don't forget to check out a holiday market in December. Photo courtesy of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Don't forget to check out a holiday market in December. Photo courtesy of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

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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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