Where to See Santa in the Hudson Valley This Holiday Season

You better watch out and you better not cry because Santa Claus is coming to the Hudson Valley at these festive events and celebrations.

Even though it’s his busy season, Santa Claus is coming to town to help kick off the holiday season and spread Christmas cheer in the Hudson Valley. Whether you’re joining him for breakfast or posing for a picture with him while finishing up your holiday shopping, know where to catch the big man in red at these seasonal events that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

Albany County

Holiday Open House

Pruyn House, Latham
December 9, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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The historic Pruyn House celebrates the holidays at its Holiday Open House this season. Come view the 1800s-style holiday decorations while enjoying cookies, and take a free photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus while attending the festive event.

Columbia County

WinterFest

The Crandell Theatre, Chatham
December 9, 12–2 p.m.

Chatham’s highly anticipated WinterFest is jam-packed with holiday events like wine and cheese tasting, strolling carolers, and a screening of The Grinch. Santa Claus is sure to be the highlight of the day – find him at The Crandell Theatre from noon until 2 p.m. before catching the Sternfeld Dance Studio Competition Team dance to The Nutcracker.

WinterWalk & Winter Parade

Main Street, Valatie
December 9, 5 p.m.

 

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The “biggest small winter parade in Columbia County” is coming to town this weekend. The parade will be followed by live performances, face painting, a scavenger hunt, hayrides, a holiday tree lighting, and, of course, a visit from Santa. Catch the big man at the gymnasium inside the Martin H. Glynn School on Church Street.

Dutchess County

Santa’s Farm Visit

Fishkill Farms, Hopewell Junction
December 9, 10 a.m.

Santa makes his annual visit to Fishkill Farms in the farm store this weekend. He’ll be taking photos and spreading holiday cheer from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. inside, and outside on the farm from 1 to 2 p.m. so that pets can be included in your family pictures. Grab some hot cider or cocoa while on the farm.

Brunch With Santa

Shadows on the Hudson, Poughkeepsie
December 24, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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Get ready for a magical brunch with Santa at Shadows on the Hudson on Christmas Eve. Breakfast and lunch options include applewood-smoked bacon, made-to-order omelets, fried chicken, a pasta station, salads, a carving station, and a mini-dessert display with crème brulee, pecan tarts, and cheesecake. Keep your cameras ready to snap pictures of Santa.

Orange County

Christmas Market

Hudson Sports Complex, Warwick
December 8, 4–9 p.m.

Inspired by Christmas markets in Europe, this day full of specialty vendors, live music, Christmas trees, festive light displays, and more culminates with a visit from Santa. Children can take pictures with Father Christmas from 5–8 p.m. and write their letters to Santa at any time throughout the day to be mailed to the North Pole.

Breakfast With Santa

The Barn at Villa Venezia, Middletown
December 17, 10 a.m. & 12 p.m.

Enjoy baked treats, scrambled eggs, frittatas, breakfast pizzas, yogurt parfaits, pancakes, and any other breakfast foods you can think of at this morning event. Santa will be around to greet the children as they enjoy their meal, and parents can drop off presents at an earlier date for Mr. Claus to give to their kids during the breakfast.

Putnam County

Breakfast With Santa

Putnam County Golf Course, Mahopac
December 16, 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.

Join others at the Putnam County Golf Course for one of two Breakfast with Santa seatings. Morning favorites like scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon, French toast, fruit, and muffins are on the menu. Bring your cameras to take pictures with Santa Claus himself.

Rockland County

Photos With Santa

Palisades Center, West Nyack
Until December 24

While shopping for gifts this season, capture the magic of the holidays with a picture of Santa. He will be set up in the East Court at the Palisades Center, along with all his North Pole necessities and ambiance. Book your visit online to lock in your date and time and receive a phone call from Santa while he is expecting you!

Breakfast With Santa

Bear Mountain Inn, Tomkins Cove
December 9, 10, 16, & 17, 8 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Bear Mountain is one of the best spots to celebrate the holidays this December. Join Santa for breakfast at Restaurant 1915 at the Inn every Saturday and Sunday until December 17, and head to the ice-skating rink to spend the rest of your day afterwards. The elves are sure to keep children entertained with festive activities while they wait to meet Santa.

Sullivan County

Cookie Decorating With Santa

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel
December 23, 5–8 p.m.

Wow Santa this year with a one-of-a-kind confection that your child will love making. Bring the kids to Bethel Woods this December to decorate their very own cookies to put out for Santa on Christmas Eve. The experience will include entertainment from Mr. Claus himself, three sugar cookies, sweet treat decorating supplies, and one glass of hot cocoa.

Westchester County

Santa Photos

Cross County Center, Yonkers
Until December 24

Santa will be available for photos and visits in his winter wonderland cabin at the Cross County Center all December long. Visit him after you’ve finished your holiday shopping for a festive photo. Book a reservation online to secure your spot.

Related: Where to See the Brightest Holiday Lights in the Hudson Valley

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