During the holiday season, one thing is for sure about the Hudson Valley – we are “all in” when it comes to decorating! Here are some ways to delve into the fun and stir up your holiday spirit – and maybe get some ideas to spruce up your own little corner of the Valley.
RELATED: 10 Holiday Themed Events Around the Hudson Valley
Goshen: Keep warm in your car as you drive through the mile-long illuminated display at Watt Christmas Wonderland — including hundreds of inflatables, lighted arches and more – while enjoying holiday music on radio station 107.9 FM. Requested donation of $5 per car. Daily through Dec. 29 at 310 Scotchtown Road, from 6 to 9 p.m. www.wattchristmaswonderland.com
Kingston: Private homes are fully decorated in holiday splendor for the Junior League of Kingston’s 16th Annual Holly Berry Trail. Each home features an arrangement provided by a local florist and sample tastes from wonderful restaurants of Ulster County. The locations of these homes are kept a secret until the day of the tour, when ticket holders will receive a map to the homes and a journal of detailed descriptions of each home. December 3. 845.706.3473. www.juniorleaguekingston.org
Montgomery: The Orange County Arboretum lights up with free garden-themed displays throughout the month of December. Volunteers are on hand to answer questions, sell handmade items and, best of all, serve up free hot cocoa. Thomas Bull Memorial Park, Route 416, Montgomery. Friday – Sunday through Dec. 22, then daily Dec. 23 – Dec. 27 (closed Christmas Day). 5 – 8 p.m. www.orangecountyarboretum.org.
Newburgh: Enjoy Christmas on Colden Hill, a free Light-O-Rama animated house display synchronized to music broadcast on 102.5FM. Bring cocoa and cookies to enjoy in the car during the 26-minute show. 125 Colden Hill Rd., Newburgh. Begins every half hour, 5 – 11 p.m. daily through the holiday season. www.christmasoncoldenhill.com
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Photo Courtesy Orange County Arboretum
Poughkeepsie: Celebrate the winter season with crafts from all over the globe during Light Up the Winter. Create a clay menorah for Hanukah, a colorful design for Diwali, and more! 11 a.m. on Dec. 29 $4 per child plus museum admission. Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum. 845.471.0589. www.mhcm.org
Ulster Park: Stroll down Candy Cane Lane, snuggle on a hayride through Frosty’s Enchanted Forest, walk through the Magical Mansion and of course visit with Santa during Ulster Park’s A Frosty Fest. Headless Horseman Hayrides, 778 Broadway, Ulster Park. Fridays through Sundays, through Dec. 23. Phone: 845.339.2666. www.afrostyfest.com
Valley Cottage: Charles Boulevard in Valley Cottage becomes the “North Pole Airport,” complete with a Christmas-light runway for Santa’s sleigh. Lit each night during the holiday season.
Wappingers Falls: Kevin McCurdy’s Holiday Spirit Festival includes a stroll through an animated Enchanted Forest of Lights, a Polar Express Train and Village, a stage show, a scavenger hunt, and of course a meet and greet with St. Nick. 38 Sheafe Road. Friday – Sunday, through Dec. 27th. Fridays 6 – 9 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 4:30-9 p.m. www.holidayspiritfestival.com
