Where to See the Brightest Holiday Lights in the Hudson Valley

Christmas fun awaits at these dazzling home light displays, community events, and new takes on Hudson Valley holiday traditions.

Everyone could use some good cheer this holiday season. The Hudson Valley is home to a number of gorgeous seasonal light displays and even boasts the 2021 world record-holding house for most Christmas lights. Time-honored local traditions have transformed into events that are both safe and inventive. So, are you ready to celebrate? Grab a cup of hot cocoa, don your hat and scarf, and crank up your radio while visiting these festive, illuminated displays.

A Frosty Fest

Ulster Park
November 24 – December 23

 

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This holiday spectacular boasts over one million lights and features 14 holiday attractions, live entertainment, photos with Santa, gift shops, and much more. Reservations are recommended for festgoers on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.

Arboretum Holiday Lights in Bloom

Orange County Arboretum, Montgomery
November 24 – December 30

The Orange County Arboretum hosts a free light display every year titled “Holiday Lights in Bloom.” Few things compare to strolling along themed walking paths lined with luscious gardens, decorated trees, and even some bright critters. Handmade ornaments, hats, scarves, wreaths, and other decorations are available at the Arboretum Holiday Boutique.

Bruschi Christmas

Wallkill
November 24 – January 1

The Bruschi home has been wowing visitors since 2012. The family goes all out with over 30,000 lights, inflatables, and handmade decorations.

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ERDAJT Holiday Christmas

Lagrangeville
November 24 – December 28

 

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The Gay family currently holds two Guinness World Records for the most lights on a residential property, and the display holds the 2023 Best of Hudson Valley title for Best Christmas Attraction. Colorful bulbs adorn their family home and trees and reflect beautifully on the pond in their yard. Donations are taken for the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie.

Festival of Lights

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, North Salem
November 17 – December 31

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Visit the farm this holiday season for a magical walk-through light experience. The displays contain over half a million brilliant lights that dazzle in whimsical creatures, light-changing orbs, thematic installations, and interactive light displays. Walk through illuminated tunnels as you slip into this nighttime fantasy world with a warm drink in hand.

Fortis Family Lights for a Cause

Fishkill
November 23 – January 2

This dazzling site offers the opportunity to get into the holiday spirit while supporting the Brielle Grace Breast Cancer Foundation. Tune your radio to 89.9 FM and enjoy the light displays for the duration of 30 distinct Christmas songs.

Holiday Lane at American Christmas

American Christmas, Mount Vernon
Through December 23

True to its name, American Christmas goes big for the holiday season. The Mount Vernon brand, known for creating incredible light displays in New York, adds a major dose of sparkle to Westchester with a luminous setup throughout December. Go for the maze of over 100,000 lights, and don’t forget to stop for a picture with Santa on special days. Plus, since the event is indoors, there’s no need to worry about loading on layer after layer to keep away the chill. This event is ideal for the entire family, with reservations required. Cost ranges between $10-$20 per person, and all proceeds go toward several Mount Vernon nonprofit organizations, with over $81,000 being donated last year.

Kevin McCurdy’s Holiday Spirit Festival: Winter Wonderland Walk

Wappingers Falls
Through December 23

Kevin McCurdy’s Christmas classic is a Hudson Valley mainstay. This year’s iteration brings the party outdoors for a festive Winter Wonderland Walk. Perfect for families, this magical holiday journey takes visitors through an illuminated Gingerbread Village, past magical musical trees, and into the Christmas Canyon for a laser lights show. Reservations are required, so make sure you get your tickets ahead of time.

Lights on Six

Poughkeepsie
November 24 – December 31

A little family competition never hurt anyone. The Christmas Light Fight that fuels Lights on Six has produced incredible displays. The winner of last year’s Most Traditional, Creative, and Spiritual Christmas light displays, the show has more than 70 songs making up the set list to which this house dazzles.

Nyack Holiday Lights

Gazebo on Main Street, Nyack
December 3, 5 p.m.

The Nyack Chamber of Commerce hosts another spectacular event, this time with hot chocolate and holiday lights. Check the Chamber’s Facebook page for updates on start times. Enjoy a visit with the man in the red suit himself, along with holiday refreshments.

Peace, Love & Lights

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel
Through December 31

Turn off your headlights and follow the glow through the Bethel Woods campus to see illuminated and themed areas including Holidays Around the World, New York, Enchanted Forest, and Groovy Way.

The Wonderland of Lights

Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
Through December 30

Back by popular demand for its second season, this mile-long drive through the Dutchess County Fairgrounds features magical light tunnels and whimsical displays.

Watt Christmas Wonderland

Goshen
November 24 – December 30

Hundreds of lights and dozens of inflatables make up this holiday display in Goshen. With a light tunnel, nativity scene, and several dedications to the U.S. troops, Watt’s is sure to spark your holiday spirit.

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland

Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
November 24 – December 31

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland arrives to set the county aglow all holiday season long. This year, the fest takes on a 1.2-mile drive-through format that leads visitors along a path filled with thousands of twinkling lights. The gorgeous candy cane lane is only surpassed by the 40-foot Christmas tree. Plus, be on the lookout for a special sighting of Santa. New in recent years are Kaleidoscope Alley and a 30-foot star for New Year’s wishes!

Related: Get Lit at These Hudson Valley Tree Lighting Ceremonies

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