ERDAJT Holiday Light Display / Photo by Caylena Cahill
Christmas fun awaits at these dazzling home light displays, community events, and new takes on Hudson Valley holiday traditions.
By Raphael Beretta, Julia Colombo, Jahaira Cruz, and Sabrina Sucato
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 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 radios while visiting these festive, illuminated displays.
A Frosty Fest
Ulster Park
November 25 – December 23
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This holiday spectacular boasts over one million lights and features 12 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
Montgomery
November 25 – December 23
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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 “critters.” Handmade ornaments, hats, scarves, wreaths, and other decorations are available at the Arboretum Holiday Boutique.
Bruschi Christmas
Wallkill
Through January 1
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The Bruschi home has been wowing visitors since 2012. The family goes all out with 25,000 lights, inflatables, and handmade decorations.
Capital Holiday Lights in the Park
Albany
Through January 2
Albany gets the ultimate glow-up when Washington Park comes alive with more than 125 festive displays. Drive through the park with family and friends all December long, bumping to music curated by B95.5. Each year, a special theme encapsulates the true spirit of the Hudson Valley. While the holiday decor is best viewed from the warmth of your car, check out the website for the dates of the charity walks through the sparkling landscape.
ERDAJT Holiday Christmas
Lagrangeville
Through December 28
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The Gay family currently holds two Guinness World Records for the most lights on a residential property. Colorful bulbs adorn their family home, trees, and reflect beautifully on the pond in their yard. Donations are taken for the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie.
Related: Pick Your Perfect Pine at a Hudson Valley Christmas Tree Farm
Fortis Family Lights for a Cause
Fishkill
Through January 6, 5-10 p.m.
This dazzling site offers the opportunity to get into the holiday spirit while supporting the Brielle Grace Breast Cancer Foundation. Tune your radios to 89.9 FM and enjoy the lights displays for the duration of 30 distinct Christmas songs.Â
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 a crew of marvelous misfit toys, 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
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.
LUMAGICA Light Show
North Salem
Through December 30
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Head down to one of Westchester’s most scenic destinations. Harvest Moon Farm and Orchards lights up a magical forest with over 750,000 individual lights from LUMAGICA. Elaborate decorations, animal sculptures, and other festive fare await.
Nyack Holiday Lights
Nyack
December 2
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
Weekdays in December and January
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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
Rhinebeck
Through December 25
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
Through 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
Valhalla
Through January 3
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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 this year are Kaleidoscope Alley and a 30-foot star for New Year’s wishes!
Related: Get Lit at These Hudson Valley Tree Lighting Ceremonies
