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We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. There are a ton of things to do in the Hudson Valley each month. Even as the weather gets colder, there are opportunities aplenty to get outdoors and explore the snow-laden landscapes of our region. And with the holidays right around the corner, now is the perfect time to shop local and support small businesses around the Valley.
To help scout out the best events in the Valley, we reached out to local tourism directors from Albany to Westchester for their top picks for things to do. Check out their selections, then get planning!
Albany County
Empire Skate Plaza
Empire State Plaza, Albany
All December long
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Starting in December, the Empire State Plaza ice rink is open for skating and fun all winter long. Head to Albany to enjoy skating at the rink all month, and don’t miss the holiday kick-off celebration on December 8, including the New York State holiday tree lighting ceremony with open skating, fireworks, carriage rides, and much more.
Holiday House
Ten Broeck Mansion, Albany
December 6–22
Take a tour of Albany’s historic Ten Broeck Mansion this holiday season to learn about the mansion’s history and grounds. While there, see the historic house decked out in festive decorations and find out about the origins of holiday traditions.
Downtown Albany Hot Chocolate Stroll
Downtown Albany
December 7, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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Stay warm this month on a delicious stroll through downtown Albany, during which you can sample a variety of hot chocolates from participating businesses. Once you’ve tasted them all, be sure to cast your vote for the best hot chocolate in town. On your stroll, you’ll receive a passport to check off the spots as you hit them and a free, exclusive souvenir mug.
Columbia County
Winter Walk
Warren Street, Hudson
December 7, 5–8 p.m.
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Now in its 28th season, Hudson’s Winter Walk is back to celebrate the magic of the holiday season on Warren Street. Shop the town’s stores, tune into joyous performances, enjoy holiday light displays and carolers, and come together with your community at this event. The walk will conclude with a fireworks show presented by Hudson Hall, along with other surprises.
Hudson Pop-Up Holiday Market
Cannonball Factory, Hudson
December 7–22, Saturdays & Sundays, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Head to Hudson’s historic Cannonball Factory to shop for handmade, vintage, and locally sourced items for holiday gifting. Along with presents like jewelry, soap, skincare, toys, pottery, clothes, and more, browse artisanal food vendors for sweet eats.
Chatham WinterFest
Village of Chatham
December 14, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
On Main Street in Chatham, shops and restaurant owners are gearing up for a festive holiday weekend this November. Decorated storefronts and window displays will be a sight to behold, and special events, activities, and holiday sales will permeate the weekend. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also make an appearance at the festival.
Dutchess County
The Wonderland of Lights
Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
Through December 29
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This holiday lights display is truly out of this world, with dozens of spectacular exhibitions that are all set to musical accompaniment. Enjoy driving through the wonderland in the comfort and warmth of your own car, and bring along some hot chocolate to make the experience extra festive. On December 16, the fairgrounds will hold a sensory friendly night, during which time the animation will be turned off and the lights will be static.
The Nutcracker
Bardavon, Poughkeepsie
December 12-13
The New Paltz Ballet Theatre presents the timeless holiday classic The Nutcracker for the whole family to enjoy at the Bardavon Opera House in Poughkeepsie this season. The production will also include dancers from the New York City Ballet to help tell the story of Marie in her dreamland battle between giant mice and toy soldiers. Follow along her magical journey through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets.
Christmas Eve Dinner
Terrapin, Rhinebeck
December 24, 5–9 p.m.
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Enjoy your Christmas Eve in Dutchess County this year at Terrapin. The farm-to-table restaurant will feature a prix-fixe menu of Chef Josh Kroner’s specials, with a diverse assortment of entrees made with local and organic ingredients. Vegetarian, vegan, and wheat-free options are all available.
Greene County
Christmas by the River
Coxsackie Riverside Park, Coxsackie
December 1, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas at Coxsackie’s annual riverside affair. With festive lights, Santa photos, carolers, and live music, Christmas by the River has it all. While there, shop local gift, vintage, and antique sellers for unique items, and stop by the petting zoo for cute animals and pony rides.
The Nutcracker
The Orpheum Performing Arts Center, Tannersville
December 7, 8, 14, 15
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Presented by the Catskill Mountain Foundation, The Nutcracker at The Orpheum Performing Arts Center is now in its ninth year. A holiday classic, the production features ballet stars of the future in one of the finest versions of the show in upstate New York. Dine out on Main Street in Tannersville before catching a matinee or evening performance.
Hudson Valley Christkindlmarket
The Wire Event Center, Coxsackie
December 8, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Shop the day away at the Wire Event Center at the James Newbury in Coxsackie. Browse handcrafted goods from local talented artisans and craftspeople and indulge in baked treats from regional bakers. Also savor mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, German brats, pretzels, and more, all while listening to live music and visiting with Saint Nick.
Orange County
Christmas on the Farm
Apple Ridge Orchards, Warwick
Through December 29
With apple-picking season in the rearview mirror, Apple Ridge Orchards in Warwick is decking the halls for its Christmas on the Farm experience this December. Take a winter stroll through the orchard to explore a beautifully decorated wonderland of lights and festive cheer. Afterward, warm up by the fire pit and sip hot chocolate while you roast some marshmallows for s’mores.
Winter Wonderland
Dogwood Acres Family Farm, Middletown
Through December 30
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During the evenings on December weekends, head to Dogwood Acres Family Farm in Middletown for a winter wonderland holiday lights display. While there, take a wagon ride, watch holiday movies, play games, have a snowball battle, visit the animals, eat s’mores, and enjoy all the holiday cheer of the season. Look out for special event days throughout the month.
Ugly Sweater Party
Angry Orchard, Walden
December 21, 6–9 p.m.
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Get out your tackiest ugly holiday sweater this season and head to Angry Orchard in Walden for an unforgettable party. While sipping on orchard-brewed hard ciders, enjoy a live band, karaoke, and food in the Cider House. Of course, take part in the ugly sweater contest for the chance to win a special prize from the cider brand.
Putnam County
Holiday on the Lake
Lake Gleneida, Carmel
December 7
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The historic Hamlet of Carmel hosts its annual Holiday on the Lake on December 7. Join the community for all-day fun starting with a holiday market at 2:30 p.m. followed by fun and lively crafts, hayrides with Santa, a chowder festival, live music, a parade of lights, and a tree lighting ceremony of 70 trees along the shore of Lake Gleneida at 7:30 p.m. with local school choral groups.
Boni-Bel Farm and Country Store
Green Chimneys, Brewster
All December long
Source your Christmas tree from Boni-Bel Farm and Country Store in Brewster this season. The staff and students at Green Chimneys spend weeks preparing for Thanksgiving weekend, which marks the official start of sales for the venue’s fresh-cut, sustainably grown trees. Every purchase supports children with special needs.
Cold Spring Aglow
Main Street, Cold Spring
December 6–8
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The Village of Cold Spring hosts this family-friendly weekend of holiday festivities on the river in Putnam County. Sidewalk performances and illuminated village streets are the highlight of the weekend, while local businesses extend their hours for holiday shopping.
Rockland County
Third Annual Winter Market
Clover Stadium, Pomona
December 1, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Find that perfect gift for your special someone at the Clover Stadium in Pomona this December. Shop over 15 local vendors selling art, jewelry, food, music, and more at the third annual Winter Market, presented by the New York Boulders.
A Night of Noticing in The Calico Room
Garner Arts Center, Garnerville
December 7, 6–9 p.m.
Step into a new space at the Garner Arts Center and explore a multi-sensory experience in The Calico Room. Inspired by artists’ lofts of yesteryear, the 6,800-square-foot former warehouse will be filled to the brim with art, artifacts, findings, and furnishings in the reimagined grand room and gathering space.
Affordable Art & Pottery Bazaar
Rockland Center for the Arts, Nyack
December 7–21
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Just in time for holiday gift giving, this popular show and sale of regional artists and artisans returns this year. The show features glass, hand-crafted jewelry, greeting cards, functional pottery, and more. Shop at the Rockland Center for the Arts to find unique crafts and gifts that will be cherished as you support the local arts and artists.
Ulster County
Snowflake Festival
Uptown Kingston
December 6, 6 p.m.
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Walk through a completely transformed Uptown Kingston this holiday season during the annual Snowflake Festival. Presented by Kingston Uptown Business Association, the event features holiday fun like live performances, ice carving, horse-drawn carriages, tree-lightings, and more for a family-friendly spectacular.
Holiday Fineries at the Wineries
Shawangunk Wine Trail
December 7, 8, 14, 15, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Hit the Shawangunk Wine Trail in Ulster County this December to soak in the holiday spirit during the Holiday Fineries at the Wineries event. Stop by destinations like the Brooklyn Cider House, Robibero Winery, and Whitecliff Vineyard for flights and festive decorations, and don’t forget to take home a wine glass.
A Frosty Fest
Ulster Park
December 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22
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The Hudson Valley’s largest holiday lights spectacular night event, A Frosty Fest is a must-see light show this season. Drive through an enchanted forest where you’ll see brilliant holiday lights and animations with music, actors, and animatronics. When you park to walk inside, you’ll be greeted by Santa, Mr. and Mrs. Frosty, Rudolph, and other well-known characters.
Westchester County
Lumina
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, North Salem
Through December 30
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Yet another spectacular holiday light show, Lumina is a magical experience at North Salem’s Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard. Visitors of all ages are invited to enjoy the warmth and enchantment of the illuminated forest, along with synced music and tasty treats near the campfire.
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland
Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
Through December 31
Head to Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla for this 1.2-mile drive-through experience filled with thousands of lights. Guests will be captivated by the new additions this year, including an Ice Queen, a 125-foot pixel wall filled with lights that depict scenes of the winter sky, and, of course, dazzling lights. The whole winter wonderland is centered around Westchester’s largest holiday Christmas tree.
Grand Holiday Illumination
Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, Yonkers
December 7–31
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Started in 2015, the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy’s Grand Holiday Illumination has quickly become a Yonkers tradition, inviting thousands of visitors each year to enjoy the spectacle. This free annual holiday tradition features more than 100,000 lights on display for your holiday enjoyment. The nighttime light show bathes the outdoor park in dazzling lights and encompasses many secular celebrations.
Related: Pick Your Perfect Pine at a Hudson Valley Christmas Tree Farm
