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. With the arrival of winter comes skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and snow-covered hikes. Or, if you’d prefer not to brave the cold, explore the history of the Hudson Valley at historic sites like Olana in Hudson and Schuyler Mansion (any Hamilton fans in the house?) in Albany. To help scout out the best events in the Valley in January, we reached out to local tourism directors from Albany to Ulster for their top picks for things to do. Check out their selections, then get planning!
Albany County
Pine Bush Perspectives: A Juried Photo Exhibit
Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Albany
Through March 1
A fire-dependent ecosystem of inland pitch pine barrens, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve is globally rare. In a new photo exhibit, a collection of photographs showcases the diversity of the ecosystem through the lens of various visitors. After viewing the photos, vote for your favorite to win the People’s Choice Award, which will be announced early in March.
Salutations of the Season: Twelfth Night at Schuyler Mansion
Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, Albany
January 4, 4–7 p.m.
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Taking place on January 4 in honor of the final festive holiday of the season, Salutations of the Season is a celebration of the holidays as they did in the 18th century. Enjoy an open house at Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site during the event, with 1700s holiday fare, live music, bonfires, period reenactors, and a toast to the season with wassail.
Albany Chef’s Wine & Dine for the Arts Festival 2025
Albany Capital Center, Albany
January 23–25
Over the course of three days, this highly anticipated festival showcases Albany’s restaurants, chefs, and their innovative cuisine. The festival also educates on healthy sustainable agriculture and raises funds for the support and preservation of the nonprofit arts community in Albany.
Columbia County
Expert’s Eye: The Sky and Beyond With Avis Lang
Olana State Historic Site, Hudson
January 5, 2–3 p.m.
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Join experts at Frederic Church’s Olana State Historic Site for a series of dialogues on paintings from the site’s collection. As visitors move from gallery to gallery, experts working in fields of science, art education, ecology, and indigenous history will share their observations on each piece.
Contemporary Circus
PS21, Chatham
January 11, 2–4:30 p.m.
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This performance is sure to challenge your perception of what’s possible with explosive, daring artistry and fearless circus artists. Titled What Will Have Been, the show is a sublime display of interlocking bodies, awe-inspiring movement, and pure physical beauty.
Classical Sunday With Pianist Joanne Polk
Spencertown Academy Arts Center, Spencertown
January 19, 3 p.m.
Head to the Spencertown Academy Arts Center for a Sunday of classical piano music. The program features pieces from Johann Sebastian Bach, Amy Beach, Alberto Ginastera, and more, all performed by Grammy-nominated Joanne Polk.
Dutchess County
First Day Hike
Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland
January 1, 11 a.m.
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Start your new year off on the right foot with a first day hike at the Walkway Over the Hudson – the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. Enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River and beyond as you walk the full 1.28 miles across the Walkway, then return over the Mid-Hudson Bridge to complete the loop back to the state park’s Highland entrance.
Howland Chamber Music Circle Piano Festival
The Howland Cultural Center, Beacon
January 12 & 26
The Howland Chamber Music Circle presents its annual Piano Festival with four performances by renowned pianists in the concert hall at the Howland Cultural Center. Each performance will be immediately followed by a reception with the artists.
The Hudson Valley’s Ultimate Bourbon, Whiskey, & Rye Experience
Hyatt House, Fishkill
January 25, 12 p.m.
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Presented by Boutique Wines, Spirits, and Ciders, this spirits festival is a one-of-a-kind celebration of all things whiskey. During the experience, passionate distillers and brand representatives will be on hand to answer questions and highlight the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. The stellar whiskey lineup will feature domestic products and beyond.
Orange County
Edgar Allen Poe Speakeasy
Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center, Chester
January 2–4
A pop-up cocktail experience at Chester’s Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center, the Edgar Allen Poe Speakeasy is a chilling destination that brings four of Poe’s iconic tales to life through captivating storytelling by Poe historians. Each expertly crafted cocktail is inspired by a different story, and the ambiance transports guests to a dark and mysterious era.
Fire & Ice Weekend
Angry Orchard, Walden
January 18-19
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Visit Angry Orchard’s Cider House for cozy outdoor firepits, exclusive Ice Cider, and live music. Inside, enjoy bar specials and a delicious food menu, or reserve a firepit outdoors for the full experience – complete with a carafe of hard hot cider, a s’mores kit, and plenty of wood to keep the fire roaring.
Winter Tea
MacArthur’s Riverview Restaurant, West Point
January 25, 3–5 p.m.
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Warm up this winter at the Historic Thayer Hotel at West Point. Delight your senses during this afternoon filled with scones, tea sandwiches, sweets, and a selection of Harney and Sons tea from right in the Hudson Valley and enjoy the view as you sit in the hotel’s Riverview restaurant.
Putnam County
Thunder Ridge
Patterson
All January
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With 22 trails, three chairlifts, and four magic carpets, the gentle slopes and advanced trails at Thunder Ridge Ski Area meet the needs of skiers and snowboarders of all levels. If you’re looking to learn a new snow sport, Thunder Ridge has a dedicated ski school that teaches the fundamentals and skills to newcomers. Only one hour from New York City, the ski area is in a premier spot for anyone in the tri-state area.
Magazzino Italian Art
Cold Spring
All January
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Experience authentic Italian art and culture at Magazzino in Cold Spring. The museum’s campus is composed of two buildings and nine spacious acres of grounds, all of which house temporary exhibitions, a gallery devoted to Italian decorative arts and design, a café, and Sardinian donkeys.
Glynwood Getaways
Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Cold Spring
January 17–19
Join the Glynwood Center for a weekend of cozy lodging, delicious farm-style meals, and Hudson Valley adventure. During the Winter Weekend Experience, the Cold Spring destination invites visitors to unwind and rejuvenate with the unique opportunity to stay overnight in one of the onsite farmhouses.
Rockland County
Holiday Candlelight Tours
The Jacob Blauvelt House, New City
January 5 & 12
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The Historical Society of Rockland hosts this winter holiday event at the Jacob Blauvelt House in New City. Spend an enchanting evening at the historic 1832 farmhouse for a candlelit experience with traditional sweets and festive greenery.
Paper Opening Reception
Garner Arts Center, Garnerville
January 11, 5 p.m.
Garner Arts Center’s newest exhibition, Paper, debuts this January with an exciting opening reception. Featuring the works of artists Sharon Falk, Anna Fine Foer, and James McElhinney, the new group exhibition will be on view through the end of February.
An Enchanted Tale: A Frozen Heart
The Antrim Playhouse, Tappan
January 11-12
A family-friendly event, this show in Tappan tells the famous fable of the popular Snow Queen and her sister, brought to life by Sir Nicky and some special guests. An Enchanted Tale brings song, dance, and magic to the Antrim stage in a unique storytelling experience that is sure to melt even the coldest of hearts.
Ulster County
Hot To Go – The Chappell Roan Party
Bearsville Theatre, Woodstock
January 10, 8 p.m.
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Chappell Roan fans won’t want to miss this night out at the Bearsville Theatre – coined “your favorite party’s favorite party.” The event is all about embracing your truest self, so come dressed to impress, bring all your friends, and get ready to dance to the music of the Midwest Princess all night long.
Cruel Summer – A Live Tribute to Taylor’s Eras Tour
Colony Woodstock, Woodstock
January 17, 7 p.m.
Gather your fellow Swifties and dance the night away to the iconic music of Taylor Swift with this tribute band. The band aims to enchant and delight audiences with immersive shows that pay homage to the Eras Tour. Dress in your themed outfits, throw on your friendship bracelets, and be prepared to sing your heart out.
Winter Hoot
The Ashokan Center, Olivebridge
January 31 – February 2
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Enjoy a winter weekend full of exceptional roots music and down-home fun for all ages at The Ashokan Center. See your favorite local bands, participate in awesome activities, and stay the whole weekend to get the full experience.
Related: Where to Take a First Day Hike in the Hudson Valley