It’s that time of year again. The leaves are off the trees, the holiday shopping lists seem endless, and snowfall looms (whether you’re ready for it or not). Before the hustle and bustle of getting last-minute gifts and ingredients for holiday dishes overwhelms you, take a moment to enjoy the season by attending one of the Hudson Valley’s spectacular seasonal ceremonies.
Albany County
2023 City of Albany Tree Lighting
Academy Park, Albany
December 1, 5-7 p.m.
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Albany does December right with a free Friday night fest at Academy Park. The ceremony kicks off with a concert by Amy Heebner on the historic Albany City Carillon at 5 p.m. before the lighting of the tree at 6 p.m. commences, followed by holiday crafts and free refreshments.
New York State’s Holiday Tree Lighting
Empire State Plaza, Albany
December 3, 12-8 p.m.
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The New York State Holiday Tree is ready to be lit at Empire State Plaza during this free celebration. Make it a holiday-themed day trip by sticking around for fireworks and demonstrations by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club, not to mention performances by Tuba Christmas and photo ops with the man in red.
Columbia County
Holiday Potluck, Caroling, & Tree Lighting
December 2, 4-6 p.m.
As Buddy says, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Get to caroling in the Catskills at East Chatham’s annual event, where the tree is lit and hungry mouths are fed.
Dutchess County
Pine Plains Decorating Day & Parade of Lights
Pine Plains
November 25, 3-5 p.m.
Pine Plains takes its community celebration to another level. Spend the afternoon decorating the town with friends and family members, then stick around for the parade with Santa himself.
Marist Annual Tree Lighting
Marist College, Poughkeepsie
November 27, 5:15 p.m.
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Join Marist College at this annual community event in Poughkeepsie. Enjoy festive music while you watch the Marist tree lighting outside of the college’s chapel. The tree is adorned with 77,000 lights — that’s 55% more lights than New York City’s Rockefeller Center tree — so the experience is truly magical!
Orange County
4th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Tin Barn Brewing, Chester
December 8
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Tin Barn Brewing celebrates the arrival of the most festive time of the year with its annual tree ceremony. Come out to enjoy a juicy IPA and listen to live music from Warwick-based classic rock band OC5.
Tree Lighting Parade & Ceremony
John F. Degnan Square, Middletown
November 24, 6 p.m.
The City of Middletown and The Downtown Middletown Business Improvement District host a classic holiday celebration and parade for the community. The parade starts on North Street and heads to West Main Street before concluding at John F. Degnan Square. At the end, Santa will arrive to assist in setting the tree aglow.
Holiday Tree Lighting
Pine Island Town Park, Pine Island
December 6, 5 p.m.
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Visitors to the Pine Island Christmas celebration can spend time with friends and neighbors as everyone watches in awe as the tree lights up. This free event is hosted by the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce.
Putnam County
Holiday on the Lake & Christmas Village
Lake Gleneida, Carmel
December 2
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This all-day celebration features a parade, live music, and much more. Holiday on the Lake kicks off with a holiday market that runs throughout the day, along with hayrides with Santa, a tree lighting at 5 p.m., live music, a Santa stroll, a parade of lights, and another tree lighting at 7:30 p.m. It’s bound to be a fun-filled occasion for all.
Rockland County
2023 Nanuet Tree Lighting Celebration
Orchard St, Nanuet
December 2, 5:30-7 p.m.
Live entertainment, fun-filled activities, and food vendors await visitors before Santa’s arrival at 6:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., the tree will be lit before the community fest wraps up.
Holiday Lights
Gazebo on Main Street, Nyack
December 3, 5 p.m.
The Nyack Chamber of Commerce puts on another spectacular event. Head to the gazebo on Main Street to celebrate the season of giving with friends and family on Sunday, December 3.
Ulster County
Snowflake Festival
Uptown Kingston
December 1, 6 p.m.
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Usher in the holiday season with Kingston’s annual Snowflake Festival. The celebration will include holiday performances, fire twirlers, ice carving, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a tree lighting. Stick around to see Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy more festivities with the whole family.
Westchester County
Tree Lighting and Winter Stroll
Patriots Park, Tarrytown
December 2, 2-9 p.m.
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Kick off the holidays with this day full of festive activities in Tarrytown. During the day, stop by the holiday market in the park before enjoying the tree lighting at 4:15 p.m. and performances by Tarrytown Music Hall Academy.
City Lights, Bright Holiday Nights
Renaissance Park, White Plains
December 10, 5-6 p.m.
Celebrate the sights and sounds of the season at this event, where the Mayor will set the tree to sparkle mode and the holiday market will begin.
