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 CountyÂ
2024 City of Albany Tree Lighting
Academy Park, Albany
December 5, 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 refreshments from Cider Belly Donuts, La Empanada Llama, and Albany High School Abrookin Center Culinary. Then, enjoy photo opps and live performances by Albany High School’s Albanettes and Troubadours.
New York State’s Holiday Tree Lighting
Empire State Plaza, Albany
December 8, 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, live music, and more free activities.
Columbia CountyÂ
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
December 7, 6-7 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 all is merry and bright.
Dutchess CountyÂ
Pine Plains Decorating Day & Parade of LightsÂ
Pine Plains
November 30, 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 LightingÂ
Marist College, Poughkeepsie
November 20, 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 more lights than New York City’s Rockefeller Center tree — so the experience is truly magical!
Greene County
3rd Annual Parade of Lights
Windham
December 7, 5 p.m.
Enjoy a festive parade with decked-out floats, twinkling lights, and jolly characters starting at 5 p.m. in Windham, followed by an annual tree lighting ceremony at Center Church at 6 p.m. If you’ve been good this year, you might even be able to catch Santa Claus himself at the ceremony.
Orange County
5th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Tin Barn Brewing, Chester
December 6, 6-9 p.m.Â
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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 Ladies of the 80s.
Tree Lighting Parade & CeremonyÂ
John F. Degnan Square, Middletown
November 29, 6-8:30 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 Pop-Up Market and Tree Lighting
Pine Island Town Park, Pine Island
December 7, 3-5:30Â 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 hosted by the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce also includes a pop-up holiday market to shop local for gifts.
Putnam CountyÂ
Holiday on the Lake & Christmas VillageÂ
Lake Gleneida, Carmel
December 7
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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 ceremony at 5 p.m., live music, a parade of lights, and another tree lighting at 7:30 p.m. It’s bound to be a fun-filled occasion for all.
Rensselaer County
Christmas Parade & Starry Night Memorial Christmas Tree Lighting
North Greenbush
December 7, 6 p.m.
Watch this year’s North Greenbush Christmas Parade kickoff on Brookside Avenue and continue down Main Avenue to end at Town Hall. Then, enjoy the Starry Night Memorial Christmas Tree Lighting along with Santa and more festive events.
Rockland County
2024 Nanuet Tree Lighting Celebration
Orchard St, Nanuet
December 7, 5:30-7 p.m.
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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 LightsÂ
Gazebo on Main Street, NyackÂ
December 6, 6 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 Friday, December 6.
Ulster County Â
Snowflake Festival
Uptown Kingston
December 6, 6 p.m.
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Usher in the holiday season with Kingston’s annual Snowflake Festival. The celebration will include holiday performances, flame throwers, 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
Head over to our sister publication Westchester Magazine for tree lightings in Westchester County.Â
Related: Holiday Markets and Winter Craft Fairs to Visit in the Hudson Valley
