Westchester’s Magical Holiday Experiences Happening This December
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Westchester is transforming into a magical Winter Wonderland filled with holiday experiences for families to enjoy. There is no shortage of events that will help you feel the holiday spirit this year. We are excited to share our list of magical experiences to add to your holiday bucket list. Start marking your calendars for what’s sure to be a fun-filled December in Westchester.
1-2 day experiences
Friday, December 6th, from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Rye Brook Winter Fest
Rye Brook’s Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony will be fun for the entire family. Families can expect special guests from the North Pole, an unforgettable lighting ceremony, train rides, a vendor marker, and several other activities designed to give the community a night of fun. 17 Mohegan Lane, Rye Brook, NY 10573
Friday, December 6th, from 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Yonkers Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join the festivities tonight at Getty Square’s new Tree Lighting Ceremony! Families can look forward to live music, delicious hot chocolate, holiday treats, and exciting giveaways. Guests are encouraged to wear their best festive outfits and take memorable photos with holiday characters. 1 Palisade Ave., Yonkers, NY 10701
Friday, December 6th at 5:00 pm
Shine Bright Bedford
Shine Bright Bedford is back again for a weekend full of holiday cheer for residents of Bedford. The Bedford Village Business Association is bringing families a festive celebration that includes a tree lighting ceremony and menorah lighting, caroling, a luminary display, and a fun holiday market. Bedford Village, NY 10506
Friday, December 6th at 6:00 pm
Holiday Tree Lighting in Mount Kisco
Join the community for a festive holiday celebration featuring performances by the Westchester Family Church, Mount Kisco Elementary School Chorus, and St. Francis Contemporary Choir. Help spread joy by donating non-perishable food items to the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry at the truck from Mount Kisco Chevrolet. Experience the magic as Santa and Mrs. Claus countdown to the tree lighting, and enjoy hot chocolate from Fox & Son Caterers. Capture the moment with your family with a photo with Santa, along with a goodie bag from the Chamber. Village Hall, 104 E. Main St, Mount Kisco, 10549
December 7th from noon – 4:00 pm
Nicholas Day Celebration
Join Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site in downtown Yonkers for a St. Nicholas Day celebration, also known as Sinterklaas, which honors St. Nicholas of Myra, a bishop from Turkey with Dutch roots from the 17th and 18th centuries. Attendees will meet St. Nicholas and enjoy activities like historical games, crafting ornaments, decorating gingerbread, and listening to live music. Special guest April Armstrong will perform stories and songs from around the world. Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, 29 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701
Psst.. check out Where to Celebrate Kwanzaa in Westchester and Beyond
Saturday, December 7th at 11:00 am
Katonah Peppermint Parade
The Peppermint Parade in downtown Katonah is another seasonal favorite for Westchester families. Watch as Santa makes his grand entrance on a fire truck! The parade will also have live holiday music performed at the gazebo, setting the scene for a perfect day in December. Be sure to arrive early, as the parade kicks off at 11 am, and you won’t want to miss out on any of the fun. Katonah Avenue, Katonah, NY, 10536
Saturday, December 7th at 6:00 pm
Yorktown Holiday Electric Lights
On December 7th, the community of Yorktown will gather for the 13th annual Holiday Electric Lights Parade and Tree Lighting. The parade will kick off at 6:00 pm, beginning on Front Street. It will turn left onto Underhill Avenue and then right onto Commerce Street.
The parade will proceed towards the Firehouse, make another left onto Commerce Street, and then turn right onto Veterans Road. It will conclude at Jack DeVito Veteran Memorial Field and Track. Following the parade, there will be a Tree Lighting Ceremony starting at 7:00 pm. Front Street and Jack DeVito Veteran Memorial Field and Track
Saturday, December 7th, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Tuckahoe Winterfest
Westchester families are invited to the annual Tuckahoe Winterfest at Depot Square on Saturday, December 7th, from 3 pm to 8 pm. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, including the Dawny Dew Puppet Play, train rides, face painting, visits with Santa, live entertainment, and food vendors. At dusk, the event will feature the Menorah and Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by caroling by Music at Asbury. Depot Square, Tuckahoe, NY 10707
Saturday, December 7th, from 3:00 pm-6:00 pm
Light Up Larchmont
Santa Claus is set to make a special visit to Constitution Park this week. Families will have the opportunity to enjoy warm hot chocolate and take photos with Santa. As carols fill the air, families can also join in on the big event of the night, the lighting of the Christmas tree in Larchmont. 120 Larchmont Ave, Larchmont, NY 10538
December 7th & December 8th, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
The Village of Mamaroneck: The Santa Claus Experience
The Santa Claus Experience at Harbor Island Park, hosted by Stage of Mamaroneck, invites everyone to a delightful holiday event on December 7th and 8th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful light show while strolling through Pavilion Field. On Saturday only, children have the chance to meet Santa and his elves, take pictures, and receive a special keepsake ornament. There will also be a Holiday Boutique and complimentary treats at “Santa’s Sweet Shoppe.” 60-98 Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Saturday, December 14th, from 12:00 pm-4:00 pm
Shop Local Holiday Trolley presented by Rivertowns Chamber of Commerce
Join the festivities in the Rivertowns as their holiday trolley makes its way through Irvington, Dobbs Ferry, and Hastings-on-Hudson from 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm on December 14th. This event offers families holiday entertainment, family activities, and special events at local businesses, providing a perfect opportunity to experience the charm of the Rivertowns. Families can enjoy festive drinks, delicious food, exclusive discounts, and a handy gift guide for all holiday shopping needs. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children.
Psst.. check out the 2024 Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Events
Thursday, December 26th
Somers Menorah Lighting & Kids Fair
Join the community for an exciting event at the Yorktown Community Center, where families can enjoy face painting, balloon artistry, crafts, and delicious free donuts, coffee, and chocolate gelt. The festivities will take place at the entrance near Yorktown Stage, leading up to a special Menorah lighting ceremony at 4:00 pm at Jack Devito Veterans Memorial Park, located on the running track. various locations
Wednesday, December 25th at 3:00 pm
Mega Chanukah Event: The Great LEGO Menorah Build
Don’t miss out on an unforgettable opportunity to join Master LEGO Architect Stephen Swissa in constructing a massive 12-foot menorah made entirely of LEGO! Join in on the fun that will also feature a lighting ceremony that celebrates the spirit of Chanukah. As participants build, they’ll be treated to delicious traditional goodies like crispy latkes and mouthwatering sufganiyot (doughnuts). It’s the perfect chance for families and LEGO lovers of all ages to bond, celebrate, and enjoy a unique holiday experience together. Chabad of the Rivertowns, 303 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
Enjoy throughout December
Fridays and Saturdays, 5–8 pm
December 6 through December 21
Holiday Lights on the Farm
Visit Muscoot Farm, where families can experience the farm in a whole new light. Guests will have the chance to explore the beautifully decorated barns with friendly farm animals, take part in festive activities, enjoy live music, and enjoy delicious offerings from various food trucks. Admission provides access to all the holiday-themed attractions, including a letter-writing station for children to send their wishes to Santa, a creative craft area, a glitter tattoo station, and a cozy holiday movie screening. For just an additional $5, families can capture their special day on film by snagging a photo with Santa. Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah
December 7th through January 1st, from 4:30 to 8:00 pm
Grand Holiday Illumination Untermyer
The Grand Holiday Illumination at Untermyer Gardens Conservancy started in 2015 and has become a popular tradition in Yonkers. Thousands of visitors come to see the beautiful display. This year, the garden will shine with over 100,000 lights, and visitors can enjoy holiday music from many cultures.
The 2024 Grand Holiday Illumination begins on Saturday, December 7, at 5:30 p.m. and will be open every night until Monday, January 1, from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. This event is free for everyone, and no reservations are needed. The lights will also be on display on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
December 11th through December 22nd
White Plains Winter Village
The White Plains Winter Village & Holiday Market, from December 11 to December 22, is a festive experience that families and friends won’t want to miss. Families can enjoy cozy igloos for roasting marshmallows, a winter mini-golf course, and unique gifts from local vendors. Daily activities include outdoor fire pits, ice sculpting demonstrations, live entertainment featuring holiday characters, and a New Year’s Eve Wishing Wall to pin wishes for 2024. Children can meet Santa and seasonal friends, partake in crafts, and use Santa’s Mailbox to send letters directly to the North Pole. Court St, White Plains, NY 10601
November 9th to December 29th
Holiday Lane at American Christmas
Experience the magic of the holidays as you stroll through nine Christmas-themed areas brought to life with lights. Parents, bring your kid’s letter to Santa to drop in the Holiday Lane mailbox, meet reindeer at the Stable Express, and more. Explore the Elves’ Quarters, Santa’s Workshop, and the enchanting Arctic Cave. Don’t forget to visit the iconic Christmas in America store, where families can choose a special ornament or snow globe to take home as a souvenir. 30 Warren Place, Mount Vernon, NY 10550
November 22nd to December 30th, from 4:30 pm–8:30 pm
LUMINA at Harvet Moon
Lumina, hosted at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, offers a reimagined experience that goes beyond the traditional Festival of Lights. Families can come together and enjoy an evening filled with illuminated pathways and captivating displays, all set against the stunning backdrop of a farm. This magical evening is ideal for families, couples, and friends looking to create unforgettable memories under the stars. While there, you can sample the Hardscrabble Cider, crafted on-site, and other local favorites. 130 Hardscrabble Rd, North Salem, NY 10560
November 23rd to December 31st
Westchester Winter Wonderland
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland is a family favorite with a 1.2-mile drive-thru experience featuring thousands of twinkling lights and various attractions, including elves, glittering angels, a 50-foot dove, dancing trees, and a 40-foot Christmas tree. This year’s new additions include the Ice Queen, who will create magical moments with all families, a 125-foot pixel wall displaying winter night sky scenes, and the OtoCast App for stories about the light displays. Proceeds from this annual light display support the WPF’s efforts to preserve and enjoy the 18,000 acres of parks, trails, and open spaces in Westchester County. 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla, NY 10595
November 29th-December 22nd,various times
New Rochelle Holiday Market
The 2024 New Rochelle Holiday Market, presented by the City of New Rochelle and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, will take place at the New Rochelle Train Station from November 29 to December 22. The market will be open from 12:00 pm-8:00 pm on weekends and 4:00 pm-8:00 pm on weekdays, offering a festive winter village setting for all ages to enjoy and opportunities to shop from and support various local vendors. New Rochelle Train Station, 1 Penn Central Railroad, New Rochelle
Psst.. check out these local Holiday Shows and Musical Performances
