Westchester is an outdoor family-friendly haven … from March to October. Once the first frost hits, besides winter sports, it’s hard to find outdoor activities for kids. That’s why we get so excited about Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, celebrating its sixth year at Kensico Dam Plaza. Opening the day after Thanksgiving and running just beyond New Year’s Day, there are plenty of chances to experience more excitement than you thought possible. Here’s what to expect during your visit, and what’s new for 2019.
When to visit
Winter Wonderland is open Friday through Sunday for the first three weeks of December and seven days a week between Christmas and New Year’s (with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). The last day of the festival is Jan. 4. Doors open at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. depending on the day, and ample free parking is available in the Kensico Dam paved lot or on the grass just outside the plaza. If you have small children, you’ll want to get there when the doors open for the best parking and shortest lines. We bring our stroller and plenty of hats, gloves, and blankets for the kids to stay toasty. There are many indoor places to warm up, but most attractions are outside, so dress for the weather. Strollers are allowed everywhere except inside the circus tent.
Tickets are available online or at the door and are valid for any day of the festival. Kids ages 3 and under are free, and in years past there have been promotions such as reduced entry with donation, character meet-and-greets, and a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve ball drop at 7 p.m. Your ticket covers everything except concessions, shopping, and a few extras such as face painting.
New dining choices
This year the food options at Winter Wonderland have been revamped. To alleviate long waits for dinner from prior years’ food trucks, there are new grab-and-go stations and concession stands. Beer and wine are also available for purchase. Eat on the go or warm up inside Wegman’s Holiday Dining Tent.
Santa and his (live) reindeer!
Your ticket includes access to Santa’s North Pole. You can head inside the heated tent (make sure you wear removeable layers as the wait can be hot) and pose for DIY pics. Since there’s no professional company shooting the photos, there are no costly print packages, but if you want to capture your entire family, you’ll have to make friends with the people in line behind you. You’ll also find Santa’s Post Box, so bring your wish list to drop in the mail.
This year Santa brought his reindeer! After meeting Santa, you’ll want to head outside to the North Pole to view the live reindeer.
Holiday lights
Check out the 40-foot lighted Christmas tree and Lights of Wonder, a holiday light show set to music that features displays of angels, elves, and other holiday themes. The show runs about 10 minutes and is a great place for the kids to take a break in the stroller with a blanket and snack.
Midway fun
FUNderland Village includes eight midway attractions including a carousel, Ferris wheel, slide, and winter hayride. Unlimited rides are included with the cost of admission, but they’re all outside and made of metal. Bring gloves for the carousel or little hands won’t want to hang on. Fleece-lined pants will combat frigid ride seats. If rides aren’t your child’s thing, there’s a great playground near the restroom building. Restrooms are indoors, but there’s no changing station at the event.
Hit the ice or hop in the big top tent
It’s easy to hit the ice skating rink because admission includes skate rentals in almost every size. If you are too cold to stay outside, warm up in the holiday circus tent for a 30-minute performance of balancing, motorcycle riding, and other daredevil acts. No strollers are allowed inside, so you might want to skip this attraction if your child can’t sit still for the entire show.
Our verdict
Even though Winter Wonderland is quaint compared to a night out at a traditional theme park, this event gets better every year. If your family likes to bundle up and get in the holiday spirit, Winter Wonderland is a must-do.
Andrea Worthington owns BabyG
When you go …
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland
Kensico Dam Plaza
One Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla
914-231-4600
Hours: Open evenings Friday through Sunday between Nov. 29 and Dec. 22, and every evening from Dec. 23 to Jan. 4. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. See website for daily hours.
Cost: $20 per person for unlimited access to entertainment, rides, and events. Children ages 3 and under are free. Tickets are available online or at the door and are good for any day of operation.
