Get Into The Holiday Spirit In Westchester

Tucked between the Hudson River and Long Island Sound, Westchester County offers a charming winter escape just 30 miles from Manhattan. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an extended stay, now is the perfect time for a visit.

Easily accessible by Metro-North or Amtrak, this scenic stretch of the lower Hudson Valley comes alive during the colder months with holiday charm and seasonal adventures. From glittering light displays to cozy nights filled with timeless stories and songs, there’s something to make everyone feel merry.

Here are just some of our favorite events from this year’s lineup.

Sparkling Lights

Westchester’s light shows bring warmth and wonder to the cold winter nights.

From Nov. 21 to Dec. 30, Lumina illuminates Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard with more than half a million lights. Stroll the trail and be dazzled by a musical Nutcracker display, whimsical gingerbread city and more, with cider, s’mores and other farm-made treats to add to the magic.

Holiday on the Hudson at Monteverde at Oldstone in Cortlandt Manor is another a captivating light walk, backed by stunning Hudson River views. Afterward, warm up with a cocktail or hot chocolate by the fire in the vintage 1920s bar. Runs Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 22 to Jan. 4.

In Yonkers, Untermyer Gardens Conservancy’s Grand Holiday Illumination showcases over 150,000 twinkling lights set to music from around the world. Open every night, Dec. 6 to Jan. 4, including the holidays. It’s free to the public and no reservations are required!

Stay cozy in your car at Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, a 1.2-mile drive-through light show at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. Turn up the holiday tunes and enjoy colorful, larger-than-life light displays surrounding Westchester’s tallest Christmas tree. Open nightly from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31.

Go Beyond Making New Traditions

Find the perfect gift and enjoy spectacular holiday views — this December in Westchester.

Learn More

Classic Holiday Traditions

For a glimpse of holidays past, visit one of Westchester’s historic mansions, where the halls are decked with ornate wreaths, garland, trees and antique ornaments.

The Armour-Stiner Octagon House in Irvington is hosting a Victorian Christmas Tour from Nov. 13 to Dec. 22. You don’t want to miss seeing this unique eight-sided home decorated for the holidays in 19th century decor. 

It’s a Gilded Age holiday at Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown during the Holiday Classic Mansion Tour, running from Nov. 28 to Dec. 28. Also at Lyndhurst, guests can see the one-hour, one-man show “Mr. Dickens Tells a Christmas Carol.” Based on a tour Dickens did in 1867, it brings the beloved story to life like you’ve never seen before. Performances run Dec.14 to 26.

The Hudson River Museum offers Glenview Holiday Tours through its 1877 residence on select dates starting Nov. 28.

Markets and More

Pick up something special and soak in the spirit of the season with some gift shopping.

Ridge Hill and Cross County Center in Yonkers will be hosting festive experiences throughout the holidays, including tree and menorah lightings, photos and pet nights with Santa, live carolers, food trucks and a pop-up ice rink.

For handcrafted and locally made gifts you won’t find at the mall, you can browse nearly 50 artisanal vendors at the Downtown White Plains Holiday Market from Dec. 5 to 14, complete with firepits, live entertainment and Santa visits. The Nature Center at Greenburgh in Scarsdale hosts a sustainable Holiday Market and Train Show on weekends from Nov. 15 through Dec. 7. The New Rochelle Holiday Market brings ice skating and winter village charm from Nov. 28 through Dec. 14. And for even more unique finds, Clay Art Center’s Handmade for the Holidays is Nov. 13 through Dec. 23.

There’s so much to keep you entertained in Westchester this holiday season — and plenty of restaurants, cafes and bakeries to satisfy your cravings, wherever you go. So, plan to dine locally.

As you think about year’s holiday outings and winter traditions, put Westchester County at the top of your list.

Featured image: Courtesy of Visit Westchester

Ellen R. Delisio

Ellen is a content producer for AAA Northeast, covering automotive, finance, public affairs and electric vehicle news. She is a former newspaper reporter with experience writing for print and online publications about everything from higher education to sustainability. She recently returned to her native Long Island after living in Connecticut for 20-plus years, and has never met a beach she didn’t like.