Dive Into Westchester's Bounty of Holiday Activities

Excited to jump into the holidays? For a road trip or a day trip, now is the perfect time to start planning your visit to Westchester County, N.Y.

Late November through December, the days are filled with holiday events. From lively plays to music performances, sumptuous meals in cozy settings, mansion tours and markets, there’s something to make everyone feel festive.

If you are planning to stay for the weekend, be sure to check out the area’s hotels.

A Mystery and a Christmas Carol

Feel like watching Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson unravel a mystery (or two)? Get tickets to The Brook Street Mysteries in the Grand Picture Gallery of Lyndhurst Mansion from Nov. 15 through Dec. 8.

Or step into a Charles Dickens-era Christmas during a visit to the Armour-Stiner Octagon House. Tour this unique home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, decorated for the holidays in 1870s style. Add to the experience by attending a performance of the Fezziwig Christmas party scene from Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” The performances are available on select dates from Dec. 12 to Dec. 22.

If you can’t get enough of Dickens’ timeless Christmas story, attend the one-hour, one-man show, “Mr. Dickens Tells a Christmas Carol,” based on a tour Dickens did in 1867. Performances run from Dec.13 to Dec. 29, also at the Lyndhurst Mansion.

westchester — Courtesy of Visit Westchester

Shopping, Christmas Lights and … Santa!

Holiday decorations galore, gifts and Santa Claus will be at Holiday Lane at American Christmas in Mount Vernon from Nov. 9 to Dec. 9. Decorated with more than 100,000 twinkling lights, visitors can explore nine themed areas, including the Elves’ Quarters and Santa’s Workshop.

Unique gifts and crafts also await at the Tarrytown Music Hall Holiday Market, scheduled for Dec. 17. and The Downtown White Plains Holiday Market, featuring more than 40 local artisans.

For a dazzling display of holiday lights and an appearance by the Ice Queen, drive through Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, a 1.2-mile-long light display in Valhalla. The Winter Wonderland is open until Dec. 31.

Be surrounded by whimsical decor and multi-level train displays at The Holidays on the Hill Train Show taking place at Lasdon Park Nov. 30 through Jan. 5.

At some point you’ll need to refuel after all these festive pursuits. More than half a million lights dot the gently rolling landscape at Lumina, A Magical Light Experience at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard. Farm-made treats and drinks add to the festive atmosphere. Whether you are in the mood for coffee and a pastry, a cocktail or a full meal, take advantage of Westchester’s plethora of dining options.

Quiet Time With Art, History

Museum-and history lovers have a lot to choose from, including the Hudson River Museum with American art, special holiday tours of the Gilded Age Glenview Mansion and a modern planetarium. Pelham Art Center features works by a range of artists, from local to international. If the names Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko light up your face, then spend a few hours at the Neuberger Museum of Art in Purchase. Featuring more than 6,000 paintings, the museum’s specialty is mid-century American art, but it also includes rare African pieces.

Exhibitions covering a broad spectrum of artistic disciplines, cultures, and historical periods can be found at the Katonah Museum of Art. Don’t miss the current exhibit highlighting photographer Jonathan Becker.

Make a stop at New York Daily Tribune editor and presidential candidate Horace Greeley’s former house in Chappaqua for The Great Holiday Train Show between Nov. 16 and Jan. 4, and marvel at the different vintage trains running through ornately decorated rooms. Children can participate in a scavenger hunt.

Outdoor Fun

Leaf-peeping season may have passed, but there is still much to explore outdoors in Westchester’s 24,000 acres of parkland. Westchester’s biggest park is Ward Pound Ridge Reservation with more than 4,000 acres, among them 35 acres of wooded trails. Take in the scenery and enjoy a bike ride at Bronx River Parkway Reservation.

Start planning your trip to Westchester County today.

Featured image: Courtesy of Visit Westchester