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What Are the Best Things to Do with Kids Between Christmas and New Year’s in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?

We have picked out the best things to do with kids this Holiday break in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Our picks include free library activities, museum programs, and holiday light shows that continue well into the new year. 

A bonus to visiting local attractions during the Winter break is that most people are out of town and the crowds are usually smaller, allowing for a more intimate family experience. Our picks also include celebrations of Kwanzaa and fun, kid-friendly New Year's Eve parties. 

Tips for Enjoying Winter Break in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

• Enjoy the fact that most people are out of town, and events will be less crowded. 
• Even with the winter lull, play it safe and book tickets ahead of time in case they sell out.
• Check the weather report in the location of the event before heading out. As we locals know, the Hudson Valley is a geologically diverse region, so the weather can vary a lot between Westchester and the Catksills.  
• Dress for the weather. Make sure to wear layers and comfortable shoes, especially for the walk-through holiday light shows.

More Family Holiday Guides for Westchester and the Hudson Valley

• Holiday and Christmas Activities Guide for Westchester Kids
• Westchester and Hudson Valley Winter Vacation Guide
• New Year's Eve 2025 Guide for Families
• Winter Day Trips for New York Families

Top Family Events and Activities in Westchester and the Hudson Valley During Winter Break

1. See Laser Shows at the Hudson River Museum – Yonkers

This holiday season, experience Planetarium Laser Shows at the Hudson River Museum, featuring classic holiday songs as well as iconic pop hits by acts like The Beatles, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift.

2. Meet Santa at the Holidays on the Hill Train Show – Somers

This train show features a sprawling exhibit set within the Ladson Park conservatory. Afterward, visit Santa in his cozy cottage and take part in a fun scavenger hunt as you try to find all the little elves.

3. Ride the Polar Express – Kingston

On this seasonal Catskill Mountain Railroad journey, the conductors walk through the coach to punch golden tickets, and you’ll be served hot chocolate and a cookie by dancing chefs.

 4. Visit Winter Wonderland at Dogwood Acres Farm – Middletown

Winter Wonderland at Dogwood Acres Farm offers wagon rides through holiday lights, a few playful activities like a marshmallow cannon and snowball area, plus chances to see the reindeer, meet Santa, and sit by the fire pits.  

Celebrate New Year's early at the Westchester Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

5. Ring in the New Year at the Westchester Children's Museum – Rye

The all-day New Year's Eve Kids' Countdown at the Westchester Children's Museum features cupcake decorating, a DJ dance party, crafts, and a confetti-filled ball drop and countdown. 

6. Meet Lego Santa at Legoland New York – Goshen

Legoland New York’s Holiday Bricktacular includes the Lego City Elf Extravaganza, seasonal shows, character photo ops, and ice skating at Icicle Alley.

7. Visit the New Castle Historical Society's Great Holiday Train Show – Chappaqua

Now in its fourth year, the New Castle Historical Society’s Great Holiday Train Show features new model trains and updated displays alongside familiar favorites.

Hit the rink at Cross Country Center. Photo courtesy of the center

8. Go "Ice" Skating at Cross County Center – Yonkers

Cross County Center’s popular Pop-Up Holiday Ice Skating Rink is located right in the heart of the Cross County Center. The pop-up rink is not made of real ice; it is a synthetic floor that glides more slowly than real ice, making it perfect for first-time and young skaters. 

What Indoor Activities Can Families Enjoy Between Christmas and New Year’s in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?

9. Build with Legos at Legoland Discovery Center – Yonkers

Legoland Discovery Center’s Holiday Bricktacular offers an indoor winter setup with Lego holiday builds, cookie decorating, ornament making, and other Lego-focused activities.

Take part in a workshop at the Katonah Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of the museum

10. Get Artsy at the Katonah Museum of Art – Katonah

Participate in creative arts workshops inspired by the current exhibitions at the Katonah Museum of Art during the winter break. Each day brings new projects facilitated by teaching artists. 

11. Celebrate Kwanzaa at the Westchester Children's Museum – Rye

Celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa with meaningful stories and hands-on creativity at the Westchester Children's Museum.

12. Start the New Year with a Splash at the Kartrite – Monticello

The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark’s New Year’s event includes a waterpark party and a fireworks show to close out the night.

13. Meet Live Owls – New Rochelle

Join the New Rochelle Library for an owl discovery program and get an in-depth look into the fascinating world of these common, but seldom seen, local inhabitants. Enjoy up close observation of their amazing nocturnal hunting adaptations.  

15. See the Nutcracker with a Twist – New Rochelle

The musical duo Musiquita offers a jazz-influenced, family-friendly take on Tchaikovsky’s holiday music at the New Rochelle Library, blending tap, violin, piano, and sing-along moments in English and Spanish.

Are There Holiday Light Shows and Outdoor Attractions Still Open After Christmas in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?

16. KM's Holiday Spirit Festival – Wappingers Falls

Kevin McCurdy’s Holiday Spirit Festival Winter Wonderland Walk features a lit-up Enchanted Forest, a Polar Bear Igloo, and musical trees along Candy Cane Lane.

17. The Wonderland of Lights in Rhinebeck – Rhinebeck

The drive-thru holiday light display at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds features dozens of illuminated exhibits along a mile-long route.

18. Watt Christmas Wonderland – Goshen

Pile in the car for a visit to this holiday staple. This drive-thru exhibit features an assortment of inflatables, hundreds of lights, and other seasonal displays to enjoy. 

19. Peace, Love & Lights at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – Bethel

This drive-thru light experience on the site of the Woodstock Festival returns with even more lights, with themed displays depicting New York and holidays around the world, plus special rock-n'-roll-themed displays honoring the site's history.  

20. Holiday Experience at Christmas in America – Mt. Vernon

Experience holiday magic on a grand scale, with festive photo ops, dazzling displays, and more than 3,000 items available in the store. 

21. Holiday Lights in Bloom at Orange County Arboretum – Montgomery

This charming outdoor light display at the Orange County Arboretum features illuminated flora and fauna for a garden-themed holiday light show. The event is offered on weekends between Thanksgiving and the end of December. 

22. Lumina Magical Lights Experience at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard – North Salem

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard is transformed into an illuminated forest with over half a million lights creating whimsical creatures, interactive displays, and festive installations.

Check out the lights at Westchester Winter Wonderland before they go dark. Photo courtesy of the event

23. Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza – White Plains

This holiday lights extravaganza returns to Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla for its 12th season, featuring the return of the Santa Fun Run, an all-new Mascot Dash, and a winter market. 

24. Grand Holiday Illumination at Untermyer Gardens – Yonkers

Inaugurated in 2015, the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy's Grand Holiday Illumination has quickly become a Yonkers tradition, and thousands of visitors come to enjoy the spectacle. Come for FREE and see the Walled Garden lit with more than 100,000 lights and listen to holiday music from many traditions.  

Are There Any New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Weekend Events for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?

YES! Our favorites include the New Year's Eve Kids' Countdown at the Westchester Children's Museum, New Year's at Noon at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Center, and New Year's Eve Party at the Kartright.

Find more family-friendly New Year's celebrations in our New Year's Eve 2025 Guide for Families.

FAQ – Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year’s in Westchester and the Hudson Valley 

Q: What are the best family-friendly events between Christmas and New Year’s in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?

A: Our top events that should not be missed are the Legoland New York Holiday Bricktacular, Westchester Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Lights Extravaganza, and the Planetarium Laser Shows at the Hudson River Museum.

Q: Are there any free things to do with kids after Christmas in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?

A: YES! Some of our top picks are the Grand Holiday Illumination at Untermyer Gardens, Meet Live Owls at the New Rochelle Library, and the Rye Noon Year's Eve Party.

Q: What indoor activities are open between Christmas and New Year’s?

A: Great indoor activities include Legoland Discovery Center Westchester | Holiday Bricktacular, School's Out/Art's In at Katonah Museum of Art, and The New Castle Historical Society's Great Holiday Train Show.

Q: Do holiday light displays stay open after Christmas?

A: Yes, most of the holiday light displays stay open after Christmas, including Lumina Magical Lights Experience at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, Holiday Experience at Christmas in America, and Peace, Love and Lights at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

Q: What family events are happening on New Year’s Eve in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?

A: Family New Year's Eve celebrations include the New Year's Eve Kids' Countdown at the Westchester Children's Museum, New Year's at Noon at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Center, Rye Noon Year's Eve Party, and New Year's Eve Party at the Kartright.

Q: Are museums, zoos, or attractions open during winter break in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?

A: Yes, many zoos and museums are open during winter break, including the Bear Mountain Zoo, the Westchester Children's Museum, and the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum. Many museums offer special daily programming for kids during the holiday break.

Q: What’s the best day trip from Westchester and the Hudson Valley during Christmas break with kids?

A: My favorite day trips from Westchester and the Hudson Valley are Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut, and Kalahari Resort in Tannersville, Pennsylvania. Check out more fun Winter Day Trips for New York Families.