Activities to Enjoy

Holiday Festivities & Attractions

• At Lumina, a magical light experience at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard (North Salem), visitors can stroll through a dazzling trail illuminated by over half a million lights, where festive sights include a music-synchronized Nutcracker display and a whimsical Gingerbread City brought to life by The Sugarplops—tiny, mischievous bakers hard at work behind glowing windows. Wander the sparkling paths with a cup of hot cider in hand, enjoying fresh donuts, toasty s’mores and the joyful spirit of the season. Open Nov. 21 – Dec. 30, 2025.
   
• Westchester’s Winter Wonderland returns to Kensico Dam Plaza (Valhalla). New this year – the festivities begin with NovemberFest, a walk through light show and market taking place Nov. 21 through Nov. 23. Then, the fan-favorite drive-thru experience begins Nov. 28 and runs through Dec. 31. Cruise through a dazzling 1.2-mile holiday spectacular including the 175-foot Transporter Tunnel, a glowing string tunnel with a central stargate running along the middle. Head down Rudolph’s Runway filled with colorful light tubes, leading straight into the North Pole. Visitors can enhance the journey with the OtoCast App, which shares enchanting stories about the larger-than-life displays surrounding Westchester’s tallest holiday tree.
   
• Celebrate the season at Untermyer Gardens Conservancy’s Grand Holiday Illumination (Yonkers), a beloved tradition featuring over 150,000 twinkling lights set to festive music from around the world. This enchanting nighttime display has become a favorite holiday event, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Opening with a dramatic lighting ceremony, this attraction is free to the public with no reservations required. Open Dec. 6, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026.
• Relive a Gilded Age holiday at Lyndhurst Mansion (Tarrytown) during the Holiday Classic Mansion Tour. Wander through ornately decorated rooms featuring dozens of Christmas trees and rarely seen estate treasures. Mr. Dickens Tells a Christmas Carol brings the timeless tale to life in a one-hour theatrical performance. The Mansion Tour runs Nov. 28 – Dec. 28 and Mr. Dickens Tells a Christmas Carol performances run Dec. 14–26.
   
• Travel back in time to the 1870s and experience the holiday season in Victorian splendor at the Armour-Stiner Octagon House’s Victorian Christmas Tour (Irvington). This unique eight-sided home is adorned with wreaths, garlands and the sparkle of antique ornaments on grand Christmas trees, offering a glimpse into 19th-century holiday traditions. Tours run Nov. 13 – Dec. 22, 2025.
   
• Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts (Katonah) brings the season to life with festive décor and a rich lineup of December performances capturing the sights and sounds of the holidays. Events include tours of the historic Rosen House and a Holiday Gift Shop Dec. 10 - 21.
   
• The Glenview Holiday Tour offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Gilded Age at the Hudson River Museum (Yonkers). Guided tours showcase six fully restored period rooms adorned with Christmas trees, antique ornaments, toys and a holiday-themed tablescape. Learn about the Trevor family’s holiday traditions while exploring the mansion’s exquisite woodwork, furnishings and architectural details. Tours begin Nov. 28, 2025.
   
• Experience the newly revamped Holiday Experience at Christmas in America (Mount Vernon) – now 12,000 square feet of festive fun, free to enter. Wander dazzling holiday displays, shop seasonal décor and snap photos with Santa (on select dates). Ten percent of store proceeds benefit local nonprofits. Open Fridays and Saturdays through December.
   
• Delight in a dazzling display of holiday lights during Holiday on the Hudson at Monteverde at Oldstone (Cortlandt Manor). This enchanting walk features themed light displays, hidden corners and romantic spots, all set against the backdrop of the Hudson River. Afterward, warm up with a holiday cocktail or hot chocolate by the fireplace in their 1920s-era bar. Runs from Nov. 22, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026; open Wednesday through Sunday. 
• Soar through the season with the NYC & Westchester Holiday Lights Helicopter Tour. Departing from Westchester County Airport, participants will fly over New York City and Westchester, creating unforgettable memories with friends and family. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity showcases the breathtaking views of the iconic Manhattan skyline and familiar landmarks beautifully adorned in holiday lights. Runs Dec. 1 – 31, 2025; closed Dec. 25.
   
• Holiday shopping meets seasonal fun at Westchester’s top malls and shopping centers. Ridge Hill and Cross County Center in Yonkers roll out festive experiences like tree and menorah lightings, photos and pet nights with Santa, breakfast events, live carolers, food truck markets and a pop-up ice rink – perfect pairings for a day of shopping and dining. The Westchester in White Plains also offers photo ops with Santa for classic holiday memories. Events run on select dates in Nov. and Dec. 2025.

Ring in the New Year

• New Year’s Eve brings fun for all ages, with festive options for families and lively celebrations for adults. Welcome 2026 with laughter at Westchester Comedy Club’s New Year's Eve Laughs featuring an exciting lineup of stand-up comedic talent. The Dec. 31 shows, at 7pm and 10pm, take place at Tre Angelina in White Plains. Join the New Year's Eve festivities with a Prohibition-themed celebration at Yonkers Brewing Company, or spend the evening listening to the music of the Grateful Dead performed by the Dark Star Orchestra at The Capitol Theatre (Port Chester). 
   
• Enjoy the festivities with candlelit Hudson River, a special celebratory menu and the sounds of sultry jazz at The Sailhouse beginning at 7:00pm on Dec. 31.
   
• Decorate a cupcake, dance to music and ring in the New Year during the Kid's Daytime New Year's Eve Countdown at Westchester Children's Museum, with morning and afternoon sessions. Join the fun at Yonkers Brewing Company's Noon Year's Eve, a lively celebration with delicious food and kid-friendly dance party, plus a ball drop at 2:00 p.m. 

Outdoor Winter Adventures

• Explore Westchester’s collection of thematic trails that highlight the region’s culture, history and craft. Walk in the footsteps of patriots along the American Revolutionary Trail, with highlights like the Jacob Purdy House, Thomas Paine’s Cottage, Saint Paul’s Church, Philipsburg Manor and the John Jay Homestead. Discover powerful stories of resilience on the African American Heritage Trail, which features landmark sites celebrating the cultural and civic contributions of Black individuals. And for a flavorful detour, raise a glass along the Westchester Craft Beverage Trail – a self-guided tasting tour of standout breweries, cideries and distilleries across the County.
   
• Lace up some skates and soak up the beauty of the winter landscape at one of the Westchester County Parks. When lakes and ponds freeze over, ice skating is allowed at Blue Mountain Reservation (Peekskill), Mountain Lakes Park (North Salem), Tibbetts Brook Park (Yonkers), Twin Lakes Park (New Rochelle), Wampus Pond (Armonk) and Wilsons Woods (Mount Vernon). 
   
• For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, Teatown Lake Reservation (Ossining) has nearly 15 miles of trails open annually from dawn until dusk and also offers the community a space to learn about local wildlife. Trails – varied in level of difficulty – offer views of diverse terrain, habitats, lakes, swamps and more. Don’t miss special programming like “Snow Stories” and the “Full Moon Hike” series. 
   
• Spread your wings at Teatown’s 21st Annual Hudson River EagleFest® on Feb. 7, 2026, held at Croton Point Park (Croton-on-Hudson). Celebrate winter’s coolest visitors with live bird shows, guided eagle-spotting walks, heated tents, kids' crafts, games, food trucks and more.
   
• Adventurous travelers can throw on their warmest gear and head to one of Westchester’s trails, ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. One prime spot is Croton-on-Hudson’s Croton Point Park, with 508 acres on a peninsula situated alongside the Hudson River. The Kitchawan Preserve, a 208-acre natural preserve along Route 134 (Ossining), is a cross-country skier’s paradise, with the North County Trailway running across its eastern border. Cranberry Lake Preserve (White Plains) is also a great choice, while Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is the County’s largest park with well-maintained trails and varied terrain. 
   
• Tap into winter fun when maple sugaring season returns to Westchester in 2026. From January through March, enjoy family-friendly events featuring hands-on tree tapping, maple tastings and educational demonstrations that highlight the sweet science behind syrup making. Dates and locations to be announced soon.
  
   

Indoor Activities

• Catch the ringside excitement at the International Sumo League's World Championship Sumo (WCS) event on Jan. 30 at the Westchester County Center. Cheer on 12 of the world’s top professional sumo wrestlers as they compete in 30-40 matches to crown a WCS champion.
   
• For days when the indoors beckon, visitors can embrace their artistic side at The Pottery Factory (Mount Kisco), which offers an instructor-led paint and sip party session.
   
• Golfers should visit the newly opened Five Iron Golf (Port Chester). Outfitted with state-of-the-art Trackman technology and high-speed cameras, visitors can use the simulator to choose their own adventure: tee it up at champion-level courses or challenge each other in one of the games. There’s something for every level of golfer.
   
• Warm up inside at Bowlero (White Plains), which offers endless fun for all ages with 56 bowling lanes, an arcade with old-school classics like Mario Kart or Pac-Man, and a sports bar.
   
• Explore Westchester’s vibrant museum scene this winter. The Hudson River Museum (Yonkers) blends art, history and science with over a century of cultural richness. The Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden (North Salem) offers a peaceful blend of Eastern and Western influences, featuring a bamboo grove, waterfall and koi-filled ponds. Hudson Valley MOCA (Peekskill) rounds out the experience with cutting-edge contemporary works from global artists.
   
• Beginning Jan. 9, Signature Tours of the historic Rosen House will be offered at Caramoor (Katonah) on Fridays and Saturdays. Step inside the Mediterranean-style villa on these docent led tours to behold art and furnishings from the Renaissance, Chinese art and entire rooms styled from the great houses of Western Europe. 
   
• Families will find hours of entertainment for the kids at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester (Yonkers), the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground with endless building adventures and interactive experiences.
   
• Let kids’ imaginations soar at the Westchester Children’s Museum (Rye). This hands-on learning space invites children to design, create and discover together. With interactive exhibits and creative exploration at every turn, it’s a place where curiosity is encouraged and learning feels like play.
   
• For those looking for a moment of relaxation, visit Oasis Day Spa (Dobbs Ferry) to enjoy seasonal services like the Collagen Facial with Microcurrent for a lifted, glowing complexion and the Autumn Sports Trio Massage, featuring Arnica aromatherapy and Vital Body CBD cream to ease tension and prepare for winter wellness.
  
   

Seasonal Bites & Drinks

• 1730 Wine Bar (Mount Vernon) which offers a variety of popular and specialty wines for an international vibe representing local and regional favorites. This cozy wine bar also offers a full menu of creative dishes, comfort foods and brunch options.

• Resolutions in the new year often call for healthy meals. From protein to nutrient-rich veggies and leafy greens, there are plenty of health-conscious options in the area. Try Root 2 Rise (Pleasantville), which makes each dish from scratch using organic, locally sourced, whole ingredients free of refined sugars, preservatives and seed oils. Grass Roots Kitchen (Tarrytown) offers local and seasonal plant-based favorites as well.

• Nothing says perfect winter date night like a creative, cozy cocktail. Try the Whistling Rail (Bronxville) for a romantic evening of speakeasy vibes, tapas and some live jazz music.

• At The Blind Pig of Westchester (White Plains), a 1930s-themed cocktail bar, don’t miss the Irish coffee – it’s a warm, whiskey-strong, slightly sweet, frothy, cream-topped caffeine boost.
   
• Make a stop along the Westchester Craft Beverage Trail at Hardscrabble Cider (North Salem) to try their mulled cider — from apples grown on the premises — mixed with bourbon made by The Spirits Lab in Newburgh, including pure maple syrup, lemon juice and bitters. The Craft Beverage Trail showcases the region’s thriving craft beverage scene, featuring a variety of options from distilleries to craft breweries, a cidery and even a micro winery.
   
• Find a caffeine fix to warm up on a cold winter’s day at Horsefeathers (Tarrytown) by choosing from one of their spiked coffees including Irish (with Irish whiskey), Mexican (Kahlua), Captains (Captain Morgan), Brotherhood (Frangelico), Cafe di Roma (sambuca), Cafe Almondine (amaretto), and Bailey’s Mocha (Bailey’s and chocolate).
  
   

Where to Stay

• The Abbey Inn & Spa (Peekskill) invites families to a festive Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., featuring a buffet by Apropos Restaurant, kids' activities and a visit from Santa. Welcome 2026 with The New Year’s Eve Escape package at The Abbey Inn & Spa on Dec. 31. The package includes a welcome Prosecco, three-course prix-fixe dinner at the on-site Apropos Restaurant, champagne toasts and festive cocktails at the Apropos Bar midnight ball drop and overnight accommodations with breakfast for two. 
   
• Tucked along a peaceful, tree-lined road, the Kittle House Inn (Chappaqua), formerly known as Crabtree’s Kittle House Restaurant & Inn, has plans to reopen guestrooms in early 2026, offering a luxurious escape that combines the elegance of Old New York with historic charm. The restaurant will open on Nov. 19, 2025, giving visitors a head start in experiencing the property’s fine dining, celebrated wine offerings and exceptional hospitality.
   
• The Bedford Post Inn (Bedford) is a quaint historic property dating back to the 1860s that will transport visitors to a scene from their favorite Hallmark holiday movie. It’s been restored and is home to an eight-room luxury inn, a yoga studio and two distinct restaurants. Cozy interiors are perfect for ignoring winter’s chill, including amenities such as heated bathroom floors and freestanding soaking tubs, offering a serene retreat for guests to unwind.
   
• The Royal Regency Hotel (Yonkers) offers stylish rooms and modern amenities, providing a comfortable and upscale experience just minutes from New York. Space can be reserved for holiday gatherings, and the hotel will be hosting a brunch with Santa this season.

Itineraries for every interest

From seasonal getaways to historical and cultural explorations, we’ve created itinerary suggestions for every interest and travel style.

Farmers Markets

Visit a farmers market for great, fresh and locally produced and harvested food, including produce, meat and fish, baked goods, dairy and prepared food. 

Check out ArtsWestchester’s Top 5 Arts Picks weekly for new arts events and cultural happenings throughout Westchester.

Virtual Activities

Revolutionary Westchester 250:  History Videos 

Watching the wolves of the Wolf Conservation Center on their webcam.