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Mac KID Guide to Winter Lights & Holiday Sights in Westchester County

Drive-thrus, walk-throughs, and immersive experiences in and around Westchester County

By Kelly Fitzpatrick November 5, 2024

There may have been a few Griswold-esque homes in my childhood, but we never had the traditions of today where heading to holiday light shows is one of the most-do experiences of the season!  With both free and paid options in and near Westchester County, as well as commercial and residential offers, the scale of holiday light shows varies from a drive around your neighborhood to a destination event with friends and family.  Whether you are seeing little villages come to life, following a lantern trail, admiring a neighbor's talents, or driving through illuminated trees your family is sure to find their fun at a holiday light show in and around Westchester County.  We've rounded up a variety of holiday light show options for you to take the kiddos to and wish you all the joy of the season!

Missing a Westchester County light show you would like to see featured? Email me!

Please check websites for adjustments to times and dates, as well as to confirm details prior to traveling.


Westchester Winter Wonderland

Kensico Dam, Valhalla

Drive-thru experience 

Tickets: $35 per vehicle

Dates: November 23rd - December 31st

From the website:

Starting Friday November 23rd at 5:30 p.m., the festive celebration takes place six consecutive weeks through December 31, 2023. This year’s event will have extra early times slots available Monday-Thursdays starting at 5:30p.m. and on Saturday - Sundays starting at 4:00p.m. *End times vary per night.  Reservations are required to avoid additional surcharges.


Lumina at Harvest Moon

Harvest Moon, North Salem

Walk-through experience

Tickets: Children 3 - 12 $23+, 13 and over $28+ (varies by date/time)

Dates: November 22nd - December 31st

From the website: 

Visit our Farm this holiday season for a magical, one-of-a-kind, walk-through light experience!

Prepare to be dazzled! Our orchard is magically transformed into an illuminated forest full of marvelous structures and festive decorations!  Over half a million brilliant lights set the farm aglow in the form of whimsical creatures, light-changing orbs, thematic installations and interactive light displays.


Holiday Lights on the Farm, Muscoot Farm

Katonah

Outdoor walking event

Dates: December weekends

Tickets: $6 per person, free for children 2 and under.

From the website: 

Get into the holiday spirit and see the farm in a new light! Visit our animals inside of the decorated barns as you follow along with a holiday story, participating in a variety of activities along the way! Then, stop by to purchase some warm food from Wanna Empanada’s food truck. Registration is required.


American Christmas Holiday Lane

Mount Vernon

Indoor walking event, Santa visits on Wednesday and Friday evenings

Tickets: Children 2 - 10 $10, 12+ $25

Dates: November 9th - December 29th


Untermeyer Gardens Grand Holiday Illumination

Yonkers

Outdoor walking event. Enjoy multicultural seasonal music and free hot chocolate.

Free, no reservations required.

Dates: December 8th - January 1st, 4:30 - 8 p.m.


Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

Bronx, NY

Walk-through experience with immersive elements and special features

Tickets: 

-Adults: $35
-Students (with valid ID)/Seniors (65+): $31
-Children (2-12 years): $15

Dates: November 22nd - January 5th

Specific date tickets: Children under 2 are free.  3 - 12 $26.95 Adults $41.95 Seniors $36.95

From the website:
Any-Night Tickets also available for an additional charge.
Tickets are required and must be reserved in advance.


Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail

Bronx, NY

Walk-through experience

Dates: September 27th - December 1st

Tickets: $39+


Holiday Lights in Bloom

Thomas Bull Park, Montgomery Orange County

Walking Paths

Free

Peace, Love, and Lights at Bethel Woods

Bethel, NY 

Drive-thru experience

Tickets: From $32 per vehicle

Dates: Daily, November 29th - December 29th

Walk-through available select dates $12 adults, 11 and under free

From the website

One ticket per carload. Price increases day of. We encourage purchasing in advance. Please be aware we have gone cashless!

No drive-thru will occur on Mondays.

A Frosty Fest | Holiday Light Spectacular

Ulster County, NY

Drive-thru and indoor attractions

Tickets: Priced per person, starting at $22.  Prices increase on site.  Purchase in advance to save.

Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays beginning Thanksgiving weekend

From the website:

Park and walk inside, visit Santa, dance with Mr. & Mrs. Frosty, Rudolph, Snow Bear, and other characters
Watch Jingles Magic Show and more
All included with each ticket!

Do you know of a family friendly event happening this fall in the Armonk, Chappaqua, Millwood, Mount Kisco, Thornwood, Pleasantville, Amawalk, Bedford, Bedford Hills, Cross River, Goldens Bridge, Granite Springs, Jefferson Valley, Katonah, Lincolndale, Mohegan Lake, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Purdys, Shrub Oak, Somers, South Salem, Waccabuc, Yorktown and Yorktown Heights area and all the towns in between? Submit it to our calendar and we’ll have it listed in no time!