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Awesome Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this Weekend with Kids

Families can enjoy the Holiday Stroll in downtown Chappaqua with ice sculpting, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa.Photo courtesy of the event
Families can enjoy the Holiday Stroll in downtown Chappaqua with ice sculpting, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa.Photo courtesy of the event
12/8/23 - By Katherine Dhurandhar

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

This weekend features multiple holiday celebrations, including the Fire on Ice Hanukkah Extravaganza in Dobbs Ferry, plus fun activities like ice skating with Santa, and the annual after-dark holiday parade in Orangeburg.

For more holiday fun in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, be sure to bookmark our Guide Christmas and Holiday Events, which features everything from our must-do Christmas and holiday activities list to the best Christmas light displays, and more seasonal happenings.

More Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley:

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Enjoy an epic Hanukkah family event at Dobbs Ferry's waterfront park. Photo courtesy of the event
Enjoy an epic Hanukkah family event at Dobbs Ferry's waterfront park. Photo courtesy of the event

Things To Do this Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids

Hansel and Gretel

Purchase–FREE
Thursday, December 7-Sunday, December 10
This Holiday season, Purchase Opera presents a playful version of  Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel for families and audiences of all ages in the Recital Hall in the Conservatory of Music. Families are invited to come in costume for the special Sunday matinee.  READ MORE

Nutcracker by Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble

Suffern
Friday, December 8-Sunday, December 10
The Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble (RYDE) returns with its stunning performance of the Nutcracker for the 44th season. This special narrated performance of the full-length ballet has a tree that grows, snow that falls, and beautiful sets and costumes. READ MORE

PaleyLand Holiday Weekend: Meet Santa, Snoopy, and More!

Midtown West, Manhattan
Saturday, December 9
Step into the happy hullabaloo of PaleyLand and enter a Peanuts paradise! Capture a picture-perfect moment with Snoopy and scoop up a FREE Snoopy keepsake (while supplies last). Then cozy up for an exclusive screening of the heartwarming new Snoopy holiday special, Happiness Is Holiday Traditions, and craft Snoopy-themed masterpieces at the arts and crafts station.  READ MORE

Firetrucks and Holiday Party

Mount Kisco–FREE
Saturday, December 9
Children have the opportunity to ride on a firetruck with Santa from Leonard Park to the American Legion. Santa will also be on hand to pass out candy and gifts. READ MORE

Palisades Holiday Gift Bazaar and Visit from Santa

Palisades–FREE
Saturday, December 9
Enjoy two days of holiday shopping at a historic schoolhouse, featuring quality crafts handmade by Hudson Valley artisans. Special events include a caroling sing-along, a tree lighting, and a visit from Santa.  READ MORE

Getting Ready for Winter

Larchmont–FREE
Saturday, December 9
Join a Sheldrake naturalist for a late-fall walk to see what the birds and animals are doing and try to figure out why. Now that the trees are bare, you can see what secrets they’ve been hiding! The naturalist talks about hibernation and migration as examples of animal strategies for winter. Bring your cameras, binoculars, and your curiosity as you take one more turn around the pond before winter arrives. READ MORE

Orangeburg Holiday Parade

Orangeburg–FREE
Saturday, December 9
This annual holiday after-dark parade features floats and vehicles with festive decorations and lights. After the parade, kids can meet with the elves, Mrs. Claus, and Santa at the firehouse. READ MORE

Northern Westchester Hanukkah Celebration

Yorktown Heights
Saturday, December 9
Enjoy a family-friendly Hannukkah celebration with a live musical performance by Joannas ‘n Bananas and Hanukkah crafts. Cans of tuna and chicken are collected for food pantries around Westchester. Light snacks are served. READ MORE

Skate with Santa

Larchmont–FREE
Saturday, December 9
Heighten the Christmas spirit by enjoying an afternoon on the rink ice skating with Santa Claus at the Hommocks Park Ice Rink.  READ MORE

Cherish the Ladies - A Celtic Christmas

Tarrytown
Saturday, December 9
These Irish performers return to Tarrytown Music Hall for another holiday celebration, featuring Christmas carols with Celtic instrumentation, a full band in accompaniment, and Irish step dancing. READ MORE

Cosmic Holiday Celebration

Pine Bush–FREE
Saturdays, December 9, 16, and 23
The Pine Bush Area Arts Council and the Pine Bush UFO & Paranormal Museum present a Cosmic Holiday Celebration featuring Jack Frost, cosmic jingle wands, festive sing-alongs, a holiday wish box, celestial cookies and cocoa, and an out-of-this-world photo op with a very special visitor in what promises to be a not-to-be-missed intergalactic experience for kids 10 and under. READ MORE

Hanukkah Family Extravaganza in Dobbs Ferry (New Location)

Dobbs Ferry–FREE
Sunday, December 10
Enjoy an epic Hanukkah family event at Dobbs Ferry's waterfront park. Witness the Guinness World Record Holder create a massive ice menorah! Enjoy a thrilling drone light show and gelt drop, a spectacular fire performance, arts and crafts, plus delicious latkes and doughnuts. READ MORE

Chappaqua's Holiday Stroll - RESCHEDULED

Chappaqua–FREE
Sunday, December 10
It’s the most magical time of year again and the annual holiday stroll is back! Christmas comes alive in this charming hamlet, and this is the perfect time for families to enjoy a festive day in downtown Chappaqua with ice sculpting, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa.  READ MORE

Nutcracker, Short and Sweet

Peelskill
Sunday, December 10
Don’t miss this local, family-oriented rendition of a classic holiday favorite ballet, The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker, Short and Sweet offers the timeless music of Tchaikovsky, favorite dances performed by a company of committed dancers from the Hudson Valley, engaging narration, and costumes that will delight every guest—in a setting and at a price that is perfect for audiences ages 3 and older. READ MORE

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