Drive-thrus, walk-throughs, and immersive experiences in and around Westchester County
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.
Kensico Dam, Valhalla
Drive-thru experience
Tickets: $35 per vehicle
Dates: November 24th - December 31st
From the website:
Starting Friday November 24th 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.
Harvest Moon, North Salem
Walk-through experience
Tickets: Children 3 - 12 $23+, 13 and over $28+ (varies by date/time)
Dates: November 17 - 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! We are so excited to announce this season's Festival of Lights 2023, when 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 2, 3, 9, 15, 16
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 1st - December 22nd
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, 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 17th - January 7th
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.
Bronx, NY
Walk-through experience
Dates: November 17, 24, 25; December 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 26–30, 2023; January 6 & 13, 2024
Tickets:
-Adults: $35
-Students (with valid ID)/Seniors (65+): $31
-Children (2-12 years): $15
From the website:
This holiday season don’t miss NYBG GLOW as it returns for its fourth year! Discover the beauty of our landscape and historic buildings after dark, breathtakingly illuminated.
During these special evenings, the Garden’s iconic sights and buildings, including the Haupt Conservatory and the LuEsther T. Mertz Library Building, become dramatic, glittering canvases. Thousands of dazzling, energy-efficient choreographed lights and sound along with picture-perfect installations create a spectacle not to be missed. While you’re exploring, enjoy drinks and light bites for purchase at one of NYBG’s outdoor bars or the Bronx Night Market Holiday Pop-Up.
Thomas Bull Park, Montgomery Orange County
Walking Paths
Free
Peace, Love, and Lights at Bethel Woods
Bethel, NY
Drive-thru experience
Tickets: From $30 per vehicle
Dates:
-Partial Week Schedule: Nov 24 ‐ 26, Nov 30 ‐ Dec 3, Dec 7 ‐ 10, 2023
-Daily: December 14 ‐ 31, 2023
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!
