Westchester in December feels like it was designed for holiday magic — twinkling lights in every town center, cozy cafés serving warm cider, festive markets, and family traditions that make this community feel like home.
Whether you’re decking the halls, hosting out-of-town guests, or simply enjoying the most wonderful time of year, here are 12 festive events around Westchester County to help you celebrate the season.
🗓️ Day 1: Winter Wonderland at Kensico Dam Plaza — Valhalla
Kick off the holidays at the beloved Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru at Kensico Dam. Expect dazzling light tunnels, glowing snowflakes, animated displays, and cheerful holiday music — all from the comfort of your car. Perfect for little ones bundled in pajamas with hot cocoa in hand. If you're opting for free fun, each year, the plaza transforms into a glowing winter wonderland with dazzling light displays, towering illuminated sculptures, and festive music that fills the entire park.
Visitors can stroll the grounds, sip hot cocoa from local vendors, and take holiday photos under the massive arches of the dam — a stunning backdrop for Christmas memories. It’s one of Westchester’s most beloved holiday traditions and perfect for kids, couples, and anyone who wants a dose of seasonal magic.
🗓️ Day 2: Festival of Lights — North Salem
Westchester’s favorite autumn orchard turns into a winter wonderland this December, with over 500,000 lights, glowing forest displays, sparkling creatures, and interactive scenes. Enjoy photo ops, festive drinks, bars, fire pits, food, and even a hot air balloon. Tickets available through December 30.
🗓️ Day 3: Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm — Yorktown Heights
Nothing beats heading to Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm to cut your own tree. Wander the rows, pick your perfect evergreen, then warm up with fresh cider donuts, hot cocoa, and homemade pies before taking your tree home. A Westchester classic.
🗓️ Day 4: Grand Holiday Illumination — Yonkers
Untermyer Gardens Conservancy is lighting up the season with its annual Holiday Illumination. Stroll through the Walled Garden glowing with 150,000 sparkling lights, accompanied by multicultural seasonal music and complimentary hot chocolate. This event is free and open to all.
🗓️ Day 5: Peppermint Christmas — New Rochelle
This annual holiday display has been held for 28 years. New Rochelle families can enjoy over 16,000 LED lights and 85 figurines, all set to holiday music, and take in all of the fun at Peppermint Christmas. The Peppermint Christmas display runs until January 5th.
96 Hill St, New Rochelle, NY 10801
🗓️ Day 6: Danny’s Christmas Trees & Wreaths — Eastchester
Short on time? Swing by Danny’s. This seasonal pop-up stand has excellent trees, handmade wreaths, and friendly staff ready to help you bundle and go. Fast, festive, and dependable.
www.facebook.com/p/Dannys-Christmas
🗓️ Day 7: Westchester Holiday Market — White Plains
Head to Bryant Park–style holiday market vibes in downtown White Plains. Shop from local makers, sip mulled wine, grab gourmet bites, and knock out gift-list items with handcrafted goods you won’t find on Amazon.
🗓️ Day 8: The Nutcracker Performances — Various Locations
From the Westchester Ballet Company to small-town studios, The Nutcracker runs all month long. Dress up, grab a hot cocoa, and enjoy a timeless tradition. Perfect December date night or family outing.
🗓️ Day 9: Keeler Lighting Display — Putnam Valley
Take a drive out to Putnam County to enjoy the Keeler Christmas Light Display. This stunning Christmas light display in Putnam features nearly 1 million lights, creating a spectacular scene just north of the Westchester border.
www.facebook.com/keelerchristmaslights
🗓️ Day 10: Night of Light Hanukkah Celebration — Bedford Corners
The grounds of Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford will glow with thousands of lights to usher in the holiday. The free event features traditional Jewish songs, food and beverages, and face-painting for the kiddos—you can also bring your own menorah to light. Reservations required on the temple’s website.
🗓️ Day 11: Holiday Lights on the Farm — Katonah
Holiday hayrides, farm tours, wreath workshops, and nature walks — Muscoot Farm shines in December. Bundle up, enjoy the fresh air, and soak up cozy countryside charm without leaving Westchester.
🗓️ Day 12: New Year’s Eve Dining & Events
Wrap up the holiday season with festive dinners, live music, and champagne toasts at local favorites in Rye, Bronxville, White Plains, and Armonk. Whether you’re dressing up or keeping it cozy, Westchester has a perfect farewell-to-the-year spot for you.
Make It Merry, Keep It Local
Whether you're sipping hot cocoa at Kensico Dam or picking out a tree in Hartsdale, Westchester offers endless ways to celebrate the season. These traditions are part of what make living here so special — community-driven, family-focused, and full of heart.
If you’re celebrating your first winter here, welcome — you’re in for a treat. And if you’ve been here a while, you know: there’s no place quite like Westchester during the holidays.
