Are you ready to get into the holiday spirit? Then there is no better place to visit than the gorgeous Hudson Valley. Here, in picturesque surroundings—think sophisticated riverside cities or chic country towns—you can find brilliant light displays, historic mansions decorated to the nines in festive glory, gingerbread house workshops and much more. So whether you’re bringing the kids or need a grownup night out, hop on an Amtrak train at the Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in Manhattan—and hop off in the Hudson Valley to make some precious holiday memories to last a lifetime.
Staatsburgh, NY
Through Dec. 31
Distance to the Rhinecliff-Kingston Station (RHI): 5.6 miles
The gilded age mansion in Staatsburgh was the country home of Ogden Mills, who made his fortune by investing in banks and railroads, and his wife , Ruth Livingston Mills. This holiday season the Beaux-Arts mansion—featuring 65 rooms and 14 bathrooms—will be decorated in true turn-of-the-century style. The historic rooms are filled with Christmas trees, garlands, and lights. Don’t miss the fun annual tradition of tucking mouse houses into the historic rooms for kids to find.
Tickets are $8 per person; $6 for seniors and students; children age 12 and younger are free. The mansion’s gift shop is open whenever the site is open.
Boscobel House and Gardens, Garrison
Fridays and Saturdays through December 16
Distance to the Croton-Harmon Station (CRT): 18 miles
This historic house museum, which containing one of the finest collections of decorative arts from the Federal period, comes alive at the holidays. Experience the mansion, and parts of the 68-acre grounds, decorated for 19th century holidays. Enjoy live music, mulled cider, hot chocolate and cookies in the the Carriage House and then stroll outside among the twinkling lights.
Adults: $30; Senior: $25; Child (ages 4-18) $18; Children under age 4 are free. Buy tickets here.
Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
Select nights through December 30
Distance to the Rhinecliff-Kingston Station (RHI): 2.9 miles
This drive-through extravaganza at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds features a mesmerizing parade of twinkling lights, magical displays, towering structures and whimsical designs. Price: $30 per vehicle for up to 8 passengers. Buy tickets at the gate or online here.
Warwick
Saturdays and Sundays through December 17
Distance to the Croton-Harmon Station (CRT): 38 miles
Enjoy a fun family day at Pennings Farm Market and Orchard. Come in to get a Christmas tree, grab lunch or dinner and have fun decorating a “Gingerbread” House. All ages are invited! Get creative with dozens of candy supplies, icing, and graham crackers all included. *House is pre-assembled with graham crackers.
$25/House (+ applicable ticket platform fees) includes house frame w/tree, icing and a selection of candy. Additional $20/House.
Tarrytown
through December 29
Distance to the Yonkers Station (YNY): 13 miles
Named one of the ““Ten Best Historic Holiday Tours,” by USA Today, the Lyndhurst Mansion goes all-out during the holiday season. This gorgeous estate on the Hudson River is filled with Christmas trees and more that complement the elegant period furnishings. During this month only, our curators bring out rarely-seen items that belonged to Lyndhurst’s former owners. A one-hour tour visits the two main floors. Tours are a one-hour discussion of history, architecture, and art, and may not be entertaining to young children.
Adult: $28; Senior, Military, Student: $26; Youth (Ages 6-16): $20; Children Ages 5 and younger are free. Buy tickets here.
Yonkers
December 8 through January 1
Distance to the Yonkers Station (YNY): 2.5 miles
Come for FREE and see the Walled Garden at Untermyer Gardens Conservancy lit with more than 100,000 lights and listen to holiday music from many traditions, including Jewish, Christian and Muslim. This attraction is open every night through Monday, January 1 from 4:30 to 8:00 pm.
Albany
Through December 20
Distance to the Albany-Rensselaer Station (ALB): TK miles
Albany’s historic Ten Broeck Mansion will be decked out in festive decorations. Guests can take time walk-through tours on Saturdays and Sundays through December 20. and find out about the origins of holiday traditions. Shop for handmade wreaths decorated by local garden club members and volunteers. The freshly stocked Museum Shop will be open. Tours include free take-home children’s kits.
Tickets $5 for adults.
