Decked out in tinsel and twinkling lights, the Hudson Valley is at its most enchanting in December as communities gather in cozy traditions from sparkling street festivals and beloved Nutcrackers to classic plays and candlelit concerts. Here are the standout Hudson Valley holiday events bringing warmth, wonder, and a little local magic to 2025.
Polar Express Train Ride
Through December 30 at Kingston Plaza
Catskill Mountain Railroad’s rolling tribute to The Polar Express mixes storybook nostalgia with real-world charm: hot chocolate from dancing chefs, golden tickets, and a North Pole encounter complete with Santa and elves. A silver sleigh bell seals the trip—a small object with a large ring of wonder.
Minard’s Christmas Special
Every Friday-Sunday, 5-9pm, through Christmas
The region’s farms keep finding more and more clever ways to extend their season and bring people to the property. Minard’s in Clintondale has turned their family farm into a winter wonderland for the holiday season with a stunning light show that illuminates the trees, buildings, fences, and landscape of the agricultural property. In addition to the dazzling lights, there is also holiday music, food, and a bar for big kids. Minard’s Christmas Special is open every Friday through Sunday evening from November 28 through Christmas.
Wintertide
November 29 in the Rondout District of Kingston
Kingston’s Wintertide celebration returns November 29, decking the Rondout with festive cheer from 11am–7pm. Enjoy the tree lighting at dusk, live music by Finding Alice, and dozens of family-friendly happenings—from Breakfast with Santa at Half Moon Cafe to ornament making, story time, wine tastings, puppetry, carolers, and more. Collect stamps in your Wintertide Passport to win a local raffle basket.
Snowflake Festival
December 5 in Uptown Kingston
Kingston’s annual Snowflake Festival transforms Uptown into a sparkling winter block party, complete with twinkling lights, fire jugglers, ice carvings, and roaming holiday characters. Local shops stay open late as families enjoy music, treats, and festive fun along Wall and North Front Streets from 6-8pm. It’s a cheerful, old-fashioned celebration that kicks off the Hudson Valley holiday season.
A Holiday Tribute To Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 5 at Bearsville Theater Lounge in Woodstock
Jason Crosby brings his genre-hopping virtuosity to A Charlie Brown Christmas at Bearsville Theater Lounge, reimagining Vince Guaraldi’s iconic score with elegant, heartfelt flair. A multi-instrumentalist who’s played with legends from Santana to Pete Seeger, Crosby delivers a warm, inventive holiday tribute perfect for cozy-season nostalgia. Kids under 10 get in free.
“A Christmas Story”
December 5–21 at the Center for Performing Arts, Rhinebeck
Ralphie’s quest for a Red-Ryder BB gun returns in all its 1940s glory. Leg lamps glow, tongues freeze to metal, and pink bunny pajamas make their annual appearance. Centerstage Productions dusts off the nostalgia without losing the grit, delivering a crisp, affectionate rendition of the holiday classic. (Also at the Center, as part of the Kids on Stage Workshop, young actors will stage a musical version of Dicken’s classic “A Christmas Carol” on December 13-14.)
“Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley”
December 5–21 at Shadowland Stages, Ellenville
The final installment of the “Christmas at Pemberley” trilogy brings Georgiana Darcy and Kitty Bennet to center stage, where Austen-era decorum meets holiday warmth. Letters, secrets, and musical interludes glide through the Pemberley estate just after Pride and Prejudice, creating a tale that tips its bonnet to tradition while steering its own sleigh.
Winter Walk
December 6 in Hudson
Hudson’s 29th annual Winter Walk once again turns Warren Street into a mile-long holiday diorama. Live music, circus flourishes, illuminated storefronts, and fireworks fill the corridor as food trucks and performers mingle with crowds. With the road closed to cars, the city becomes its own open-air stage.
Newburgh’s Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
December 6 in Newburgh
Newburgh’s annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting returns December 6. Beginning at 3pm, festive floats and city departments escort Santa through local neighborhoods before ending at City Hall, where the tree lights up at 6pm. Designated viewing areas include Delano Hitch Park and the Newburgh Armory Unity Center.
“A Christmas Carol: Live Radio Play”
December 6-7 at Rosendale Theatre
Rosendale Theatre presents A Christmas Carol: Live Radio Play on December 6 and 7—a 1940s-style retelling of the Dickens classic brought to life by five WRDL Radio Players, vintage sound effects, and live music. With Broadway actors and family-friendly charm, this 70-minute show lets audiences experience Scrooge’s transformation in an immersive, old-time radio setting.
“An Armarcord Christmas”
December 7 at Caramoor in Katonah
Part of the Rosen House Concert Series that takes place in the music room of the historic Rosen House at Caramoor, this intimate concert presents acclaimed German vocal ensemble Armarcord in a program of holiday songs that highlights the quintet’s rich harmonic blend and dazzling dynamic range. The group is widely renowned for their masterful interpretations of both classical and contemporary choral works. (Roseanne Cash performs to benefit Caramoor programming December 6.) 3pm.
Holidelic!
December 12–13 at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, Tivoli
Everett Bradley’s alter ego “Papadelic” returns in a cloud of funk and tinsel. Holidelic! mashes up P-Funk swagger with seasonal sparkle, spinning original grooves and remixed classics into a full-tilt holiday pageant. With its neon-bright ensemble and dance-floor energy, this is Christmas with a bassline.
“The Nutcracker”
December 12-14 at UPAC and Bardavon
No matter what side of the river you’re on, there’s a version of “The Nutcracker” for you to see in mid-December. Over 40 years, Catskill Ballet Theatre has turned this annual event into a beloved Hudson Valley holiday tradition filled with shimmering sets, exquisite choreography, and heartfelt community spirit. There are performances at UPAC December 12, 13, 14. You can also follow Clara’s magical journey from festive parlor to the radiant Land of Sweets across the Hudson River at Bardavon on December 13 and 14, staged here by the New Paltz Ballet Theatre, which is in its 29th season and includes dancers from New York City Ballet. (If you have small children with short attention spans, try the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater’s “Short and Sweet” take on the holiday classic, which will be staged on December 21 and clocks in at an hour.)
A Maxwell Parsley Christmas Show
December 13 at Bearsville Theater in Woodstock
Chris Maxwell and Ambassador Parsley return with director Michael Quinn for their riotous Christmas show, featuring original holiday tunes and a stacked lineup of local favorites like Marco Benevento, Bobby Tisdale, Kendra Mckinley, and more. Expect laughs, surprise guests, and a festive raffle supporting Family of Woodstock.
“Into the Light”
December 13–14 at the Rosendale Theater
The Vanaver Caravan and Arm-of-the-Sea Theater revive “Into the Light,” a Hudson Valley solstice staple. Lucia’s quest to brighten her dimming village becomes a multicultural celebration of Kwanzaa, Diwali, Yule, and more, carried by giant puppets, global dance, and guest artists from Ubaka Hill to Fei Tian College students.
Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Holiday Hootenanny”
December 17 at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy
The Grammy-winning Americana band Old Crow Medicine show lands at this 1875 venue and registered National Historic Landmark for a hootin’, hollerin’, freewheelin’ night of jubilant and timely tunes, many of them from the beloved string band’s brand-new holiday album, OCMS XMAS. For this one-of-a-kind seasonal celebration, they’ll be joined by special guest fiddler Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, who’ll bring some festive fire to this family-friendly holiday hoedown.
“A Celtic Christmas”
December 18 at UPAC in Kingston
Irish music and dance sensation A Taste of Ireland presents its holiday spectacular, “A Celtic Christmas” in the Hudson Valley for the second year running. Featuring former World Irish Dance champions and stars from “Lord of the Dance” and “Riverdance,” this high-energy performance transports weaves together lively jigs, heartfelt ballads, and acapella tap battles, all while celebrating the warmth of the season. With a mix of folk music, electrifying rhythms, and beloved carols, “A Celtic Christmas” promises an evening filled with Irish wit and world-class talent.
“Nut/Cracked”
December 19–21 at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, Tivoli
The Bang Group’s “Nut/Cracked” loosens the collar of “The Nutcracker” and lets it dance. David Parker’s 22-scene collage swaps narrative for invention—tap, ballet, disco, modern fragments, and straight-up silliness stitched into a witty, musical, and unexpectedly tender holiday romp.
Handel’s “Messiah”
December 20 at First Presbyterian Church, Hudson
River Valley Baroque brings a full-bodied “Messiah” to one of Hudson’s most resonant sanctuaries. The Burlington Baroque Festival Singers, l’Harmonie des Saisons, and standout soloists deliver a historically informed reading that leans into both grandeur and intimacy. The “Hallelujah” chorus lands with cathedral-sized force.
Jessica Lynn’s “A Very Merry Classic Christmas”
December 20 at UPAC
Jessica Lynn’s acclaimed “A Very Merry Classic Christmas” brings dancers, choirs, big effects, and beloved carols and holiday songs to the Hudson Valley, delivering a fast-selling, family-friendly spectacle that doubles as a Toys for Tots drive. Expect snow, fog, strobing lights, flying props—and a full-on immersive holiday whirlwind.
This article appears in December 2025.
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