Photo by Jessica Norman
2023 Illuminated Holiday Experiences In and Around Westchester
Enjoy the magic of the holidays at one of the many illuminated experiences in the area. This includes stylized holiday lights, animatronics, holiday characters, and much more! Check out our complete list below of some of the experiences to check out this month.
2023 Grand Holiday Illumination
Visit Untermyer Gardens during their annual Grand Holiday Illuminations. This free event features more than 100,000 holiday lights in this fun walk-through experience. Running from December 8th at 5:30 pm-January 1st from 4:30pm- 8:00pm, no reservations are required. Additionally, this illuminated holiday experience is open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Untermyer Gardens, 945 North Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701.
Holiday Lane at American Christmas
One of our favorite holiday experiences from last year is back with Holiday Lane at American Christmas. This illuminated experience includes the chance to see 100,000 holiday lights and 100 animatronics and figurines within nine themed areas. Additionally, American Christmas donates 100% of their net ticket sales to three local nonprofits. This includes the Mount Vernon Boys & Girls Club, Northeast STEM Starter Academy of Mt. Vernon, and Youth Community Outreach Program of Mount Vernon. Open from now until December 22nd, various times. American Christmas, 30 Warren Place, Mount Vernon, NY 10550.
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza
Enjoy this magical drive-through experience with 1.2 miles of colorful holiday lights, holiday animations, holiday music, and greetings from a live Santa. The drive-thru experience is around 25-30 minutes. You and your kids will see tons of holiday moments and attractions, such as the Fireside Forest, Winter Winds Way, Dove Drive, Christmas Tree Plaza with 32-foot snowflakes, Land of Packages, Magical Woods, Elf Disco, and a colorful 100-feet tunnel with swirling colors.
Additionally, bring a mug of hot chocolate and your favorite cozy snacks as you experience this illuminated experience from the warmth of your car. The magic starts on Friday November 24th at 6:00pm and runs until December 31st. Tickets are $35 per car. Westchester Winter Wonderland, Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Pkwy Rd, Valhalla, NY 10595.
Festival of Lights at Harvest Moon & Orchard
Enjoy this fun holiday walk-through experience filled with illuminated sculptures and larger-than-life animals. The half-mile experience includes illuminated tunnels, musical lights, and fun photo ops. Plus, enjoy a visual wonderland of half a million brilliant lights, whimsical creatures, light-changing orbs, thematic installations and interactive displays! Held from November 17th-December 31st, tickets range from $37-$17. Harvest Moon and Orchard, 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY 10560.
A Frosty Fest
Take a road trip to Ulster Park to experience all things holiday with Frosty Fest! This includes a drive-thru experience with animations, holiday characters, a magical comedy show, a light show, and much more! Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Attractions, 778 Broadway, Route 9W, Ulster Park, NY 12487.
Kevin McCurdy’s Holiday Spirit Festival
This Hudson Valley tradition is back where you can enjoy 15 holiday scenes, light displays, holiday characters, and the sights and sounds of the holidays. This includes Santa workshop, snow magic, a forest of lights, and much more in this walk-through experience. Plus, enjoy a tree lighting every night, a 4D gingerbread, entertainment, and much more. 38 Sheafe Rd, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
Peace, Love, and Lights
Experience a magical illuminated experience at the iconic Bethel Woods. Enjoy this experience from November 24th-26th; November 30th-December 3rd; December 7th-10th and daily from December 14th-31st. This includes festive areas such as New York; Holidays Around The World; Snowflake Alley; Christmas; Candy Cane Lane; Enchanted Forest; and an ode to their historic site, Groovy Way. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts 200 Hurd Road, Bethel, NY, 12720.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Enter the illuminated world of the Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo. This annual experience takes place from November 17th-January 7th where you and your family can enjoy immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns and animated light shows. Additionally, this year includes a lantern display showcasing the wildlife of New York’s ocean as well as an interactive experience. Plus, they are offering sensory inclusive nights on December 7th and January 5th. Throughout the month, you’ll also find interactive performances, ice carving demos, a holiday train, seasonal treats, and more. 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460.
Winter Lantern
Visit the Queens Farm to enjoy this illuminated experience. A family-friendly night walk, you’ll experience a range lanterns inspired by Chinese myths, legends, and zodiacs. Incredibly, the lanterns are hand-painted by artisans, transforming the space into a radiant oasis. The experience is around 30-minutes long. 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Queens, NY 11004
