The thermostats have finally hit freezing temperatures, radio stations have been playing holiday favorites and icicle lights are brightening towns everywhere. It’s officially holiday season in the Hudson Valley! While hibernating through the first snowfall might sound appealing, you’ll be missing out on all of the new activities that are only here when the colder months come around. From outdoor hiking and skating, to holiday shopping events and entertainment, make sure you check out some of these holiday hotspots this snowy season.
Weekend Getaways
Bear Mountain State Park, US-9W, Bear Mountain, NY
This place has been the winter destination of my family and I for quite some
time. They have an outdoor ice skating rink open through the winter and there are plenty of winter hikes to try out too. There are various events being hosted throughout the winter including breakfast with Santa every weekend and a New Years Eve bash. The Bear Mountain Inn is available for stay on the historic site if you’re interested in spending a cozy weekend away this season.
Mohonk Mountain House, 1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz, NY
No matter what season it is, The Mohonk Mountain House offers some of the most spectacular views of the valley. The winter season brings a number of special events to the house including ugly sweater weekends, family fun weekends and spa service specials on select weekends. Check out what they have to offer before booking your next trip on the west side of the river.
Historic Sightseeing
The Hudson Valley is home to some of the oldest and most historical estates from the Gilded Age of America. Each offer their own unique events open to the public such as an evening out at a gala or a guided holiday tour of the mansion.
Vanderbilt Mansion, 119 Vanderbilt Park Rd, Hyde Park, NY
When: December 14th, 6-8pm
Christmas Illumination at Vanderbilt Mansion
When: December 16th, 5-8pm
Check out other Vanderbilt events here.
Mills Mansion, 75 Mills Mansion Dr, Staatsburg, NY
A Gilded Age Christmas
When: Tours available until the end of December
Check out other Mills Mansion events here.
Holiday Shopping
Cold Spring by Candlelight
Make sure to visit Cold Spring in Putnam County this holiday season for a day filled with caroling, story-telling and a guided tour of Cold Spring’s most historic houses. Stores and restaurants will be staying open late to commemorate the event and it may even end with a visit from Mr. Claus himself! All proceeds from this event will go to Partners with PARC, to help fund programs and services for people with developmental disabilities in the county.
Beacon Hop and Shop
This Thursday and Friday, December 13th & 14th, 54 Beacon businesses will be coming together for 2 night of festive shopping, sales and specials. All businesses and shops will stay open until 9pm and they will be announcing special deals as the event gets closer. So go visit downtown Beacon later this week to see this special event in action! Participating shops, restaurants and businesses are listed below.
Participating Businesses: No.3 Reading Room & Photo Book Works, A Lucky
Cut, AfterEden, Gallery, Artifact, Baja 328,BAU, Beacon Bath & Bubble, Beacon Fine Jewelers Inc., Beetle and Fred, Black Bird Attic, Bra Fit Expert, Campbell & Campbell, Chill Wine Bar, Denise Gianna Designs, Draught, Dream in Plastic, Echo Women’s Boutique And Toystore, Green Mountain Minerals, Howling at the Edge of Chaos, Hudson Valley Brewery, Hudson Valley Marshmallow Company, Jeffrey Terreson Fine Art, Kaight, King + Curated, knot too shabby, La Mère Clothing + Goods, Lambs Hill Bridal, Loopy Mango,, Luxe Optique, Melzingah Tap House, More Good, Mountain Tops, NFP, Oak Vino, Raven Rose, Reservoir, Round House, Sallye Ander, Style Storehouse, The Blushery, The Chocolate Studio, The Greenroom Beauty Lounge, The Pandorica, The Studio at Beacon, The Underground Beacon, The Vault, Tito Santana Taqueria, Tourmaline home, Utensil, Kitchenware, Vintage Beacon, Wares, Wyld Womyn, Hudson Land Design, Sanctuary
Winters Farmers Markets
Although apple picking season is over and fall harvest season has come to an end, there are still plenty of fresh finds in the winter months. Many local vendors will visit town farmers markets all over the Hudson Valley and offer in-season vegetables and an assortment of fresh pantry items such as maple syrup, honey, artisanal cheeses, breads, eggs, meats, dairy and even seafood. Looking to get your hands on some of these items? Check out this list of local farmers markets:
Columbia County
Dutchess County
Orange County
Putnam County
Rockland County
Sullivan County
Ulster County
Westchester County
Wishing you all the happiest of holiday seasons!
