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Insider Tips for Seeing Christmas Lights in the Hudson Valley

• Visit light displays on weeknights if possible to avoid weekend crowds. Owners have also advised that there are fewer crowds early in the season.
• The neighborhood lights are most easily accessible by car.
• Bathrooms will not be available at private homes, so be sure to explore nearby options in advance.
• Dress warm and wear comfortable shoes for walk-throughs. 
• One of the benefits of neighborhood lights is that you can enjoy them from the comfort of your car, but make sure you have snacks. Festive holiday music will also add to the fun!

Neighborhood Christmas & Holiday Lights in the Hudson Valley FAQ

Q: Where are the best Christmas lights in the Hudson Valley?
 A: Our top picks for Christmas light displays are the Erdajt display and Bruschi Christmas. 
Q: Are there free Christmas light displays in the Hudson Valley?
 A: The neighborhood light displays are all free. 
Q: When do Christmas lights start in the Hudson Valley?
 A: Most major displays begin in mid-November and run through early January. Neighborhood lights usually go up right after Thanksgiving.
Q: Are Hudson Valley holiday lights kid-friendly?
 A: Definitely! Most of these displays are designed with kids in mind, featuring Santa and other festive holiday characters.

The ERDAJT display has been cited by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Holiday Light Displays in Dutchess County in 2025

ERDAJT Holiday Light Display – LaGrangeville

8 Patrick Drive
Friday, November 28-Saturday, December 28, 2025
You know you’ve got a good light display when the Guinness Book of World Records takes notice: In years past, this display, which has 745,994 lights this year, has set a record for the most lights. You’ll find snowmen, hearts, presents, Christmas trees, the Peanuts gang, and much more. The show, now in its 29th year, kicks off at 4:45pm every day. For a festive soundtrack, tune your car to 95.3 FM. Also great? On specific days, they'll be collecting for various charities.

Holiday Spirit Festival – Wappingers Falls

38 Sheafe Road
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Friday, November 28-Saturday, December 27, 2025
Head to this enchanting holiday walk-thru seasonal extravaganza, where you can see what 1 million lights look like up close. Explore themed areas such as the Christmas Canyon, Gingerbread Village, and more. Please note: You have to buy tickets to this one online before heading over!

Christmas Displays in Orange County in 2025

Bruschi Christmas – Walkill

5 Madre Decristo Road
Friday, November 28, 2025-Wednesday, January 1, 2026
The Bruschi family has been syncing its dazzling Christmas display to music since 2012, and it's continuing the tradition this year. Tune in to 87.9 FM to hear and watch the show—which runs about 30 minutes—and enjoy the brightly lit candy canes, Christmas trees, and the rest of the twinkling lights that make up the display. Lights are on from 5-10pm.

Watt Christmas Wonderland – Goshen

310 Scotchtown Road
Friday, November 28-Sunday, December 28, 2025
What began as a light display at owner John Watt's mother’s house has grown into a stand-alone, drive-thru Christmas village. See Santa, snowmen, and lots more holiday characters as you drive through this stunning display, which boasts close to a mile of lights that you can visit from 6-9pm (weather permitting). There’s a donation of $10 per car, and vehicles can’t be taller than 8 feet. Pro tip: Consider making your trip on a weeknight when it’s considerably less busy.

Holiday Lights in Bloom – Montgomery

41 Grove Street
Friday, November 28-Sunday, December 28, 2025
Lights in Bloom at the Orange County Arboretum in Thomas Bull Park is a must-see for bug lovers. Along with decked-out trees, the show dazzles with brightly lit snails, bugs, birds, flowers, and lots more of your favorites from nature. The show, which runs from 5pm-8pm, is FREE! (One note: Leave the pets at home for this one!)

More 2025 Hudson Valley Holiday Light Displays

Peace, Love & Lights – Bethel

200 Hurd Road
Friday, November 28-Sunday, December 28, 2025
The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts hosts this drive-thru light display, now in its sixth year, which pays homage to the site's roots as the home of Woodstock. Enjoy themed areas like Groovy Way, an Enchanted Forest, Snowflake Alley, and Holidays Around the World. You can also check out The Holiday Hub for eats and drinks. Drive-thru admission starts at $27/vehicle. Monday walk-thru admission is $12 for ages 12 and up (or donate an unwrapped toy to receive free admission for one adult); those under 12 are FREE.

RELATED: Pictures With Santa in Westchester

At a Frosty Fest you’ll find magical lights, elves at work, and Santa himself.

Frosty Fest – Ulster Park

778 Broadway
Select dates from Friday, November 28-Sunday, December 21, 2025
There are lights of all sorts at this holiday festival, along with attractions and countless characters ready to pose for pictures. Gawk at the tons of holiday characters, including Mr. and Mrs. Frosty, the Gingerbread Man, Rudolph, and more. Photo-ops await around every turn. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be booked online.

Originally published in 2015.

All photos are courtesy of the houses/organizers.