Santa rolls into town at the tail end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and starts taking gift requests at Santaland on Friday. Photo by Jody Mercier
Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in NYC: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and More Things To Do
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0
See the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
See the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC with our insider's guide and tips!
GUIDE
Guide to Thanksgiving in NYC for Kids and Families
Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: Where to Watch, What's New
Enjoy a cozy, French-style Thanksgiving meal at Le Rivage. Photo by Evan Sung
25 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025 in NYC
Many organizations throughout New York City are offering free turkey giveaways, plus full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season. Photo by John McCarten for the New York City Council
Where To Find Free Turkey in NYC for Thanksgiving Dinner 2025
Volunteer to help feed families in New York this Thanksgiving.
Best 2025 Thanksgiving Volunteering Opportunities for Families in NYC
Celebrate the shortest day of the year at Marine Park's Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the Marine Park Alliance
47 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids in 2025
Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025
Enjoy the magic of Christmas in Dyker Heights as the neighborhood lights up for the festive season. Photo courtesy of Dyker Heights Lights
Best 2025 Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in NYC
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
NYC's Coolest Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 10. Photo by Heidi Lee
34 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC November 2025 with Kids
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

20 Best Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids November 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

Ridge Hill's tree lighting ceremony will include live music and entertainment. Photo courtesy of Ridge Hill
Ridge Hill's tree lighting ceremony will include live music and entertainment. Photo courtesy of Ridge Hill
10/31/25 - By Katherine Dhurandhar

November brings loads of things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley as the area gears up for holidays from Veterans Day to Thanksgiving—and then it's full steam ahead to the holiday season!

November kicks off the season of holiday celebrations with the opening of Christmas exhibitions and light shows, including Holiday Lane at Christmas in America, the Westchester Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru, and a Polar Express-themed train ride through the Catskills. This year's opening weekend of the Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru will be a walkthrough experience featuring a holiday market, Santa fun run, and an all-new mascot dash. 

Other kid favorites this season include the Holiday Train Show at Greenburgh Nature Center as well as the return of Legoland New York's Holiday Bricktacular, featuring festive holiday performances, meet-and-greets with Lego Santa and other characters, an ice skating rink, and more. 

More Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this November with Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Check out the holiday train show at Greenburgh Nature Center. Photo courtesy of the center
Check out the holiday train show at Greenburgh Nature Center. Photo courtesy of the center

Top Things to Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley With Kids This November

Day of the Dead Celebration at New Rochelle Public Library

New Rochelle – FREE
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Learn about the cultural history of Dia de Muertos in this program by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. Enjoy live music, dazzling choreography, and heartfelt storytelling that bring this revered holiday to life.  READ MORE

Teatown’s Enchanted Forest

Ossining
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Not all that glitters is gold: without her magic ring, the Faerie Queen can’t hold her Halloween Ball! Enter the Enchanted Forest for a guided adventure in search of lost treasure featuring a cast of whimsical characters and familiar forest friends. READ MORE

Pumpkin Smash at Kelder's Farm

Poughquag
Saturday & Sunday, November 1-2, 2025
Celebrate the grand finale of the season at Kelder's Farm with a fan favorite pumpkin smash. Plus, enjoy all the usual farm attractions, including the petting zoo, slides, giant jumping pillow, taproom for adults, and much more. READ MORE

STEM Fest at Bright Horizons

Various locations
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Join Bright Horizons centers across the country for STEM Fest. This is your chance to see science, technology, engineering, and math in action with fun, hands-on activities for you and your child. READ MORE

Holiday Experience at Christmas in America

Mt Vernon
Opens Saturday, November 8, 2025
Experience holiday magic on a grand scale at the Holiday Experience at Christmas in America. Explore a 12,000-square-foot immersive experience with festive photo ops, dazzling displays, and more than 3,000 items available in the store. READ MORE

Hawk Walk at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum

Cornwall
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Take a nature walk at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum's fields and forest, accompanied by free-flighted hawks and guided by experts from Goshen’s TC Bird Management. Following your trek with these magnificent birds of prey, you will have the opportunity to meet several other raptors up close. Learn about proper handling before holding a bird on your own! READ MORE

Cross County Center Holiday Tree Lighting

Yonkers
Friday, November 14, 2025
Join Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the grumpy green one as they light the 40-foot tree at the Cross County Center. Enjoy special holiday entertainment, an electric train ride, strolling characters, food trucks, a DJ, and pop-up holiday skating rink. READ MORE

Polar Express Train Ride in Kingston

Kingston
Opens Friday, November 14, 2025
All aboard this special, seasonal train ride from the Catskill Mountain Railroad. Once on board, the conductors walk through the coach to punch your golden ticket as you’re served hot chocolate and a cookie by dancing chefs, while passengers read the classic children’s book. READ MORE

Holiday Train Show at Greenburgh Nature Center

Greenburgh
Weekends beginning Saturday, November 15, 2025
The Holiday Train Show returns to the Greenburgh Nature Center for four weekends, featuring a special 12-foot-by-18-foot display of model trains traveling through countryside scenes. READ MORE

Shrek The Musical at Yorktown Stage

Yorktown Heights
Opens Saturday, November 15, 2025
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears. READ MORE

Fall Fest Weekend at the Westchester Children's Museum

Rye
Saturday, November 15-Sunday, November 16, 2025
Kids of all ages can enjoy fun fall-themed STEAM activities that celebrate the changing seasons. Hands-on activities include leaf litter microbiomes, digital jack o'lanterns, DIY corn maze, applesauce cinnamon dough sculptures, seed sorting, and leaf raking.  READ MORE

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza

Valhalla
Opens Friday, November 21, 2025
This holiday lights extravaganza returns to Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla for its 12th season. This year's three-day opening weekend will be a walk-thru and will feature the return of the Santa Fun Run, an all-new Mascot Dash, and a winter market.  READ MORE

The Secret Garden at Broadway Training Center of Westchester

Irvington
Friday, November 21-Sunday, November 23, 2025
Broadway Training Center, the nationally awarded youth theater group, is delighted to bring its stage adaptation of The Secret Garden to the Irvington Theater! Based on the 1911 book by the same name, this musical is bound to leave audiences feeling uplifted and inspired.  READ MORE

Annual New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade

New Rochelle – FREE
Saturday, November 22, 2025
The city of New Rochelle hosts its annual Thanksgiving Parade, featuring giant parade balloons, marching bands, floats, vintage cars, dancers, singers, and marchers from local colleges, schools, and more. The parade is reportedly the largest parade in New York outside of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC.   READ MORE

The Lighting at Ridge Hill

Yonkers – FREE
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Ridge Hill Shopping Center. Experience live music, entertainment, and more as you await the arrival of Santa and count down to the lighting of the Christmas tree. READ MORE

The Wonderland of Lights in Rhinebeck

Rhinebeck
Opens Friday, November 28, 2025
This spectacular drive-thru holiday light experience returns to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. The attraction features dozens of illuminated exhibits along a mile-long route.  READ MORE

Peace, Love & Lights at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Bethel
Opens Friday, November 28, 2025
This drive-thru light experience on the site of the Woodstock Festival returns with even more lights, with themed displays depicting New York and holidays around the world plus special rock-n'-roll-themed displays honoring the site's history.  READ MORE

Holiday Kickoff at the Hudson River Museum

Yonkers
Friday, November 28-Sunday, November 30, 2025
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at the Hudson River Museum with festive programs all weekend! Experience the museum's Gilded Age historic home decked out for the holidays in Victorian splendor on guided tours, planetarium shows for all ages, and holiday-themed art and science workshops. READ MORE

Legoland New York Holiday Bricktacular

Goshen
Opens Friday, November 28, 2025
Experience the holidays at Legoland New York, where the entire resort is bursting with holiday cheer. Visit the new Lego City Elf Extravaganza, sing and dance at one of the seasonal shows, take “elfies” with your favorite holiday Lego characters, go ice skating at Icicle Alley, and more. READ MORE

A Frosty Fest

Ulster Park
Opens Friday, November 28, 2025
A Frosty Fest is the Hudson Valley's largest holiday lights spectacular. Enjoy a drive-thru experience in the comfort of your vehicle, then park and walk inside to visit Santa and dance with the characters.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Katherine Dhurandhar
Katherine Dhurandhar is a Community Publisher for Mommy Poppins, representing the Westchester and Hudson Valley region of New York, and a freelance copyeditor for Westchester Publishing Company. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling with her husband and son.
Recent Articles By Katherine Dhurandhar:
Read more articles by Katherine Dhurandhar.