With the winter season in full swing, embark on family travel through New York’s captivating winter wonderlands, filled with festive lights, holiday cheer and seasonal entertainment. Below are a variety of activities and tours you won’t want to miss this season:
Through Dec. 23, head to the Finger Lakes for twinkling lights, smells of pine, fire pits, hot cocoa and holiday carols in Rochester’s Roc Holiday Village. Guests can meet Santa Claus in his magical workshop, go ice skating with the family, create free crafts, and explore the shopping villages for unique gifts and tasty treats. Head to The Lodge Bar for a warm chalet feel, complete with live holiday music.
Until Christmas, Skaneateles hosts its Dickens Christmas, offering a variety of events and happenings around the town. A full cast of characters from A Christmas Carol roam the village streets interacting with visitors and singing carols. Enjoy complimentary eggnog and roasted chestnuts, horse-drawn carriage rides, a snowman-building contest and a chance to meet Father Christmas.
Sweet Creations Gingerbread Display
Each winter George Eastman Museum in Rochester transforms into a holiday delight with seasonal décor collections on display. Marvel at the more than 50 decorated gingerbread houses in the mansion, each offering bright colors and sweet aromas.
Until Jan. 7, the historic Horace Greeley House, in downtown Chappaqua, transforms into a winter wonderland. The holiday tree stands more than 6 feet tall, with multiple model trains riding along six levels of tracks. Holiday trains wind through miniature landscapes and villages in every room. Make sure to explore the new Harry Potter LEGO scenes, including the Hogwarts Express and Platform 9 ¾.
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland
Until the end of the year, travelers can drive through the Winter Wonderland in Valhalla for dazzling lights sparkling for more than a merry mile. Enjoy festive elves, glowing angels, a 50-foot dove, dancing trees, snowballs, candy canes, a 175-foot light tunnel and a glowing 40-foot Christmas tree.
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