12 Days Of Cheer In Mid Hudson Valley: Making This A December To Remember

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around the Mid Hudson Valley. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes the Mid Hudson Valley feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.

1. Take in the holiday magic of A Frosty Fest.

Kick off your holiday season with an immersive mix of drive-through lights and walk-through attractions at A Frosty Fest in Ulster Park. Families can explore animated displays, meet festive characters, enjoy stage shows and wander themed trails across the grounds. While you’re there, pick up a sweet seasonal treat for the road or explore the venue’s gift shops. Advance reservations are strongly recommended; both the drive-through and walk-through experiences are included with admission.

2. Wander through Kevin McCurdy’s Holiday Spirit Festival.

Celebrate a longstanding Hudson Valley tradition at Kevin McCurdy’s Holiday Spirit Festival in Wappingers Falls, where the Winter Wonderland Walk brings stories, characters and sparkling displays to life. Families can join Mrs. Claus for a scavenger hunt, meet holiday friends along the trail and visit Santa in his reindeer barn. Reserve your tickets online; discounts are available for seniors (60+ years) and children under 12.

3. Stroll through Arboretum Holiday Lights in Bloom.

Enjoy a peaceful evening outing at the Holiday Lights in Bloom display at the Orange County Arboretum in Montgomery, where gardens and pathways glow with themed illuminations. Visitors can browse seasonal items at the Arboretum Boutique, including handcrafted ornaments and winter décor. The free walk-through event runs Fridays through Sundays from Nov. 28 to Dec. 28, 5–8 p.m. (last entry at 7 p.m.). Parking and admission are both free at Thomas Bull Memorial Park.

4. Warm up with a visit to Hudson Roastery.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle with a stop at Hudson Roastery, where small-batch beans are roasted onsite and served with a focus on quality and consistency. The café’s welcoming atmosphere makes it a natural pause point between local shops and galleries. Guests can enjoy drinks in-house or pick up beans for brewing at home; seasonal offerings are posted on the shop’s website.

5. Indulge in classic Italian pastries at La Deliziosa.

Create your own sweet holiday tradition at La Deliziosa, a Poughkeepsie bakery crafting classic Italian pastries since 1974. Choose from cannoli, biscotti, sfogliatelle and seasonal specialties made fresh each day using old-world methods, or order a custom cake in advance of your next holiday gathering. The bakery is open daily, with senior discounts available on Wednesdays.

6. Bask in the glow of the ERDAJT Holiday Light Display.

Head to Union Vale to experience the ERDAJT Holiday Light Display, one of the region’s most elaborate shows with more than 745,000 lights synchronized to 250 songs. This family-run tradition brings crowds from across the Mid-Hudson Valley and supports local charities each year. This year’s show debuts on Nov. 28 at 4:45 p.m. and run nightly through Dec. 28; keep an eye on their website and their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

7. Find festive gifts at Handmade and More.

If you’re checking off your holiday list, stop into Handmade and More in downtown New Paltz, a longtime local favorite for artisan gifts, clothing, accessories and toys. The shop emphasizes community-minded, thoughtfully crafted items and offers complimentary gift wrapping for easy pickup before your holiday outing. Seasonal décor and ornaments are stocked throughout December; shop hours and new arrivals are regularly updated online.

8. Dine lakeside at The Lakeview House.

Enjoy a cozy seasonal meal at The Lakeview House, a long-standing local favorite overlooking Orange Lake. The restaurant has served the community since 1899, and remains well-loved today for its hearty dishes, daily specials and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Guests dine in warm, wood-accented rooms with views of the water, making it a comfortable spot for holiday dinners with family or friends. Lake View House is open Wednesday through Sunday; reservations are recommended during the busy season.

9. Experience Peace, Love & Lights at Bethel Woods.

Head to Bethel to experience Peace, Love & Lights, the annual drive-through display that winds across the historic grounds of the 1969 Woodstock festival site. The 1.7-mile route features themed light installations that play off the rolling Catskills landscape, creating a scenic holiday outing that feels distinctly tied to the region. The show runs nightly from Nov. 28 to Dec. 28, with Monday evenings reserved for a walk-through version for those who prefer to explore on foot. Tickets are available online, with pricing varying by vehicle; an add-on Dasher Pass lets you skip the line on weekends.

10. Shop seasonal treasures at Daffodils Gift Shoppe.

Treat your loved ones (or yourself) with something Daffodils Gift Shoppe in Poughkeepsie’s Eastdale Village Town Center. Open seven days a week, the boutique features curated gifts, ranging from jewelry and apparel to Jellycat plush, home décor and stationery. The friendly staff can help you find the perfect gift—and complimentary wrapping makes it a one-stop shop.

11. Savor a special holiday meal at The Bocuse Restaurant.

Mark a celebration or winter gathering with dinner at the Culinary Institute of America’s Bocuse Restaurant in Hyde Park, where students present contemporary French cuisine shaped by modern techniques. Guests enjoy a refined dining experience with world-class service and creative dishes with signature touches—the liquid nitrogen-churned ice cream is a standout. The restaurant can fill up quickly during the holidays, so reservations are highly recommended.

12. Cut your own tree at Balsam Ridge Christmas Tree Farm.

Create a new holiday tradition by choosing and cutting your own tree at Balsam Ridge Christmas Tree Farm in Clinton. Families can browse fields filled with firs and spruces and use the provided saw, or request help from the friendly staff. The farm opens the Friday after Thanksgiving and operates weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until sold out, with weekday visits available by appointment. All cut-your-own trees are $12 per foot.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Mid Hudson Valley!

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