12 Days Of Cheer In Nanuet: 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 Nanuet. 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 Nanuet 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. Visit the New City North Pole Airport for an over-the-top holiday light display.

The North Pole Airport has grown far beyond a simple inflatable and string of runway lights, becoming one of the tri-state area’s most impressive homegrown holiday displays. Created by the Cirlin family and located on Oriole Road in New City, the setup blends aviation-themed decorations with an enormous collection of lights, inflatables and handmade elements that draw families throughout December. Donations of non-perishable food support People to People of Rockland, and monetary gifts benefit Angel Flight North East, giving your visit a charitable purpose alongside the spectacle.

2. Spend some time on the ice at the Palisades Center Ice Rink.

The Palisades Center Ice Rink makes a fun winter stop for families looking to get in a little skating during the holiday season. Public sessions run throughout the week, with admission at $15 and skate rentals available for $5 each. Each session lasts an hour and 20 minutes. The rink posts its schedule daily, so you can look for a time that works and head over without much planning, whether you're squeezing in a skate before a movie or adding it to a day at the mall. A short drive from Nanuet inside the Palisades Center, the rink is an easy place to stretch your legs, cool off between errands and enjoy a little holiday activity together.

3. Warm up with a fresh pour at Roast’d Coffee in Nanuet.

Roast’d Coffee takes its neighborhood roastery role seriously, offering small-batch beans roasted in-house and a lineup of drinks that appeal to both casual sippers and coffee enthusiasts. The shop’s baristas love talking flavor notes and brewing methods, so you can explore something new or stick with a comforting seasonal favorite during your stop. The space itself is cozy and welcoming, making it a nice break from the holiday rush, whether you're grabbing a cup to go or settling in for a few minutes with family. Shop hours run until 5:00 p.m. daily, offering a quick option to refuel between shopping, errands or festive outings around town.

4. Enjoy small plates and seasonal cocktails at Ruby Bar & Tapas.

Ruby Bar & Tapas brings a cozy, welcoming atmosphere to Nanuet, offering shareable plates and cocktails made with fresh ingredients — perfect for a relaxed night out during the holiday season. Guests love favorites like the empanadas, shrimp tacos and guacamole with homemade chips, and the menu often includes new dishes and seasonal drinks to keep things interesting. The bar’s friendly service and laid-back vibe make it a nice spot to unwind with friends or enjoy a casual date night, especially when you want something flavorful without the formality of a big dinner. With its back lounge available for gatherings, Ruby also works well for small celebrations and meetups throughout December.

5. Take a drive through the glowing scenes at Westchester’s Winter Wonderland.

Roughly 30 minutes away, Westchester’s Winter Wonderland transforms Kensico Dam Plaza into a 1.2-mile route of colorful lights, holiday characters and larger-than-life displays your family can enjoy right from the car. The event operates on select dates through December 31, beginning at 5:00 p.m., and timed-entry tickets help keep the flow moving so you’re not stuck in long lines. As a bonus, many visitors choose to download the free Otocast app, which adds narration, themed music and stories that sync with the displays along the way.

6. Experience a classic holiday tale at ‘Mr. Dickens Tells A Christmas Carol’ at Lyndhurst.

Lyndhurst Mansion sets the stage for this intimate one-hour retelling of A Christmas Carol, performed in its art gallery much like Charles Dickens delivered it on his 1867 tour. Actor Michael Muldoon brings each character to life using the original script, and the mansion’s holiday décor adds to the atmosphere before you take your seat. The venue is roughly 25 minutes from Nanuet, so arrive early to ensure time to check in at the Welcome Center and walk through the decorated halls before the show begins. Performances run on select dates from December 14–26, and seating starts promptly with no late entry allowed.

7. Browse thoughtful reads and local events at Big Red Books.

Big Red Books has become a community hub since opening in 2023, offering a curated selection of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, cookbooks, children’s titles and works by local authors. The shop regularly hosts readings, open mics, workshops and music nights, and families often stop in for story time or to browse the shelves together. A jam-packed calendar of events keeps the space lively throughout the season, and the staff is quick to recommend something personal if you're hunting for a gift or a new winter read. Located a short drive from Nanuet in nearby Nyack, the store brings a warm, creative energy to winter outings, whether you're shopping for the holidays or exploring something new.

8. Celebrate the season with events and activities at Nanuet Town Centre.

Nanuet Town Centre offers plenty to do throughout December, with holiday pop-ups, family activities and community gatherings filling the outdoor plaza. Events range from Grinch-themed days and Santa meet-and-greets to Hanukkah celebrations and seasonal moments hosted by local organizations, giving you options whether you're stopping by with kids or meeting friends. Check the center’s event calendar before you go to see which holiday activities line up with your visit.

9. Get creative with holiday pottery at Color Me Mine in New City.

Color Me Mine in nearby New City gives families a chance to slow down and make something special together, especially during a season filled with gift-giving and festive projects. You can walk in, pick out a ceramic piece and choose from a wide range of paint colors, with staff on hand to show techniques or help kids bring their ideas to life. Once painted, each piece is fired in the kiln and ready for pickup in about a week, providing a fun option for personalized mugs, ornaments or holiday keepsakes. Holiday-themed ideas often pop up on their Facebook page — browse their posts to spark inspiration before you head over.

10. Drive through the festive displays at Watt Christmas Wonderland.

The 40-minute drive is worth it for Watt Christmas Wonderland, a long-running Goshen tradition filled with glowing displays, inflatables and nostalgic scenes that line the entire property. Families can weave past bright decorations and themed setups that shift from playful to classic, making the route feel full and varied from start to finish. The experience runs nightly from 6:00–9:00 p.m. through December 28, with a suggested donation of $10.00 per vehicle and cash-only entry. It’s a cheerful outing for anyone who loves holiday lights with a local, homespun feel.

11. Enjoy craft brews and smoky comfort food at Defiant Brewing Co.

Defiant Brewing Co. brings a laid-back, community feel to Pearl River, pairing its house-brewed ales and lagers with a smokehouse menu that’s especially appealing in colder weather. The brewery has been crafting beer for more than 16 years, and regulars come for everything from seasonal pours to small-batch specials released throughout the year. Hours run well into the evening most days (until 10:00 p.m. Sunday–Wednesday and 12:00 a.m. Thursday–Saturday), and the smokehouse is open Wednesday through Sunday, giving you plenty of chances to stop by for BBQ plates or snacks alongside a winter pint.

12. Catch a holiday movie at Regal Nanuet.

Throughout the holiday season, Regal Nanuet screens a mix of new releases and seasonal favorites, making it a solid stop for a festive indoor outing. The theater’s lineup often includes classics like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Grinch and Four Christmases, along with family-friendly options for younger viewers. Plush seating and multiple showtimes ensure you can plan around your day, whether you’re visiting after dinner or filling a free afternoon. Check the schedule in advance to see which holiday titles are playing during your visit.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Nanuet!

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