12 Days Of Cheer In New City: 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 New City. 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 New City 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 its early days of a simple inflatable and light-up “runway,” becoming one of the tri-state area’s most beloved homegrown holiday displays. Hosted by the Cirlin family at 12 Oriole Road, the setup blends aviation-themed décor with thousands of lights, handmade elements and cheerful scenes that families return to see year after year. The display opens for the season on November 28 at 7:00 p.m., and visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for People to People of Rockland or make a monetary donation to Angel Flight North East.

2. Start your morning with a small-batch brew at The Coffee Maker.

The Coffee Maker brings a cozy, neighborhood feel to New City, roasting its beans in-house on a small-batch mill that gives every cup a fresh, rich flavor. You’ll find specialty coffees sourced from places like Ethiopia, Brazil and Colombia, along with organic syrups, smoothies and grass-fed protein shakes if you’re looking for something lighter. Families often stop in for lattes or cold brew during a busy day, and the shop even has homemade treats for dogs if you’re out with a four-legged sidekick. With breakfast, lunch and dessert flatbread pizzas coming soon, it’s the kind of spot that easily becomes part of your regular holiday-season routine.

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

The Palisades Center Ice Rink offers an easy winter outing for families, with public skate sessions available most days of the week. Admission is $15 with $5 skate rentals, and each session runs for 1 hour and 20 minutes, giving everyone plenty of time to warm up and glide around the rink. The schedule shifts often, so look up session times before heading over, especially around busy weekends or holidays. The rink also provides skate sharpening and hosts stick time, freestyle sessions and hockey programs for skaters interested in trying something more advanced this season.

4. Take a festive drive through Westchester’s Winter Wonderland.

Less than 30 minutes from New City, Westchester’s Winter Wonderland turns Kensico Dam Plaza into a glowing 1.2-mile drive filled with colorful lights, larger-than-life displays and cheerful holiday scenes. Families can make the ride even more fun by using the free Otocast app, which adds music and storytelling that sync with the displays as you move along the route. Standout moments include cruising through the 175-foot Transporter Tunnel, following Rudolph’s Runway and spotting Santa along the way. The experience runs on select dates through December 31, beginning at 5:00 p.m., and timed-entry tickets are required.

5. Enjoy a cozy, upscale dinner at Hudson House in nearby Nyack.

Set in Nyack’s former 19th-century village hall and jailhouse, Hudson House blends historic character with polished, contemporary American dining, perfect for the winter season. The original pressed-tin ceilings and restored jail cells (now home to the wine cellar) give the space a warm, intimate atmosphere, whether you’re settling into the main dining room or tucked away upstairs for a quieter meal. The menu highlights fresh, creative dishes across fish, meats, pastas and poultry, and co-owner Matt Hudson’s desserts — especially the Black Bottom Banana Cream Pie and Butterscotch Pudding — are local favorites for good reason. It’s an easy spot to pair with an afternoon of browsing shops in Nyack or to save for a special dinner out during the holidays.

6. Browse books and community events at Big Red Books in Nyack.

Big Red Books has become a go-to stop in Nyack, known for its relaxed living-room feel and a thoughtful selection that shines a spotlight on local authors. The shop is known for its lively calendar of readings, open mics, story times, writing workshops and music nights, giving families and book lovers plenty of ways to drop in and feel connected. Kids can curl up with new finds while adults chat with staff who genuinely love helping readers discover something unexpected. Check their event calendar to see what’s happening during your next visit.

7. Find unique gifts and décor at The Things I Love.

The Things I Love has a knack for finding stylish clothing, jewelry and home décor that feel special the moment you walk in. The shop’s curated displays make browsing easy, whether you’re hunting for a holiday gift or treating yourself to something that catches your eye. Hours and new pieces are posted regularly on Facebook, so check their latest updates before you stop by.

8. Take in the glowing displays at Watt Christmas Wonderland.

If your family enjoys holiday light displays, the 40-minute trip to Watt Christmas Wonderland pays off the moment you turn into its glowing, nostalgia-filled entrance. This long-running Goshen tradition spans 1.5 miles of inflatables, bright scenes and classic decorations that feel charmingly homespun from start to finish. The drive-through runs nightly from 6:00–9:00 p.m. from November 28 through December 28, with a suggested $10 cash donation per vehicle (no credit cards accepted). It’s a cheerful, no-fuss outing that delivers plenty of holiday magic without needing to leave the warmth of your car.

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

Defiant Brewing Co. in Pearl River offers a laid-back spot to unwind with house-brewed ales and lagers, plus a full smokehouse menu that really hits the spot in colder weather. The brewery has been crafting beer for more than 16 years, and the tap list rotates through crowd favorites and seasonal releases, giving you plenty of options whether you prefer something crisp, hoppy or malty. The smokehouse runs Wednesday through Sunday and serves barbecue plates and shareable bites that pair naturally with a winter pint, providing a low-key way to enjoy good beer and hearty food in one stop.

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

The nearby Lyndhurst Mansion sets a nostalgic scene for this one-hour performance, where actor Michael Muldoon channels Charles Dickens and retells A Christmas Carol just as Dickens did on his 1867 tour. The show takes place in the mansion’s beautifully decorated second-floor gallery, and the intimate setup makes every shift in character feel especially vivid. Performances run on select dates from December 14–26 and are recommended for ages 8 and up; check-in begins at the Welcome Center before the prompt start time. Tickets are $49 and must be purchased in advance, and parking is free.

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

Nanuet Town Centre has a full slate of holiday happenings this season, making it an easy place to gather with family or meet up with friends. The outdoor plaza hosts everything from Grinch-themed pop-ups and Santa photo events to Hanukkah celebrations, Winter Wonderland activities and special moments organized by local groups. With dining, shopping and plenty of space to wander, it’s a convenient spot to build a festive outing around whatever event catches your eye. Browse the center’s event calendar to see what’s happening during your next visit.

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

For families seeking a cozy, hands-on outing this season, Color Me Mine is a fun spot to settle in and paint something handmade. Shelves are stocked with ornaments, mugs and kid-friendly figurines, and the staff walks you through simple techniques so you can jump right in without overthinking it. After you finish painting, your piece goes into the kiln and is usually ready for pickup within a week — ideal for holiday gifts or keepsakes. Their Facebook page often highlights seasonal projects, so take a quick scroll before you go to help spark ideas.

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

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