2025 New City Holiday Guide: Lights, Festive Fun & Good Cheer

The holiday season has arrived in New City, bringing twinkling lights, cheerful events and plenty of ways to make memories close to home. From light displays to beloved local traditions, here are the hometown holiday highlights you won’t want to miss.

Please note: Dates and details are subject to change, so be sure to check with each organizer before you go — many events require tickets or reservations in advance.

Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms

When: Select evenings through December 30, 2025 | Select evenings
Where: Demarest Farms, 244 Wiermus Road, Hillsdale, NJ
Just across state lines, this drive-through light show features over a million dazzling lights synchronized to holiday music. As you explore the illuminated tunnels, themed displays and glowing arches, you can also grab hot cocoa, s’mores and even photos with Santa on select nights. Timed entry tickets are required; one ticket covers one vehicle.
More info: orchardoflights.com

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Light Show

When: Select dates through December 31, 2025 | Evenings; timeslots vary by day
Where: Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla, NY
About a half hour from New City, this 1.2‑mile drive-through in Valhalla features dazzling tunnels, dancing trees and synchronized holiday music. Guests can see Westchester’s “best Santa” and enjoy themed displays from the comfort of their car. Tickets are required, with peak and off‑peak pricing per vehicle.
More info: wwinterwonderland.com

Let It Glow! Holiday Lantern Spectacular

When: Thursday–Sunday evenings through January 11, 2026 | 4–8 PM Thursdays and Sundays, 4–9 PM Fridays and Saturdays
Where: Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ
Take the parkway south to the Bergen County Zoo, where you can walk through more than 40 larger‑than‑life lanterns that transform the zoo into a glowing wonderland. Tickets include a festive train ride, with fire pits and s’mores kits available. The event runs throughout December, with special hours on December 23, 24 and 31; tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
More info: friendsofbergencountyzoo.org/let-it-glow

Nyack Holiday Lights Celebration

When: Friday, December 5, 2025 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: Main Street Gazebo, Nyack, NY
Just a short drive from New City, this annual celebration hosted by the Nyack Chamber of Commerce is a great way to kick off the holiday season. The event features performances by the Rockland Ukulele Orchestra and Bossy Frog Band, plus a visit from Santa.
More info: nyackchamber.org/holiday-lights

Pearl River Rotary Club Share Christmas Celebration

When: December 12, 2025 (rain date: December 19) | 7 PM
Where: Braunsdorf Park, Main Street and Central Avenue, Pearl River, NY
This cheerful community event includes caroling, hot chocolate and the arrival of Santa and friends. Families are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped gifts as a donation to local children in need. Any event updates will be posted to the Rotary Club of Pearl River Facebook page.
More info: facebook.com/events

Orangeburg Holiday Parade

When: December 13, 2025 | 6 PM
Where: Orangeburg Volunteer Fire Department, 61 Dutch Hill Road, Orangeburg, NY
This lively Rockland County tradition features decorated floats, fire trucks and community groups marching through Orangeburg. After the parade, the man in red himself will stop by to host the tree lighting ceremony, kicking off the holiday season. The littles can stop by and see Santa afterwards and share their holiday wishes.
More info: orangeburgfd.org

A Gilded Age Christmas at Museum Village

When: December 13–14, 2025 | 10 AM–4 PM
Where: Museum Village, 1010 Route 17M, Monroe, NY
Take a short drive to Monroe to step back in time with an immersive "Gilded Age" weekend at Museum Village. Visitors can enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of the grounds, create ornaments and greeting cards and peruse the gift shop for unique finds. The event is free to the community, though donations are welcome.
More info: facebook.com/MuseumVillage

Enjoy the season, make a few memories close to home and have a happy holiday, New City!

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