12 Days Of Cheer In Southeast: 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 Southeast. 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 Southeast 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. Wander through the illuminated forest at Lumina at Harvest Moon.

Lumina at Harvest Moon features more than half a million lights that transform the grounds into a glowing, storybook-style forest. Running through December 30, the event is open from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. most nights, with extended hours until 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays. There, you can walk through shimmering tunnels, pause for music-synced light shows and find a few new photo spots tucked along the path — warm drink in hand if you want it. Tickets are available online.

2. Lace up for a winter session at Brewster Ice Arena.

Brewster Ice Arena offers daily sessions for every kind of skater, from relaxed public skating to freestyle hours for USFSA-certified skaters and sticks-and-pucks time for hockey players. Public skating runs year-round, with extended hours during Thanksgiving weekend and the winter holidays from December 22 to January 1. Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children, with rentals and on-ice walkers available, and Friday night public skate (from 8:15 to 10:15 p.m.) is $15. Check their website for the full calendar and session schedule.

3. Treat yourself to a gourmet donut at Grounds Donut House.

Grounds Donut House is the spot for oversized, yeast-risen donuts that are as soft and airy as they are indulgent. The menu rotates through signature favorites and fun seasonal flavors — think coffee cake, pumpkin spice or something a little wild — paired with smooth Italian espresso or a cold brew that regulars rave about. The bright, clean space has a friendly, upbeat vibe, and their nostalgic punk, pop and hip-hop playlist adds to the energy. It’s a great stop when you want something sweet and made with care during the holiday rush.

4. Experience ‘A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play’ with Brewster Theater Company.

Experience the Brewster Theater Company’s production of A Christmas Carol, which is staged as a 1940s radio play at The Theater at Drew Methodist Church. You’ll hear actors take on multiple roles, live Foley sound effects and music that sets the tone for everything from the cozy scenes to the eerier ghostly visits. Shows run December 5–13, with a mix of matinee and evening performances. Tickets are available online.

5. Settle in for tea and treats at Florrie Kaye’s Tearoom.

Stepping into Florrie Kaye’s feels a bit like entering a Victorian parlor, with carved chairs, vintage portraits and chandeliers casting a warm glow over the tables. Their menu centers on loose-leaf teas — more than 90 varieties — along with brunch plates, pastries and small bites that suit a slower-paced afternoon. A twinkling gift shop is tucked in the back, stocked with ornaments, tea accessories and unique little finds perfect for stocking stuffers. Sunday brunch is available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

6. Drive through the glowing displays at Westchester Winter Wonderland.

The 30-minute drive is worth it for Westchester Winter Wonderland, a 1.2-mile route of colorful lights, holiday scenes and larger-than-life displays set up at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. The event runs on select dates through December 31 with timed entry beginning at 5:00 p.m., and you experience it all from the warmth of your car. You’ll pass through the long Transporter Tunnel, cruise down Rudolph’s Runway and spot Santa before the route wraps up — with the free Otocast app adding music and stories as you drive. Tickets are sold online.

7. Browse new and old treasures at the Pawling Book Cove.

If you don’t mind the 30-minute drive, the Pawling Book Cove is a great little indie shop with new books, out-of-print titles and a handful of antiques mixed in. The staff knows their collection well and is great at helping you find something unexpected — whether it’s a current read or a hard-to-track-down title. The shop also carries gifts and hosts occasional author events, giving it a lively, community feel. Check their website for current hours.

8. Grab a winter pint and some bites at Sloop Brewing Co.

About 25 minutes from Brewster, Sloop Brewing Co. sits inside a roomy former industrial space in Hopewell Junction, now filled with long tables, arcade games and the hum of conversation. Their rotating lineup of about 20 taps covers everything from hop-forward IPAs to crisp lagers and seasonal releases, with local cider, wine and soft drinks available too. The kitchen leans into casual, globally inspired bar food — pizzas, street-style bites and shareable snacks that pair well with whatever you’re drinking. It’s a relaxed spot to warm up with friends, linger for a bit and try something new during the colder months.

9. Browse handmade gifts at the Make Your Mark[et] Holiday Pop-Up.

Located about 45 minutes from Brewster, the Make Your Mark[et] Holiday Pop-Up in Irvington is a fun spot to shop for holiday gifts from more than 70 local artisans. The shop at 79 Main Street is packed with décor, artwork and small handmade items that feel a lot more special than what you’ll find in bigger stores. It’s open daily from November 28 through December 24 (closed Thanksgiving), with hours listed online. Check their website before you go.

10. Get creative with a festive project at The Pottery Factory in Mount Kisco.

If you’re looking for something hands-on, The Pottery Factory in Mount Kisco — about 30 minutes from Brewster — has paint-your-own pottery, candle making, glass fusing and soap making available for walk-ins every day. Shelves are lined with more than 200 pre-fired ceramic pieces, giving you plenty to choose from, whether you want something simple or more detailed. The atmosphere is relaxed, hands-on and welcoming for all ages. December workshops will be posted online, so check their site for the holiday schedule.

11. Wander through the holiday scenes at Kevin McCurdy’s Holiday Spirit Festival.

About 40 minutes from Brewster, Kevin McCurdy’s Holiday Spirit Festival blends nostalgic holiday tunnels and twinkling displays with newer attractions spread across the grounds. The festival runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through December 27, with extra dates on December 21 and 22. With more than 15 features — including the Enchanted Forest of Lights, Gingerbread Village, Mrs. Claus’s scavenger hunt and Santa’s Reindeer Barn — there’s plenty to explore at your own pace. Check their website for detailed hours and ticket information.

12. Bowl, play and unwind at Spins Bowl Carmel.

About 40 minutes from Brewster, Spins Bowl Carmel packs 26 bowling lanes, an arcade with 50-plus games and several axe-throwing lanes into a bright, lively space that’s perfect on colder days. You can bowl, play air hockey or darts or just settle in with something from the bar and kitchen while the kids explore the arcade. If you stop by on December 21, they’ll also be hosting a Bowl with Santa event from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. for $25 per person. Check their website for hours and reservations.

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

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