Hudson Valley Holiday Celebrations
From historic holiday festivals to tree lighting ceremonies, there is so much to do around the holidays in the Hudson Valley. Here are some highlights from previous years’ celebrations.
Sinterklaas Festival in Rhinebeck
The Sinterklaas Festival in Rhinebeck is an annual holiday event drawing from the Hudson Valley’s Dutch heritage. Thousands of people gather in the Village of Rhinebeck each year for a celebration honoring Sinterklaas, a fourth-century bishop with a long, white beard and a tall, pointed hat who loved children. Performances take place throughout the village of Rhinebeck including dance, music and theatrics, tightrope walking, and fire juggling. Finally, Sinterklaas leads the Children’s starlight Parade, which culminates in the center of town with the Sinterklass pageant, honoring the children and ending with a wish for peace.
Photo by Doug Baz. Courtesy of Hudson Valley Magazine
Photo courtesy of www.sinterklaashudsonvalley.com
Photo courtesy of www.sinterklaashudsonvalley.com
Photo courtesy of www.sinterklaashudsonvalley.com
Holiday Fun in New Paltz
New Paltz kicks off the holiday season with their Downtown Unwrapped-New Paltz and Tree Lighting event. Promoting local business, it’s a full day of holiday “shop ‘til you drop” in downtown New Paltz. The evening starts with the traditional tree lighting ceremony held on Huguenot Street.
Later in December, the town of New Paltz hold it’s annual celebration “A Holiday on Huguenot Street” for a day full of historic holiday fun. Events take place on this historic street including horse-drawn wagon rides, kids crafts, historic home tours, and complimentary cookies and hot chocolate.
Woodstock Holiday Open House
Every December in Woodstock the local shops decorate their windows and open their doors for an evening of holiday fun. Events throughout the town include victorian carolers and numerous musical performances, visits with Santa, bonfires and s’mores, face painting with Mrs. Claus, and the lighting of the town Christmas Tree at the Village Green.
Holiday in the Village of Saugerties
The Village of Saugerties kicks off the holiday season with a day of fun for the whole family. Locals come out to enjoy the festive atmosphere, take part in the annual toy giveaway, and to watch the yearly decoration lighting of Seamon Park, as well as the Festival of Lights parade run by the Saugerties Fire Department.
Photo courtesy of Hudson Valley One
Photo courtesy of Hudson Valley One
Photo courtesy of Hudson Valley One
Happy Holidays!
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