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39+ Exciting Hudson Valley Winter Activities (Many will Surprise You)

The idea of cold scares a lot of people. However, the Hudson Valley doesn’t always get extremely cold in the Winter and there are plenty of Hudson Valley Winter activities that do not include being out in the cold.

This is why I have compiled this list of Hudson Valley winter activities that take place throughout the Winter and are fun for everyone.

This list also includes some locations that are open year-round and may be surprising to most people.

The places on the list are open throughout the year, including the winter (when most places are closed to visitors and tours). This way you can enjoy these attractions without the usual crowds that are often found during other times of the year.

Winter at Rye Playland Park in the Hudson Valley

This article contains an affiliate link or two. I make a small commission for purchases made through links at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure for more info.

This article contains an affiliate link or two. I make a small commission for purchases made through links at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure for more info.

Weather during Hudson Valley Winter

Hudson Valley Winter weather (December – March) can consistently range from 20 – 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Most of the Mid-Hudson Valley Region and the Catskills are cold and wet throughout the winter and evenings can be frigid.

Many parts of the Lower Hudson Valley often experience milder temperatures that may be between 5 – 10 degrees warmer than the Mid-Hudson and Upper Hudson Valley regions.

Because the Hudson Valley Region runs approximately 150 miles north, the weather can be significantly different in Westchester County than in Albany. And because much of the Hudson Valley is mountainous, that also adds to the changes in climate/weather due to the high elevation.

Winter activities in the Hudson Valley

Hudson Valley Snow

Whoever said that it snows more in the Hudson Valley than the city has not been to either in the last 5-ish years.

We’ve recently had winter storms that have only affected the lower part of New York State and caused no snow to accumulate in the Mid & Upper Hudson Valley regions. Weird, right?

Hudson Valley snow accumulations can vary greatly from year to year. Some years there will be more Hudson Valley snow in the lower Hudson Valley than the other areas or vice-versa.

As crazy as that sounds, the weather in the Hudson Valley is becoming more unpredictable than in years past.

Click Below to see some items you should have during your Hudson Valley outings:

– Because you never know when an accident happens, a small, portable First Aid Kit, is perfect for the busy adventurer. This is a great buy for under $15!
– My favorite walking shoes, by far, are these comfy breathable sneakers.

Learn More

The Best Hudson Valley Winter Activities

I have taken some time to compile a list of Hudson Valley Winter Activities.

Some activities on this list may be obvious: hiking, skiing, etc., but there are some places open in the Hudson Valley during winter that not many people know about.

Let’s dive in…

A road in the winter in the Hudson Valley area of New York

Hiking & Climbing During the Hudson Valley Winter

Hiking is a big deal around these parts. There are so many beautiful areas to explore in the Hudson Valley that it’s a Hikers Paradise. Moreover, there are trails and mountains all around the region with endless possibilities of you hiking on a new trail with each visit.

Some great places to hike are:

This is also a premier destination for rock & ice climbing. This is especially true in New Paltz, where there are several tour guides that take you to the Shawangunks to explore and climb.

During the pandemic, I found that walking eased my anxiety and because of this I began hiking. If you’re looking for some inspiration for trying out a new place to hike or to re-visit an old favorite, I have written this Guide to Hiking in the Hudson Valley.

Winter activities in the Hudson Valley

THE 3 S’s of Hudson Valley Winter Activities: Skiing, Snowboarding & Sledding

Are you a skier, snowboarder or sledder?

The better-known places in the Hudson Valley for these activities are Thunder Ridge Ski Area in Patterson, NY (Putnam Co) and Hunter Mountain in Hunter, NY (Greene Co).

There are also several others in the Hudson Valley, including:

  • Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction (Dutchess Co): sledding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing. Participation is free, just check in with the Farm Store first. They’ll have hot cider, cocoa & hard cider available for purchase.

Check out the information online for each and see which one is a better fit for you and your family.

NY Map T-shirt
Life is Better outside Hudson Valley hoodie

From the Walkway Over the Hudson to Rhinebeck, my Hudson Valley merchandise captures the spirit of
this beautiful area.

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Ice Skating in the Hudson Valley

The highlight of our winters as kids was taking a early trip to the Ice Casino at Playland Park in Rye, NY.

Although my feet always ached the next day and I hated being cold, the act of gliding on ice once a year felt magical to me.

Here are some great places to go ice skating in the Hudson Valley:

Hudson Valley Ice Skating Guide
Reference this article all about Hudson Valley Ice Skating: What to Wear, Where to go, etc. During the winter months, many Hudson Valley parks offer free ice skating on their ponds & lakes (weather conditions permitting). Just bring your skates and have fun!

Other Hudson Valley Winter Activities

There is no shortage of Hudson Valley Winter activities. And you don’t have to be an outdoor activity lover to still have fun during the cold weather months.

Sap collecting Hudson Valley winter activities

It’s a good idea to plan an outing in order to:

  • Take a break from life
  • Change the scenery of your life
  • Get some fresh air
  • See something new
  • Make some great winter memories

I hate the cold and often force myself to see & do new things during the winter. Wintertime can be very long if there is nothing to look forward to.

As someone who lives here full-time, I can assure you that I STILL have not done everything I want to do during the winter here.

Tip:

The locations on this list are open through the winter. Always confirm day/hours of operation before making plans. Each location’s title is a direct link to the location’s website.

Hudson Valley Winter Activities that may Surprise you:

Zoos & Nature Centers –

  • Forsyth Nature Center, Kingston (open daily 9am – 5pm)
    Note: The animals don’t get many visitors during the colder months, so they are extra friendly and hungry to be fed (apples, carrots, lettuce, etc) during these times.
Sign at Forsyth Nature Center in Ulster County

Museums –

Entrance at the West Point Museum in the Hudson Valley

Art Museums –

Arts and Culture –

Gardens –

Parks & Outdoor Spaces –

  • Open Barn (open Sat & Sun: 11am – 1pm) starting the beginning of February – Admission: Free
Stony Kill Farm in the Winter. The Fram is located in Dutchess County in the Hudson Valley.
Stony Kill Farm in Dutchess County, NY

Winter Farmers Markets –

Vanderbilt Mansion

Ice Cream Shops Open during Winter –

The sign out front at Zoe's Ice Cream Barn in Lagrangeville. This ice cream shop is located in Dutchess County in the Hudson Valley NY.

Day Trips to Famous Estates & Historic Homes –

  • Vanderbilt Mansion, Hyde Park (grounds open daily 8am – 4:30pm)
    The Mansion offers limited tours during this time, so check out their website for more details.
Gazebo at Benmarl Winery during winter. This winery is located in Ulster County in the Hudson Valley NY.
Benmarl Winery in Ulster County, NY

Wine/Cider Tastings & Events –

All-inclusive winter sports day

  • Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz (winter sports day pass: Dec – Mar) Fee: $99 p/p includes Equipment rental fees for ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and MICROspikes, Access to hiking trails and groomed cross-country skiing/snowshoeing trails, and Access to the Mountain House, the ice skating Pavilion, Greenhouse, Gift Shop, and Carriage Lounge
NY Map T-shirt
Life is Better outside Hudson Valley hoodie

From the Walkway Over the Hudson to Rhinebeck, my Hudson Valley merchandise captures the spirit of
this beautiful area.

Check out my Amazon Shop and find products that will inspire your next adventure!

Shop here

The Hudson Valley Winter Activities Travel Packing List

Before you begin packing

#1: Check the weather

First things first – check out the how the weather will be before you even consider packing.

I have made the mistake several times of packing without checking the weather and regretted not being prepared (rain in Disney, unusually cold in New Orleans, etc).

I know the Hudson Valley is not a huge location, but the weather can differ from one county to another. Ten counties is a lot of space when you consider that it can be much hotter in Lower Hudson Valley and in the cities versus Upper Hudson Valley and in the country/mountains.

#2: Make a list of Hudson Valley Winter Activities you will be doing

Make sure you are prepared with any essential gear that you will need for some popular Hudson Valley Winter Activities & Events.

#3: Examine where you’ll be staying the majority of the time

Check and see if you’ll be spending the majority of your time in the city or in the county.

Why is this important? If you’re visiting the city, then you can get away with packing less things. You can always run into a coffee shop to warm up and stock up on water and snacks at a local mart.

If you’re visiting the country, you will be out in the elements for longer periods of time without an indoor break. It’s always a good idea to have extras packed away in the car.

Things To Know Before Packing For Your Trip To Or In The Hudson Valley:

  • Temperature and weather are different depending on where in the Hudson Valley you will be staying or exploring. So plan accordingly.
  • Be prepared for rain or snow, even if there is no bad weather predicted for the day.
  • Evenings can be much colder than day time temperatures, so it’s always good to have an extra layer or two with you/in the car.
  • Although you may have a location in mind, always double check hours of operation. Wintertime events or a sudden change in weather may interfere with your initial plans.

Essential Packing List for Winter in the Hudson Valley

The Must-Haves

  • Undergarments
  • Pajamas
  • 3+ t-shirts/long sleeved t-shirts
  • A light cardigan for warmer areas
  • A heavier sweater for colder places
  • Sunglasses
  • Winter hat, gloves & scarf
  • Crossbody bag/Backpack
  • Sneakers
  • Socks for sneakers
  • Long pants
  • Insulated water bottle (collapsible preferred)
  • Coat with a hood for inclement weather
  • Snow boots (if needed)

Extra Necessities for Hudson Valley Winter Activities

These items are not essential for Winter in the Hudson Valley, but depending on which activities you plan to partake in during your outings, you’ll want to consider adding some of these.

If you’re hiking through rockier terrain on a cold day: (pictured below are items that are reasonably priced)

  • Hiking Boots/Shoes
  • Insulated pants for hiking

Top 5 Reasons to love Winter in the Hudson Valley

#1: It’s the perfect time of the year catch up on visiting museums

SEE MY FULL LIST OF MUSEUMS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY

#2: You can try out new hikes & hiking trails that are typically crowded during other times

HERE’S MY LIST OF HUDSON VALLEY HIKING TRAILS

#3: Visit the grounds of beautiful historic sites throughout the Hudson Valley

SEE MY LIST OF THE BEST HUDSON VALLEY HISTORIC SITES

#4: Buying fresh produce at the local winter farmers markets

SEE MY FULL LIST OF HUDSON VALLEY FARMERS MARKETS

#5: Strolling, shopping & eating throughout the Hudson Valley

Still looking for more ideas on Hudson Valley Winter Activities?
Check out this article all about things to do when the weather is not great out.
These indoor activities are sure to make your day a great one!

Tips For An Amazing Time Doing Hudson Valley Winter Activities:

  • Check individual destination websites for updated days/hours of operation
  • Have a Plan B in case the weather does not cooperate with your original plan.
  • Bring and extra set of clothes/shoes on your outings.
  • Be prepared for any kind of weather.

Until the Next Adventure…

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Jackie

Jackie is the HV blogger behind Hudson Valley Explored, featuring the best things to do, places to see and weekend getaways. Get information from a local who is seeing it all! She lives in the Mid-Hudson Valley Region with her hubby and kids.

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