Updated: 1/19/2021
Do you often think to yourself, “What is there to do in the Hudson Valley this weekend?” I’m here to tell you that Hudson Valley Winter Events are sometimes hard to find.
People often ask me if winter is a good time to do things in the Hudson Valley and I excitedly say, “Yes, it is!” With the holidays winding down, many people are looking to try new things.
Brave the cold, bundle up, mask up and take an adventure at any of these Hudson Valley Winter Events!
COVID-19 NOTICE
Although some of these locations are open to the public, please follow these guidelines:
Please be safe.
Practice social distancing, wear a mask, wash hands thoroughly and follow all mandates and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (cdc.gov) and NY State and local Governments.
Hudson Valley Winter Events during December
The Grand Holiday Illumination
Through January 3rd: 4:30pm – 8pm
Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, Yonkers
The Walled Garden will be lit from 4:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. from December 12 through the night of January 1.
Winter Break at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum
December 24th – January 3rd
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Cornwall
The hiking trails and Nature Museum properties will be open from dawn to dusk. The bathrooms and buildings will remain closed.
Saturday Family Movie
December 26th: 3pm
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, Yonkers
The winter series of Saturday Family Movie continues with (TBD)!! Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and refreshments. Each movie will take place at 3pm inside the Gothic Chamber of Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site.
Nyack Winter Wanderland
Weekends in January
Nyack, NY
Enjoy seasonal delights, such as sidewalk shopping and winter markets, hearty food and hot drinks, festive lights, the warmth of fire pits, and the joy of beautiful music! Masks and social distancing required.
Hudson Valley Winter Events during January
Hudson Valley First Day Hikes –
First Day Hike on the Walkway over the Hudson
January 1st
Walkway over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie
Join NY State Parks & Historic Sites, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park staff, and members of the #WalkwayOverTheHudson community for the annual First Day Hike on New Year’s Day.
First Day Hike at Staatsburgh State Historic Site
January 1st: 2pm – 3pm
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
This year Staatsburgh will take part in the 10th anniversary of the NYS Parks “First Day Hike” tradition. We invite you to kick off 2021 by enjoying an outdoor guided walk on Staatsburgh’s grounds. First Day hikes are free, and open to all ages and families. Each will be approximately 45 minutes in length and cover about 1 mile of level terrain.
New Year’s Day Hike
January 1st
Peach Hill Park, Poughkeepsie
A guided hike at Peach Hill Park, 32 Edgewood Dr. Poughkeepsie starting at Noon on January 1st. This hike will take us to several amazing overlooks and we will toast the New Year at the summit of Peach Hill.
First Day Hike at Sterling Forest
January 1st: 10am
Lautenberg Visitor Center, Tuxedo
Come join us at Sterling Forest State Park for a First Day Hike around Sterling Lake. Mild, 4 mile hike around scenic Sterling Lake. Along the way hikers will enjoy historic remaining structures of the iron industry, some predating the revolutionary war.
First Day Hikes at Rockefeller State Park Preserve
January 1st
Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville
Join us for a moderate walk led by Saw Mill River Audubon along the Hudson River with possibility of views of Bald Eagles over the rolling hills of this former Rockefeller estate. Dress warmly since it is often cooler by the river. Bring binoculars if you have them. Please register at: https://rockefellerstateparkpreserve.eventbrite.com/
First Day Hike at John Jay Homestead State Historic Site
January 1st: 1pm – 3pm
John Jay Homestead State Historic Site, Katonah
Kick-start your New Year’s resolutions with a First Day Hike on the grounds of John Jay Homestead. Pick up a self-guided landscape tour from our Holiday Shop in the Glass Porch of the Main House between 1:00pm and 3:00pm where all holiday merchandise is on sale for 15% off.
First Day Hike at FDR State Park
January 1st: 10am
Franklin D Roosevelt State Park, Yorktown Heights
Join the Friends of FDR State Park to visit the lesser known side of the park. Enjoy a brisk walk and visit the bridges built in 2016 and 2017. Group size is limited, masks are required, and no dogs allowed due to narrow trails.
First Day Hike at Olana State Historic Site
January 1st: 10am – 11am or 1pm – 2pm
Olana State Historic Site, Hudson
Celebrate the New Year with expansive views. Learn more about Olana and its artist-designed landscape on this special First Day Hike Walking Tour. Limited capacity; all attendants must register in advance. Masks required. FREE. Register in advance: https://www.olana.org/programs-events/
First Day Hike at Taconic State Park – Copake Falls
January 1st: 10am
Taconic State Park – Copake Falls
Please join us for an easy hike to Bish Bash Falls. It’s a great way to welcome the new year in a healthy way with friends and family including the four-legged kind. Meet at the Pavilion/Copake Day Use this 3-mile hike. This year, we will lead 2 hikes to split up large groups (following COVID-19 precautions). An afternoon bonfire will be here to enjoy too!
First Day Hike at Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve
January 1st: 11am – 2pm
Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, Cold Spring
Join us for free hot cocoa and snacks at the Volunteer Center, and for short naturalist-led hikes around Little Stony Point (<1mile), or a historian-led hike on the Cornish Estate Trail (3 miles round trip). Dress warmly and bring water for a hike. All ages. Leashed pets allowed.
First & Second Day Hike at Croton Reservoir & Dam
January 1st: 12pm
Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, Dobbs Ferry
Greet the New Year with an easy 2-mile total loop hike north along the Aqueduct and atop the beautiful Croton Dam. Free, small group, open-air 2-hour hike north along the Aqueduct and atop the beautiful Croton Dam.
First Day Hike at Grafton Lakes State Park
January 1st: 1pm
Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton
Ring in the new year and start the celebration of Grafton Lakes State Park’s 50th Anniversary! Walk our Shaver Pond trail and enjoy time outdoors in a small group. We will enjoy picturesque views of water and woods on this 2-mile outing, over moderate terrain.
First Day Hike at Sam’s Point
January 1st: 1pm – 3:30pm
Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Sam’s Point Area, Cragsmoor
oin us for an approximately three-mile trek through the scenic Park Preserve. Snowshoes may be rented for this program for a fee of $5 per person. If there is insufficient snow cover, this program will be offered as a hike.
Other Hudson Valley January Events –
Boscobel Grounds Open
Every Saturday in January: 10am – 4pm
Boscobel House and Gardens, Garrison
During most winters, Boscobel shuts for a few months to plan and prepare the next season. But this year, during the pandemic, we felt it was especially important to offer opportunities to come soak up some natural Beauty – safely with social distancing. Admission ticket required.
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland
January 1st – 4th
Kensico Dam Plaza – 1 Bronx River Parkway Road, Valhalla
Enjoy the Winter Wonderland Holiday Circus, FUNderland Village rides, the Santa Experience at the North Pole, ice skating, a dazzling light show, food and more!
Self-Guided Holiday Tours
January 2nd: 12pm – 3:30pm
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, Yonkers
On this self-guided tour, come learn about the Manor Hall and the Dutch traditions that the Philipse family observed during the holidays in the 1700’s. Discover the origins of many different modern holiday traditions while also viewing nearly 250 years of the evolution of decorations at the Manor done by the Morsemere Garden Club. There will be no tours on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Winter Break at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum
December 24th – January 3rd
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Cornwall
The hiking trails and Nature Museum properties will be open from dawn to dusk. The bathrooms and buildings will remain closed.
Wine Tasting Weekend
January 8th – 10th
Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz
Join us for a wonderful weekend as we explore Italy through its great wine, excellent music, inspiring art, and tasty offerings. For reservations, please book online or call our Reservations Team at (888) 447-9580
Full schedule of events: https://www.mohonk.com/…/new-york-food-and-wine-festival/
Member Exhibition at Garrison Art Center
January 8th – January 17th: 10am – 5pm
Garrison Art Center, Garrison
The Member Exhibition features the works of our Artist members, whom we are proud to support in our galleries with this first exhibition of the gallery calendar.
Assorted Visions Exhibit
January 9th – 30th (Sat & Sun): 1pm – 5pm
Howland Cultural Center, Beacon
Opening at Beacons beautiful, historic 1872 Howland Cultural Center on Saturday, January 9th, from 1:00 to 5:00. It will be open every Saturday and Sunday, from 1:00 to 5:00, until the end of January.
Artist-Member Exhibition
January 9th – February 6th: Thurs & Fri 3-6pm | Sat 1-6pm
Blue Door, Yonkers
We are located just a short walk from Yonkers Train Station, between Main and Hudson Streets at 13 Riverdale Ave. Parking: Municipal Buena Vista Parking Garage, located at 20 Buena Vista Ave.
Animal Tracks & Traces
January 10th: 10am
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Cornwall
Registration will open on Monday 1/4/21 at 12pm! Join Educator Carl Heitmuller on a wintry walk to discover “secrets in the snow” left by winter active animals. We’ll search for clues that tell the tale of who lives in the forest while learning to identify common animal tracks and signs. Space limited to 20
History Hike
January 10th: 2pm – 3:30pm
Marshlands Conservancy, Rye
Participate in a history hike this Sunday, Jan. 10, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Marshlands Conservancy, Rye, to learn the history of the conservancy from the prehistoric times to the present while collecting items for a time capsule. Call to register: (914) 835-4466.
Sunset Hikes at Rockefeller State Park Preserve
January 14th: 4pm – 6pm
Rockwood Hall – Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Come join us for a Sunset Hike at Rockwood Hall for what we hope will be a spectacular view over the Hudson and the Tappan Zee Bridge. Maximum 20 PARTICIPANTS ONLY. Face coverings are required at all events as is 6 feet social distancing.
Glenview Historic House Tours
Friday, Saturday & Sunday in January: 12:30pm; 2pm & 3:30pm
Hudson River Museum, Yonkers
Take a 30-minute, socially distanced tour of the six fully restored period rooms—the Great Hall, Parlor, Library, Sitting Room, Dining Room, and, of course, Yonkers’ favorite dollhouse, Nybelwyck Hall.Maximum of 6 visitors per tour. Masks are required. Advance ticket purchase is strongly suggested.
Hot Chocolate Weekend
January 15th – 17th: 9am – 5pm
Trevor Zoo, Millbrook
Join us for one of our fan favorite events! January 15, 16, & 17th we’ll be celebrating National Hot Chocolate Day all weekend long! Come to the Trevor Zoo and get FREE HOT CHOCOLATE. (Which will be safely distributed on your way out of the zoo.) Purchase a Trevor Zoo coffee mug, beverage traveler or stainless water bottle and get free entrance to the zoo! RESERVATIONS REQUIRED AT www.trevorzoo.org
Music on the Mountain
January 15th – 18th
Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz
Enjoy a fabulous weekend of music, workshops, and all-around family fun! From jazz to folk to rock’n’roll to family music workshops, we’ve got something for everyone. Come experience the melody of musical days and magical nights on our mountaintop. For reservations, please book online or call our Reservations Team at (888) 447-9580Full schedule of this weekend’s events: https://www.mohonk.com/…/music-arts/music-on-the-mountain/
Storm King Winter Weekend
Saturdays and Sundays from January 16th – 31st
Storm King Art Center, New Windsor
We’ll be open on Saturdays and Sundays starting January 16 through March 21. Tickets for January weekends will be released on Monday, January 4 at noon. Check stormking.org/visit to for full schedule and details.
Wine Making Class
January 17th: 11am – 3pm
Pantano’s Wine Grapes & Home Brew, New Paltz
Charlie Trafagander will be leading a course on wine making on Sunday January 17th, 2021 11am-3pm at Pantano’s Wine Grapes & Home Brew Shop in New Paltz, NY. Making your own wine is a rewarding & delicious hobby that you can easily do in a home of any size, and will drastically reduce trips to the liquor store! Courses max out quickly! Contact us at 845-255-5201 to reserve your spot! ($50.00 per person)
The Ultimate List of Hudson Valley Winter Activities
Reference my Guide all about Winter Activities in the Hudson Valley: 20+ activities that may surprise you. This article is FULL of tips and many places that are also open during the winter. It’s sort of a secret that many people do not know about.
The Park Palette
January 21st & 28th: 3:30 – 5pm
Bowdoin Park, Wappingers Falls
The Park Palette, a brand new art class series offered by Park Naturalist, and artist, Jessica Steinbach. This wonderful program will take you on an artistic journey where participants will create using acrylics. For class descriptions and to register, visit DutchessNY.gov/ParkArt. Open to Ages 10-18. Come explore the wonderful world of nature art! $12 p/p per session
BYOB & Paint Workshop
January 21st: 6:15 – 9pm
Rye Arts Center, Rye
BYOB and join us for an evening of self-expression through paint! No paint-by-numbers, no pressure to be perfect – workshop will start with a simple still-life and progress from there. Participants will be encouraged to work at their own pace, and in their own style.
Winter Visits to Opus 40
January 23rd – February 1st: 11am – 6pm
Opus 40, Saugerties
One hour tours include: up to 5 people, maps, an hour of visiting time, private entrance to the Quarryman’s Museum and a small booklet about Opus 40. Fee: $100
Yonkers Downtown Takeout Week
January 25th – February 6th
Downtown Yonkers
12 Participating Restaurants will host a special take out event. You can find participating restaurants at: www.yonkersdowntown.com/takeoutweek
Full Moon Hike at Rockefeller State Park Preserve
January 28th: 5pm – 7pm
Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville
Every month we give hikers an opportunity to experience the Preserve after dark in our “Full Moon Hike” series. Please join us for this very popular and special event. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp.Please dress according to weather conditions. Please bring water. Dogs welcome.Meet park office courtyard.
Drive-Thru S’Mores & More Pick Up
January 29th: 6pm
Town of LaGrange Parks & Recreation
Registration for S’mores & More pickup will open to the FIRST 200 LAGRANGE RESIDENTS online Tuesday, January 19th! We may not be able to have our traditional bonfire at Freedom Park but along with LaGrange Sunrise Rotary, we’ve got all the ingredients for you to enjoy your own s’mores and more at home! Plus… you’ll receive a laminated snowman that we encourage you to write your name on, or decorate, and hang along the trail at the opening of our February StoryHike the next day!
HHNM Owl Prowl
January 30th: 7pm – 8:30pm
Wildlife Education Center, Cornwall-on-Hudson
It might be cold outside but owls are heating up this time of year! Join Carl Heitmuller for a lesson of owl anatomy and natural history. Learn about these Ninjas of the night and how they use their amazing adaptations to be a top predator of the forest. We will meet one of our owl ambassadors, followed by a short hike to “call” for owls that use our nature trail as their home. You are welcome to bring a folding camp chair and flashlight. Register online
Teatown Hudson River EagleFest
January 30th – February 7th: 9am – 5pm
Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining
Join us for this amazing hybrid festival Saturday, January 30 – Sunday, February 7, as we host a series of engaging virtual presentations and limited in-person programs. Visit www.teatown.org/events/eaglefest2021/ for more info. All events are subject to restrictions or cancellation due to health regulations.
Distilling Class
January 31st: 11am – 3pm
Pantanos Wine Grapes & Home Brew Shop, New Paltz
A Distilling class hosted by Jerry Pantano and instructed by Jason Gaidies.
Hot Lunch and Beverages will be served.
Hudson Valley Winter Events during February
Artist-Member Exhibition
February 1st – February 6th: Thurs & Fri 3-6pm | Sat 1-6pm
Blue Door, Yonkers
We are located just a short walk from Yonkers Train Station, between Main and Hudson Streets at 13 Riverdale Ave. Parking: Municipal Buena Vista Parking Garage, located at 20 Buena Vista Ave.
Yonkers Downtown Takeout Week
January 25th – February 6th
Downtown Yonkers
12 Participating Restaurants will host a special take out event. You can find participating restaurants at: www.yonkersdowntown.com/takeoutweek
Teatown Hudson River EagleFest
February 1st – 7th: 9am – 5pm
Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining
Join us for this amazing hybrid festival Saturday, January 30 – Sunday, February 7, as we host a series of engaging virtual presentations and limited in-person programs. Visit www.teatown.org/events/eaglefest2021/ for more info. All events are subject to restrictions or cancellation due to health regulations.
Boscobel Grounds Open
Every Saturday in February: 10am – 4pm
Boscobel House and Gardens, Garrison
During most winters, Boscobel shuts for a few months to plan and prepare the next season. But this year, during the pandemic, we felt it was especially important to offer opportunities to come soak up some natural Beauty – safely with social distancing. Admission ticket required.
Storm King Winter Weekend
Saturdays and Sundays from February 6th – 28st
Storm King Art Center, New Windsor
We’ll be open on Saturdays and Sundays through March 21. Tickets for January weekends will be released on Monday, January 4 at noon. Check stormking.org/visit to for full schedule and details.
Nyack Winter Wanderland
Weekends in February until February 28th
Nyack, NY
Enjoy seasonal delights, such as sidewalk shopping and winter markets, hearty food and hot drinks, festive lights, the warmth of fire pits, and the joy of beautiful music! Masks and social distancing required.
The Park Palette
February 4th: 3:30 – 5pm
Bowdoin Park, Wappingers Falls
The Park Palette, a brand new art class series offered by Park Naturalist, and artist, Jessica Steinbach. This wonderful program will take you on an artistic journey where participants will create using acrylics. For class descriptions and to register, visit DutchessNY.gov/ParkArt. Open to Ages 10-18. Come explore the wonderful world of nature art! $12 p/p per session
Annual Valentine’s Day Wine & Cheese Pairing
February 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th: 11am – 6pm
Benmarl Winery, Marlboro, NY
Join us for our annual Valentine’s Day Wine and Cheese pairing, as we celebrate our love for local delights. One ticket includes a seated wine tasting (Four different wines) and curated cheese board featuring our favorite Hudson Valley cheeses, locally sourced jams, house-made Chocolates, and other accouterments. Tasting time slots are every Hour, so please arrive 15 minutes early to check in.
Tapping the Trees
February 6th: 10am – 2:30pm
Muscoot Farms, Katonah
This program is being offered for $20 per family. 30-minute time slots. Register Here
Magnanini Winery 4-Course Wine Pairing Dinner
February 6th: 5pm – 8pm
Magnanini Winery, Wallkill
Four Course Wine Pairing Dinner on February 6th from 5:00-8:00. Reservations are required and limited.
Maple Sugaring
Saturdays & Sundays beginning February 7th – March 21st: 10am – 2:30pm
Muscoot Farms, Katonah
This program is being offered for $20 per family. 30-minute time slots. Register Here
Nostrano Annual Valentine’s Day Weekend
February 12th: 5 – 7pm, February 13th &14th: 12pm – 4pm
Nostrano Vineyards, Milton
Wood-fired pizza, wine flight & dessert pairing. Outdoor fire pit seating, Igloo reservations and curbside to-go.
Galentine’s Day Brunch
February 13th: 11:30am
The ’76 House, Tappan
Single ladies! Call your girlfriends & make a reservation to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your BFFs. We promise lots of laughs, bubbly & awesome eats.
Valentine’s Day – Broadway on the Lake Brunch Matinee
February 14th: 1 – 4pm
Cove Castle, 13 Castle Court, Greenwood Lake
Brunch & Show. Make reservations online.
Valentine’s Day Hike
February 14th: 9am – 11am
Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville
Join RangerSu for a fun Valentine’s Day hike. Wear red and a smile and bring your loves with you, furry loves are the best!We’ll visit some of the most romantic places in the Preserve. And we may even read a few romantic sonnets along the way! Please register this event at www.rockefellerstateparkpreserve.eventbrite.com
Hudson Valley Winter Events during March
Boscobel Grounds Open
Every Saturday in March: 10am – 4pm
Boscobel House and Gardens, Garrison
During most winters, Boscobel shuts for a few months to plan and prepare the next season. But this year, during the pandemic, we felt it was especially important to offer opportunities to come soak up some natural Beauty – safely with social distancing. Admission ticket required.
Maple Sugaring
Saturdays & Sundays beginning March 1st – March 21st: 10am – 2:30pm
Muscoot Farms, Katonah
This program is being offered for $20 per family. 30-minute time slots. Register Here
Storm King Winter Weekend
Saturdays and Sundays from March 6th – 21st
Storm King Art Center, New Windsor
We’ll be open on Saturdays and Sundays through March 21. Tickets for January weekends will be released on Monday, January 4 at noon. Check stormking.org/visit to for full schedule and details.
Essential Gear Recommended When experiencing Hudson Valley Winter Events:
Clicks the links below to see the items I use during Hudson Valley Winter.
- Washable Face Masks – If you want to enjoy an outing in the Hudson Valley, make sure to stay safe with the washable face masks. These are the ones that I personally use and can breathe well from.
- Warm Comfy Women’s Winter Boots – These are not only warm & comfy, but they are inexpensive. That’s the best qualities to have.
- Power Bank for my phone – While out walking all day and taking photos, I use this power bank to make sure that I will not run out of battery on my phone.
- Backpack purse – When I’m not using my sling purse, I use this backpack purse. It frees up my hands to take photos and eat while I’m walking around.
- Warm Thermal Wool Socks – These are my go-to winter going out socks. They are comfortable and keep my very warm no matter where I am in the Hudson Valley.
A Few Tips for Experiencing Hudson Valley Winter Events:
- Plan ahead, but not too far in advance, as the weather can change quickly
- Rely on local weather sites, like HudsonValleyWeather.com for accurate weather forecasts
- Visit the Hudson Valley Explored FB Events Group often, so you can plan what to do on the weekends
- Buy tickets in advance, as many of these popular events sell out quickly
- Come back to this post, as I continue to add events as I find them online.
Make sure you join my Private
Facebook ‘Hudson Valley Events’ Group
so you can always get upcoming
Hudson Valley Events right on your Facebook Newsfeed.
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Where to Next???
Now that you have learned about all about Hudson Valley Winter Events, let’s see where you should go next…
Until The Next Adventure…
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Jacqueline Ramirez
Jackie is one of the top bloggers in the Hudson Valley. A solo entrepreneur, she has been featured (along with some of her photos) in several publications, locally and nationwide. Read Jackie’s crazy story, “From a Naive NYC Girl to Popular Hudson Valley Blogger & Author“. Feel free to send Jackie a message here.
