Santa Sightings



Great places to take the kids to see Santa in the Valley

Great places to take the kids to see Santa and social distance

You better watch out, you better not cry! You better not pout I'm telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town! We have the best places to get the kids out to see Santa with our list of events. 

So here's our list, we checked it twice, we hope you like these places, they sure are nice! Santa Claus is coming to town!

Santa at the Mall

November 22-December 24. Santa is Coming to Town! Don't miss Santa pictures at Galleria at Crystal Run! Walk-ups welcome every day until closing time. Please Note: Multiple families are scheduled during the selected 15-minute time. 5 Perks for Booking Online. 

November 27-December 24. Santa is Coming to Town! Lower-Level Center Court near FYE-Mall Entrance near 110 Grill. Don't miss Santa pictures at Poughkeepsie Galleria! Walk-ups are welcome every day until closing time. Please Note: Multiple families are scheduled during the selected 15-minute time. 5 Perks for Booking Online. 

December 2. Pet photos with Santa. Capture Santa photos with your pets. Everyone is welcome, even without pets. Reservations are strongly encouraged. 

December 2. Pet photos with Santa. Capture Santa photos with your pets at the Poughkeepsie Galleria. Everyone is welcome, even without pets. Reservations are strongly encouraged. 

December 8. Sensory Santa Event. Visit Santa in a sensory-friendly environment this holiday season at his temporary home on the lower level in JC Penney Court in the Galleria at Crystal Run. People with sensory issues are invited by the jolly and joyous gift-giver to whisper their Christmas wishes to Santa Claus. There will be plenty of fun and magic! Reservations are strongly encouraged. 

December 8. Sensory-friendly visit with Santa. Come and get your child's picture taken with Santa at the Poughkeepsie Galleria. Receive a free phone call from Santa as our exclusive gift to you when you book online. 

Special Events with Santa

November 16. WSHV 2024 Craft Fair. Wraparound Services of the Hudson Valley invites the community to their 2024 Craft Fair! Multiple vendors, food & beverages, FREE pictures with Santa, and so much more!  

November 22-24, 29-30, December 1, 6-8, 11-23. Christmas on the Farm at Apple Ridge Orchards. Walk through the decorated farm market and orchards transformed into a winter wonderland. Full of breathtaking displays and dazzling lights, and plenty of good old fashioned Christmas spirit. Warm up by the fire pit and enjoy hot cocoa, make your own s’mores, enjoy treats in our retail farm market, take pictures with Santa, and listen to Santa’s singing Reindeer.

November 23. Buy Local Holiday Extravaganza & Thanksgiving Farmers Market. Buy Local for the Holidays! Local Artisan Market with Farms & Makers – Creators – Entertainers! Many local vendors – businesses, food, desserts, crafts, entertainment, kids’ activities, farmers market, civic/school group fundraisers, holiday farm tractor photo opt area and a visit with Santa! 

November 23. Church of Regina Coeli Christmas Craft Fair. More than 50 vendors will be selling their handcrafted and homemade items. There will be raffle baskets, prizes, a bake booth, and lunch available. Be sure and see Santa while you're there.  

November 23-December 31. Westchester’s Most Beloved Holiday Tradition Returns. Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza will be bigger and better than ever with thousands of electrifying lights creating magical vignettes, TWO 100-foot light tunnels and the best LIVE Santa Claus in Westchester. Accessible and convenient for all! 

November 25-December 13. Letters to Santa. Drop off your letters in Santa's Mailbox that is located outside the front door at Beekman Library. We will deliver all letters to Santa on time. PLEASE INCLUDE A STAMPED, SELF ADDRESSED ENVELOPE SO SANTA CAN REPLY. The last day to drop off letters will be Friday, December 13th. Library is located at 11 Town Center Blvd, Hopewell Junction.  

November 26. Letters to Santa Kick Off Story Time. Read a story, write your letter and decorate your envelope to send to Santa in our mailbox! This is for ages 6-10 years. Register online by November 26, 4pm. 
 
November 29-31, December 13-15, 20-22. A Frosty Fest. Visit with the Holiday Characters throughout Frosty Fest: Mr. & Mrs. Frosty, Snowbear, The Gingerbread Man, The Candy Cane characters, Penguin, and of course, Rudolph! Bring your camera for great photo opportunities with the characters of Frosty Fest! Have fun on our Frosty Train! All aboard! 

November 29. Pictures With Santa! Come by the Kiwanis Ice Arena the day after Thanksgiving and get your pics with Santa! $20 Cash or Check Donation at the door! Proceeds to benefit Saugerties Youth Hockey & Skating Club of Saugerties!  

November 29-December 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-23, 26-30. Winter Wonderland 2024. Nothing brings more joy to the holidays than HOLIDAY LIGHTS! Dogwood Acres Winter Wonderland is full of holiday lights. We've even supplied a wagon ride to take you through the holiday lights. Travel through the different areas and enjoy the sights of the season. Don't forget to get a hot chocolate and s'mores to enjoy by the fire. Have a snowball fight against your friends. Shoot marshmallows into giant mugs. Try our giant slingshot corn hole. There are games and fun activities to do all around. Stop by the concession stand to get some Krackle, our addictive holiday treat. Holiday fun for the whole family. Don't forget... HOLIDAY LIGHTS!!! 

November 30-December 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22. All Aboard "The Snow Clipper" for the First Gift Express. That portly gent from the North Pole will once again pay a visit to the Danbury Railway Museum and you can take a short ride in a vintage train through the historic railyard to visit him. This is a major fund-raising event for the museum. The museum will be open each day from 1:30pm to 9:00pm. Reservations are required for this very popular event as it sold out last year. Check-in at the restored 1903 train station and enjoy the festively decorated museum interior, a Letters to Santa coloring station, operating model railroads, and many interesting exhibits and artifact displays. After a short train ride there will be a no-rush meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, where the big man himself will give out the first gifts of Christmas. Some trains will run in darkness which will be ideal for enjoying the lighted railyard. Afterwards, walk through the railyard with a free cup of hot chocolate and a fresh-baked cookie!  

November 30 & December 14. Santa is Coming! Don't forget to bring your wish list. This event is free, so don't forget to bring your camera. Breakfast and lunch available for purchase. And check out the vendor tents for that unique Christmas gift. 

December 1. Breakfast with Santa. Join family and friends this Christmas Season to have Breakfast, sit with Santa for pictures, and do Christmas crafts. Breakfast includes a HOT buffet, delicious desserts, a hot-cocoa bar, and more! We are teaming up with our Friends at DC 10-13 for our Fourth Year. Please bring an unwrapped toy for our Toy Drive! Seating is First Come First Serve.   

December 1. Brunch with Santa. Kick off the holiday season in the most delicious way! Enjoy a magical brunch with Santa! Brunch and lunch by the amazing Melt Food Truck, made-to-order mini donuts from Dream Donuts, and photos with Santa. Bring a small gift for your child and watch their face light up when Santa gives it to them! Craft station for endless holiday creativity and Mimosa specials to add a little sparkle to your Sunday. Entry: $5 per child. Tickets allow access anytime between 11am and 1:30pm. Grab yours on our website and let the holiday festivities begin! Come hungry, bring your holiday spirit, and let’s make some memories with Santa!  

December 1. Cookies with Santa. Come visit SANTA for FREE pictures! Drop off your letter that will be mailed to the North Pole and finish up some last-minute shopping! Don't forget the craft corner to create a letter to mail to the military overseas!  

December 1. Holiday Celebration with Santa. Join us at the Ulster Welcome Center Plaza in Highland on Sunday, December 1 to kick off the holiday season with Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick on the World’s Longest Elevated Pedestrian Bridge from 11am until 2pm. This event is free to attend, and no RSVP is required. See the cuddly Brays of Sunshine miniature donkeys, enjoy hot chocolate, and bring the family to take your own festive photos with Santa! 

December 1 & 21. Santa Is Coming to Sunday Brunch. We’re serving all your favorite dishes, along with our extravagant mini-dessert display. So have your cameras ready for an enchanting morning on the Hudson River! Reservations strongly suggested. Call 845-486-9500  

December 1. Take Me Home Pet Rescue Pictures with Santa. Get ready for a pawsitively adorable holiday event! Join us for pictures with Santa, where furry friends can snap festive photos with jolly old St. Nick. Each photo taken will help raise funds for our rescue, ensuring that every wagging tail gets the care they need until they find a loving home. Bring your pups in their holiday best, and let’s spread some cheer while supporting a great cause!  

December 2. Pet photos with Santa. Capture Santa photos with your pets. Everyone is welcome, even without pets. Reservations are strongly encouraged.  

December 2. Pet photos with Santa. Capture Santa photos with your pets at the Poughkeepsie Galleria. Everyone is welcome, even without pets. Reservations are strongly encouraged.  

December 6. Snowflake Festival. Uptown Kingston will be transformed into a truly magical place for all! Tree lighting, Santa, live music, horse and carriage rides, and lots more. 

December 7. 4th Annual Free Picture with Santa. 4th annual Santa will be coming to Fishkill, NY. The office will be transformed into Santa's workshop! There will be inflatables, snacks, beverages, holiday cheer and photos with Santa himself!  

December 7 & 14. High Tea with Santa. Warm up this holiday season with Thayer's afternoon tea and special guest - Santa! Enjoy scones, tea sandwiches, and sweets while enjoying our beautiful holiday decor. Adults: $39. Please call 845-446-4731, ext. 3 for reservations. 

December 7. Santa Paws - Pet Pictures with Santa. This fun family picture day is organized to help raise awareness and funds for the many local dogs in need of a home. there will be Raffles, a Bake sale, and adoption and foster information. makes for a FUN Christmas card! $10 per printed photo. $5 for a digital copy on Facebook. NOTE: All types of pets are welcome. Pets need to be brought in a carrier or on a leash/harness. NO retractable leashes please. 

December 8, 15 & 22. Brunch with Santa. Enjoy our delicious award-winning brunch this holiday season, and meet the man himself, Santa Claus! Seatings at 10:30am, 11:00am and 1:30pm Please call 845-446-4731, ext. 3 for reservations   

December 8. Santa Brunch. Join us at The Links at Union Vale for a Christmas brunch, perfect for the entire family! Mr. and Mrs. Clause will be available for photo opportunities! Call today to make your reservations: 845-223-1002  

December 8. Santa is coming. Old Saint Nick has confirmed he'll be stopping by the shop to meet everyone!!! Come and stop by!!  

December 14 & 21. Dinner With Santa at Peace, Love & Lights. Santa Claus is coming to town… and your table! Enjoy a festive buffet dinner with your family, friends and Santa! On each Dinner with Santa night, there will be two seatings – the first at 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM sharp. Guests are required to arrive at the seating time that is on their ticket purchase – it is not a drop-in experience.   

December 14-15. FurEver Friends Santa Paws Howliday Spectacular. We’ve got raffles, local vendors, tasty goodies, food, puppies & rescues, family fun, and even photos with SANTA and THE GRINCH! Bring the whole family (including your own FurEver Friends) for a paws-itively magical holiday celebration!   

December 14. Santa Brunch. There are 2 seatings available at 9:30 am & 12:15 pm. Brunch with Santa is a Buffet. **New this year!! We will have Santa set up in an outdoor location for a story, hot chocolate, and a photo op with Santa. Please follow the instructions on the website to reserve your tickets.  

December 14. Santa's Farm Visit. Santa’s Schedule: 10am-12:30pm: Photo opportunities with Santa inside the Farm Store 1pm-2pm: Photo opportunities with Santa outside the Farm Store–Pets Welcome! There is free admission and parking for the event. Please note that dogs are not allowed in our farm store however they are welcome outdoors. You are welcome to bring your camera, phone, etc. of choice to take your photos with Santa. 

December 14-15. Saturday Morning Show- Elf, Jr. 2 showings on the 14th and one on the 15th. All seats $10. Kids on Stage is excited to present Elf Jr.! Based on the cherished New Line Cinema hit, Elf Jr. features songs by Tony Award-nominees. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole where he is raised as an elf. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list and that his half-brother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.  

December 14-15. Yappy Hour with Santa. Say cheese with Santa at the Kingston store, 2-6pm! Plus enjoy exclusive in-store event offers.   

December 14-15. Yappy Hour with Santa. Say cheese with Santa at the Monroe store, 2-6pm! Plus enjoy exclusive in-store event offers.   

December 14-15. Yappy Hour with Santa. Say cheese with Santa at the Newburgh store, 2-6pm! Plus enjoy exclusive in-store event offers.  

December 14-15. Yappy Hour with Santa. Say cheese with Santa at the Middletown store, 2-6pm! Plus enjoy exclusive in-store event offers.   

December 14-15. Yappy Hour with Santa. Say cheese with Santa at the Poughkeepsie store, 2-6pm! Plus enjoy exclusive in-store event offers.   

December 15. 2024 Santa Tour. The Salisbury Mills Fire Company Elves have reached out to Santa and coordinated a day. Santa will be in the area visiting all our friends this year. Santa, the SMFC Elves, and the fire trucks will be hitting the road in the morning (Time TBD). Make sure to keep an ear out for his Christmas Music and the fire truck sirens. He has lots of people to see and will be out and about most of the day.  

December 15. Brunch with Santa. Bring your little ones for a delightful day filled with joy and wonder. Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, letters to Santa, crafts, Toys for Tots box. Must make reservations at 845-286-2633.  

December 15. Santa Claus visits the Rhinebeck Farmers Market. Free event! Feel free to take pictures with Santa too. Make sure you're on the nice list this year! Santa is planning to attend rain or shine and will be under a tent.   

December 21. 3rd Annual Saddles with Santa. Enjoy a pony ride and photo with the pony and Santa! Food truck available and lots of hot chocolate! The event is located inside a sheltered, indoor arena. Registration and sign-up are required to participate.  

December 22. Santa's Workshop at Peace, Love & Lights. Delight in crafting activities alongside Santa and his helpers as he gets ready for Christmas! Children can enjoy meeting with Santa, cookie decorating, light refreshments, building holiday-inspired crafts, and more.  

Updated November 13, 2024



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