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
Nov. 30-Dec. 23. Santa is Coming to Town! Galleria at Crystal Run is welcoming Santa Claus back to the shopping center this holiday season at his temporary home on the lower level in JC Penney Court. Families and even pets 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 for all guests, with walk-up visits available as space allows throughout the day.
Nov. 30-Dec. 23. Photos 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.
Dec. 3. 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.
Dec. 3. 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.
Dec. 4, 12 & 18. Pet photos with Santa. Capture Santa photos with your pets at the Poughkeepsie Galleria. Everyone is welcome, even without pets. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Dec. 12. Pet Photo Night with Santa. Capture Santa photos with your pets. Everyone is welcome, even without pets. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Special Events with Santa
Nov. 17-19, 24-26, Dec. 1-3, 8-11, 15-17, 20-23, 27-29. The Polar Express. Set to the sounds of the motion picture, passengers will relive the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical trip to the North Pole. Once on board, the Conductor will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket as you’re served hot chocolate and a delicious cookie by our dancing chefs! Passengers will read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Once at The North Pole, Santa and his Elves board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. During the trip, characters on each car lead passengers in caroling and onboard entertainment – just like in the film! Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this unforgettable adventure. We do have limited seats reserved for families with sensory sensitivities. Please contact us at 845-332-4854 to book these seats. There will be softer audio and lighting levels in these seats.
Nov. 18. Holiday Extravaganza~Buy Local Event & Thanksgiving Farmers Market. Everything you need or want for the holidays under one roof! 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 op area, and a visit with Santa!
Nov. 18. Photos with Santa at the Animal Sanctuary. Visit Wayward Ranch Animal Sanctuary at our Open House event and meet our rescue small animals, dogs, cats, pigs, goats, and equines! Tour our facility, learn about the rescue work we do and see how to get involved! Bring the family for photos with Santa and his elves (which may include some fun goats!).
Nov. 24-26, Dec. 3-4 & 9-10. Visit with Santa. Bring the kids for a fresh tree and to see Santa. Enjoy live music by the campfire December 9-10.
Wander through candy land, hangout with Eggbert’s barnyard, browse his garage, try your hand on the slot car track, face painting, attend the chicken show in the barnyard theater, hang out with Santa, dance with Clair in her house, grab a bite in the food court, hop on the train to send a letter to Santa through Eggbert’s magic mailbox and so much more along the way! We have partnered up with Moroney’s Motorcycles and we will be a toy drop off location for their annual toy drive to benefit the Cornerstone Family Health Center in Newburgh. Eggbert will be taking a ride along with Jimmy over to the Motorcycle Museum to hang out with all the kids on December 2nd! When you drop off a toy at Devitt’s you will get a 20% coupon to spend on a ticket for the Christmas trail or to use in our Holiday shop! The first portion of the Christmas trail will be open during the week for customers to walk through free of charge (it will start at the head of the trail and end with the farm animals) but Eggbert will only be working on the weekends.
Nov. 25. Pictures With Santa & Mrs. Claus! Join us at Kiwanis Ice Arena as Santa & Mrs. Claus trade in their sleigh for the day and borrow our ZAMBONI!! Cailee Nicole Photography will be set up to provide you with digital downloads of your pictures with Santa! $20 cash or check donation to benefit Saugerties Youth Hockey & Skating Club Of Saugerties!
Nov. 25-26. Visit with Santa. 10am-2pm. See the Grinch on Nov. 26 & Dec. 23. 10am-2pm.
Nov. 25-26, Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17. Santa Brunch. Brunch with Santa is back by popular demand!! There are 2 seatings available at 9:30 am & 12:15 pm. We will have Santa set up in an outdoor location for a story, hot chocolate, and a photo op with Santa. Please email Thevenue@windinghillsgc.com for reservations. We will do our best to accommodate your party but please know there is VERY LIMITED SEATING. We will email you an invoice for payment. You will have 24 hours to purchase your tickets before your reservation is released. Once your tickets are purchased you will receive an email confirming you are all set. Price is $45/Adults; $20/Child ages 4-12 plus tax, 20% gratuity, and online processing fee.
Nov. 26. Holiday Celebration with Santa. Kick off the holiday season with Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick on the World’s Longest Elevated Pedestrian Bridge! This event is free to attend, and no RSVP is required. Professional digital photos with Santa and the Frozen characters will be available for purchase for a suggested donation of $10, or visitors may take their own photos.
Dec. 1. Snowflake Festival. Holiday-themed performances, fire twirlers, jugglers, ice carving, horse-drawn carriage rides, tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and so much more throughout the Historic Stockade District. Indoor and outdoor festivities for the whole family!
Dec. 2. Arlington Holiday Festival. Shift your holiday spirit into high gear at the Arlington Business Improvement District's Holiday Festival. There will be an eggnog crawl, a petting zoo, music, marshmallow roasting, vendors and, of course, Santa Claus!
Dec. 2, 9, 16 & 23. Holiday Afternoon Tea with Santa. Enjoy scones, tea sandwiches, and sweets while enjoying our beautiful holiday decor. Tea starts promptly at 3pm. Reservations Required! To make a reservation, please call 845.446.4731 ext. 7929.
Dec. 2. Holiday on the Lake. The fun begins at Cornerstone Park at 4pm with hayrides with Santa, trolley rides, a Chowder Fest from 4-5:30 with free samples from local eateries, and choirs and Tree Lighting Ceremony 5-5:30. Live music along Gleneida Ave. 5:30-6:30pm. Parade of lights 6:30-7:30 with decorative floats. Final Tree Lighting Ceremony at Lake Gleneida from 7:30-7:45.
Dec. 2. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Our annual visit with the cheery couple will be held in the main library during our holiday book sale. Registration is HIGHLY recommended. Drop-ins/walk-ins may have to wait, though all are welcome to stop by for a chance to share holiday wishes, and good cheer, and take family photos.
Dec. 2. Santa is Coming to RVAC! For just $10 per child over the age of 2, your family can enjoy unlimited photos with Santa. Plus, every child receives a Take & Make Holiday Craft Kit to ignite their creativity. Little ones will have a blast at our Coloring Activity Table and Make Your Own Ornament Activity Table. You can even add a personal touch to your holiday season with our Holiday Bracelet & Keychain-making workshop by BeadedBlendzbyBritt (additional fee applies). Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with the delectable offerings from the Donut for Days Donut Truck on-site (additional fee for treats). Pre-registration is required. Children under 2 are welcome for free but won’t receive a craft kit. 1 ticket per child over the age of 2 is required.
Dec. 2. Town of Wappinger Tree Lighting. Please join us for this annual celebration where we light the Town Christmas tree. We will have hot chocolate and cookies, a craft and game for the children, and a visit from everyone’s Jolly friend Santa! No registration is required for this free event. There will be gift bags available for the first 300 kids who visit Santa!
Dec. 3, 10, 17 & 24. Brunch with Santa. Join us for our award-winning Sunday Champagne Brunch with special guest, Santa! Reservations required. 10:30am, 11am & 1:30pm. Currently, we are only taking reservations through our Brunch with Santa Overnight Package. We will start to take regular reservations on November 15, 2023.
Dec. 3. EFHS Annual Christmas Open House. The Brinckerhoff Farmhouse will be decorated in fine greenery for the start of the holiday season. Santa and Randolph the Reingoat will be back for you and your family to take pictures with. A $5 donation for photos and a donation of canned goods that will go to the Fishkill Food Pantry would be greatly appreciated. We will have children’s crafts in our one-room schoolhouse. Mulled cider and nibbles will be served in the farmhouse as well as hot chocolate and s’mores outdoors.
Dec. 3. Santa Brunch. Back again, the annual Santa Brunch this holiday season, with a visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus! Please call to make your reservations 845-223-1000.
Dec. 6. Toys for Tots Toy Drive. Guests are asked to donate unwrapped toys for donation to benefit local children in need this holiday season & stay for a fun filled evening featuring photos with Santa by ADA Studio, live music by Body Rock Entertainment, dance performances by North Shore Dance. Advance registration is required.
Dec. 8. Light up the Hamlet. Come out for a picture with Santa, have some yummy treats, and warm up with some Hot chocolate.
Dec. 9. Brunch with Santa. Santa is coming to Simply Gourmet! Bundle up the kids and join us for a delicious brunch. The kids can hang out with Santa, and you can take as many pictures as you want! (No lines or expensive photo sessions.) Call for reservations 845-214-0300.
Dec. 9. FREE Pictures with Santa. Come meet Santa Claus himself in his enchanting workshop, nestled amidst twinkling lights and glistening snowflakes! Capture the precious moment with a FREE picture that you'll cherish forever. Explore our whimsical world of giant inflatables and Christmas displays that will leave you wide-eyed with wonder! From playful penguins to jolly snowmen, there's so much to see and do! Kid-friendly activities. Surprises and goodies.
Dec. 9. Santa Paws Pet Pictures with Santa. This family picture day is organized to help raise awareness and funds for the many local dogs in need of a home. Featuring wonderful raffles, adopting, and fostering information. ALL PETS ARE WELCOME. Pets need to be brought in a carrier or on a leash/harness. NO retractable leashes, please. The following pets are welcome in Tractor Supply Co. Domestic dogs and cats, birds, small animals, and reptiles including guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchillas, gerbils, mice, rats, certain geckos, bearded dragons, turtles, and tortoises. Non-poisonous snakes and frogs. Other non-venomous reptiles, ferrets, rabbits, pigs, chicken, cattle, sheep, goats, ducks, ponies and horses.
Dec. 9. Santa's Farm Visit. Santa Claus is making his annual journey to Fishkill Farms, and he’ll be set up in our farm store for photos and spreading holiday cheer. Free admission and no parking fee for the event. Please note that dogs are not allowed in our farm store, however they are welcome outdoors. You may bring your own camera, phone, etc. of choice to take your own photos with Santa.
Dec. 9, 16 & 23. Holiday Afternoon Tea with Santa. Enjoy scones, tea sandwiches, and sweets while enjoying our beautiful holiday decor. Tea starts promptly at 3pm. Reservations Required! To make a reservation, please call 845.446.4731 ext. 7929.
Dec. 10. Breakfast with Santa. Guests will savor a traditional American breakfast, get a photo with Santa, sing along to Christmas carols with Johnny Dell on the piano, and enjoy crafts & cookie decorating for the kids.
Dec. 10. 2nd 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 is required to participate.
Dec. 11. Pet Photo Night with Santa. Capture Santa photos with your pets. Everyone is welcome, even without pets. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Dec. 15 & 16. Dinner with Santa. Santa Claus is coming to town... and your table! Enjoy a festive buffet dinner with family and Santa! Drop in from 5-8pm and visit with Santa to make your Peace, Love & Lights drive even more memorable. Tickets are $59 per adult (12 & older), $35 per youth (11 & under), and free per child (2 and under). Please Note: Dates, times, and location are subject to change at any time.
Dec. 16. SANTAPAWS. Enjoy raffles, puppies, stocking stuffers, photos with Santa, adoptions, holiday shopping, and more goodies!
Dec. 16. 3rd Annual Country Christmas with Horses in the Barn. There will be craft stations for kids to make homemade ornaments, visit with Santa and take your own pictures, visit the petting zoo animals and make s'mores around the firepit. There will also be a hot cocoa bar, homemade cookies and pony rides available for an extra charge.
Dec. 17. 2023 Santa Tour. Santa will be in the area visiting all our friends on Sunday, Dec. 17th. Santa, the SMFC Elves, and the fire trucks will be hitting the road at 10am. 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.
Dec. 17. Breakfast with Santa. Our Annual Breakfast with Santa returns this year! Enjoy a family breakfast at Applebee's with a visit from and, a photo opportunity with Santa. Breakfast includes eggs, bacon, pancakes, breakfast potatoes and, juice, coffee or tea.
Dec. 21 & 22. Santa's Workshop. Enjoy crafting activities alongside Santa and his helpers as he gets ready for Christmas! Children can enjoy meeting with Santa, light refreshments, building holiday-inspired crafts, and more in the beautiful Event Gallery. Tickets are $25 per child and parents are free.
Dec. 23. Cookie Decorating with Santa. Looking to WOW Santa with a custom confection your little one is sure to enjoy making? Surprise him with uniquely decorated cookies for under the tree this holiday season! Your child can enjoy cookie decorating entertainment from Mr. Claus himself, three sugar cookies, sweet treat decorating supplies, and one glass of cocoa.
Dec. 24. Shadows on the Hudson's Brunch With Santa. Join Shadows on the Hudson for a magical brunch with Santa! Serving all of your favorite dishes, along with Shadows' extravagant mini-dessert display. So, have your cameras ready for an enchanting morning on the Hudson River. Reservations are strongly suggested
Updated December 7, 2023
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