Winter magic awaits: Enchanting local events for kids and families

By  ELIZABETH COLOMBINI 

The holiday season transforms the area into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive celebrations and cherished traditions. From delightful train displays to visits with Santa, these charming towns offer endless opportunities to create magical family memories. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by a cozy fire or gliding across the ice, here’s your guide to finding the holiday spirit.

Public ice skating at The Harvey School

Lace up your skates for family-friendly public skating sessions at The Harvey School’s Evarts Ice Rink. The Bedford Department of Recreation partners with the school to offer affordable skating opportunities throughout the winter. A DJ spins tunes and hot chocolate is available while families glide across the ice in this enclosed, temperature-controlled facility. Bring your own skates; no rentals are available. 

Public ice skating will be held Nov. 28, Dec. 29, Jan. 19 and Feb. 16, from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m.; $5 per person. 

The Harvey School is located at 260 Jay St., Katonah. For more information, visit bedfordny.gov.

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland

Buckle up for a sparkling 1.2-mile drive-through, filled with thousands of twinkling lights and whimsical, larger-than-life displays. Kids will love zooming through the 175-foot “transporter tunnel,” gliding along Rudolph’s runway, and watching the candy-colored trees dance on “candy cane lane.” Don’t miss the towering 40-foot Christmas tree, a favorite photo spot year after year.

Westchester Winter Wonderland. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Enjoy live music, holiday vendors and plenty of treats from local food trucks.

The drive-through experience starts Friday, Nov. 28. 

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland is located at Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla. For more information, visit wwinterwonderland.com.

Holidays on the Hill Train Show at Lasdon Park

Step into the Conservatory at Lasdon Park where 12 multi-level tracks feature trains chugging over bridges, through tunnels and past enchanting holiday scenes adorned by twinkling lights and seasonal plants. Outside, the Conservatory Plaza transforms into a festive display with playful snowmen, Santa’s reindeer and whimsical holiday exhibits. Santa himself greets children in his cottage, ready to hear their holiday wishes. From Nov. 30 to Jan. 5. 

Lasdon Park is located at 2610 Route 35, Katonah. For tickets and more information, visit lasdonpark.org

Breakfast with Frosty, Bedford Hills

Kick off a winter-bright morning with everyone’s favorite snowman at the Bedford Hills Community House. Kids can cozy up with Frosty for breakfast, photos and plenty of frosty fun alongside his chilly friends. The menu is kid-approved — doughnuts, pancakes, cereal, yogurt and juice or milk, plus coffee to keep the grownups going. Designed for ages 8 and under, the festivities begin with entertainment at 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Bedford Hills Community House is located at 74 Main St., Bedford Hills. For registration and more information, visit bedfordny.gov. 

Candy cane drive-by

Join Mr. and Mrs. Claus — and Frosty the Snowman — on their magical firetruck tour through Pound Ridge as they make five cheerful stops to hand out candy canes, pose for photos and spread holiday joy. The ride ends at The Green at 4 p.m., where families can snap more photos with Santa and soak up the seasonal spirit. Warm up with hot cocoa or hot apple cider, available for purchase from Troop 1 and the Cub Scouts. Saturday, Dec. 13. For more information, visit townofpoundridge.com. 

Letters to Santa, Lewisboro 

Children 8 and under are invited to write to Santa Claus expressing their holiday thoughts and wishes. Drop letters in Santa’s special mailboxes located at the Lewisboro Recreation Office, Gossett Brothers Nursery or the Vista, Cross River, Goldens Bridge and South Salem post offices from Monday, Dec. 1 to Tuesday, Dec. 16. Santa and his helpers personally answer each letter, so be sure to include your child’s complete name (first and last) and mailing address. For more information, visit lewisborony.gov.    

  Cut your own Christmas tree, Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm

Experience the magic of selecting and cutting your perfect tree at Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm, then warm up with complimentary hot apple cider while browsing the farm market and bakery. Reservations required (with $40 deposit towards the purchase of tree) for opening weekend, Nov. 29 and 30. Walk-ins welcome beginning Monday, Dec. 1, while supplies last.

Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm is located at 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights. For more information, visit wilkensfarm.com. 

Katonah tree and menorah lighting 

Join the Katonah Chamber of Commerce for this celebration featuring live music, food trucks and the lighting of the tree and menorah. Connect with neighbors at this annual event. Monday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m., at St. Luke’s Church, located at 68 Bedford Road, Katonah. For more information, visit bedfordny.gov.

Shine Bright Bedford 

Bedford Village has a full evening of special events including a tree lighting and luminary display on the Village Green. Stop by the 1787 Court House for Fezziwegs, the Bedford Historical Society’s festive holiday celebration offering refreshments, snacks and live music. Friday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit bedfordhistoricalsociety.org.

Holiday Market, Bedford Hills

Join the town of Bedford’s third annual Holiday Market at the Bedford Hills train station. Enjoy holiday shopping with artisan goods, crafts, baked treats and more, plus live music, food trucks and the Bedford Hills Tree Lighting at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 6 p.m. For more information, visit bedfordny.gov. 

Lumina at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, North Salem

Immerse yourself in an enchanting, illuminated forest featuring over half a million brilliant lights. Journey through radiant tunnels, enjoy music-synced light shows, photo ops and cozy campfires. Grab a warm drink and light-up wand as you experience this magical holiday adventure for all ages. Through Dec. 30. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard is located at 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem. For tickets and more information, visit luminahm.com.

Sledding fun

There are many locations to go sledding throughout northern Westchester — provided there’s enough snow! One of the best is at Gedney Park, located at  155 Millwood Road, Chappaqua, with a large, fenced-in designated hill that’s been professionally graded and features hay bales for soft, safe stops. Perfect for sledding with little and big kids alike, helmets required. Other locations include the Mount Kisco Country Club, located at 10 Taylor Road, Mount Kisco; Leonard Park, located at 104 Main St., Mount Kisco; Captain Merritt’s Hill, Mountain Avenue, Mount. Kisco; and Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Route 121, Cross River.