Embrace the festive spirit of Kingston with our ultimate holiday guide. From those who live and breathe Kingston to those just getting a taste, our guide brings your holiday dreams to life.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the season is The Snowflake Festival, where families can enjoy a variety of winter-themed activities and delightful local vendors. The Wonderland Lights offers a mesmerizing display of holiday illuminations, creating a magical atmosphere throughout the city. And don't forget the Annual Troy Victorian Stroll, a charming event that transports guests back in time with Victorian carolers and beautifully decorated streets. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Kingston
- The Snowflake Festival
- Annual Troy Victorian Stroll (Troy)
- The Wonderland Lights (Rhinebeck)
- Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express
- Holiday in Saugerties Village (Saugerties)
- Wintertide at the Kingston Waterfront
- Made in Kingston
- Christmas Fair at the Reformed Church of New Paltz (New Paltz)
See these and even more events listed below!
Kingston Holiday Light Displays
The Wonderland Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling holiday light displays with special discounts and support for Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley.
Description:
The Wonderland Lights is a family-friendly drive-through light show at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY, featuring hundreds of dazzling displays to delight the entire family. The event supports Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley and offers a unique holiday experience with various ticket options and special discounts.
Where: Rhinebeck | More Info: The Wonderland Lights
Kingston Holiday Markets and Shopping
Wintertide at the Kingston Waterfront
What to Expect:
Live music and annual tree lighting.
Description:
Wintertide at the Kingston Waterfront is a full-day celebration of the holiday season with neighborhood festivities, free offerings, sales, and activities for the whole family. Live music accompanies the annual tree lighting at dusk.
Where: Kingston | More Info: Wintertide at the Kingston Waterfront
Made in Kingston
What to Expect:
Showcase of local artisans' diverse handmade products.
Description:
Made in Kingston is a celebration of local craftsmanship, featuring a diverse array of handcrafted, fabricated, and manufactured goods from talented artisans in Kingston, NY. The event showcases a wide range of products including cards, fine art, jewelry, dolls, clothing, textiles, home accessories, and more.
Where: Kingston | More Info: Made in Kingston
Christmas Fair at the Reformed Church of New Paltz
What to Expect:
Unique blend of community generosity and holiday shopping.
Description:
The Reformed Church of New Paltz's Christmas Fair offers a variety of handmade goods, ornaments, and poinsettias, along with a soup station featuring donated soups and a holiday crafts market. The event also includes caroling, a holiday crafts and greenery market, and live music performances.
Where: New Paltz | More Info: Christmas Fair at the Reformed Church of New Paltz
Annual Troy Victorian Stroll
What to Expect:
Historical architecture and Victorian attire.
Description:
The Annual Troy Victorian Stroll is a community holiday tradition that transforms downtown Troy into a bygone Victorian era, featuring live music, boutiques, children’s activities, and a window decorating contest.
Where: Troy | More Info: Annual Troy Victorian Stroll
Kingston Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Snowflake Festival
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed performances and activities in the Historic Stockade District.
Description:
The Uptown Kingston Snowflake Festival is a free community event held annually on the first Friday in December. It transforms Uptown Kingston into a vibrant celebration with holiday-themed performances, fire twirlers, jugglers, ice carving, horse-drawn carriage rides, tree lighting, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event features a variety of activities throughout the Historic Stockade District, making it a delightful experience for all ages.
Where: Kingston | More Info: The Snowflake Festival
Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express
What to Expect:
Family-friendly train ride with hot chocolate and caroling.
Description:
The Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express is a family-friendly event where passengers relive the classic story of The Polar Express. They are served hot chocolate and cookies by dancing chefs, read along with the book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive a silver sleigh bell from Santa. The train ride includes caroling and on-board entertainment, making it an unforgettable adventure.
Where: Kingston | More Info: Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express
Kingston Other Holiday Activities
Holiday in Saugerties Village
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday activities in a charming Hudson Valley village setting.
Description:
Saugerties Village hosts a festive holiday event with shops offering great deals, free children's activities, a holiday raffle, live entertainment, caroling, and a decked-out Kiersted House where Santa is available for visits. Old-fashioned hay rides and a reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" conclude the festivities with the lighting of Seamon Park.
Where: Saugerties | More Info: Holiday in Saugerties Village
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Poughkeepsie (16 miles)
- Newburgh (29 miles)
- Middletown (40 miles)
- Kiryas Joel (41 miles)
- Peekskill (44 miles)
- West Torrington (45 miles)