Holiday Events for Kids: Concerts, Crafts & Performances |

This season, families have plenty of ways to celebrate across Westchester, with holiday events for kids that encourage creativity, curiosity and festive fun. From train displays and planetarium shows to concerts and kid-friendly Nutcracker performances, the county offers a broad mix of holiday traditions and activities.

Also: Scroll to the bottom for a list of ArtsNews‘ holiday guides: productions of The Nutcracker, local arts boutiques, beloved movie classics, holiday lights shows, a gift-making guide, and our ultimate list of 50+ holiday events in Westchester.

Grab the Popcorn: Holiday Movies

Holiday movie screenings contribute to the diversity of holiday experiences across Westchester. Throughout the month, local theaters are showing everything from modern comedies like Elf to classics like It’s a Wonderful Life. Families can choose between interactive movie parties, nostalgic big-screen revivals, and special events tailored for kids—creating plenty of ways to pair winter outings with a familiar favorite. ArtsNews’ film guide will lead readers through their holiday movie options.

Kid-Friendly Nutcracker Events

December 14, 2025
The Nutcracker (New York Theatre Ballet)
Presented by Tarrytown Music Hall
New York Theatre Ballet presents an hour-long production of The Nutcracker tailored to young audiences while retaining classical elegance. Professional dancers bring Clara’s dream world to life with crisp storytelling and choreography, offering an accessible introduction to ballet. 3pm & 6pm.

December 21, 2025
Nutcracker Short & Sweet: A Sensory-Friendly Production
Presented by Paramount Hudson Valley Theater
Paramount Hudson Valley’s Nutcracker, Short and Sweet condenses Tchaikovsky’s ballet into a one-hour, sensory-friendly performance with a local Hudson Valley cast. Narration from Clara’s point of view and adjusted sound and lighting make this family-oriented production especially welcoming for neurodiverse audiences.

December 29, 2025
Nutcracker Tap Dance Special
Presented by New Rochelle Public Library
New Rochelle Public Library presents a Nutcracker-inspired tap dance and music performance “with a jazzy twist” from musical duo Musiquita. The family-focused program incorporates tap dance, violin and piano music and encourages children aged 3-11 to sing and dance along to holiday favorites in both English and Spanish. 11am.

You may also enjoy: Nutcracker Holiday Guide: Classic Versions and Creative Twists

Holiday Lights Shows

Westchester’s holiday light displays offer everything from contemporary installations to longstanding community traditions. At Harvest Moon, Lumina Light Show creates an immersive nighttime environment of illuminated sculptures and shifting projections. Kensico Dam Plaza’s Winter Wonderland delivers a more classic experience, with large-scale synchronized displays and festive add-ons that draw families each year. For a quieter outing, Untermyer Gardens’ Grand Holiday Illumination highlights the Walled Garden’s architecture with thousands of jewel-toned lights and seasonal music. Together, these three holiday events for kids provide varied ways for families to experience the season after dark. Click to learn more about each of these offerings.

Especially charming for children is Muscoot Farm’s holiday lights display (12/12-13 & 19-20). While it may not be considered an “all out” display, it does include some animal friends, holiday-themed activities, music, food trucks and more.

You may also enjoy: All-Out Holiday Lights Displays in Westchester

Hands-On Holiday Arts Workshops

December 6, 2025
Advanced Paper Snowflake Workshop
Presented by Historic Hudson Valley / Philipsburg Manor
At Philipsburg Manor, participants aged 12 and up learn to fold and cut intricate paper snowflakes in a focused workshop. Admission includes materials for multiple designs, plus a hot beverage and donut, with one finished snowflake displayed in the site’s greenhouse. 12pm.

December 13, 2025
Gingerbread Decorating Class
Presented by Caramoor
Caramoor partners with Feeding Young Foodies for a family gingerbread decorating workshop. Participants assemble and embellish edible structures with guidance from teaching artists, turning the historic site into a sweet-smelling studio that blends culinary creativity with holiday fun. 10:30am.

You may also enjoy: ArtsNews’ guide to holiday gift-making

Other Holiday Events for Kids

Through January 3, 2026
The Great Holiday Train Show
Presented by New Castle Historical Society
New Castle Historical Society fills its headquarters with elaborate model train layouts for The Great Holiday Train Show. Multiple gauges, themed scenes and historic settings delight train enthusiasts and families, highlighting both railroad history and local landmarks in miniature. Dates and times vary.

Through January 2, 2026
The Sky Tonight: Holiday Edition
Presented by Hudson River Museum
This live, interactive planetarium show explores the winter night sky, from bright stars and planets to seasonal constellations and comets. As the solstice approaches, visitors learn the astronomy behind traditions such as the Star of Bethlehem, holiday lights and yule logs in a story-rich program. Recommended for audiences aged 8 and up. Dates and times vary.

December 7, 2025
The Laurie Berkner Band: A Live Holiday Concert
Presented by Tarrytown Music Hall
Beloved children’s musician Laurie Berkner brings her upbeat band for a pair of holiday events for kids, featuring interactive sing-alongs and festive songs. Families can choose a morning or afternoon performance, with VIP options that include a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity. 11am & 3pm.

You may also enjoy: Ultimate Holiday Events Guide: 50+ Holiday Events in Westchester

Other ArtsNews Holiday 2025 Events Guides:

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