Santa will be out and about in the Hudson Valley long before he comes down the chimney in the early hours of Dec. 25 to load up gifts under the Christmas tree.

From malls to tree lighting ceremonies to community Christmas parties, we've compiled a list of spots where you can find the big jolly guy in the weeks leading up to Christmas and get a photo with him.

Know of a location open to the public for free or at the cost of a ticket that we might have missed? Email jackie.corley@townsquaremedia.com with the details.


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DUTCHESS COUNTY

Beekman

Cookies With Santa at the Beekman Firehouse | 316 Beekman Poughquag Road, Poughquag, NY 12570

The Beekman Fire Company Auxiliary will host cookies with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 11AM to 3PM. The event will include a craft and vendor fair, a children's craft corner, a Toys for Tots drive, a military holiday card station and local musicians performing.

Dover

Tree Lighting & Holiday Festival Celebration | Boyce Park, 6420 State Rte 55, Wingdale, NY 12594

The 2019 Holiday Fest and Christmas Tree Lighting in Dover will take place Saturday, Dec. 7 from 5PM to 8PM. The event will include arts and crafts, a parade, a tree lighting ceremony and a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Dover Plains

Milk & Cookies with Santa at Soukup Farms | 271 Halls Corners Rd, Dover Plains, NY 12522 | 845-264-3137

Santa Claus will drop by Soukup Farms on Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15 from 10AM to 3PM for milk and cookies. A children's craft area will be set up for making Christmas ornaments or painting ceramic Christmas trees. The cost varies from $3 to $8 depending on the craft selected. A cookie station will also be available for kids to decorate sugar cookies. The cost is $5 for two cookies. Mrs. Claus will be there to read holiday-themed children's books. The brunch menu will feature pancakes, eggnog waffles and soups. No reservations are required.

East Fishkill

East Fishkill's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony | East Fishkill Community Center, 888 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533

East Fishkill will host its annual tree lighting ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 5PM to 8PM. The event will include seasonal music by the East Fishkill Community Chorus, hot chocolate, snacks and a visit from Santa Claus. The event is co-hosted by the East Fishkill Rotary Club.

Mill Creek Caterers | 17 NY-376, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 | 845-226-8714

Mill Creek Caterers will host breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 10AM to 1PM. The cost is $20 for children 3 to 12 years, $30 for general admission and free for children 2 years and under.

Fishkill

Village of Fishkill Village Hall | 1095 Main St, Fishkill, NY 12524

The Village of Fishkill holiday party and tree lighting takes place Sunday, Dec. 8 from 2:30PM to 4:30PM. The holiday party will include caroling and a parade of lights before the tree lighting.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park Town Hall Hall | 4383 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538

The Town of Hyde Park will hold its annual tree lighting and candlelight walk beginning at the Methodist Church on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 5PM. Community members will receive candles and walk to Town Hall while caroling. Live music and readings will take place at town hall before the tree is lit. Afterward, attendees are invited inside for refreshments and a visit from Santa.

Pawling

Pawling Decemberfest Tree Lighting | 59 Charles Colman Blvd, Pawling, NY 12564

The Pawling Chamber of Commerce hosts the Pawling Decemberfest Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 6 at 5PM. The event includes a musical performance by the Pawling High School Band and Chorus, as well as hot chocolate, cookies, soup and hot dogs. Santa will arrive at 5PM and a tree lighting will take place at 6PM.

Poughkeepsie

Adams Fairacre Farms | 765 Dutchess Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 | 845-454-4330

Free photos with Santa are offered at Adams Fairacre Farms' Poughkeepsie location Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 30 through Dec. 15 from 10AM to 4PM.

Arlington Holiday Festival | Main St between Raymond & Fowler Aves., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

The 5th Annual Arlington Holiday Festival takes place on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 11AM to 6PM. The annual Eggnog Crawl takes place from noon to 4PM at participating locations throughout the village. Tickets cost $5. The holiday parade kicks off at 4:30PM and ends with Santa's arrival on sled. Leashed pets dressed in the holiday spirit are allowed in the parade. A tree-lighting ceremony will take place at 5:30PM.

Our Lady of Lourdes High School | 131 Boardman Road, Poughkeepsie, 12603

Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit Lourdes High School after each performance of A Charlie Brown Christmas, on Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8, at 2 and 4 pm ($5 ticket for the show). The Lourdes Theatre Company will also host a cookie walk ($6 per pound). All to benefit the Lourdes Theatre Company in its mission to produce classic American theatre for the entire community.

Poughkeepsie Galleria Mall | 2001 South Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 | 845-297-7600

Visit Santa at Center Court of the Poughkeepsie Galleria for photos from Friday, Nov. 22 through Christmas Eve. Santa's hours will be Monday through Saturday from 10AM to 8PM and Sunday from 11AM to 6PM.

The Poughkeepsie Galleria will offer its Santa Cares! event for children with special needs on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 8:30AM to 10:30AM. Registration is required at poughkeepsiegalleriamall.com/event/santa-cares-3/

Santa Paws!, a night for pet photos with Santa, will be held at the Poughkeepsie Galleria on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 6-8PM.

Walkway Over the Hudson | 61 Parker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Santa arrives at the Walkway Over the Hudson on Friday, Nov. 29 from noon to 3PM. The event is free and open to the public. Santa will take photos with kids, dogs and the whole family.

Red Hook

Battenfeld & Son Christmas Tree Farm | 856 NY-199, Red Hook, NY 12571 | 845-758-8018

Santa will be at Battenfeld's Christmas Tree Farm on Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 30 through Dec. 15 from 11AM to 2PM. Wagon rides are available on the weekends from 10AM to 3PM.

Wappingers Falls

Kevin McCurdy's Holiday Spirit Festival | 38 Sheafe Rd, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 | 845-297-9627

Kevin McCurdy's Holiday Spirit Festival runs from Friday, Nov. 29 through Saturday, Dec. 28. Hours are as follows: Fridays from 6PM to 8PM, Saturdays from 4:30PM to 9PM and Sundays from 4:30PM to 8:30PM. The hours for Friday, Dec. 27 and Saturday, Dec. 28 are 4:30PM to 9PM. Kids' tickets at $14 for ages 11 years and under; adult tickets are $17; seniors and military tickets are $13; and children under 2 years are free.

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ORANGE COUNTY

Central Valley

Woodbury Commons | 498 Red Apple Ct, Central Valley, NY 10917 | 845-928-4000

Santa will be Woodbury Common from Nov. 29 through Dec. 24. Photos with Santa hours are as follows: Nov. 29 from 11AM to 7PM; Nov. 30 from 10AM to 8PM; weekdays in December from 11AM to 8PM; Saturdays in December from 10AM to 8 PM; Sundays in December from noon to 6PM; and Christmas Eve from 9AM to 6PM.

Greenwood Lake

Greenwood Lake Holiday Festival | Greenwood Lake Community Center, 51 Waterstone Road, Greenwood Lake, NY 10925

The Greenwood Lake Holiday Festival takes place Sunday, Dec. 1 from 1PM to 6PM. The event features vendors for holiday shopping, food, a bar area, holiday music, photos with Santa and a Christmas Tree Lighting.

Hamptonburgh

Hill Hold Museum | 128 NY-416, Campbell Hall, NY 10916

The Friends of Hill Hold will have candlelight tours of the historic homestead on Saturday, Dec. 7; Sunday, Dec. 8; Saturday, Dec. 14; and Sunday, Dec. 15 from noon to 4PM. There will also be open hearth cooking demonstrations in the kitchen. Children can make crafts and enjoy a visit with Santa on Saturdays.

Middletown

Galleria at Crystal Run | 1 Galleria Dr, Middletown, NY 10941 | 845-692-8883

Santa will be at Center Court at the Galleria at Crystal Run from Saturday, Nov. 16 through Dec. 24. His hours are 10AM to 9PM Mondays through Saturdays and 11AM to 6PM on Sundays.

Pet Night With Santa at the Galleria at Crystal Run takes place Sunday, Dec. 15 from 5PM to 7 PM. Bring your pet for a photo with Santa.

Monroe

Museum Village | 1010 NY-17M, Monroe, NY 10950 | 845-782-8248

Christmas in the Village will be held Saturday, Dec. 7 from noon to 5PM. Come see Santa by the fireplace, take a stroll down Candy Cane Lane and enjoy holiday entertainment in The Playhouse. A donation at the door is suggested. All proceeds go toward the Museum Village Education Program.

Santa & Mrs. Claus Fly Into Smith's Clove Park | Smith's Clove Park, 133 Spring St, Monroe, NY 10950 and Rest Haven, 236 High Street, Monroe, NY 10950

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be landing into Smith's Clove Park in Monroe via helicopter on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10:30AM. He'll then travel to Rest Haven. Children can take a photo with Santa there from 11AM until 4PM.

South Orange Family YMCA | 45 Gilbert St Ext, Monroe, NY 10950 | 845-782-9622

The South Orange Family YMCA will host an afternoon with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 1PM to 3PM.

Montgomery

Manza Family Farm | 730 NY-211, Montgomery, NY 12549 | 845-692-4364

Christmas on the farm begins Friday, Nov. 29. Santa will be on hand every Saturday and Sunday from 11AM to 4PM.

New Windsor

Anthony's Pier 9 | 2975 U.S. 9 W, New Windsor, NY 12553 | 845-565-3390

Anthony's Pier 9 hosts breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10AM to 2PM. The cost is $21.99 for adults and $15.99 for children ages 4 to 12 years.

Christmas on the Farm With Eggbert | Devitt's Nursery & Supply, 833 Union Ave, New Windsor, NY 12553 | 845-561-1968

The Hudson Valley's favorite holiday talking egg Eggbert returns with his pal Santa. Holiday hours for Christmas on the Farm with Eggbert are as follows: Friday, Nov. 29 from 10AM to 5PM; Fridays in December from 3PM to 7PM; Saturdays in December from 10AM to 5PM; Sundays in December from 10AM to 4PM; Tuesday, Dec. 24 from 11AM to 2PM; and Thursday, Dec. 26 from 11AM to 3PM.

Moroney's Cycles | 833 Union Ave, New Windsor, NY 12553 | 845-564-5400

Moroney's Cycles hosts a Rock and Shop event on Saturday, Dec. 14 featuring photos with Santa from 10AM to 4PM.

Newburgh

Adams Fairacre Farms | 1240 NY-300, Newburgh, NY 12550 | 845-569-0303

Free photos with Santa are offered at Adams Fairacre Farms' Poughkeepsie location Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 30 through Dec. 15 from 10AM to 4PM.

Newburgh Mall | 1240 NY-300, Newburgh, NY 12550 | 845-569-0303

Newburgh Mall will hold its Santa Cares! event for children with special needs on Sunday, Nov. 24 from 9AM to 11AM. Registration is required.

The mall will hold its Santa Pet Photo Night on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 6PM to 8PM.

Santa will be in center court of the mall starting Saturday, Nov. 16. Photos are available during mall hours, which are 10AM to 9PM Monday through Saturday and 11AM to 6PM on Sunday. The Newburgh Mall is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Sugar Loaf

Sugar Loaf Holiday Celebration | 1387 Kings Hwy, Sugar Loaf, NY 10981

The Sugar Loaf Community Foundation in partnership with the Sugar Loaf Methodist Church will bring an old-fashioned holiday celebration to town on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 12:30PM to 4:30PM. Photos with Santa will be held at the church at 3:15PM.

Walden

Village of Walden Christmas in the Square | 1 Municipal Square, Walden, NY 12586

The Village of Walden Recreation & Parks Department hosts Christmas in the Square featuring Santa's arrival and a tree lighting on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 6-8PM.

West Point

MacArthur's Riverview Restaurant at the Thayer Hotel | 674 Thayer Road, West Point, NY 10996 | 845-446-4731, ext. 7929

MacArthur's Restaurant at the Thayer Hotel will hold Sunday brunch with Santa Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 10:30AM to 2:30PM. The cost is $42 for an adult buffet ticket and children 12 years old and under eat free with the purchase of an adult ticket.

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ULSTER COUNTY

High Falls

High Falls Community Tree & Menorah Lighting Ceremony | Route 213 & 2nd St, High Falls, NY 12440

The High Falls Community Tree & Menorah Lighting takes place on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 5:30PM and includes Santa's arrival on a fire truck.

High Falls Fire Department | 333 Firehouse Rd, High Falls, NY 12440 | 845-687-0222

Santa will be at the High Falls Firehouse on Saturday, Dec. 7 starting at 10AM. In addition, the High Falls Fire Department's Annual Holiday Food & Toy Drive will be held Sunday, Dec. 8 from noon to 4PM. Enjoy cookies and photos with Santa. Donations of non-perishable food items and toys are greatly appreciated.

Highland

Light Up the Hamlet of Highland | Main St & Vineyard Ave, Highland, NY 12528

Highland's annual Light Up the Hamlet event will take place Friday, Dec. 13 from 6PM-8PM. The event includes a tree lighting and a visit with Santa.

Kingston

Adams Fairacre Farms | 1560 Ulster Ave, Lake Katrine, NY 12449 | 845-336-6300

The Adams Fairacre Farms Kingston Garden Center will host Pet Photos With Santa on Wednesday, December 11 from 5-7PM. The cost is $5 per photo and all proceeds will to Bark For Life, an American Cancer Society event to fight cancer.

Free photos with Santa are offered at Adams Fairacre Farms' Kingston location Friday, Nov. 29 from 11AM to 4PM and Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 30 through Dec. 15 from 10AM to 4PM.

Catskill Mountain Railroad | 149 Aaron Ct, Kingston, NY 12401 | 845-332-4854

The Polar Express returns to Kingston Friday, Nov. 22 through Saturday, Dec. 28. The train ride inspired by the hit Warner Bros. film features characters from the movie come to life and a visit from Santa during the trip to the North Pole.

Kingston Snowflake Festival | Wall St & N Front St, Kingston, NY 12401

The Kingston Snowflake Festival takes place Friday, Dec. 6 from 6-8PM and includes live entertainment, a horse-drawn wagon, lighting of the Uptown tree and a visit from Santa Claus.

Ulster County SPCA | 20 Wiedy Rd, Kingston, NY 12401 & PetSmart, 501 Frank Sottile Blvd, Kingston, NY 12401 | 845-331-5377

The Ulster County SPCA will hold a Holiday Pawty on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 11AM-2PM that includes refreshments, raffles and a visit from Santa Paws. The Ulster County SPCA will also hold a photos with Santa event at the Kingston PetSmart on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 11AM to 4PM.

Rosendale

Frozendale | Rosendale, NY

Frozendale, Rosendale's annual celebration of local art, music and business, takes place Saturday, Dec. 14 and includes a visit from Santa.

Shandaken

Emerson Resort & Spa | 5340 NY-28, Mt Tremper, NY 12457 | 845-688-2828

Emerson Resort & Spa's will host a breakfast buffet with Santa event on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 8AM to noon. The cost is $22.50 for adults, $10 for kids ages 5 to 12 years and $5 for kids ages 1 to 4 years.

Ulster Park

Frosty Fest | 778 Broadway, Route 9W, Ulster Park, NY 12487 | (845) 339-2666 ext. 10

Frosty Fest takes place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 29 through Dec. 22. The hours are as follows: Fridays from 6PM to 8PM; Saturdays from 4PM to 8PM; and Sundays from 4PM to 7PM. The holiday light spectacular features a variety of holiday-themed displays, including Santa's North Pole. Tickets on-site are $14.90 for children under 12 years and $17.90 for adults. Children under 12 months are free. Discounts are available for tickets purchased online.

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