2 Hudson Valley Towns Named 'Best Christmas Towns' in New York

Hudson Valley residents don't have to travel to enjoy the two best Christmas towns in the state.

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Secret NYC posted a list of the "5 Best Christmas Towns Near NYC For The Most Enchanting Holiday Season Ever."

The number one town was Bethlehem, PA. Bethlehem likely topped the list because it was once home to the first Christmas tree in the United States, back in 1747.

Kingston, New York ranked fifth.

Kingston

Below is what Secret NYC had to say about Kingston:

nancykennedy

This Catskills town that is also accessible via Metro-North is perfect for a holiday getaway from the big city. They host a Snowflake Festival every year (though it was earlier in the month, so keep in mind for next year!), and have tons of Christmassy events like the Catskill Christmas Express train ride to the “North Pole,” holiday movie screenings at the local historic theater, and a gingerbread house contest starting this weekend! Plus the village itself looks adorable.

Rhinebeck, New York placed second on the list.

Don Gehring, Townsquare Media of the Hudson V

This probably isn't too big of a surprise for Hudson Valley residents and some believe Rhinebeck is "The Most Magical" town during the holidays.

Chuck Merrihew for Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley

Below is what Secret NYC had to say about Rhinebeck:

This historic town in upstate New York is the perfect place to get in the holiday spirit! Though their annual Sinterklaas Festival — a Dutch tradition that features children’s workshops, dance, theatre and music all over the village of Rhinebeck, plus a giant puppet parade at night — has already passed for this year their are still tons of beautiful decorations on the streets, decked-out places to eat, and lovely shops to get all your needed gifts.

Thousands lined the streets of Rhinebeck to enjoyed Sinterklaas in early December.

In 2020 the annual festival was canceled due to the pandemic.

Sinterklaas is an annual celebration where "children are transformed into Kings and Queens and honored as the bringers of the light at the darkest time of year." Rhinebeck celebrates Sinterklaas to honor its Dutch heritage "by re-creating a celebration that the Dutch settlers brought to Rhinebeck over 300 years ago."

Don Gehring, Townsquare Media of the Hudson V

Below are photos of this year's Sinterklaas plus many reasons why people love Rhinebeck.

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