Westchester County Moms Blog had the opportunity to visit Westchester’s Winter Wonderland at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, NY. We witnessed the lighting of the massive Christmas Tree, watched circus acts, and enjoyed the crisp weather.
Hosted by Westchester Parks Foundation and sponsored by`Westchester Medical Center, the Westchester Winter Wonderland will feature a live Circus Event Tent with amazing attractions. Santa’s Village is new and exciting, with LIVE REINDEER!
Parents are welcome to take their own photos of their children with Santa and the Reindeer or take a family selfie. Visit with the reindeer, mail letters to Santa, and see the real life frozen North Pole. There is a beautiful ice-skating rink, the same size as the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center, with views of the beautiful tree and all of outdoor attractions.
Amazing features at the Westchester Winter Wonderland include the heated Winter Wonderland Holiday Circus tent, which will show up to five performances nightly, with thrilling circus acts that will entertain and delight children and people of all ages. New acts this year include Motorcycle Thrill Drivers in the Giant Thunder Dome reaching speeds of 55 miles an hour; Miss Perla the Human Pretzel contortionist; the skills of Senor Soto on the glittering trapeze; and circus legend Greg DeSanto, one-time Director of Clowning on the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus. DeSanto is originally from Eastchester, NY and was just elected President of the International Clown Hall of Fame.
In addition, new rides will be added to FUNderland Village, including a 55-ft high Ferris Wheel. Kids will have unlimited access to eight rides total including: Winter Hay Ride, Wonderland Train Ride, Holiday Carousel, 40ft high heated Fun Slide, Holly Jolly Dragons, Pony Sleighs and Tubs of Fun.
Lights of Wonder, sponsored by Verizon, will feature favorite elves Ned and Albert and holiday music! Magical displays include angels, snowflakes, elves tossing wrapped holiday gifts and a message of good will towards all. Pose for photos in front of Westchester’s largest lighted Christmas Tree; or take a break from the cold to enjoy food and refreshments in the heated Wegman’s Holiday Dining Tent. Beer and Wine is available for purchase for those 21 and older including a special Captain Lawrence Brew called Red Nose Ale, available only at Westchester’s Winter Wonderland.
2019 Days & Hours of Operation: Now through Saturday, January 4th
Now – Sunday 12/22/2019
- Fridays – 5 to 10 p.m.
- Saturdays – 4 to 10 p.m.
- Sundays – 4 to 9 p.m.
Monday 12/23/2019 – Saturday 1/4/2020
- Monday-Friday – 5 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday/Sunday – 4 to 10 p.m. *Opens one hour early at 4 p.m.
- CLOSED: Tuesday, Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve & Wednesday, Dec. 25 – Christmas Day
The 2019 Calendar of Events:
- Friday, December 13 – Camp Morty Night. Bring new or gently used sports equipment and one child 12 and under receives free admission with one paying adult.
- Friday, December 20 – Veterans and First Responders Night. Veterans, Active Duty and First Responders receive discounted admission for $15.
- Tuesday, December 31 – Family Friendly New Year’s Ever Celebration. The whole family can celebrate New Year’s Eve with a ball drop and pyrotechnic display at 7 p.m. Sponsored by M&T Bank.
Special themed character nights will take place on Sundays throughout the season. The park opens an hour earlier at 4 p.m. on Sundays to accommodate little ones. Characters will mingle in the heated Wegman’s Dining Tent on the following nights.
- Sunday, December 15 – Character Night
- Sunday, December 22 – Character Night
- Sunday, December 29 – Character Night
Proceeds from this event benefit the Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF) and allow the organization to advocate for and invest in the preservation, conservation, use, and enjoyment of the 18,000 acres of parks, trails, and open spaces within the Westchester County Parks system. For more information, visit http://www.wwinterwonderland.com
For complete information and to purchase tickets, visit www.wwinterwonderland.com
About Westchester Parks Foundation
Westchester Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, philanthropic organization, which provides private support to preserve the County’s park system and improve the quality of life in our communities. Westchester Parks Foundation’s mission is to engage the public to advocate for and invest in the preservation, conservation, use, and enjoyment of the 18,000 acres of parks, trails, and open spaces within the Westchester County Parks system. For more information, visit thewpf.org.
