Holidays 2020: Best Light Displays Across The Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Not even holiday light displays can escape coronavirus in 2020. The ongoing pandemic means many of the area’s best-known destinations have had to adjust.

Fortunately, the coronavirus has just changed many favorites while inspiring new events that will become favorites. Below is a list of some of ours. Let us know in the comments if you've got a favorite we should add!

Dutchess County

ERDAJT: 8 Patrick Drive, LaGrangeville. An astonishing display of lights and synchronized music is put on by every year by the Gay family. This year, the Gays will be giving back to the Lewis Campbell Foundation, the Ryan McGorry Foundation and the Children's Home of Poughkeepsie. Donations will also be collected for the Union Vale Fire Department, which will distribute to other charities and causes. Through Dec. 27. See the schedules here.

Orange County

Holiday Lights Spectacular. 239 Wisner Ave., Middletown. The Orange County Fairgrounds are transformed into an amazing multi-media drive-thru experience. Holiday treats are available such as hot chocolate, eggnog, cider, cookies, Zeppoles, funnel cake and more. Runs through Jan. 3. Tickets are $25 per car online, $30 at the door. Open Thursday through Sunday 5-10 p.m., and from Dec. 17-Jan. 3 open daily 5-10 p.m. Buy tickets online.

Rockland County

Let There Be Light: 55 West Railroad Avenue, Garnerville. The Garner Arts Center has created a drive-thru art and light show. Reservations only. The COVID-safe, family friendly, holiday season-themed attraction "is exactly what we need right now," its creators said. You'll be guided along a bright, inspiring and elegantly decorated path, including illuminated window art, video projection mapping, music, sight specific installations, immersive light displays and more. It's open Dec. 12, 13 and Dec. 18, 19, 20. Check here for times. Tickets are $25 per car for up to five visitors. $35 per car with six visitors or more. Buy tickets here.

North Pole Airport: 12 Oriole Road, New City. The Cirlin family in New City puts on a home holiday spectacular that also helps two charities: Angel Flight and People to People. Drive-by only this year. There’s still so much to look at! The classics are back including the music-timed light show and runway, and for the second year, airport security wraps the presents that go through the X-ray. To keep everyone safe they’ve rigged the interactive displays to be hands-free. Remember to bring non-perishable food for the curbside, car-window-height food-pantry donation box, and look for the QR code. See the Facebook page for show times and donation information.

Ulster County

A Frosty Fest: 778 Broadway, Route 9W, Ulster Park. Always fun to stroll and ride the Frosty Train, the Frosty Fest has made a few changes for 2020 and has added new attractions including a huge Forest Snowman and a big bear's surprise for Santa. Drive through Frosty's Enchanted Forest with lights, performers and magical animations. See the stage show and don't forget the gift shop. Buy tickets, reservations are required. Weekends only through Dec. 27.

Peace, Love & Lights: 597 West Shore Road Swan Lake. The 1-mile light display from the Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center is worth the 4-5 mph suggested cruising speed. And you won't need headlights. Tune in to 107.7 FM as you cruise through. Check the website for related events, such as live caroling and dinners with Santa. It's open every day through Jan. 3. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased there. The light show will open at 5 p.m. and gates close at 10 p.m. If you would like to avoid the wait on weekends, consider buying a Dasher Pass. Masks are required when visiting The Museum and Holiday Hub.

Westchester County

Grand Holiday Illuminations at Untermyer Park & Gardens: 945 North Broadway, Yonkers. The annual event of 100,000 lights and music features a free timed-entry reservation system, reduced operating hours and amenities, and limited capacity in order to allow for social distancing in 2020. Hours: 4:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12 through Jan. 3. Visitors sign up for a 20-minute entry window and to visit the garden for up to 20 minutes. The last entry time will be at 7:30 p.m. All visitors must leave the gardens at 8 p.m. Make reservations at untermyergardens.org.

Holiday Lights Reverse Parade: FDR State Park, Taconic Parkway exit, Yorktown. This socially distanced drive-thru holiday lights event will feature more than 30 holiday floats placed in FDR State Park for the public to drive through. The free event will be held from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. The entrance to the reverse parade is through the FDR State Park's exit from the northbound Taconic State Parkway. Vehicles will drive through parking lots 4, 3, 2 and 1 with an option to drive through the loop a second time. For more information, go to the website.

Winter Wonderland: Kensico Dam Park. For 2020, it has been converted into a 1.2-mile drive-thru route with lights, holiday displays, performers, Santa Claus and music programmed to be heard in the car through an FM radio station. It runs through Jan. 3 with exceptions of: Dec. 7, 14, 24 and 25. Tickets are sold for time slots at $25 per car and $40 per residential van. Buy in advance to avoid the $10 charge added to tickets sold on site if available.

New York City

Bronx Zoo: The Bronx Zoo's holiday light show runs through Jan. 10. Larger than in the past, it's organized to accommodate social distancing. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. All guests over 3 are required to socially distance and wear face coverings. For more including the pandemic protocols, visit bronxzoo.com.

Luminocity Festival: Take a 30-25 minute walk on Randall's Island for the light sculptures and lanterns, and stop for photos at the giant Christmas Tree. Through Jan. 10, from 4-10 p.m. Tickets and info, including transportation options to Randall's Island, at luminocityfestival.com.

New York Botanical Garden: This year the NYBG features an all-new nighttime outdoor landscape experience. Displays, lights, performers and more. From 5 to 10 p.m. Dec. 5, 12, 18, 19, 26, 27, 28, 29; Jan. 1, 2 and 9. Buy tickets in advance: $30 for adults, $18 for kids ages 2-12 and must be reserved in advance, at nybg.org. Yes the annual train show is there, but it's only open to members.

This article originally appeared on the New City Patch