Lights you can drive through, skates you can wobble on, and treats you absolutely didn’t plan for.
December is when my kids become part-time carolers and full-time negotiators. (“One more light show!” “One more snack!” “One more everything!”) Here’s how we lean in—without losing our minds.
1) The Wonderland of Lights (Drive-thru magic in Rhinebeck)
Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY — Select nights Nov 28–30, Dec 4–7, Dec 11–14, Dec 18–28. 5–9pm (Fri/Sat until 9:30pm).
Why we love it: It’s the easiest “big holiday feeling” with the least “big holiday effort.” Everyone’s happy and no one’s shoes get soaked.
2) Friday Night Party Skate (A weekly tradition with music + energy)
McCann Ice Arena, Poughkeepsie — Every Friday, 7–9pm.
Why we love it: The kids feel like they’re starring in a movie montage. We feel like we’re starring in a documentary called Adults Trying Not to Fall.
3) Dutchess Handmade Holiday Pop-Up Shop (Gifts that don’t scream “last minute”)
Arts Mid-Hudson, Poughkeepsie — Tue–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–2pm, running Nov 6–Dec 17.
Why we love it: It’s warm, it’s local, and it’s where you find the kind of gift that makes you look thoughtful… even if you bought it while hiding from your kids for 12 minutes.
Closing cozy note:
Do one “lights” night, one “skate” night, and one “warm indoor browsing” stop and you’ve basically built a holiday season your kids will remember—and you’ll survive. Bonus points if you end the night with everyone in the car, cheeks red, and somebody whispering, “Can we do that again?”