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Westchester's Winter Wonderland Returns as Drive-Thru for 2020 Holiday Season
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland returns for a 2020 run, reimagined as a drive-thru holiday attraction to comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines. The festive, glittering seasonal display runs for five weeks and features dazzling visuals, character appearances, and the promise of a socially distant encounter with Santa.
Read on to learn more about what to expect when Kensico Dam Plaza is transformed into Westchester's Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru, plus how to reserve your tickets.
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RELATED: Holiday Fun Guide for Westchester Kids
Christmas cheer stretches in every direction at Westchester's Winter Wonderland drive-thru.
Beginning Friday, November 27, Kensico Dam Plaza undergoes its annual holiday transformation, dazzling Westchester families with an all-ages attraction that brings a magical touch to the nighttime hours. This year marks the seventh anniversary of the attraction, which is decidedly different than years past but still delivers plenty of sparkle factor.
Described as a drive-thru holiday light extravaganza, the 2020 installation features 1.2 miles of exhibits, thousands of holiday lights, and character appearances—all experienced from the comfort, safety, and warmth of your own car.
Along your journey, you’ll experience the Fireside Forest, Winter Winds Way, Candy Cane Lane, and other thematic sites. Dove Drive features illuminated symbols of peace flying among memorial trees, while the Magical Woods give the appearance of dancing, illuminated trees. The Twirling Tunnel features 100 feet of swirling colors, while the Land of Packages showcases elves preparing presents for Santa’s big ride.
A 40-foot high Christmas tree—the largest in the county—is dwarfed in star power only by the princesses and popular characters who wave hello. Santa is also on hand to supervise holiday cheer.
In all, 15 sites are visited, and the scene is made all the more lively when you stream the synchronized holiday music via your car's FM radio.
Holiday cheer is everywhere you look, including soaring high above your car.
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland runs from Friday, November 27 through Sunday, January 3. Visit the website for a complete schedule and to purchase tickets. Tickets are $25 per car or $40 for a van or limo. The attraction runs from 6pm-9:45pm. It's closed select Mondays, plus Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Consistent with years past, special event nights include a tree-lighting celebration on opening night and special festivities on New Year's Eve.
Know Before You Go
- Plan to spend 20-25 minutes driving through the attraction.
- Advance purchase is recommended; tickets purchased on-site cost an additional $10 per car. Admission for day-of sales cannot be guaranteed.
- For vehicles seating more than 8 people, call 914-231-4600 to reserve.
All photos courtesy of the Westchester Parks Foundation
Places featured in this article:
Kensico Dam Plaza
