Editor's Pick: Winter Wonderland While School's Closed

Westchester's Winter Wonderland is a terrific and inexpensive way to spend fun family time over the holiday break. Not only is it open this weekend, it's open every afternoon next week.

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland is $20 a ticket, with children 3 and under free. The price is all-inclusive. It includes unlimited Winter Wonderland Holiday Circus performances, ice-skating on the outdoor ice rink, skate rentals, visits with Santa and special characters, and 10 holiday rides. Parking is free.

The hours are hard to beat:

This weekend:

• Friday – 5-10 p.m.
• Saturday – 4-10 p.m.
• Sunday – 4-9 p.m.

Monday – Jan. 4

• Monday-Friday – 5-10 p.m.
• Saturday/Sunday – 4-10 p.m.

There's even a family-friendly New Year's Eve Ball Drop. The ball drop and pyrotechnics show starts at 7 p.m.

If you haven't been, or haven't been this year, you'll want to know about the food. Individual concession stands sell favorite festival foods, snacks, dessert and beverages. The variety of concession stands will be located inside the event grounds and will be able to provide fast and convenience service. The heated Wegmans Dining Tent is able to accommodate those who want to sit and rest while they enjoy their food and refreshments.

Proceeds from the event go to support and enhance the Westchester County Parks and programs.

It's at 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla, NY 10595.

The Westchester Parks Foundation recently received a $5,000 check from M&T Bank that will be used to provide the five-minute exciting pyrotechnic show at its family friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration.

M&T Bank is the proud sponsor of the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. The family-friendly event will also include all the regular activities that occur at Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, including amusement rides, ice skating, circus performances, strolling characters and more.