Westchester County's Reimagined Winter Wonderland To Open

WHITE PLAINS, NY — It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas now that Westchester County's annual holiday celebration is soon to open to the public with a reimagined take due to the ongoing new coronavirus pandemic.

Westchester County's Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza kicks off Friday at the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.

Presented by the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, the 2020 Winter Wonderland was designed by Westchester Parks Foundation to be a safe, memorable holiday experience for the whole family.

Families will be driving in their own cars through 1.2 miles of holiday lights, larger-than-life displays, live characters and Santa Claus.

County Executive George Latimer said the holidays are a time for family traditions.

"I am thrilled the Westchester Parks Foundation and Parks Department will continue to light everyone's spirits this season with its re-imagined Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza," he said.

Besides thousands of lights, people going through the extravaganza will see floating stained-glass angels, illuminated doves of peace, dancing trees, elves at work packing presents, towering red and white candy canes and a 40-foot Christmas tree.

The grand finale will feature Santa Claus greeting every car at the very end of the attraction.

Opening day of the Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza is at 6 p.m. Friday.

The celebration takes place five consecutive weeks through Jan. 3. The event will be open from 6 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays until Dec. 20. The attraction will be open every night from Dec. 21 through Jan. 3, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Reservations are strongly encouraged to avoid long lines and wait times.

Tickets are $25 per car in advance, with additional cost for a van or limo. Last year, the admission was $20 per person. Advance notice is required for limos and buses that seat more than eight people: Call 914-231-4600 for reservations.

Same day drive-ups are permitted, but wait time at the gate cannot be guaranteed. On-site purchases are available at an additional $10 per vehicle and available on a first-come, first-served basis, if space allows.

For complete information and to purchase tickets, visit wwinterwonderland.com.

Like Hudson Valley Patches' Facebook Pages.