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Children of Westchester County (and adults and pets for that matter) can look forward to spending time with that jolly old soul himself this year, as Santa Claus returns to the 914 for a holiday season of meet-and-greets, photo ops, and the spreading of Christmas cheer.
Cross County Center
Santa sets up shop at Yonkers’ Cross County Center daily from Friday, November 14 through Christmas Eve. Reservations are not mandatory (except on Christmas Eve) but are highly encouraged. Pet photos are available on December 2 from 5-7 p.m., December 8 from 9-10:30 a.m., December 9 from 5-7 p.m., and December 16 from 5-7 p.m. Photo packages start at $39.99.
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Jefferson Valley Mall
Santa posts up by the food court daily this year, from now straight through Christmas Eve. Walk-ins are welcome, but, as always, reservations are recommended. Photo packages also start at $39.99.
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Lasdon Park & Arboretum
Santa will make his annual appearance at his cottage in Lasdon Park at the location’s annual Holiday on the Hill Train Show, featuring more than 5,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor model train exhibits. The show opens on November 30 and will be open on Thursdays through Sundays until January 5. Tickets start at $10 per child, $20 per adult, and $15 per senior, with free entry for children two and younger.
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Sleighbells on the Avenues
Santa and Rudolph will drop by for Larchmont’s holiday event on December 7 to greet children and guests of all ages in Pocket Park from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, Frozen characters Elsa and Olaf, and a scavenger hunt. The event is free.
Ridge Hill
Santa will also be at Yonkers’ Ridge Hill (he can bilocate; he’s magic, duh) daily from November 24 through Christmas Eve in suite 1890, across from Pandora (how convenient). Walk-ins are always welcome, though registered guests take priority. The venue recommends stopping by early in the day or right after Santa’s break if you don’t have a registration. Photo packages start at $35. If your furry best friend is looking to snap a photo with Santa, a pet night is available December 4 and 10.
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Stew Leonard’s
St. Nick is back in person at the local and regional grocer this year. Starting November 30 and running through December 24, Mr. Kringle will welcome families with a complimentary photo in the brand’s Yonkers location. Kids can also press a magical button that will make Santa’s giant toy brick castle come alive! For a drive-through experience, Santa will be part of the Stew Leonard’s Holiday Mini-Drive Thru starting December 1, along with friendly snowmen, cartoon characters, and plenty of twinkling lights.
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The Westchester
The county’s namesake mall is already hosting St. Nick through Christmas Eve and includes a time slot for children with special needs on December 8 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Is your child four-legged and furry? Pet photo hours will be on December 1. Photo package reservations start at $39.99.
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Santa Brunch
The Royal Regency Hotel is hosting a brunch with Santa on December 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Enjoy a delicious spread including fluffy waffles and scrambled eggs. Each kid will have the opportunity to meet Santa, share their wish list, and take a photo. There will also be face painting, balloon art, a gingerbread cookie decorating station, and more.
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Westchester Winter Wonderland
Up for a drive-by Santa sighting? Santa will be waving and greeting the cars that swing through the Westchester Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Experience again this year. The Wonderland is filled with more than a mile of lit displays, happy characters, and a specially tuned FM broadcast of festive music. The experience is open daily from November 23 through December 31, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. (Santa’s a little busy then!) Tickets are $35 per car, with proceeds benefiting the Westchester County Parks Foundation.
Related: 8 Holiday Markets to Shop Local in Westchester This Winter
