Find Your Holiday Cheer During These Fun Countryside Festivities

Discover the magic of the holiday season within beautiful Washington County, New York! Year-round, our rolling hills, bountiful farmland, and stunning vistas offer a range of unique ways to see, taste, and explore the best of upstate New York’s events, attractions, and activities.

Plus, this charming region is home to a variety of annual celebrations guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit! Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Holiday Lighted Tractor Parades
  • Washington County Holiday Lighted Nights
  • Holiday Shopping Hotspots

 

Let’s explore the many ways Washington County is celebrating the 2023 holiday season!

Join in a Dazzling Local Tradition: the Greenwich Lighted Tractor Parade

Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 6 – 9 p.m.

As this area’s unofficial kickoff to the winter holiday season, the beloved Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade in downtown Greenwich is a long-standing local tradition! This event has become one of the largest events in Washington County, and unofficially, the largest parade of its kind in the country. Over 10,000 people are expected to line the streets of the historic village to enjoy the parade of over 70 tractors and their thousands of lights.

Arrive early, be patient, and carpool! Road closures take place at 5 p.m. – but festivities begin earlier. From 2 to 5, you can enjoy the scenic beauty during a free horse-drawn wagon ride, listen to live holiday music at Mowry Park, and partake in holiday shopping and snacks throughout the village. Be sure to stop in and sample the area’s variety of shops, eateries, and food trucks!

Greenwich’s Holiday Shopping Hotspots: Hunting for unique holiday decor? Then Greenwich is the place to be during your next shopping spree. Explore distinctive gifts & collectibles all along Main Street, including Country Peddler Shoppes, IdleNot Fibersmoths, Just Because, and more!

 

More Great Times Up in Granville

Credit: Staci Oswald Creative LLC

 

The “lit” family-friendly fun doesn’t stop there! Over 60 creatively-decorated tractors, firetrucks, ATVs and more will light up the night at 5:30 on December 9 in Granville, NY!

This popular local tradition draws thousands to enjoy the parade as it travels from Telescope Casual Furniture on Church Street to Main Street, Quaker Street, and then to North Street. Follow the Granville Lighted Tractor Parade on Facebook to stay up-to-date.

Granville’s Holiday Shopping Hotspots: Give your loved ones high-quality, handmade gifts from Washington County’s variety of shops & artists! Granville is home to several, including the Village Yarn Shop, Shaw’s Antiques and Collectables, and Opal Rose Company.

 

Soak In The Sights of Washington County’s Holiday Lighted Nights

From November 24 to December 30, 4:30 – 9 p.m.

The Holiday Lighted Nights at the Washington County Fairgrounds is bigger and better than ever! Now with an extended route and even more light displays, this multi-sensory drive-thru experience is the perfect winter family outing. Your family will love the animated lights, holiday music, and festive cheer. Get your tickets online or at the gate, for only $25 per car.

Plus, Santa’s in town! Bring your kids to drop off their letters and snap a picture with Mr. Klaus while letting him know what they want for Christmas. Read our blog about this great, annual event >>

 

Enjoy the Small-Town Christmas Cheer in Salem

 

November 25, 2023 at 1 p.m.

Come on down to charming Salem, NY to witness the town’s annual Christmas Parade down Main Street, hosted by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. This year’s theme is “Christmas in Toyland,” so it’s sure to be a blast! Be sure to stop by the Gazebo on Main Street so the kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for a photo.

And, later in the season, Fort Salem Theater will show “There’s (Still, Definitely) No Business Like Snow Business” on December 8th, 9th, and 10th. This fan-favorite holiday showtune sing-a-long is guaranteed fun for the whole family!

Holiday Shopping Spots: Since the parade coincides with Small Business Saturday, stop into a few of the town’s local shops and restaurants and make a day of it!

 

Support Local Artists While Holiday Shopping Near Hudson Falls

Christmas in the Country & Snowman Tour is a special open house weekend in Washington County when farms and artists’ studios welcome the public to browse their handcrafted products.

On the first weekend in December, (Dec. 2 and 3, 2023) you’ll be able to tour over 15 participating locations in the Fort Ann – Hudson Falls area! Get out for a drive and “follow the Christmas Tree signs” to find unique gifts for everyone on your list. These locations can be visited in any order during open house hours.

Some places will have music and refreshments available, but all will have great holiday gifts for sale! From jams and dip mixes to folk art and home decor, you’ll find it here.

For more Hudson Falls holiday cheer, keep an eye out for the official announcement of the Hudson Falls Hometown Holiday Celebration!

More Holiday Shopping Spots: There are a variety of stores worth checking out in Hudson Falls! Find the perfect gift among the stacks at the Village Booksmith, or from the galleries of local artists at the Sandy Hill Art Center.

 

Want more Washington County?

No matter your interest, you’ll find a bounty of interesting activities year-round right here in Washington County. Explore our places to stay and dining options. Or, check out the other great events happening during your visit!

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