Tickets On Sale Now for Westchester’s Winter Wonderland

Westchester’s Most Beloved Holiday Tradition Returns to Kensico Dam Plaza
November 24-December 31st with New Extra Early Time Slots & Added Features

Valhalla, N.Y. (October 11, 2023) – Westchester Parks Foundation announced today that Westchester’s most beloved holiday celebration, presented by Westchester Medical Center Health Network, will return to Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla from November 24 through December 31, 2023. Westchester’s Winter Wonderland will again feature thousands of electrifying lights, fan-favorite holiday scenes and the best LIVE Santa Claus in Westchester all conveniently located close to home and from the warmth and comfort of your own car.

County Executive George Latimer and Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor joined Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF) Chairperson Seth Mandelbaum and Tricia Hiller from Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital from Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Health Network, to officially kick off the holiday season in Westchester with tickets on sale starting today. SANTA arrived in style and was excited to hear the new additions including: a NEW LIVE character – SNOWBALL THE ELF – who will be interacting with children of all ages from the Ice House, kept cool in the breeze of Old Man Winter; THE TRANSPORTER TUNNEL- a 175-foot-long glowing string tunnel with a central stargate running along the back of the Kensico Dam, and RUDOLPH’S RUNWAY – colorful light tubes ushering you into and out of the north pole.

Starting Friday November 24th at 5:30 p.m., the festive celebration takes place six consecutive weeks through December 31, 2023. This year’s event will have extra early times slots available Monday-Thursdays starting at 5:30p.m. and on Saturday – Sundays starting at 4:00p.m. *End times vary per night. Tickets are $35 per vehicle, making it a great value for families! (+additional cost for large passenger vans/limos, call for special reservations). Reservations are required to avoid additional surcharges.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Every year, The Westchester County Parks Department and Westchester Parks Foundation do an incredible job of putting on Westchester County’s brightest holiday light show. The popular attraction has become a Westchester County family favorite for making memories for years to come.”
Westchester Parks Foundation, the only organization dedicated exclusively to promoting and supporting Westchester County Parks, continues to re-imagine the tenth season of the popular holiday event while creating a convenient and affordable holiday experience the entire family can enjoy. Proceeds from this event benefit WPF and allow the organization to invest in, advocate for and enhance the over 50 parks of the Westchester County Parks system.

Seth Mandelbaum, Westchester Park Foundation Chair stated: “Westchester’s Winter Wonderland has been a holiday tradition in Westchester for the last ten years. As the only drive-thru holiday event in Westchester, we have the advantage of being accessible, affordable, and convenient to all without having to worry about obstacles including the weather! It is a magical event that enhances the excitement of the holidays without all the hassles of going into the city.”

Con Edison will return as a Platinum Sponsor of the Event, helping to light up over 118,000 Watts of energy at Kensico Dam Plaza for all to enjoy! Holiday classics will be simulcast through your vehicle’s FM radio, setting the mood from the moment you enter the park. Guests should allow 25-30 minutes to drive thru the attraction. Favorite attractions include a magical North Pole and live Santa display; breathtaking Kaleidoscope Corridor; Old Man Winter with real snow; Peace on Earth LED display with animated trumpets and angels; Magical Woods; Elf Disco; the largest holiday Christmas tree in Westchester and of course the original 100-foot tunnel with swirling colors that will transport you into a winter wonderland of whimsical displays and warm memories!

Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said: “Seeing Kensico Dam Plaza decked out in holiday lights year after year is a sight not to miss! Our staff, alongside Westchester Parks Foundation, work for months to bring families holiday cheer and I’m excited to welcome visitors back to Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive-thru Holiday Light Extravaganza.

When purchasing tickets, guests will have the option to donate additional fund to Westchester Parks Foundation to help expand its Camp Morty program for disenfranchised youth along with Westchester Medical Center Health Network Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.

The lighting masterpiece is designed by Peekskill based Eclectic Precision and Dark Tech Effects.

Wegman’s is returning as the live character sponsor.

Special event nights will include the official tree lighting celebration on November 24 sponsored by Robison and a family-friendly festive way to ring in the New Year December 31 at Winter Wonderland sponsored by M&T Bank. Iona Preparatory School PK-12 in New Rochelle is also returning as the official music sponsor for the event.

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland is a place to make priceless holiday memories. It has become a Westchester holiday tradition without the hassle or expense of traveling to New York City and one of the safest and most affordable holiday options for the 2023 Holiday Season. For complete information and to purchase tickets, visit wwinterwonderland.com

About Westchester Parks Foundation
Westchester Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, philanthropic organization which provides private support to preserve the County’s Park system and improve the quality of life in our communities. Westchester Parks Foundation’s mission is to invest in, advocate for, and enhance the over 50 parks of the Westchester County Parks system. For more information, visit http://www.thewpf.org

About Westchester Parks Foundation

Westchester Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, philanthropic organization which provides private support to preserve the County’s Park system and improve the quality of life in our communities. Westchester Parks Foundation’s mission is to invest in, advocate for, and enhance the over 50 parks of the Westchester County Parks system. For more information, visit thewpf.org