Winter Wonderland Opens For Holiday Season

VALHALLA, NY — Sleigh bells, a Christmas tree and holiday lights return to Kensico Dam Plaza for the fourth season of Westchester County's Winter Wonderland. Opening day is Friday, Nov. 24 — the day after Thanksgiving. The festive celebration will include fun sights for both local residents and visitors to enjoy. In addition to its signature activities, highlights this year include new acts under Winter Wonderland Holiday Circus tent, an additional toboggan ride and a special light feature spotlighting Santa on his sleigh.

Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino will join with Westchester Parks Foundation and the Westchester County Parks Department to celebrate opening night Friday, with the lighting of a 36-foot Christmas tree, which is bigger than last year.

“I want to thank our parks department, the Parks Foundation and all of the generous sponsors who make this great celebration possible,” said Astorino. “Westchester’s Winter Wonderland has grown into a highly anticipated holiday tradition for all Westchester residents and visitors alike.”

The 2017 Westchester’s Winter Wonderland event will once again feature an exciting lineup of entertainment in Winter Wonderland Holiday Circus — a double-poled, yellow-and-red striped circus tent that is the only one of its kind in the area. Circus performers this year include: Wesley Williams “the One Wheel Wonder,” who was a finalist on “America’s Got Talent;” Quick Change Artist Igor & Tatiana; George Aristov Acrobatic Rola Bola, who has performed at NBA halftime shows, and The Comedy Magic of Doc Swan.

All acts will be run by Ringmaster Joe Barney who has appeared with The Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus, The Big Apple Circus, The New York Holiday Circus and The Six Flags Theme Parks. Pony and camel rides will also be available on the weekends.

As featured last year, visitors will again enjoy ice skating on the New York Rangers-sponsored 70-foot by 90-foot ice rink “RangersTown,” which is the same size as the rink at Rockefeller Center in New York City.

Other features at Westchester’s Winter Wonderland include:

• New components to the light show feature spotlighting Santa on his sleigh
• Four nights of character appearances including the following themes: Pet Patrol, Star Wars, Princesses and Minions
• A holiday movie night on Wednesday, December 27
• Pop-up holiday boutique Thursday through Saturday, December 21-23 with holiday gifts and crafts
• The Santa Experience, with additional costumed character appearances
• Rides: The Wonderland Express, Winter Hay Ride and the Holly Jolly Caterpillar, plus a new toboggan ride!
• Candy Cane Forest lights at the entrance to the event

General admission for Westchester’s Winter Wonderland is $15 per person; ages 3 and under are free. The ticket price allows for unlimited access to amusement rides, ice skating and rentals, as well as visits with Santa Claus.

Westchester Parks Foundation is the organization that envisioned and helped to develop Westchester’s Winter Wonderland with the County Parks Department, while also advocating and investing in Westchester County’s 18,000 acres of parks and open space.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating our fourth year of Westchester’s Winter Wonderland with some amazing new features for families to create memories,” said Joanne Fernandez, chairwoman for Westchester Parks Foundation. “Events like this are created for people to not only learn about their county parks, but also enjoy seasonal celebrations close to home. We hope everyone comes out to see what all the buzz is about this year.”

The event is presented by Westchester Medical Center, sponsored by Westchester Parks Foundation and produced by Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Event sponsors include the New York Rangers, Con Edison, Party Line Rentals and the Westchester Knicks.

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland will run through Sunday, Dec. 31. From Nov. 24 through Dec. 31, the event will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Thursdays and Sundays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Beginning Monday, Dec. 18, the event will be open Monday through Thursday and Sundays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.wwinterwonderland.com.

Photo caption: The entrance to Winter Wonderland. Photo credit: Westchester County.