It’s the most wonderful time of the year when streets are decked with boughs of holly for month-long Christmas activities with Santa and mulled wine.

This holiday season, along with festivities happening in New York City, head outside of the five boroughs for whimsical light shows and more that make for a great city escape while spending quality time with loved ones. From timeless musicals and winter wonderlands, here are fun and unique Christmas activities to enjoy within 2 hours of NYC.

Say hi to Santa and Mrs. Claus after a mile-long outdoor stroll

Escape to the City of Hudson for the Winter Walk street festival on the mile-long historic
Warren Street. Located just minutes by foot from the Amtrak station, Warren Street is Hudson’s Main Street dotted with unique and independent stores, antiques, galleries, bookstores and the like for die-hard wanderlusters and those who love walkable small towns and cities. Festivities will include Santa and Mrs. Claus appearances; outdoor Christmas jazz; miniature sculptures; fireworks; a display by Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society; and so much more.
Where: Warren Street, Hudson, NY
When: December 3 starting 5 pm
Price: Free
How to get there: 2 hour Amtrak from NY Moynihan Station to Hudson and then a 5 min walk to Warren Street.

Take an immersive candlelight tour at a historic town

Historic Richmond Town in Staten Island is a settlement once inhabited by Dutch settlers and their English in-laws from the 1700s to 1890s. The