The Best Places in the Hudson Valley for Kids to Meet Santa

Santa Claus is coming to town. In fact, in some places across the Hudson Valley he's already here. We've complied a list of the very best places for your kids to get some serious lap-time with jolly 'ole St. Nick.

Mall Santas:
Poughkeepsie Galleria - center court starting at noon every day
Galleria at Crystal Run - operating in center court during mall hours
Poughkeepsie Plaza - near Marshall's every day during mall hours.
Newburgh Mall - every day starting November 21
Hudson Valley Mall - Santa arrives on Black Friday

Battenfeld's Christmas Tree Farm in Red Hook
Santa appears each weekend starting November 28, weather permitting.

Adam's Fairacre Farms
Santa visits all locations on the weekends from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Call the individual stores for exact times.

Holiday Spirit Festival
The Haunted Mansion at Bowdoin Park is transformed into a winter wonderland with light displays and a Santa meet and greet each weekend from Thanksgiving through Christmas. There is an admission charge.

The Polar Express in Kingston
Santa arrives November 20 through December 27 on the officially-licensed train ride inspired by the film The Polar Express is operated by the Catskill Mountain Railroad. This is a ticketed event.

Gander Mountain
The Middletown location will have a Santa's Workshop display featuring free photos with Santa, free crafts and more starting on Black Friday.

Towne Crier Cafe in Beacon
Breakfast with Santa will take place on December 5. This ticketed event features a breakfast buffet, crafts and a visit from Santa.

Santa Express in Sullivan County
Santa will visit 11 different communities in the Sullivan County area over five days. Details are available at their Facebook page.

Museum Village in Monroe
On December 6 Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos and there will also be other free events. Participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food donation.

Town tree lighting ceremonies, parades and visits from Santa:
(Times and activities may vary, contact your local municipalities for details)
Rhinebeck - November 21
Village of Wappingers - November 28
Pine Plains - November 28
Walden - December 3
Town of Newburgh - December 4
Pawling - December 4
Milbrook - December 4
City of Poughkeepsie - December 4
Wappingers Falls (Schlathaus Park) - December 5
Chester - December 6
New Paltz - December 6
Village of Fishkill - December 6
Hyde Park - December 6
Hopewell Junction/East Fishkill - December 6
Red Hook - December 6
Town of Lloyd/Highland - December 12

Santa Alternatives:
The Hudson Valley tradition of Eggbert lives on at Devitt's Nursery in New Windsor. Visit the giant egg that knows your name starting Friday, November 27. Times vary, so check the website.

Sinterklaas is a Dutch tradition that is celebrated in Rhinebeck on Saturday, December 5. The whole town will have events to welcome Sinterklaas to Rhinebeck. Unlike Santa, Sinterklaas does not invite kids to sit on his lap and pose for photos. However, there are plenty of other photo-ops and child friendly activities for free