Fan-Favorite Holiday Tradition Returns to Rhinebeck, New York

Rhinebeck, New York is such a great town to visit for the holidays! (I can feel some of you writing in the comments "It's not even Halloween yet!" And to you I say, "Bah, Humbug!") First of all, I love how they light the streets on Route 9 and how pretty all the storefronts are. My favorite spots to hit are Oblong Books and Upstate Films. Not to mention, three Hallmark Christmas Movies have been shot in Rhinebeck in the last several years, including The Last Christmas Home, Christmas Camp, and Last Vermont Christmas (that last one is ironic, isn't it?).

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Sadly, earlier this year, it was announced that the annual Sinterklaas Festival was cancelled this year. Every year, at the very beginning of December, the streets of Rhinebeck are lined with decorations, and thousands of people begin to pour in. As the sun goes down, the Sinterklaas Parade fun begins. Sinterklaas will be put on pause for the 2024 season. In a social media post, Organizer Jeanne Fleming explained to HVNY  Fleming "cited the loss of several key volunteers (including her husband, “a Grumpus extraordinaire”), as well as “a significant budget deficit.”

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It's sad to see the Sinterklaas Festival put on pause because it has been a mainstay of the region since made its way to Rhinebeck 300 years ago with the Dutch settlers from the Netherlands. Until things get worked out, there is another (relatively newer) Rhinebeck tradition to enjoy this holiday season!

The Wonderland of Lights Returns to Rhinebeck to Put a Sparkle Into the Holidays This November and December

“We are so excited to be back again this year. Dutchess County and beyond have embraced us and included The Wonderland of Lights into their family holiday traditions. We are so grateful. Our motto is ‘Producers of Memorable Experiences’ and that’s what we try to do for every person who takes the time to drive through be it their first time or a frequent visitor.”