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Been there, Rockefeller Centered that. This season, hold the hackneyed and up the yuletide ante with excursions that bring the cheer.
What the Dickens
Nestled in the Catskill Mountains, Dickens on the Delaware in Callicoon, NY, is a Sullivan County tradition. On Dec, 14, from noon until 5 p.m, expect a Victorian-inspired holiday wonderland. Boutiques, galleries and restaurants welcome visitors, and shopkeepers don Victorian garb.
Must-dos include cider and beer tastings with Seminary Hill and Shrewd Fox Brewery, a wreath-making workshop and alpaca photos and petting with Buck Brook Alpacas. Don’t miss the Farm Arts Collective performance of “Dickens” at 2 p.m. starting at the Callicoon Depot and traveling through the streets of the town.
To round out the festivities, hop on a horse and buggy ride, catch theatrical performances from Dickens’ works and be serenaded by carolers while sipping cocoa, eggnog and mulled wine.
On a festive track
Now in its 33rd year, the Holiday Train Show returns to New York Botanical Garden in Bedford Park in The Bronx once again, opening Nov. 16 and running through Jan. 20.
Located in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, adults and children alike will gape in this glasshouse as the model locomotives and trolleys move through some 200 botanical replicas of NYC’s landmark buildings.Stop and stare at miniature versions of the original Yankee Stadium, the Apollo Theater, Radio City Music Hall and many more, all forged from natural materials running the gamut from leaves and seeds to acorns and cinnamon sticks.
To see all this magic under the glow of special lights at dusk, check out Holiday Train Nights, hosted on select evenings and featuring festive singers.
Period piece
Head to Westchester County this holiday season to catch more Victorian era charm. Specifically, time travel with a festive tour at the Armour-Stiner Octagon House, an eight-sided mansion unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
A National Historic Landmark, this 1870s-era home is the only house designed to mimic Donato Bramante’s 1502 Tempietto in Rome. During the yuletide season, it’s decked out with grand, period-inspired holiday decor and Christmas trees.
Dream big
Santa Claus is coming to . . . the Garden State. Big time. In true Jersey fashion, expect over-the-top wintry fun when the American Dream mall uncovers its Holiday Dreamland.
Standouts include Nickelodeon Universe’s Nick the Halls, an immersive experience with activities inspired by Nickelodeon characters, which runs from Nov. 15 through New Year’s Day. Or get lost, literally, at the holiday-themed mirror maze, with glowing lights and mirrors aplenty come Dec. 8 through Jan. 5.
Sea Life Twinkling Tides is an underwater attraction brimming with holiday lights and perhaps some cameos from deep-sea Santa and elves, too (runs Nov. 29 through New Year’s Day).The winter wonderland offers an ice-skating rink and Santa’s grotto.
Christmas in Connecticut
From Nov. 29 through Christmas Eve, the Greenwich Reindeer Festival returns for its 16th annual fête at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses in Connecticut. Pose for a snapshot with Santa, mingle with reindeer and partake in various activities at Santa’s Workshop.
Can’t swing it? Check out the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail, a free, year-round attraction where you can visit the locations of 22 holiday films shot in the Nutmeg State.
World class
The time is now to soak up the best views of the big city from the tallest tower in the country. The ONEderland experience at One World Observatory kicked off on Nov. 20 and runs through Jan. 5.
Prepare to get goose bumps at this so-called “snow globe in the sky” as you marvel at sweeping views of the Big Apple down below, or pop into the life-size sleigh for a photo opp.
At the restaurant One Dine, make a toast with the Grinch cocktail.
