Vintage Hudson Valley holidays

Goshen — Historic and beautiful Orange County, located just one hour north of New York City, is home to some of the Hudson Valley’s best and most distinctive holiday events. Horse-drawn carriage rides, wine and wassail, musical extravaganzas, unique shops, holiday house tours, Christmas tree farms, special performances, and children’s programs fill the season with merriment. Residents and visitors can celebrate the spirit of seasons past at many Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area sites. The elegant 1754 Ellison Mansion at Knox’s Headquarters offers candlelit tours, while the fragrantly decorated Hasbrouck House, where George and Martha Washington spent their last wartime Christmas, overlooks the magnificent Hudson River in Newburgh. Hand-blown glass demonstrations and tours are available at Gillinder Glass, one of America’s oldest glass companies. Their gift shop opens just in time for holiday gift giving. Patrons can bask in a warm winter glow at “Christmas in the Village,” with Museum Village’s special guest, Santa Claus. Or walk the Christmas Trail at Hodgson’s Farm complete with a petting zoo and straw maze. Others might want to reserve a spot on the “Winding through Warwick” holiday house tour, or join in the self-guided tour of homes and churches around historic Newburgh Bay, beginning at Crawford House, decorated to reflect the opulence of the 1840’s. Orange County Tourism offers details and plans for special holiday memories at www.orangetourism.org, or call 291-2136 for a free copy of the Fall/Winter Events Guide and Orange County Visitor’s Guide.