If there's one thing that makes Croton-on-Hudson more than just a beautiful place to live — it's the sense of community that comes alive throughout the year. From the first Easter egg hunts of spring to the fire trucks rolling through every neighborhood on a cold December night, this village knows how to celebrate.
As a real estate broker who has called Westchester home since 1985, I've had the privilege of watching Croton-on-Hudson's calendar of events grow into one of the most vibrant in the Hudson Valley. Whether you're a longtime resident, a newcomer, or someone considering making Croton your home, this guide covers everything worth looking forward to — season by season, event by event.
Spring
Easter & Spring Festivities
Spring in Croton-on-Hudson kicks off with community egg hunts that have become a beloved local tradition. The Town of Cortlandt Egg Hunt, held at the Youth Center at 3 Memorial Drive, is the largest local event of the season. In 2026 it took place on Saturday, March 28, with age-grouped hunts for children 2–5 and 6 and up, prizes for all participants, and photos with the Easter Bunny.
For families looking for something a little different, the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem hosts an "Egg Hunt with Wolves" — a unique regional alternative where kids learn about wolves before hunting for eggs. It's the kind of experience that sticks with children long after the candy is gone.
Easter Sunday itself centers around the village's local churches. Holy Name of Mary at 114 Grand Street offers a full Holy Week schedule, including multiple Easter Sunday morning Masses to accommodate the holiday crowds. Our Saviour Lutheran Church at 56 Cleveland Drive hosts a welcoming community service and is known for their lighthearted "Holy Humor Sunday" the week after Easter. Asbury United Methodist Church at 17 Old Post Road South typically features a celebratory Easter service with special choir performances.
For those celebrating at home, Baked by Susan on Grand Street is the village's go-to for hot cross buns, lamb-shaped cakes, and spring-themed cookies. Pre-ordering for the week leading up to Easter is strongly recommended — they sell out every year.
Spring also extends well beyond Easter. On April 25, the Earth Day Festival at the Ossining Waterfront brings live music, food trucks, and eco-friendly vendors right along the Hudson. The Spring Craft Show at Lyndhurst in Tarrytown (May 1–3) features over 200 artists and makers across its sweeping outdoor grounds. And Teatown Lake Reservation's Plant Sale in early May draws local gardeners hunting for native Hudson Valley species.
Mother's Day
Mother's Day falls on Sunday, May 10, 2026, and Croton-on-Hudson has no shortage of ways to celebrate. Because this is the busiest dining day of the year in Westchester, reservations should be made at least three to four weeks in advance.
The most anticipated local event is the Mother's Day Brunch & Arts Festival at Windrose, located on the stunning 62-acre property along the Hudson. The brunch menu is paired with a glass of champagne or a mimosa for Mom and a complimentary rose, priced at approximately $89 per adult and $45 per child (children under 4 are free). Running simultaneously on the grounds is the Hudson River Spring Arts Festival from 10 AM to 5 PM, featuring over 50 local artisans — making it an entire morning and afternoon experience in one stop.
For a more relaxed village atmosphere, The Tavern at Croton Landing is a local favorite, known for their Tavern Benedict, craft cocktails, and an easy walkability from the Riverwalk. Ocean House Oyster Bar offers a more intimate, upscale "New England" experience — ideal for moms who love fresh oysters and sophisticated seafood. They often open early on Mother's Day given the demand.
A short drive away, Southern Table in Pleasantville serves a sprawling brunch from 11 AM to 3 PM featuring Southern comfort classics and creative cocktails — a lively, high-energy option if you're celebrating with a larger group.
For post-brunch activities, a walk through Croton Point Park along the Hudson River is a local tradition when the weather is fair. The views of Haverstraw Bay are spectacular in mid-May. Alternatively, the "Lakeside Loop" trail at Teatown Lake Reservation offers a moderate 1.5-mile hike typically lush with spring wildflowers by Mother's Day weekend. And just down Route 9, Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown holds a Mother's Day Weekend Plant Sale on May 9–10, with gorgeous 67-acre grounds to stroll.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day in Croton-on-Hudson is not about floats and marching bands — it's about something more meaningful. The village honors fallen service members through the Memorial Day Ceremony organized by the American Legion Fox-Eklof Post 505, held at Veterans Corners at the intersection of Cleveland Drive and Old Post Road South.
In 2026, the ceremony takes place on Monday, May 25 at 11:00 AM. If weather is poor, it moves to the Holy Name of Mary Church Gymnasium at 120 Grand Street. In the days leading up to the holiday, local veterans and volunteers place American flags at the gravesites of service members at Bethel Cemetery and Holy Name of Mary Cemetery — a quiet, moving tradition that reflects the character of this community.
The weekend also marks the unofficial start of summer. Croton Point Park sees high traffic for family picnics, hiking, and camping. Note that the park is operated by Westchester County, so parking fees and resident permit requirements typically apply.
For residents who want a classic parade experience, the Peekskill Memorial Day Parade — roughly 10 minutes north — typically steps off around 10:00 AM on the same day.
Summer
Croton Summerfest
The village's marquee all-day street festival, Croton Summerfest, is typically held on the first Sunday in June — June 7, 2026. Grand Street and Old Post Road South are closed to cars, and multiple stages feature local rock, folk, and jazz bands throughout the day. Food vendors, local artisans, and the entire community come out for what is essentially Croton-on-Hudson's biggest block party of the year. Best of all, it's free to attend.
Hudson River Music Festival at Croton Point Park
For the first time in 2026, a major professional music festival is coming to Croton Point Park. Held on Sunday, June 21 (Father's Day Weekend), starting at 11:00 AM, the Hudson River Music Festival continues the legacy of Pete Seeger's original Clearwater festival with a focus on music, activism, and environmental education.
The 2026 lineup features Warren Haynes, Jesse Welles, Margo Price, Daniel Donato, and a special collaboration featuring Grahame Lesh. Tickets range from approximately $177 to $250+ depending on the tier and must be purchased in advance. Parking fees of $10–$20 apply at the County Park unless you hold a Westchester County Park Pass. The best advice: take the train. The Croton-Harmon Metro-North station is a 10–15 minute walk from the park, and on festival days, Route 9 can back up for miles.
Fourth of July
Independence Day in Croton-on-Hudson is a waterfront celebration centered around Senasqua Park. The village doesn't host its own large-scale fireworks, but residents gather along the Hudson to watch displays from the City of Peekskill to the north and private displays across the river in Rockland County. Fireworks typically begin between 9:00 and 9:30 PM once it's fully dark. Croton Landing further north along the Riverwalk offers quieter, more expansive sightlines toward the Peekskill bay.
During the afternoon, the Village Recreation Department typically schedules live music at Senasqua Park as part of the Summer Entertainment Series. In recent years, local historians have also presented programs on the 1st Rhode Island Regiment and the role of Black soldiers in the region — a thoughtful addition to the day's festivities.
The village often provides a free shuttle bus from the Croton-Harmon Train Station to Senasqua Park to ease holiday parking congestion. Note that Senasqua Park requires a Village Resident Photo ID card for entry on holiday weekends. If you plan to stake out a spot on the lawn, arrive by 7:30 PM — it fills fast.
For those wanting a dedicated professional fireworks show, Ossining's RiverJam at Louis Engel Waterfront Park typically takes place on July 3 and features a concert alongside its fireworks display.
Summer Entertainment Series
Throughout July and August, the Croton Recreation Department's Summer Entertainment Series brings free Friday evening concerts to Senasqua Park. In 2026, local favorite Peter Calo is scheduled to perform on Friday, July 31 at 7:00 PM. Residents typically bring picnic dinners and low-back chairs for these evenings — one of the most relaxing ways to spend a summer night in the village. Ensure your Village Recreation Photo ID is current before the season begins.
Fall
Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day Weekend (September 5–7, 2026) is the summer's last hurrah, and Croton Point Park is its center. Labor Day Monday is traditionally the final day of the season for the park's beach and splash pads, with lifeguards on duty from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Campsites fill up months in advance — if you haven't booked, don't expect availability.
In the village, the Down to Earth Farmers Market runs on Sunday, September 6 at the Croton-Harmon Train Station parking lot from 9 AM to 1 PM. This is peak season for Hudson Valley produce — corn, tomatoes, and early apples. The Tavern at Croton Landing tends to embrace a "Summer Finale" atmosphere with full outdoor patio dining. And Senasqua Park draws residents for one last sunset picnic of the season.
The village free shuttle connects the train station to both Croton Point Park and Senasqua Park throughout the weekend. Parking at Senasqua on Labor Day Monday is strictly enforced — use the shuttle or walk the scenic Riverwalk from the station.
For those looking beyond the village, the Yorktown Heights Fireman's Carnival is a major regional draw approximately 15 minutes away, featuring a parade, carnival rides, and classic fair food.
Apple Picking & Fall Harvest
Few things define the Hudson Valley fall more than harvest season, and Croton-on-Hudson residents are well-positioned to take advantage of some of the best farms in Westchester.
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm in Yorktown Heights (1335 White Hill Rd, approximately 10 minutes away) is the closest and most family-friendly option. Their pick-your-own pumpkins open around September 26, 2026, and their fresh apple cider donuts from the bakery are legendary — people line up early. Note they are closed on Tuesdays.
Stuart's Fruit Farm in Granite Springs (62 Granite Springs Rd, approximately 15 minutes away) is the oldest continuously working family farm in Westchester, operating since 1828. It has a more rustic, less commercial feel than the others. Pick-your-own season begins August 1 and runs through November 1, with hours generally from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard in North Salem (130 Hardscrabble Rd, approximately 20 minutes away) is the high-energy choice — fall weekends feature live music, BBQ, and local hard cider. Because of its popularity, advance online reservations are required for apple picking on September and October weekends.
Outhouse Orchards in Croton Falls (approximately 20 minutes away) is famous for its corn maze and is a great pick for families with older kids looking for a bit more adventure alongside the apple picking.
For foliage, peak colors in the Croton area are projected for the last two weeks of October. The Croton Landing Riverwalk offers a stunning perspective of the orange and red hues of the Hudson Highlands reflecting off Haverstraw Bay. For elevated views, hike Silver Lake Preserve or Croton Dam Park. And at Croton Gorge Park, the 180-foot waterfall at the New Croton Dam is framed perfectly by fall foliage in late October — one of the most photogenic spots in the entire Hudson Valley.
If visiting farms on fall weekends, try to arrive before 10:30 AM. Routes 202 and 100 can back up considerably with leaf peepers coming up from New York City.
Halloween
Halloween is arguably Croton-on-Hudson's biggest season, and for good reason — the village is home to one of the most spectacular Halloween attractions in the United States.
The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor runs from September 18 through November 15 on select nights in 2026. The experience features more than 7,000 hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins arranged in massive architectural displays, including a working pumpkin windmill and a 25-foot-tall "Pumpkin Zee" bridge. This is a strict ticket-only event — tickets are not sold on-site and weekend slots sell out weeks in advance. Locals recommend booking "early" or "late" time slots to avoid peak Route 9 traffic.
Within the village itself, the Goblin Walk — organized by the Village Recreation Department — is a cherished community tradition. Costume-clad children and families meet at the Municipal Building at 1 Van Wyck Street and parade through the village streets to Vassallo Park, where music, treats, and costume prize ribbons await. In 2026 it is estimated to fall on Saturday, October 24.
The village also hosts Halloween Window Painting, where local students transform storefront windows along Grand Street and Old Post Road South into hand-painted murals throughout mid-October. By Halloween, the entire Upper Village looks like an open-air gallery.
For trick-or-treating, the Upper Village around Grand Street is known for high foot traffic and festive energy, with many shop owners participating in daytime business trick-or-treating. The "Lott" neighborhood (Lott St/Bungalow Rd) is famous for elaborate haunted yard displays that draw families from across the village, while Cleveland Drive is a popular choice for families with younger children due to its flat sidewalks and density of homes.
Croton also hosts the Harry Chapin Memorial Run Against Hunger on Sunday, October 18 — a community 5K, 10K, and 1-Mile Fun Run that is one of the village's biggest fundraisers of the year.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving 2026 falls on Thursday, November 26, and Croton-on-Hudson marks the season with a focus on community and giving back.
The Croton Rotary Club Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, in partnership with the Croton-Cortlandt Food Pantry, collects frozen turkeys and monetary donations throughout November at local hubs like ShopRite of Croton. It's one of the more visible ways the community takes care of its own, and resident participation is wide.
For dining, most local restaurants focus on catering rather than dine-in service on Thanksgiving Day itself. 105 Twenty Bar & Grill offers extensive catering packages including full heat-and-serve meals and signature sides. Baked by Susan is the village's pie headquarters — pre-order deadlines for pumpkin, apple, and pecan pies are typically the Friday before Thanksgiving, and they sell out without exception. Capriccio Pizzeria & Restaurant provides large-format catering trays for families who prefer an Italian-American element to their holiday spread.
Thanksgiving Eve is traditionally the busiest night of the year at the village pubs. The Tavern at Croton Landing and 105 Twenty Bar & Grill turn into mini-reunions as former residents and college students return home for the long weekend. If you want a table on Wednesday night, book at least a week in advance.
For those who want to run before they feast, the Westchester Turkey Trot in Valhalla (15–20 minutes south at Westchester Community College) is a popular 5K/10K starting at 9:00 AM on Thanksgiving morning that draws many Croton runners.
On Thanksgiving morning itself, Senasqua Park and the Croton Landing Riverwalk are exceptionally peaceful — a favorite time for locals to take a brisk walk along the Hudson before the afternoon festivities begin.
Winter
Tree Lighting & Holiday Kickoff
The official start of winter in Croton-on-Hudson is the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Vassallo Park on Old Post Road South. In 2026, it is scheduled for Thursday, December 3, with gathering beginning at 5:00 PM and the lighting at 6:00 PM (rain date: December 4). The evening features festive songs, the lighting of the Village Christmas Tree, the display of the Village Menorah — with Hanukkah beginning at sundown on December 4 — and the arrival of Santa Claus via fire truck to greet the children.
The Croton Holiday Boutique
A cherished 30-year tradition, the Croton Holiday Boutique is a juried boutique featuring high-quality handcrafted gifts from local artisans. In 2026 it runs December 11–13 at the Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building at 1 Van Wyck Street. Friday evening (December 11) from 7:00–9:00 PM includes a special wine tasting. Saturday (December 12) runs 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, and Sunday (December 13) from 11:00 AM–4:00 PM. It's the ideal place to find a gift that doesn't come from a box shipped overnight.
Santa's Candy Cane Run
No holiday tradition captures the spirit of this village quite like the Candy Cane Run on Saturday, December 19, 2026. The Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department decorates its fire trucks with lights and holiday music and traverses nearly every street in the village. Volunteers and Santa ride the trucks, tossing candy canes to residents waiting at the end of their driveways. The department typically provides a "Santa Tracker" on its social media so families know exactly when the sirens are heading their way.
If you live on a dead-end street or cul-de-sac, walk to the nearest main intersection — the trucks can't always navigate the tightest turns.
Nearby Winter Spectacles
For those looking to extend the holiday experience beyond the village, Lumina at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard in North Salem is the premier professional light display in the area — a walk-through forest of over half a million lights with illuminated tunnels and music-synced shows, open from late November through December. Advance tickets are required.
Christmas at Van Cortlandt Manor offers candlelit tours and traditional 18th-century holiday programs in late December, providing a beautiful historical counterpart to the modern light displays.
New Year's Eve
Croton-on-Hudson offers an intimate alternative to the chaos of the city on December 31. Village restaurants shift to prix-fixe and "Grand Soirée" style menus for the evening. 105 Twenty Bar & Grill is the village hub for groups wanting a festive party atmosphere with a champagne toast at midnight. The Tavern at Croton Landing is ideal for a more casual, high-quality dinner. Ocean House is the premier upscale option — reservations here for New Year's Eve should be made months in advance.
For residents heading into Manhattan, the Croton-Harmon Metro-North station runs an all-night holiday schedule on December 31, with extra trains departing Grand Central between 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM.
If you prefer a big celebration close to home, Peekskill's New Year's Eve Ball Drop (10 minutes north) features live music and a fireworks display at midnight. The White Plains New Year's Eve Spectacular is the largest in Westchester County, with a ball drop, confetti, and fireworks.
On New Year's Day, residents traditionally head out for a First Day Hike at Croton Gorge Park or along the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail — a fitting way to begin the year in a village that celebrates every season with this much heart.
Ready to Make Croton-on-Hudson Home?
What makes this calendar of events so special isn't any single parade or festival — it's the consistency of a community that shows up for itself, season after season.
I'm Nancy Kennedy, Broker Associate at Houlihan Lawrence, and I've been helping people find their place in Westchester since 1985. With over $1 billion in career sales and recognition as the #1 Associate in the Westchester-Putnam MLS for units sold and total dollar volume, I know this market — and I know this community — as well as anyone.
If you're ready to start your search for a home in Croton-on-Hudson, I'd love to help.
📞 (914) 271-5500 ✉️ [email protected] 📍 124 Maple St, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520
