Welcome winter!
The holidays will soon be here and whether it's the hubbub of getting ready or the feelings of nostalgia that the holiday can bring, we understand if you’re looking for a quick escape.
Start a new tradition in Ulster County. Find unique gifts in our sweet small towns or enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire while cuddled up with someone special in a charming inn. Ulster County is filled with places to pick the perfect Christmas tree, toast the season, and have plenty of old-fashioned outdoor fun.
Make memories that feel straight out of a Hallmark movie. Escape the every day with a pre-, during, or post-holiday getaway in Ulster County.
Cuddle Up at One of Ulster County’s Charming Inns
The Shandaken Inn, nestled in the heart of the Catskills, transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Guests can enjoy cozy rooms with rustic decor, perfect for snuggling up after a day of exploring nearby hiking trails or skiing at Belleayre Mountain.
Kingston Carriage House, with its historic charm, is ideal for those looking to blend relaxation with local culture. The property’s proximity to Kingston’s vibrant arts scene and holiday festivities means guests can enjoy local markets, art exhibitions, and seasonal events.
Firefox Mountain House offers an idyllic escape with stunning mountain views and outdoor activities. During the holidays, it becomes a hub for winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Guests can partake in snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or simply enjoying the serene surroundings.
Indulge in Small Town Sweet Treats
When it comes to holiday gifting, local, artisanal chocolate is a choice that brings joy to people of all ages. Lagusta's Luscious, in New Paltz, is known for vegan chocolates with decadent flavors that cater to everyone’s tastes. Saugerties-based Krause's Chocolates features a variety of handcrafted confections, each piece a work of art that combines traditional techniques with innovative flavors, perfect for those who appreciate gourmet quality.
EJ Bonbons chocolatier, Eileen Hsu specializes in unique, luxurious chocolates that blend classic techniques with local ingredients, providing a taste of the region in every bite. Fruition Chocolate, renowned for its bean-to-bar process, creates exceptional chocolate that highlights the complexity of its ingredients, ensuring each bite is a celebration of flavor.
Whether for gifts, stocking stuffers, or personal treats, these chocolates embody the spirit of the holidays, making every moment sweeter.
Toast the Season with Local Wine and Cider
Sip into the season at Holiday Fineries at the Wineries, the Hudson Valley’s premier holiday wine and cider-tasting event. This long-running Ulster County tradition features Shawangunk Wine Trail wineries and cider houses festively decorated for the season, a special ornament from each location you visit, and a handmade grapevine wreath for you to decorate at home.
Enjoy Old-Fashioned Outdoor Fun
Hasbrouck Park invites you to pack mittens and scarves for a snowman-building contest with friends or family, all with the stunning Hudson River as your backdrop. Or take a twirl around the majestic Mohonk Mountain House’s Ice Skating Rink. A covered barn-like pavilion and enormous stone fireplace provide the perfect skating spot in a winter wonderland. For those looking for something more rigorous, Ulster County boasts the longest vertical drop in the Catskills at Belleayre Mountain and miles of scenic snowshoeing trails at Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park, and trailheads in the Catskill Park.
Get Ready for the Holiday Season in Ulster County
Make this holiday season one to remember. Ulster County is ready to bring your winter dreams to life with a touch of magic and a lot of coziness. Plan your winter getaway today!
