In Ulster County, it’s the biggest question of the holiday season: How will Santa arrive in Woodstock on Christmas Eve? By spaceship? Flying bus? Elephant?
Also: Where am I going to park?
Woodstock’s Christmas Eve celebration is part picturesque holiday postcard, part mob scene. Caroling begins at 5pm and Santa arrives at 5:30pm, but you’ll want to show up early because the town gets about as crowded as it can get. Parking is particularly challenging, as is getting out, so plan your night accordingly. Volunteers and first responders typically do a good job controlling the chaos so everyone can get a glimpse of Santa’s mysterious arrival, and patient children can get face time with the man himself while walking away with a stocking full of goodies.
Is it worth it? There’s a reason this tradition dates back over 90 years – it’s a singular experience. Locals reunite with old friends in town for the holidays. Every bar and restaurant that’s open is packed. Rumors and guesses as to Santa’s means of transportation buzz among the crowd, but the event’s organizers are legendary at keeping a secret. The payoff is usually pretty awesome and artsy. Santa doesn’t try to outdo himself year after year with daredevil stunts as in the past, but he’s consistently brought the holiday cheer. When you see the magic in a child’s eyes when the mythological man pops out of some oddball contraption, the question “Is it worth it?” is easily answered.
Go to woodstockchristmaseve.com for more information.
Join the family! 
