Ridge Hill in Yonkers will light its holiday tree on Saturday, November 21, in a free evening on Town Square that runs from 4 to 6 p.m. and ends with Santa Claus counting down to the switch. No tickets are needed, and the same evening opens a season of Santa visits, library story hours, pet photo nights and a Hanukkah menorah lighting that runs into late December.

The open-air shopping and dining center sits at One Ridge Hill Boulevard on the east side of Yonkers in Westchester County, a short drive from both I-87 and the Sprain Brook Parkway. Here is what is on the calendar, with dates checked against Ridge Hill's own event pages.

The Lighting, Saturday, November 21

The first 90 minutes, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., are given over to live music, performers and family activities on Town Square. Recent posts from Ridge Hill point to a children's choir and youth dancers among the acts. The tree lighting itself takes place from 5:30 to 6 p.m., when Santa leads the crowd through the countdown. Food and drinks will be sold on site. Ridge Hill notes that people who attend may appear in photos and video the center records that evening.

Santa's Cottage, November 21 to December 24

Once the tree is lit, Santa moves into a North Pole themed cottage in Suite 1130, next to J.Crew Factory, and takes walk-in visitors until 6 p.m. that night. Booking a time online ahead of a visit is recommended, since walk-ups are accepted but not guaranteed. The schedule after opening night:

  • November 22 to December 13: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Santa steps out from 3 to 4 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays and from 3:30 to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
  • Thanksgiving Day, November 26: closed.
  • December 14 to December 23: every day, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a break from 3 to 4 p.m.
  • December 24: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a break from 1 to 1:30 p.m.

Story Time with the Yonkers Public Library

On three Tuesday mornings, November 24, December 1 and December 8, Santa and staff from the Yonkers Public Library will read a holiday story and lead themed crafts from 11 a.m. to noon in the same cottage. Reservations opened November 12, and only the children need a spot; parents and guardians come along without one.

Pet Night with Santa

Dogs and other pets get their own photo sessions on Tuesday, December 1, and Wednesday, December 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. Appointments can be booked in advance, and walk-ups are taken when time allows.

Breakfast with Santa at Public Pizza

Ridge Hill has added a second breakfast this year. Both are buffet mornings with entertainment at Public Pizza from 10 a.m. to noon. The first is Sunday, November 29, and tickets are on sale now. The second is Sunday, December 13, with tickets going on sale at noon on Tuesday, December 1. Tables seat up to six, larger groups are split across tables, every table with children needs an adult, and children under 2 do not need a ticket. Parking is validated at check-in, so note your plate number before you walk in.

Menorah Lighting, Tuesday, December 8

Chabad of Yonkers joins Ridge Hill for a menorah lighting at Park Plaza from 4 to 6 p.m. on December 8, with family entertainment, activities and treats. It is free, needs no ticket and goes ahead rain or shine.

Ridge Kids, for Younger Visitors

The center's winter indoor playdate series also returned this month and runs on second Tuesdays through April. The December session, on Tuesday, December 8, from 4 to 6 p.m., moves to the Court 16 tennis space for games and active play aimed at children ages 3 to 10. Tickets are sold in advance.

Getting There and Parking

Drivers coming from New York City or New Jersey can take I-87 north to Exit 6A and turn right onto Ridge Hill Boulevard. From the north, the Saw Mill and Sprain Brook parkways lead to the Tuckahoe Road exit, where a right at the second light reaches Ridge Hill Boulevard. Ridge Hill has street parking and five garages. Garage parking is free for the first 30 minutes, $5 for up to three hours, $6 for three to six hours and $11 for longer stays. Visitors can start a session by texting RIDGEHILL1 to 25023 or scanning the codes posted in the garages, and pay stations sit at each garage exit.

Plan Your Visit

The Lighting at Ridge Hill starts at 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, on Town Square, One Ridge Hill Boulevard, Yonkers, NY 10710. Center hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, though individual stores may vary. Santa visits, story times, pet nights and breakfasts are booked through the links on each event page at ridgehill.com, and questions can go to info@ridgehill.com.

Sources