8 Ways To Welcome Winter

Chillbert, The Beacon Beacon’s snowman at Long Dock Park in early 2025.

With the arrival of sub-zero temperatures these past few weeks, you can be forgiven for assuming winter is already here. The reality is, this is just a taste of things to come. 

Winter solstice is this Sunday, December 21st, and it marks the official arrival of winter in the U.S. and the northern hemisphere. That means none of us will be leaving the house for the next few months without donning puffer coats, hats, scarves, and every other winter-warming accessory we can get our hands on.

The winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. We know that sounds daunting, but the good news is the days slowly get longer from hereon in, which means more daylight, later sunsets, and the eventual return of warmer climes.

Embrace The Winter Months

Until then, there’s plenty to do in Beacon to make the most of the winter months and to take care of yourself. If nothing else, that bracing fresh air will help clear the cobwebs that the December festivities can sometimes bring.

Here’s how to embrace winter in our corner of the Hudson Valley.

Welcome the Winter solstice

Don’t let December 21st pass without honoring and celebrating the return of more light and longer days with a ritual or a festive event. Maybe light a candle and set your intentions for the new season. Or host a special meal by candlelight. Luckily, Beacon is rich with candle choices, so we recommend heading to Witch Hazel (176 Main Street), Little King (199 Main Street), Lily & Marigold (163 Main Street), The Floral Society (161 Main Street), Two Sparrows Homestead (226 Main Street), Beacon D’Lites (327 Main Street), Raven Rose (474 Main Street), Solstad House (488 Main Street), Witch Please (498 Main Street), and Burkelman (475 Main Street) for starters.

Sheryl Glickman of metaphysical supply store Notions N Potions (175 Main Street) shared her ritual with us, “I usually set a plate out for my ancestors with their favorite things to eat. Libations, too! I read their names to honor them, making sure they’re proud of me. I always say, ‘Their blood, my blood. Their breath, my breath.’”

If you’re reading this today (Thursday, December 18th) stop by Valley Spirit Wellness Center for a Guayusa Winter Solstice Tea Ceremony tonight at 6:30 PM (36 Mason Circle). This cozy, candlelit shamanic circle features a traditional Amazonian sacred tea that supports clarity, presence, and deep listening. Tickets are $20. See their website for more details and booking. Keep checking our Instagram Stories for more upcoming Winter Solstice events. And you can explore more lifestyle and wellness services in Beacon here.

Masha Schmidt, L.Ac. of DayDream Collaborative Clinic (544 Main Street) recently explained to us why we often feel more tired, hungry, or introspective this time of year: “All mammals feel the effects of waning light, even if our logical minds assure us that the sun will return. It can seem like something is wrong and we want to gain more energy. We may supplement with light or extra melatonin. This is a good strategy for when we are overwhelmed and exhausted, but another strategy is to recognize that we are just too tired to produce at the expected pace of a society that doesn’t prioritize our wellbeing.”

While melatonin—often referred to as the sleep hormone— is naturally produced by the brain’s pineal gland, there are ways to increase and stimulate its production. Masha explains why this is important: “Melatonin is crucial to the central nervous system and our sleep patterns. Research shows that certain meditative practices—like yoga nidra—also increase melatonin production. Listening to a guided meditation in your PJs sounds like an excellent way to honor the season.”

Celebrate The Season

Beacon’s snowy Main Street after this week’s snow.

Besides looking after your wellbeing, it’s important to let loose a little and celebrate the upcoming holidays and seasonal milestones. Happily, there’s no shortage of ways to do that here in Beacon. So, be sure to check our Events Guide regularly to see what’s on and what new events have been added over the coming days and weeks. Some venues have already announced their New Year’s Eve offerings including prix fixe dinners at Lyonshare (246 Main Street) and The Wild Kitchen & Bar (416 Main Street), and Happy Valley Arcade Bar’s annual New Year’s Eve Party (196 Main Street). Watch this space and our Instagram Stories as more events will undoubtedly be announced soon.

 Be Prepared For The Cold

Long Dock Park after this week’s snowfall.

A wise person once said, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices.” Keeping warm (or at least avoiding frostbite) entails having good, winter-friendly coats, boots, socks, and clothes to counter the frequently bone chilling temperatures. Consider Mountain Tops Outfitters (144 Main Street), Colorant (146 Main Street), Little King (199 Main Street), Maryann’s (444 Main Street), MOD Hudson Valley (171 Main Street), Another Door (468-470 Main Street), Vintage Beacon (478 Main Street), Blackbird Attic (442 Main Street) and Kaight (512 Main Street) for fashion-friendly winter warmers.

Take A Hike (Yes, Literally!)

If you live in Beacon (or you’re visiting) you’re never more than a stone’s throw from Mount Beacon or a beautiful trail walk. Even in the depths of winter (with the right walking boots and clothing) it’s worth spending time outside. Visit the staggeringly gorgeous waterfalls at Madame Brett Park and Fishkill Creek (behind The Roundhouse at 2 East Main Street), especially during or just after a powdery snowfall. It’s a winter wonderland straight out of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen.

If Mount Beacon seems a tad overwhelming in the snow, consider a long loop trail walk starting at Long Dock Park near the train station, connecting to Madame Brett Park (follow the signs), and heading along Tioronda Avenue until you reach Main Street. It’s an easy five mile trail (with appropriate clothing, of course!). If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to marvel at the mid-winter epic ice floats in the Hudson River and listen to the ice creaking as the tides push in and pull out. You’ll think you’d been transported to a different planet.

After a mountain hike or a trail walk, it’s time to hit one of Beacon’s 90+ places to refuel, revive, re-energize, or warm up. Dig into our Eat & Drink Directory to explore every spot in Beacon, NY.

Walk Main Street

Beacon’s mile-long Main Street, which runs from west to east if you’re coming from the MTA North train station, is home to more than 90 shops and 90 places to eat and drink; more than enough to keep you busy for a day. Take your time weaving in and out of the charming, artsy, independent one-of-a-kind stores. And make sure to stop for a hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, a coffee, a craft beer, a NY State wine, a cocktail, or a mocktail. That’s not to mention breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

If you’re visiting Beacon and plan to stay more than a day, consider breaking shopping excursions into small chunks to take it all in. You’ll find Beacon shopkeepers super-friendly and helpful, so feel free to peruse the beautifully merchandized stores here at your own pace. No pressure.

Take An Artwalk

Dia Beacon (3 Beekman Street)—the 300,000 square foot renowned international contemporary art museum that helped transform this city—is the first thing that comes to mind for many who plan a trip to Beacon.  Dia Beacon is home to works by global names including Richard Serra, Louise Bourgeois, Andy Warhol, Meg Webster, and Dan Flavin to name just a few. It’s open Friday through Monday with winter hours of 10 AM to 4 PM. There are various entry prices, Hudson Valley residents can enjoy free entry on the last Sunday of every month, and it’s free for Beacon residents upon proof of address.

Pick up the Beacon Loop bus upon leaving Dia Beacon. It runs approximately every 20 minutes (times vary so be sure to check the timetable), and can be picked up outside Dia’s gates. Or stroll over to Main Street (about 10-15 minutes depending on pace) if it’s a nice day. Signs will guide you there.

Discover Beacon’s Rich Art Scene

KuBe Art Center, 211 Fishkill Avenue, Beacon.

Note that Dia Beacon is just the first stop on a rich, thought-provoking art journey across the city.

KuBe Art Center (211 Fishkill Avenue) is a hidden Beacon gem located in the former Beacon High School. Here, you’ll discover a treasure trove of modern art including the Beacon location of New York City’s Ethan Cohen Gallery, the Cohen Art Foundation and Library, experimental art spaces, 48 art studios, Silica Studio 845, and Saint Rita’s Music Room. You’ll find works from globally revered visual artists including Ai Weiwei, Ron English, Derrick Adams, and many more. Be sure to take advantage of the tour that takes place every Saturday at 2 PM for an astonishing art experience.

That’s not all. Here are even more Beacon galleries to explore. And there’s likely to be an opening reception of a thought-provoking new show if you visit on the Second Saturday of the month.

BAU Gallery (506 Main Street)

Distortion Society (155 Main Street)

Super Secret Projects (484 Main Street)

Howland Cultural Center (477 Main Street)

Hudson Beach Glass (162 Main Street)

Keep Up What’s On In Beacon

Beacon’s entertainment scene vibrates with energy almost 365 days a year. Two new major arts venues—Savage Wonder Arts Center and Saint Rita’s Music Room—opened in 2025, and they’re bringing even more music, theater, improv, and live performances to the city. What better way to shake off the winter blues than to lose yourself in live music, an immersive performance, storytelling, comedy, and more? Plus, you can become part of an arts community with some venues like Savage Wonder Arts Center (139 Main Street) offering membership deals that include free tickets and exclusive member events. Find out more here. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Explore our Events Guide for a full picture of what’s on.

Go See A Movie On Main Street

Winter is also the perfect time to enjoy the cocoon-like atmosphere of a movie theater. Film lovers and aficionados can find much of what they love at Beacon Movie Theater (445 Main Street) with its large, comfy seats, craft beers, and real butter popcorn. Plus, you can simply head next door to Wonderbar afterward for a bite to eat and a cocktail while you deconstruct the film without having to face subzero temperatures. Beacon Movie Theater offers new, classic, and foreign titles as well as documentaries and the occasional director/filmmaker Q&A sessions.

It’s worth repeating—bookmark our Events Guide to keep up with what’s on in Beacon and to buy tickets. Or follow our WhatsApp Channel, TBB Events Hub if keeping up with events while on-the-go is more your thing.

Be sure to peruse The Beacon Beacon blog and our directories to discover all good things in Beacon, NY, to find out where to eat, drink, shop, stay, and play, and for everyday services. Also, sign up to our weekly email and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Threads if you like our content.

Until next time…

The Beacon Beacon🧡