Get Ready for A Winter Walk on Warren Street

Hudson, NY - On Saturday, December 2 from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Hudson's main street will be transformed into a winter wonderland, as the Hudson Opera House presents “A Winter Walk on Warren Street,” the eagerly-awaited kick-off to the holiday season in historic Hudson, New York. Always held on the first Saturday in December, this festive holiday celebration is now in its tenth year and has become a premier event in the Hudson Valley.

Winter Walk features dancers, storytellers, and musicians performing in shop windows, horse-drawn carriage rides, live reindeer, and a Santa Parade. Groups of carolers stroll the streets, along with the walking Grandfather Clock, the Gingerbread Boy, and other characters. There is much to see and do.

Hudson's famous antique stores are “dressed to the nines” for the occasion, as are the art galleries and numerous other retail stores along the mile-long commercial main street of Hudson. Many shops remain open for Winter Walk and welcome visitors with refreshments and entertainment.

But mostly Winter Walk is a memorable street scene evocative of days gone by, but with many twists. Carolers in Victorian dress mingle with magicians and jesters, face painters, the balloon lady, and a stilt walker. Mammoth parade puppets created by area youth lead the Santa Parade. Live reindeer, a bagpiper, and Saxophone Santa all add to the mix.

People from near and far are drawn by the unique features of Winter Walk, such as choreographer Abby Lappen's fascinating window dancers posing as mannequins. Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus greet children in City Hall. A bevy of dance companies including local companies Diata Diata, Kuumba Dance and Drum, Dance With M.E., and the Sternfeld's Dance Studio, as well as the Albany Berkshire Ballet, perform inside larger Warren Street venues.

Music is everywhere. A rich and diverse group of musicians provide lively, festive sounds both on the street and in the shops. Clusters of carolers spread holiday cheer all along Warren Street. From a Celtic harpist to a one-man band, musicians perform folk, classical and jazz--something to please very ear.

Last year this popular event drew over 9,000 attendees from Hudson and Columbia County, as well as visitors from Greene, Albany, Dutchess, Ulster Counties and beyond.

Warm clothes and sturdy shoes are the order of the day. Walkers will find friendly faces along the way, as well as nourishment—hot mulled cider, roasted chestnuts, chili and steaming hot soup.

Visitors to the City are warned to arrive early to secure a parking spot. Winter Walk officially starts at 5:00 p.m. with a trumpet fanfare from the steps of the Opera House at 327 Warren Street. This ceremony is preceded by some early performances on Lower Warren. The festivities often continue past the official closing time of 8:00 p.m. For maps, schedules and other information such as lodging and area restaurants, visit the Opera House website at www.hudsonoperahouse.org . A snow date of Saturday, December  9 has been established.