A new year offers an opportunity for renewal, of grounding oneself and starting fresh. Kicking off 2025 in the great outdoors, surrounded by nature and growth despite any cold, can be especially energizing and inspiring, even freeing. There’s a reason, after all, that outdoors in Spanish (“al aire libre”) translates to “in the free air.”
When the clock nears midnight on Dec. 31, and later, the first day of a fresh year dawns, where do you want to be? Here are a few possibilities from up and down the Hudson Valley, from Yonkers to Saratoga Springs. Whether you see yourself on a local peak, plunging into the water, hanging out with animals, or standing under the glow of stars, there’s a way to launch this next rotation around the sun right.
Take a Hike
Fill your lungs with fresh air as you reflect on the previous 12 months and those ahead. A four-mile sunset hike on New Year’s Eve led by Guardian Revival will take participants to a fire tower on Mt. Beacon, which provides epic views of the Hudson River Valley. First Day Hikes are also a popular activity, especially in the valley — New York State Parks, for example, has several events organized for self-guided as well as staff- or volunteer-led treks at state parks, trails, and other wildlife areas. An added plus? A Stanford study found that walking boosts creative inspiration — in case you need help coming up with goals for the new year.
Run a First Day 5K
Hit the ground running in 2025 in the city of Saratoga Springs, which is closing out its two-day New Year’s celebration of music and fireworks with the Saratoga First Day 5K on Jan. 1.
Polar-Plunge Into the New Year
Start the year with a splash and raise money for a good cause while you’re at it. New York’s Coney Island Polar Bear Club is the oldest winter bathing club in the United States and hosts a famous annual New Year’s Day Plunge open to the public down in NYC. But closer to home, the This is Me Foundation also offers the chance to get in on an exhilarating, endorphin-pumping tradition. The nonprofit organization, which raises awareness about alopecia, is hosting its 12th Annual Polar Plunge at the Peekskill Riverfront on Jan. 1.
Wonder at the Stars
What do the stars have in store for you in 2025? Pick any of the countless go-to spots for stargazing in the Hudson Valley and let your mind wander on Dec. 31, which will be marked by the New Moon. The Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association, for example, will host its final Star Party of the year on Dec. 27 at Lake Taghkanic State Park — a favorite location for area astronomers.
Get a Last Chance at Holiday Lights
The first evening of 2025 will mark the last night of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy’s Grand Holiday Illumination, where visitors to the historic Yonkers park can see the more than 100,000 lights on display in the Walled Garden.
Walk with Llamas and Alpacas
For a unique outdoor adventure with some four-legged friends, head to Hyde Park’s Clover Brooke Farm, which offers farm experiences on its 45-acre property. The 90-minute guided Llama/Alpaca Hike on Jan. 1 will take participants around scenic pastures, a sweet little pond, and other peaceful spots.
Watch Your Favorite Fliers
More of an ornithophile? Early bird gets the worm on New Year’s Day: Saw Mill River Audubon is hosting its annual First Day Hike at Rockwood Hall State Park on Jan. 1. The guided walk, offered in partnership with Rockefeller State Park Preserve, takes participants along the Hudson River at Rockwood Hall State Park. Registration will be posted to the SMRA page.
Hang with Howling Wolves
Winter doesn’t need to involve moody blues and cabin fever and gloomy short days. For a reminder that winter can actually be quite thrilling, the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem (Westchester County) will host a Howls of North America event on Dec. 31. Guests will learn about wolf families in North America and meet Ambassador Wolves Nikai and Silas.
