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This holiday season, head 45 minutes north of Grand Central and be transported to a winter wonderland at Mount Vernon's Christmas in America at American Christmas HQ, a 12,000 square feet store full of holiday décor, family-friendly magic and delight.
With experience as a massive Christmas store, the folks here know how to put on an epic holiday display. This year's walk-through experience promises giant nutcrackers, Santas, reindeer, lush garlands, thousands of twinkling lights, towering trees, sparkling wreaths and walls of ornaments—it's not only fun to look it, it also makes for beautiful photos. In years past, the experience was called Holiday Lane, and it charged an admission fee, but this year's newly named event is totally free to attend.
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Santa, of course, will be making an appearance on weekends throughout the season and taking photos in exchange for donations of any amount.
After you've walked through and snapped your photos, you might just be inspired to do a little holiday shopping. American Christmas HQ is known as the largest Christmas shop in Westchester with over 3,000 holiday items available. Expect to see classic Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands in all different sizes; shatterproof and glass ornaments including Polish glass and custom designs; outdoor decorations, tabletop displays, lights, stars and toppers; and exclusive collectible brands including Ditz Design, Mark Roberts, Old World Christmas, Kurt Adler, Katherine's Collection, Christopher Radko, Jay Strongwater and more.
Founded in 1968, American Christmas is the largest provider of festive lighting in the world. For over 50 years, the company has designed and installed iconic holiday displays that you've definitely seen. Their resume includes decor at Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Saks, Macy’s, Cartier and many more.
The annual event has a charitable component. In past years, ticket proceeds benefitted local charities, but now that it's free to attend, 10% of all store sales will go to charity, along with the Santa donations. Three local nonprofit organizations that support children will benefit this year: the Mount Vernon Boys and Girls club, Northeast STEM Starter Academy of Mount Vernon and the Youth Community Outreach Program of Mount Vernon.
Store hours for November are Thursday and Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm at 30 Warren Place in Mount Vernon. Hours for December will be updated here later in the season. Santa will be on site on select dates in November and December.