Best sleigh rides in New York and beyond

Travel time: 5 hours from NYC by car

Why listen to "Jingle Bells" when you have the opportunity to ride and sing a sleighing song yourself? Let the lyrics to the popular Christmas melody come to life while vacationing near this Lake Placid winter wonderland. Belgian Draft horses will whisk travelers away through the woods and the grounds of John Brown Farm while the Adirondack Mountains loom in the background—a picture-perfect scene fitting for a holiday card. If you find yourself a bit cold after the ride, make sure to warm up with hot cocoa in the cabin to keep the adventure going. 

Travel time: 2 hours and 20 minutes from NYC by car 

North Star Farm offers two types of sleigh riding experiences for those who are curious about Santa's travel accomodations (sans flying, of course). A private tour—ideal for couples accompanied by two small children—will trek through the ground's 230 acres. Blankets keep visitors warm during the tour and the horses wear German sleigh bells to put a little jingle in their steps. The group tour, which holds up to 12 adults, is BYO blanket, so plan ahead. The horses will wear a variety of festive bells, which will surely inspire a Christmas song singalong. 

Travel time: 2 hours by car from NYC

No winter is complete without a trip to the Poconos, but skiing and tubing aren't the only adventures that await families. Daisy Field Farm hosts pony rides year-round, but when the temperature drops and snow starts to fall, prepare for fun sleigh rides with your crew (followed by a bonfire if you so choose).

Travel time: 3 hours and 15 minutes by car from NYC

Step away from hectic city life and enjoy one-on-one time in nature this holiday season. Loon Meadow Farm offers sleigh rides for up to 10 passengers that journeys over the 150 acres, as the horses make their way through the forest and fields. Don't forget to score a warm cup of cider or cocoa when the tour finishes up. And don't worry about accommodations—B&B lodging is available. 

Travel time: 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from NYC

When it comes to weddings, movie props and autumn hayrides, Allegra Farm is here to deliver. Add a little snow to the mix, and its New Englad winter sleigh rides become irresistible. Who needs that subway now?  

Travel time: 5 hours by car from NYC

When you stay at Lake Clear Lodge & Retreat, you have the option to embark on a lantern-lit horse-drawn sleigh ride. This 30-minute adventure essentially screams "Christmas." 

Travel time: 3 hours and 30 minutes by car

Is there a more fitting New England excursion than horse-drawn sleigh rides? Embrace the season with a 30-minute ride from Cornerstone Ranch, which comes complete with gorgeous scenery, hot chocolate and s'mores. Children 4 and under are able to ride free. Learn more here. 

If you can't make your way out of Gotham this holiday season, enjoy the sleigh ride sentiment with a horse and buggy ride through Central Park—NYC's backyard does look gorgeous during the winter.