What To Do: Holiday Events 2013

Where To See: The Nutcracker

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center:  Balanchine’s Nutcracker premiered at Manhattan’s City Center in 1954 and has been staged in New York every year since. It is the most famous staged production of the ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s legendary score in the US. The production features elaborate and grand stage elements, the most famous of which is the one-ton Christmas tree that grows from a height of 12 feet to 40 feet. It is the highlight of any holiday season in & around our towns. There are 47 performances from Fri, 11/29-Sat, 1/4: check times. (62-65 St. at Columbus Ave., NYC; www.nycballet.com)

New York Theater Ballet, Tarrytown Music Hall: An hour-long production created for younger audiences, “yet sophisticated enough for adults. “ The New York Theater Ballet, in addition to performing abridged versions of ballets for family audiences, has earned national attention for its revivals of masterworks by great choreographers. They sold out Carnegie Hall when they performed there with the New York Pops. Sat, 11/30: 3pm. (13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

Purchase Dance Company, Performing Arts Center Purchase College: This collaboration of faculty, internationally known guest choreographers, Purchase Conservatory dancers and 130 children from the local community bridges tradition and innovation. Fri-Sat: 12/13-14: 7:30pm, Sat-Sun: 12/14-15: 1pm, Sun 12/15: 5pm. (735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org

Connecticut Ballet, Stamford Center for the Arts: Brett Raphael’s production features a cast of 60 dancers. Guest stars, from American Ballet Theatre, Julie Kent, Veronika Part, Jared Mathews and Alexandre Hammoudi alternate in the lead roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Her Cavalier. Sat-Sun: 12/14-15 & 21-22: 2pm. (61 Atlantic St., Stamford; www.stamfordcenterforthearts.com)

Max & Ruby in the Nutcracker, Tarrytown Music Hall: If the Mouse King is too scary for the little ones they can see two cuddly mice (well, people in cuddly mouse costumes) watch The Nutcracker come alive when Grandma reads them the story. Max & Ruby are especially enchanted by the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince. (Ditto.)  Fri, 12/20: 6:30pm.(13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

Westchester Ballet Company, Westchester County Center: For a fraction of the cost of the New York City Ballet you can take the kids to see the Westchester Ballet perform Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker at the County Center. At $20 per ticket ($15 for kids) the whole evening is less than the cost of transportation and parking at Lincoln Center. Choreographed by Beth Fritz Logrea and Jean Logrea, it’s a great way to train next-gen culture vultures. We did. Fri-Sun, 12/20-22: check times. (198 Central Ave., White Plains; www.westchesterballet.wordpress.com)

Where To See: A Christmas Carol

Jonathan Kruk, Old Dutch Church: Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a longstanding Historic Hudson Valley tradition. Kruk’s telling of the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s night-long journey with the ghost of his deceased business partner Jacob Marley through Christmas past, present and yet-to-come is performed with musical accompaniment and followed by complimentary hot chocolate, cider and cookies.  Fri-Sat, 11/29-30 & Sat, 12/7, 14, 21: 3:30 4:45 & 6pm. (381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow; www.hudsonvalley.org)

Mr. Dickens Tells A Christmas Carol, Lyndhurst Mansion: In this theatrical performance appropriate for all ages, actor Michael Muldoon recreates the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim from Charles Dickens’s scripts. The performance travels through the mansion meeting the story’s spirits and characters in different rooms along the way. Fri-Sun, 12/13-15, 12/20-22 & Thurs-Sun, 12/26-29: check times. (635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; www.lyndhurst.org)

TheatreWorks USA, The Emelin Theatre: This hour-long musical adaptation for children (grades 1-7) uses witty new dialog and songs to capture the touching moments of the Dickens classic while preserving its original message. HQ-ed in Manhattan, TW USA creates and produces professional theatre for young audiences onstage and in the classroom – complete with study guides.(153 Liberty Lane, Mamaroneck; www.emelin.org)

The Muppet Christmas Carol, Jacob Burns Film Center: Jim Henson’s Muppets tell their version of Dickens’ tale of an old miser’s redemption on Christmas Eve in this Disney musical fantasy from 1992. With Michael Caine as Scrooge, and Kermit and Miss Piggy as Bob and Emily Cratchit. This comedic film follows the original story closely. Sat-Wed, 12/28-1/1: 12pm. (364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville; www.burnsfilmcenter.org)

Where To Hear: Messiah

Westchester Oratorio Society, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection: The Westchester Oratorio Society and Artistic Director Benjamin Niemczyk, presents two performances of Handel’s Messiah featuring the renowned organist James Kennerley. With Jane Brendler Buchi, soprano, Elizabeth Thorne, alto, Christopher Ellmann, tenor, and Masami Morimoto, baritone. “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill laid low, the crooked straight and the rough places plain.” Sun, 11/24: 3pm. (S. Salem Presbyterian Church, 111 Spring St., S. Salem) ; 12/7: 7pm. (Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 15 S. Bedford Rd., Mt. Kisco) www.westchesteroratorio.org)

New Choral Society, Hitchcock Presbyterian Church: The Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah has become the traditional season-opener for the New Choral Society. The concert, as always, will conclude with “Hallelujah Chorus.” Handel’s Messiah premiered in Dublin on April 13, 1742. “Hallelujah” is one of the most well known musical pieces from the Baroque period. Fri, 12/6: 8pm;  Sun, 12/8: 3pm. (6 Greenacres Ave., Scarsdale; www.newchoralsociety.org)

New York Philharmonic, Andrew Manze, conductor, Joelie Harvey, soprano, Tamara Mumford, mezzo-soprano, Allan Clayton, tenor, Matthew Rose, bass, with the Westminster Symphonic Choir. Tues-Sat, 12/17-21: check times. (Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center; www.lincolncenter.org)

Where to Hear: The Brandenburg Concertos

Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos are considered among the finest musical compositions of the Baroque era. The NYTs called their annual performances by The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center a “holiday staple.” Locally, Anthony Newman, described by Wynton Marsalis as “the high priest of Bach,” will lead The Bedford Chamber Orchestra in a performance of them at St. Matthews Church. Here’s where to get your holiday fix of the Brandenburgs. Bedford Chamber Concerts: St. Matthews Church, Bedford, Wed, 12/11: 8pm. The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: Alice Tully Hall, Sun, 12/15: 5pm.

Where To Hear: Holiday Music

Krakauer Acoustic Klezmer Quartet, Caramoor: Famed clarinetist David Krakauer returns to Caramoor for a program of works in the Ashkenazi folk tradition. Krakauer is known for his modern interpretation of Klezmer music. Sun, 11/30: 8pm. (149 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah; www.caramoor.org)

Vienna Boys Choir, Performing Arts Center: “Before there was a Beethoven or a Mozart or a Bach there was the Vienna Boys’ Choir singing before the Austrian Court.” (We love that line from the PAC brochure.) This choir of young men (ages 10-14) has become synonymous with the Christmas season. Their program of classical and popular holiday music offers an eclectic repertoire from Carl Orff’s “O Fortuna” to Jose Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad” and “Oh Happy Day” by the Edwin Hawkins Singers. And “Jingle Bells,” of course. Sat, 12/7: 8pm. (735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)

Westchester All Stars Christmas for Wounded Veterans, Tarrytown Music Hall: A night of holiday music and laughs from Westchester’s top musical talents emceed by Sopranos star Vincent Pastore and his Wise Guy friends to benefit wounded veterans organizations. Performers include Armonk resident/Yankee great/jazz guitarist Bernie William, All My Children star Eden Riegel, and many more. Fri, 12/6: 7:30pm. (13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

Holiday Doo-Wop, Tarrytown Music Hall: Bobby Rydel (“Wild One”), Charlie Thomas’ Drifters (“Under the Boardwalk”), Freda Payne (“Band of Gold”), The Soul Survivors (“Expressway to Your Heart”), and Johnny Farina of Santo and Johnny (“Sleepwalk”.) Sat, 12/7: 8pm.(13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

New Castle Community Sing, Chappaqua Orchestra: Guest conductor Benjamin Niemczyk leads The Chappaqua Orchestra in a holiday sing-a-long. Sat, 12/7: 3:30pm. (Bell Middle School, 50 Senter St. ; www.chappaquaorchestra.org) This event is followed by the New Castle Historical Society’s Tree Lighting and SANTA visit. (Horace Greeley House, 100 King St., Chappaqua; www.newcastlehs.org)

Cherish The Ladies – A Celtic Christmas: These five Irish ladies perform classic Christmas carols in their signature arrangements highlighting Celtic instrumentation with a full band and traditional Irish step dancers. Sun, 12/8: 7pm. (13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

Myth, Mystery & Miracle, Taghkanic Chorale: From Palestrina and Bach to Verdi and Vaughn Williams. Including, “Ave Maria,” Handel’s “Hallelujah,” and the spiritual “Mary Had a Baby.” Sat, 12/7: 8pm. (Valhalla Methodist Church, 200 Columbus Ave., Valhalla) Sun, 12/8: 4pm.  (Trinity Episcopal Church, 7 S. Highland Ave., Ossining; www.taghkanicchorale.org)

Jim Brickman – The Magic of Christmas, Tarrytown Music Hall: Windham Hill recording artist Jim Brickman, the most charted male Adult Contemporary artist ever has earned six Gold and Platinum albums. He has collaborated with Lady Antebellum, Johnny Mathis, and Martina McBride. He is joined by guest performers in a program of songs from his new CD, The Magic of Christmas, and other Brickman hits. Wed, 12/11: 8pm. (13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

Pastorale: Christmas Concerti, Caramoor: REBEL Ensemble for Baroque Music performs a program of Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Pez, and Torelli in Caramoor’s Rosen House.  Including “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” and selections from Handel’s Messiah. With special guests Sherezade Panthaki, soprano and Matthias Maute, recorder & flute. Sat, 12/14: 8pm. (Caramoor’s Rosen House, 149 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah; www.caramoor.org)

Holiday Spectacular, Ridgefield Playhouse: Tony Award-winning Broadway star Debbie Gravitte (Jerome Robbins Broadway) performs holiday favorites and leads an audience sing-a-long. Plus, local dance companies join Debbie onstage. You can too. Thurs, 12/19: 7:30pm, Sat, 12/20: 5 & 8pm. (80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

West Point Military Band Holiday Concert, Chappaqua Library: The West Point Military Band will perform a program of Holiday classics.  They will also perform at Manhattan’s Trinity Church and the New York Public Library steps this holiday season. They return to Chappaqua on Sun, 1/12 for a performance of ragtime.  Fri, 12/20: 7pm.(195 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua; www.chappaqualibrary.org)

Rob Mathes Christmas Concert, Performing Arts Center: The Emmy award-winning and Grammy-nominated Rob Mathes has performed his Christmas Concert of original and holiday classics at PAC for 20 years. (Who knew?) Mathes has arranged, produced, recorded and performed with Sting, Sir Elton John, Tony Bennett, and Bono. He recently finished orchestrations for a new set of songs by Bruce Springsteen. Fri-Sat: 12/20-21: 8pm. (735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)

Winter Pops: BWAY ’59, Performing Arts Center: Tony-winner Ted Sperling conducts the Westchester Philharmonic’s annual sold-out Winter Pops event. Sperling’s BWAY ’59 weaves a musical story of the year 1959 – the year that Gypsy and The Sound of Music hit the great white way. He is joined by Broadway stars Judy Kuhn (Les Miserables, She Loves Me, Rags), Betsy Wolfe (The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) and Ryan Silverman (Chicago, The Phantom of the Opera.) Sun, 12/22: 3pm. (735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)

Winter Pops: After Party: Everybody loves an after party. Mingle with the stars, toast the season at this private backstage party for ticket holders after the show. With hors d’oeuvres and wine by Zachys. Sun, 12/22: Immediately following the concert. (735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)

What To Do: Holidays Mixed Bag

Radio City Christmas Spectacular: The Rockettes (the older you get the more you appreciate them), a 3D ride through the skies of New York, a trip to the North Pole, ice skaters, dancing teddy bears, a living nativity, “Here Comes Santa Claus,” a unique take on the Nutcracker, and dozens of SANTA CLAUSES.  All in the grand Art Deco showcase of Radio City Music Hall. The holidays … they don’t get better than this. Fri-Mon, 11/15-12/30: check times. (1260 Ave. of the Americas, NYC: www.radiocitychristmas.com)

Mistletoe and Menorahs, Theatre at Lyndhurst Mansion: Muriel and Lourdes give new meaning to “last minute shopping” in award-winning playwright Staci Swedeen’s priceless look at the holiday season in Mistletoe and Menorahs. Also on the bill, Gail Drucker’s acclaimed one-act comedy Would You Like a Potato Latke? (Aka “Sex and the City for empty nesters.) Directed by Michael Muldoon, with Carol Eagen, Suzanne Ochs Jim Petrillo. Fri-Sat, 11/29-30: 7pm, Sun, 12/1: 3pm. (Lyndhurst Mansion, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; www.lyndhurst.org)

Christmas Tree Sale, North White Plains Fire Department: NWPFD’s tree sale fundraiser. Fri, 11/29: 4-8pm, Sat-Sun 11/30-12/1: 9am-8pm. Thurs-Fri, 12/5-6, 12-13, 19-20: 4-8pm, Sat-Sun, 12/6-7, 13-143: 9am-8pm, Sat, 12/21: 9am-8pm. (621 N. Broadway, N. White Plains; www.northcastleny.com)

Ice Skating at The Harvey School: The Bedford Rec department in cooperation with the Harvey School offers public skating for all ages with Program Supervisor Jim Whiting and staff. With a live DJ. Fri, 11/29, 12/27: 12:45-2:45pm. (Harvey School, 240 Jay St., (Rt. 22), Katonah; www.bedfordny.info)

Christmas in Rockefeller Center: This year marks the 81^st annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Rockefeller Center. Hailed as the world’s most famous Christmas tree, the Norway spruces erected in Rock Center have measured from 69 to 100 feet tall. You can watch the tree lighting ceremony complete with “star studded musical talents” and hosts Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie on NBC. Or take the Metro North to the city to see it in person. Have a skate at the Rockefeller Center Rink while you are there. Wed, 12/4: 8pm. (45 Rockefeller Plaza, NYC; www.rockefellercenter.com)

10,000 Lights, Boscobel: The gardens and grounds of Boscobel are lit with 10,000 lights and the hot cocoa is ready for your twilight tour. With a rotating program of entertainers including, The Taghkanic Chorale, The Katonah Hand Bell Choir, Manhattanville College’s a cappella singers, stilt walkers, ice carving demonstrations, the Horseback Winter Rider … and Mr. & Mrs. CLAUS in the Sparkle Garden. You won’t find a better setting for a photo op with the big man (short of a trip to the North Pole) than this. Fri-Sat, 12/6-7, 13-14, & 20-21: 5-9pm. (1601 Rt. 9D, Garrison; www.boscobel.org)

Holiday Open House, Philipsburg Manor: Experience the serenity of this 18^th century historic site, in a waterfront setting, lit by bonfires and candle lanterns. Listen to live fiddle music and join in on winter themed craft activities. Toast the evening with complimentary sweets and hot beverages. A very laid back Historic Hudson Valley winter experience that takes you back to what life was like in the 18^th century. Check it out after your visit to the Old Dutch Church to see Jonathan Kruk’s A Christmas Carol. Sat, 12/7, 14, 21: 4pm-8pm. (381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow; www.hudsonvalley.org)

The Magic Flute: Julie Taymor’s fanciful production—complete with dancing bears and giant flamingos—is sung in English and runs a brisk 100 minutes in this abridged holiday version for families. The winning cast includes Alek Shrader as Tamino, Eric Owens as Sarastro, and Nathan Gunn as the winsome Papageno. Mon-Sat, 12/16-1/4/14: check times. (Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center; www.lincolncenter.org)

Christmas Bird Count: Take part in the great North American bird census. Each year, Audubon Greenwich takes part in this annual tradition to monitor winter bird populations. Join teams of birders to count as many individual birds as possible in a 24-hour period. Sat, 12/16. (Greenwich Audubon, 613 Riversville Rd., Greenwich; http://greenwich.audubon.org)

Holiday Party, N. White Plains Fire Company: Entertainment, refreshments, SANTA. Sun, 12/22: 1pm. (N. White Plains Fire House, 621 N. Broadway, NW Plains; www.northcastleny.com)

Where To See: Santa

Frosty Day Parade, Armonk Chamber of Commerce: The list of events for Armonk’s Frosty Day keeps getting bigger and better. While the highlight of the day is the Main St. parade at 4:30pm, there are events all around town from 11am-4pm. Including, Frosty cartoons at the library, a winter display and open house at Smith’s Tavern, craft making at Mariachi Mexico, Beehive, Framings, The Right Thing, Cici Crib, Sheep Shack, a scavenger hunt at the Hergenhan Center, and giveaways from local merchants. After the parade it’s off to Wampus Brook Park for the tree lighting at 5pm. Armonk’s Winter Walk begins at 5:30 with Frosty photo ops at Hickory & Tweed, hayrides, entertainment in Armonk Square and SANTA at Town Hall. Sat, 11/30: 9:45-all day. (In & Around Town, Armonk; www.armonkfrosty.com)

Santa, Tree & Menorah Lighting and Caroling in Katonah: The Katonah Chamber of Commerce will host a series of Holiday events including: Meet SANTA behind Chase Bank in town. Sat, 11/30: 11am; Hot drinks, snacks and singing at the Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting at St. Luke’s Church. Sun, 12/1: 6pm. Caroling at the Gazebo. Sat, 12/14: TBA. (Katonah Chamber of Commerce; www.katonahchamber.org)

Tree Lighting Mt. Kisco: The Mt. Kisco Chamber of Commerce Holiday Tree Lighting and Caroling ceremony at Village Hall is followed by cookies and cocoa with SANTA at the American Legion Hall. Fri, 12/6: 6pm. (104 E. Main St., Mt. Kisco; www.mtkisco.org)

Stamford Heights & Lights/Rappelling Santa: Santa Claus rappels 22 stories down Landmark Square with guest rappelers Brian Cashman and Bobby Valentine. Then it’s off to Latham Park for live music from the Swingset Mamas and Stamford’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. Sun, 12/8: 5pm. (Landmark Square and Latham Square, Stamford, CT; www.stamford-downtown.com)

The North Pole Comes to Lasdon Park/Train Show Lasdon Park’s main house will be decorated for the season for its first ever Holiday Train Show. Watch the Polar Express travel up the Harlem Line from New York City to Katonah passing iconic buildings and scenes along the way. And then on to its final stop at Christmas Village at the North Pole. Purchase a Christmas, tree, wreath or pointsettia at Lasdon and help a homeless veteran. Sat-Sun, 12/14-15, 12-22: Fri-Sun, 12/27-29. With a special SANTA visit on Sun, 12/15: 1-3:30pm. (2648 Alawalk Rd., Rt. 35, Katonah; www.lasdonpark.org)

Santa Comes to Bedford & Silhouettes at the Court House: Check for details. Sat, 12/14: (Bedford Village; www.bedfordhistoricalsociety.org)

Breakfast with Frosty & Friends: Meet Frosty, watch a magic show from Seth Dale, and enjoy a pancake breakfast. Bring your camera. Sponsored by Bedford Recreation Department. Pre-registration is required at the Rec office. Sponsored by Bedford Recreation Department. Sat, 12/14: 8:30am. (Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main St. Bedford Hills; www.bedfordny.info)

What To Do: Holidays With the Kids

New York Botanical Garden’s Train Show: NYBG’s Holiday Train Show features more than a dozen large scale model trains (some measuring over 2 feet long) zipping across nearly a quarter mile of track across a landscape of 140 scaled replicas of iconic New York City buildings made of bark, twigs, fruit, seeds and pine cones. Including, the original Penn Station and Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Brooklyn Bridge. A WTD Fave Rave. Sat-Sun, 11/16-1/12/14. (2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx; www.nybg.org)

Holiday Wreath Making, Lasdon Park: Make your own wreath with Lasdon Park volunteers. Materials provided. Sat, 11/23: 9:30am-1pm. (2648 Alawalk Rd., Rt. 35, Katonah; www.lasdonpark.org)

Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins & Light It Up Dance Party: Interactive performance of Herschel & the Hanukkah Goblins, and a Light It Up Dance Party with DJ, glow sticks, and games. Plus latkes and jelly donuts. Sat, 11/24: 3-5:30pm. (600 Bear Ridge Rd., Pleasantville; www.rosenthaljcc.org)

Holiday Decorations, Muscoot Farm: Muscoot volunteers guide you through crafts projects for your tree or holiday table. Sun, 11/24: 1-3pm. (51 Rt. 100, Katonah; www.muscootfarm.org

Polar Express in Imax, Norwalk Aquarium: The Polar Express returns to the IMAX® screen for the holidays. The newly refurbished IMAX® Theater at the Norwalk Aquarium sports the largest IMAX theater in in Connecticut with a screen as tall as a six-story building. This holiday classic, about a boy who doesn’t believe in Santa Clause and his magical trip to the North Pole, is based on the Caldecott-Ward winning book by Chris Van Allsburg. Fri-Sat, 11/29-12/22: 4 & 7:30pm. Sun, 12/1-22: 4pm; Thurs-Wed. 12/26-1/1: 4 & 7:30pm. (10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT; www.maritimeaquarium.org)

Holiday Open House/Crafts/Tree Lighting, New Castle Historical Society: NCHS’s open house includes an Old-Fashioned Craft Workshop and a Tree Lighting ceremony. Sat, 12/7: 1-4pm. Tree Lighting festivities: 4:30pm. (Horace Greeley House, 100 King St., Chappaqua; www.newcastlehs.org)

Build a Gingerbread House, Bedford Rec: Construct your own gingerbread house with Program Supervisor Kimberly O’Brien and staff. Lunch served. Grades 2-6. Sat, 12/14: 12:30-2:30pm.) Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main St. Bedford Hills; www.bedfordny.info)

A Christmas Story The Musical, Madison Square Garden: Much like the 1983 movie A Christmas Story, the musical version of this classic film has become a holiday tradition. The story, (based on Jean Shepherd’s book In God we Trust, All Others Pay Cash) about Ralphie Parker who wants a Red Ryder Carbine-Actions 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle for Christmas features iconic scene after iconic scene. It will play a limited run after receiving three Tony nominations, including Best Musical, last year at the Lunt Fontanne Theatre. Wed- Sun: 12/11-29: check times. (The Theater at Madison Square Garden; www.theateratmsg.com)

It’s a Wonderful Life, Jacob Burns: Frank Capra’s holiday classic pits Bedford Falls’ everyman (Jimmy Stewart) against the evil tycoon of the Great Depression incarnate Henry Potter (Lionel Barrymore.) And Donna Reed wins. (“Oh, Buffalo gals won’t you come out to night …”) With the original Bert and Ernie, the cop and the cab driver, played by Ward Bond and Frank Faylen. Sat-Tues, 12/21-24 & Thurs-Fri, 12/26-7: 12pm. (364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville; www.burnsfilmcenter.org)

Stepping Stones Museum for Children: Play size igloo, dancing snow people, sock skating rink, train rides and special activities and performances including Create a Thanksgiving Wreath, Create Holiday Birds, North Pole Comes to Stepping Stones and Holiday Hand Bell Performance. Check for dates. (Mathews Park, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, CT; www.steppingstonesmuseum.org)

Christmas on the Farm, Muscoot Farm: The main house is decorated for the holidays, the dollhouse is rolled in, the sounds of a choir fill the air and fresh baked cookies complete the scene. Take a special guided tour of the farm at night. Date: TBA: (Rt. 100, Somers; www.muscootfarm.org)

What To Do: Holiday Crafts & Boutiques

Hand-made Holiday Craft Boutique, Sponsored by the Mt. Kisco Chamber of Commerce. Sat, 11/23: 10am-2pm. (The Fox Center, 198 Carpenter Ave., Mt. Kisco; www.mountkisco.org)

Country Living Fair presents The Holiday Bazaar at Lyndhurst Mansion: This indoor shopping event at the magnificent Lyndhurst mansion features over 100 vendors selling gifts, jewelry, art, home décor, and more. The bazaar is presented by the events arm of Country Living Magazine. With book signings and meet the editors of Country Living. Fri, 12/6: 12-6pm, Sat, 12/7: 9am-6pm, Sun, 12/8: 10am-5pm. (Lyndhurst Mansion, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; www.lyndhurst.org)

St. Patrick’s Christmas Boutique: Holiday shopping at St. Patrick’s Parochial School. Café, bakery, raffles and SANTA. Sat, 11/23: 9am-4pm. (483 Old Post Rd., Bedford; www.stpatricksbedford.com)

Small Business Saturday: American Express card members get a $10 statement credit when they spend $10 or more in a single transaction at a qualifying small business. Hundreds of shops and restaurant in & around town will be participating. Sat, 11/23. For a list of participants/to register your card go to www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/Shop-Small/)

28^th Antique Stocking Stuffers Show & Sale: 50 vendors offer antique stocking stuffers including antique, estate and vintage costume jewelry, silver antiques and collectibles. You will find: Christmas ornaments, Beatrix Potter figurines, Bakelite, English brass, barware, frames, hatpins, hair ornaments, toys, dollhouse furniture, purses, porcelain, watches, Americana, tins, ash trays, lighters, salt & pepper sets, sugar & creamers and more. Sun, 12/15: 10am-4pm. Admission benefits the John Jay HS PTO. (John Jay HS, 60 N. Salem Rd., Cross River; www.cordshows.com)      

Toy & Train Show, County Center: The largest toy & train show in the Northeast featuring more than 350 Vendor Tables.  New & antique toys & trains, all gauges, train parts, layouts, appraisals, die cast automobiles, books, test tracks, toy soldiers, Match Box, Star Wars, Thomas and Friends. Sun, 12/15: 9am-3pm.  (198 Central Ave., White Plains; www.countycenter.biz)