What To Do: Holiday Events 2014

What To Do: Holiday Events 2014 offers a mixed bag of holiday celebrations plus where to see The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, Where To See Santa, What To Do: With The Kids, and lots of holiday music.

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. There are 47 performances from Fri, 11/28-Sat, 1/3: check times. (62-65 St. at Columbus Ave., NYC; www.nycballet.com)

The Nutcracker performed by The New York Theater Ballet, Tarrytown Music Hall: An hour-long production of The Nutcracker, created for younger audiences, yet sophisticated enough for adults! Founded in 1978 by artistic director Diana Byer, New York Theatre Ballet has earned national attention for its artistry and elegant restorations and revivals of masterworks by great choreographers. Sat, 11/29: 3 & 6pm. (13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.com)

Nut/Cracked, Emelin Theatre: The Bang Group deconstructs Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet and puts it back together in a surprising, new way. Mixing Tchaikovsky’s original score with music by Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller and others, the company turns the ballet into a percussive piece of dance theatre. Expect tap dancing, singing and some unusual pointe shoe activity. Nothing is sacred as Nut/Cracked twists and melds various dance traditions into an eclectic holiday celebration. Sat, 12/6: 8pm, Sun, 12/7: 3pm. (153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck: www.emelin.org)

Danse Elite Performing Artists Present The Nutcracker, Tarrytown Music Hall: Danse Elite’s production of The Nutcracker blends classic ballet with a twist of hip hop, tumbling, and Irish step dance in a production for the whole family. These performances are a benefit for The American Red Cross. Sun 12/7: 2 & 6pm. (13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.com)

Max & Ruby in The Nutcracker Suite, 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. The Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince especially enchant Max & Ruby. (Same!)  Thurs, 12/18: 6:30pm. (13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

Connecticut Ballet: The Nutcracker, Palace Theatre: Brett Raphael’s celebrated production lights up the stage for four shows with fab costumes, falling snow, the giant tree, and classical ballet at its best with American Ballet Theatre principal guest artists. Meet the dancers before and after the performance. Sat, 12/20: 2 & 8pm, Sun, 12/21: 1 & 5pm. (61 Atlantic St., Stamford www.palacestamford.org)

Colonial Nutcracker, Paramount Hudson Valley: This interpretation of the ballet from Artistic Director Rose Menes of Dance Theatre in Westchester moves the action to colonial Yorktown during the Revolutionary War and features redcoat army mice. The one-hour show is designed for families with children ages 4 and up. The company has performed at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts. Sat, 12/20: 3pm. (1008 Brown St., Peekskill; www.paramounthudsonvalley.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 Company perform Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker at the County Center. At $22.50 per ticket ($17.50 for kids) it’s a great way to train next-gen culture vultures. We did. Choreographed by Beth Fritz Logrea and Jean Logrea. Sat, 12/20: 12:30 & 4:30pm, Sun, 12/21: 2pm. 21: (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 at Sleepy Hollow’s Old Dutch Church is a Historic Hudson Valley tradition. Kruk’s 60 minute performance of Ebenezer Scrooge’s night-long journey into Christmas past, present and future with the ghost of Jacob Marley is performed with musical accompaniment. Tickets buy you free admission to a Holiday Open House at Philipsburg Manor across the street. Sat-Sun, 12/6-7, 13-14 & 20-21: 3:30 4:45 & 6pm. (381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow; www.hudsonvalley.org)

Mr. Dickens Tells A Christmas Carol, Lyndhurst Mansion: In this hour-long 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, 12/5, 12, 19 & 26: 7pm. Sat, 12/ 6, 13, 20 & 27: 5 & 7pm. Sun, 12/7, 14, 21 & 28: 3 & 5pm. (635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; www.lyndhurst.org)

Where To Hear: Messiah

Stamford Symphony presents Handel’s Messiah: The Stamford Symphony takes on Parts I & II of Handel’s classic oratorio at The Basilica of St. John The Evangelist (pictured here) in Stamford. “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight and the rough places plain.” Sat, 12/6: 8pm. (Basilica of St. John The Evangelist, 279 Atlantic St., Stamford; www.palacestamford.org)

New Choral Society, Messiah, Part I: The Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah has become the traditional season-opener for the New Choral Society. Filled with familiar and uplifting choruses and solos, it is a festive way to begin the holiday season with family and friends. As always, it will conclude with the famous “Hallelujah Chorus.” Fri, 12/5: 8pm, Sun 12/7: 3pm. Hitchcock Presbyterian Church, 6 Greenacres Avenue, Scarsdale; www.newchoralsodciety.com) 

Musica Sacra, Handel’s Messiah, Kent Tritle, Music Director: Acclaimed for their performances of the great choral masters, Musica Sacra, with Music Director Kent Tritle, sets the standard by which all other Messiahs are judged. The Orchestra of St. Luke’s will accompany them. “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, 
and the government shall be upon His shoulder,
 and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” 12/20: 2pm. Concert Hall. (Performing Arts Center, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)

New York Philharmonic, Gary Thor Wedow, conductor, Camilla Tilling, soprano, Iestyn Davies, counter-tenor, Tamara Mumford, mezzo-soprano, Michael Slattery, tenor, James Westman, baritone, with the Westminster Symphonic Choir. Tues-Thurs, 12/16-18: 7:30pm, Fri, 12/19: 3pm, Sat, 12/20: 7:30pm. (Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center; www.newyorkphilharmonic.com)

Taghkanic Chorale, Handel’s Messiah: Artistic Director Steven Fox leads The Taghkanic Chorale of Yorktown. Mr. Fox is also the Artistic Director of Clarion Music Society and Music Director for Musica Antiqua in St. Petersburg, Russia. Sat., 12/6: 8pm. (United Methodist Church, 200 Columbus Ave., Valhalla) Sun, 12/7: 4pm. (Trinity Church, 7 Highland Ave., Ossining; www.taghkanicchorale.com)

The Brandenburg’s, The Four Seasons & More

Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Westchester Oratorio Society, Mt. Kisco: The Westchester Oratorio Society, led by Artistic Director Benjamin Niemczyk, presents Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio featuring the renowned organist James Kennerley. With Corinne Byrne, soprano, Kate McNamara, alto, Christopher Ellmann, tenor, and Joseph Beckwith, bass.  Sat, 11/22: 7:30pm. (Presbyterian Church of Mt. Kisco, 605 Millwood Rd., Mt. Kisco: www.westchesteroratorio.org)

The Four Seasons, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Performing Arts Center:CMS’ final PAC performance for the 2014-15 season features Vivaldi’s masterpiece, The Four Seasons, and works by Albinoni, Geminiani, and Telemann. Sat, 12/6: 5pm. (Performing Arts Center, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase: www.artscenter.org)

Local! Handel’s Water Music, Bedford Chamber Concerts: Music Director Dr. Anthony Newman conducts the Bedford Chamber Ensemble in Suite no. 2 of Handel’s Water Music, Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks, and Corelli’s Christmas Concerto. Wed, 12/10: 8pm. (St. Matthews Church, 382 Cantitoe St., Bedford: www.bedfordchamberconcerts.com)

The Four Seasons, Brandenburg No 5, The Symphony of Westchester: The Symphony of Westchester performs Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons,  JS Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, and Air on a G String. Featuring violinist Nurit Pacht who has soloed with many orchestras worldwide after debuting with The Houston Symphony as a teenager. (A sobering thought.)Sun, 12/14: 8pm. (Christopher J. Murphy Auditorium, Iona College, 715 N. Ave., New Rochelle: thesymphonyofwestchester.com) 

The Brandenburg Concertos, Alice Tully Hall: The Brandenburg Concertos by Johann Sebastian Bach are considered among the finest musical compositions of the Baroque era. The NYTs called The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s annual performances at Alice Tully a “New York holiday staple.” Mon, 12/15: 5pm., Wed, 12/17: 7:30pm (10 Lincoln Center Plaza, NY; www.lincolncenter.org)

Where To Hear: Holiday Music

David Benoit’s Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown: Contemporary Jazz Piano Legend, David Benoit pays tribute to the Peanuts animated televisioin special “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Benoit performs with an all star school chorus and features the classic music of Vince Guaraldi along with “Charlie Brown Christmas” originals from David Benoit, who took over the helm as music composer for the new Charlie Brown Christmas TV Specials more than a decade ago. Thurs, 12/4: 7pm. (Paramount Hudson Valley, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill; www.paramounthudsonvalley.com)

Neil Berg’s Broadway Holiday: Award-winning composer/lyricist/producer Neil Berg gathers Broadway stars for this musical revue through Broadway history with the music of Kander & Ebb, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Loewe, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and more. Featuring holiday favorites and hits from classic shows such as My Fair Lady and South Pacific, West Side Story and Chicago, to current blockbusters like Jersey Boys, and Wicked. Fri, 12/5: 8pm. (Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

Michael McDonald: This Christmas, An Evening of Holiday & Hits: Five time Grammy winner, Michael McDonald sings holiday faves from his 2005 Christmas album, Through the Many Winters, and his hits with The Doobie Brothers (Takin’ It To The Streets,” “It Keeps You Runnin’,” “Minute By Minute” and “What A Fool Believes”) and his two platinum-selling Motown albums from 2003. Sat, 12/6: 8pm. (Capitol Theatre, 149 Westchester Ave., Port Chester: www.capitoltheatre.com)

Holiday Tea Musicales, Caramoor: Take a docent-led tour of the Rosen House decorated for the season, followed by a concert of holiday music in the music room. An Afternoon Tea of finger sandwiches, scones, holiday treats (hot chocolate for the kids), and a variety of teas, are served in the summer dining room. Wed-Sat: 12/3-6, Wed-Fri, 12/10-12 & Wed-Thurs, 12/17-18: 1pm. (149 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah; www.caramoor.org)

Christmas With The Celts: Their recent television special, Christmas With The Celts has aired on over ninety PBS stations and associated regional networks. A typical concert involves not only fervent, inspired music but also periodic bouts of spirited Irish dancing. Thu, 12/4: 8pm. (Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

Hollywood Concert Orchestra: A Viennese Christmas: The Hollywood Concert Orchestra, known as the “Orchestra of the Stars,” features top guest artists and soloists. The program offers seasonal and holiday favorites in an evening of family entertainment with a touch of Old World charm and Christmas cheer! Tickets are just $18-$24. Three cheers for that. Fri, 12/5: 8pm.  Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Rd., Valhalla: www.sunywcc.edu) 

KLove Christmas Tour: The contemporary Christian radio network KLove and Feed The Children present a night of Christmas favorites and other popular songs from KLove artists Jeremy Camp, Plumb, Chris August and Love & The Outcome. Fri, 12/5: 7pm. (Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford; www.palacestamford.org)

Chappaqua Orchestra, New Castle Community Sing: This year’s New Castle Community Sing features performances by Broadway star Jeanne Lehman. The Chappaqua Orchestra will perform the music of composer Brad Ross and the premiere of a new Christmas song by Michael Shapiro, along with traditional holiday favorites for the sing-a-long. Sat, 12/6: 3:30 pm. Followed by Tree lighting at 4:30pm.. (Bell Middle School, 50 Senter St., Chappaqua; www.chappaquaorchestra.com) 

Wizards of Winter, A Trans Siberian Orchestra Experience: The Wizards of Winter, featuring original members of the Tran Siberian Orchestra,perform TSO’s greatest hits including: “Christmas Eve in Sarajevo,” “Mad Russian,” “Christmas in the Air,” “Old City Bar,” “Queen of the Winter Night” and music from The Wizards’ rock opera Tales Beneath a Northern Star. Sun, 12/7: 8pm. (Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

Local! Bedford Chamber Concerts: Music Director Dr. Anthony Newman conducts the Bedford Chamber Ensemble in Suite no. 2 of Handel’s Water Music, Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks, and Corelli’s Christmas Concerto. Wed, 12/10: 8pm. (St. Matthews Church, 382 Cantitoe St., Bedford; www.bedfordchamberconcerts.org)

The Aimee Mann Christmas Show: After a three-year hiatus, singer/songwriter Aimee Mann returns with her old fashioned Holiday Variety Show featuring a mixture of Christmas classics, original music, video, and sketches. She will be joined by host of musical and comedy guests, band-mate Ted Leo and special guest Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles. Wed, 12/10: 8pm. (Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

Darlene Love’s Holiday Show: Do you ever get tired of listening to her sing “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home”? She also sang “Marshmallow World,” “White Christmas,” and “Winter Wondlerland” on the classic holiday album A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector. Thurs, 12/11: 8pm. (Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas: Their 1984 album, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, with its signature mix of Renaissance instruments and rock & roll beats, changed the sounds of Christmas forever. They went on to become the biggest selling Christmas music artist in history. These shows, directed by the group’s founder Chip Davis, feature the favorite music of Mannheim Steamroller along with state-of-the-art multi-media effects. Thur, 12/11: 8pm. (Palace Theatre, Stamford; 61 Atlantic St., Stamford; www.palacestamford.org)

A John Denver Christmas starring Ted Vigil: He looks like John Denver, sounds like John Denver, and he has made a career out of being John Denver on stage. Whoa! His John Denver Christmas show celebrates the holidays with the songs of the Rocky Mountain troubadour, such as “Rocky Mountain High,” “Annie’s Song,” “Sunshine on My Shoulder” as well as some of the holiday season’s best loved songs. Fri, 12/12: 8pm. (Paramount Hudson Valley, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill; www.paramounthudsonvalley.com)

Vienna Boys Choir, Tarrytown Music Hall: Founded by Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I in 1498, the Vienna Boys’ Choir is the longest running holiday act in the world ­– by half a millennium. 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. Fri, 12/12: 8pm. (Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

Windsynch, Simple Gifts: A Holiday Sampler: This wind quintet makes their Caramoor debut with songs for the winter season. These “revolutionary chamber musicians” (winners of the Sylvia Ann Hewlett Adventurous Artist Prize) bring a fresh twist to chamber music with upbeat arrangements of well-known songs from Prokofiev, Copland, and highlights from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker to “The Christmas Song” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.” Sat, 12/13: 8pm. (Caramoor, 153 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah; www.caramoor.org)

Darlene Love Holiday Show: ThisRock and Roll Hall of Famer (and Danny Glover’s wife in Lethal Weapon) is best known for her signature tune “Christmas, Baby Please Come Home” and other chart-toppers with Phil Spector’s “wall of sound” hit factory: “He’s A Rebel,” “Da Doo Ron Ron,” and “He’s Sure The Boy I’m Gonna Marry.” Love also sang backup for Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, Dionne Warwick, Cher and Aretha Franklin, and played Danny Glover’s wife in Lethal Weapon. Sat, 12/13: 8pm. (Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

A Copland House Holiday Celebration: This concert offers a program of African-American songs, spirituals, and hymns. Sun, 12/14: 4pm. (Lyndhurst Mainsion, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, 914.788.4659,
 www.coplandhouse.org) 

Festival of Light: An Intimate Evening with Matisyahu Unplugged: Grammy-nominated artist Matisyahu returns to The Ridgefield Playhouse with his annual Festival of Light show. This Hanukah event celebrates the Jewish holiday with a performance featuring sets that include material spanning his entire career. Sun, 12/28: 8pm. (Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: The swing revival band, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy injects some cool sizzle into the holiday season as they rework yuletide classics like “Blue Christmas” and “Jingle Bells,” and rewrite the holiday songbook with originals like “Mr. Heatmiser” and “Rock-A-Billy Christmas.” Thur, 12/18: 8pm. (The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, Ct; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)  

Rob Mathes Holiday Concert: Rob and his band of New York City All-Stars return to PAC for this annual celebration with an  evening of original tunes and holiday classics. An Emmy Award-winner and Grammy-nominee, Mathes has worked with virtually every big name in the music industry, arranging, producing, directing, recording, and performing with the likes of Bono, Tony Bennett, Sting, and Bruce Springsteen.  Fri-Sat, 12/19-20: 8pm.  (Performing Arts Center, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)

Hot ticket alert: Winter Pops!, The Westchester Philharmonic: Principal Conductor Ted Sperling conducts the Westchester Phil and Broadway musical stars Christine Ebersol (42nd Street), Frozen’s Santino Fontana (Billy Elliot, Cinderella) and Laura Osnes (South Pacific, Cinderella) through the Frank Loesser Songbook. Frank Loesser wrote the music and lyrics for Guys and Dolls and How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. His song book includes the hits “Heart and Soul,” “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve,” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” “ (I really can’t stay) But baby it’s cold outside (I’ve got to go away) But baby it’s cold outside.” So stay for the Pops after-party and mingle with the stars. Sun, 12/21: 3pm. (Performing Arts Center, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.westchesterphil.org)

Cherish The Ladies – A Celtic Christmas: Five Irish ladies perform classic Christmas carols in their signature arrangements highlighting Celtic instrumentation with a full band and traditional Irish step dancers. Sun, 12/20: 8pm. (13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

Tower of Power, “A Pre-New Year’s Eve Party: The Tower of Power Horns have recorded with hundreds of artists as diverse as Aerosmith, Elton John, Little Feat, Phish, Santana, and Heart. Their R&B and funk brass sound netted them Billboard 200 hits such as “You’re Still A Young Man” and “Down To The Nightclub.” And radio classics like “So Very Hard To Go” and “What Is Hip?” Tues, 12/30: 8pm. (Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

Hot Ticket Alert! A New Year’s Celebration with PhilRAD featuring Phil Lesh & JRAD: Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh joins Grateful Dead cover band Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD) for an evening of The Grateful Dead songbook.This occasion will celebrate Phil Lesh’s first time performing New Year’s Eve on the East Coast since The Grateful Dead’s Boston Tea Party show in 1969. (Ouch! I think I was there.) Tues-Wed, 12/30-31: 8pm (Capitol Theatre, 149 Westchester Ave., Port Chester; www.capitoltheatre.com)

Where To See Santa

Frosty Day Parade, Armonk: The list of events for Armonk’s Frosty Day keeps getting bigger and better. While the highlight of the day is the Main Street parade at 4:30pm, complete with marching bands and entertainers, there are events all around town from 12-4pm. Including the Frosty Express Train Ride from Town Hall and hayrides from Wampus Brook Park, magicians and live music at Armonk Square, Frosty cartoons at the library, a scavenger hunt at the Hergenhan Center, and craft making activities and giveaways at shops on Main Street. (Everything from make your own Frosty donuts at Raveis Real Estate to SnowManhattans at Fortina.) After the parade there’s a tree lighting at Wampus Brook Park at 5pm. Plus, Frosty photo ops at Hickory & Tweed, Wampus Brook Park and Armonk Square. The Frosty Day Parade is organized by Armonk’s Friends of Frosty and supported by the Armonk Chamber of Commerce. Sat, 11/29: 12-4pm. Parade: 4:30pm. Tree lighting and sing-a-long at Wampus Brook Park: 5pm. For a complete time-line and map to the day’s activities check out their website. Brochures will be distributed at the parade offering full listings of events around town.(In & Around Town, Armonk; www.armonkfrosty.com)

Katonah for the Holidays: Join the Katonah Chamber of Commerce on Sat, 11/29: 11am when Santa will greet children behind Chase Bank – just in time for Small Business Saturday. The tree and menorah lighting ceremony with caroling, raffles, prizes and hot drinks and snacks will follow on Sun, 11/30: 6pm.  (St. Luke’s Church, 68 Bedford Rd., Katonah; www.katonahchamber.org)

Tree Lighting & Caroling Mt. Kisco: Mt. Kisco Chamber of Commerce Holiday Tree Lighting and Caroling ceremony takes place at Village Hall and is followed by cookies and cocoa with SANTA at the American Legion Hall. Fri, 12/5: 6pm. (104 E. Main St., Mt. Kisco; www.mtkisco.org)

Santa Claus Visits the Rosen House, Caramoor: The little ones will be in for an adventure when Jolly Saint Nick visits the Rosen House at Caramoor.  They’ll play I Spy a Santa or two in the Music Room, followed by a twenty-minute concert of sing-a-longs when Santa Claus will appear to the delight of the whole family. Santa’s favorite snack–milk and cookies–will be served in the cloisters. Bring your cameras. Sat, 12/6: 11am. (149 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah: www.caramoor.org)

Bedford Village Jingle Pass Weekend: Hosted by the Bedford Village Business Association, Jingle Pass Weekend is kicked off with a countdown to the tree lighting and hot chocolate at the firehouse on Fri, 12/5: 6:30pm, followed by caroling and the annual tree lighting ceremony on Village Green. Throughout the weekend there will be a spirited shopping atmosphere with discounts and treats offered by local merchants. The Bedford Historical Society will open the Courthouse on Fri-Sat, 12/5-6: 12-4pm.

Bedford Hills Tree Lighting Ceremony: The Bedford Hills Neighborhood Association (BHNA) invites you to join them for caroling, light refreshments and a tree lighting. Sat, 12/6: 5pm. (Bedford Hills Train Station; www.bhna10507.com)

Sparkle! At Boscobel: You won’t find a better photo-op with the big man than the scenic grounds of Boscobel, lit up with thousands of lights overlooking the Hudson. In addition to the presence of Mr. & Mrs. Santa, there is a rotating program of entertainers including stilt walkers, magicians, illuminated hoop dancing with the Sparkle Spinners, ice-carving demonstrations, and music from The Taghkanic Chorale, acoustic guitarist Rick Soedler, and the a capella group Manhattanville. Fri-Sat, 12/5-6, 12-13 & 19-20: 5-9pm. (Boscobel, 1601 Rt. 9D, Garrison, NY; www.boscobel.org)

Stamford Heights & Lights/Rappelling Santa: Watch Santa rappel 22 stories down one of Stamford’s tallest buildings on Landmark Square. Some guests will join him. Maybe even Yankees GM Brian Cashman. Then follow Santa up Bedford Street to Latham Park for an evening of holiday music and join in the countdown of the annual lighting of Stamford’s Holiday Tree. Sun, 12/7: 5pm. (Landmark Square and Latham Square, Stamford, CT; www.stamford-downtown.com)

Holidays on The Hill Train Display at Lasdon Park: Santa is a big train fan and he will be checking out Lasdon Park’s second annual train show to see Metro North trains travel up the Harlem Line from NYC to Katonah, passing the Polar Express and Christmas Town on the way. The main house and gardens will be decorated for the season. There’s an elf adventure tractor ride, ginger bread houses, outdoor fire pit, hot chocolate, coffee and Christmas trees and decorations for sale. Fri, 12/12 & Wed-Fri, 12/17-19: 4-8pm, Sat-Sun, 12/13-14, 20-21 & 27-28: 1-8pm, Mon-Tues, 12/29-30: 1-4pm. (2648 Alawalk Rd., Rt. 35, Katonah; www.lasdonpark.org)

North Pole Comes To Stepping Stones Museum: Santa and his friends Frosty, Reindeer and Penguin will be flying in with some themed activities to spread holiday cheer. Bring your camera for the meet and greet with Santa or just take some selfies with him and his friends at the “North Pole.”  Fri-Sat, 12/19-20: 11am & 3pm, Tues, 12/23: 11am & 3pm & Wed, 12/24: 11am. (Stepping Stones Museum, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, CT; www.steppingstonesmuseum.org)

What To Do: Holidays with the Kids

WTD Fave Rave: New York Botanical Garden’s Train Show: The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show in the Enid A Haupt Conservatory features more than a dozen large scale model train sets (some super-sized) zipping across a quarter mile of track and 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. Sat-Sun, 11/15-1/19/15. (2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx; www.nybg.org)

A BILLION BRICKS 2: LEGO® Trains, Planes and Rocket Ships! Brick monorails, helicopters, subways, ships, and shuttles travel at full speed across a three-dimensional landscape built entirely out of LEGO® bricks. Bill Probert & I LUG (LEGO® Users Group) NY return to the Museum Galleries at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center for a 6th season. Check out the custom-designed LEGO® “vehicles,” displayed as sculpture, that move through an imaginary world where any kind of travel is possible. Mon- Sat, 9am-5pm, Sun , 11a,-5pm. From Sat, 11/22-Sun, 1/25/15. (Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford; www.stamfordmuseum.org)  

Holiday Decorations, Muscoot Farm: Learn how to make your own wreath at the Muscoot Farm activities building. Sat, 11/22: 1-3pm. (51 Rt. 100, Katonah; www.muscootfarm.org

Polar Express in Imax, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk: The Polar Express returns to the six story high IMAX® screen at the Norwalk Aquarium. Based on the Caldecott-Ward winning book by Chris Van Allsburg about a boy who doesn’t believe in Santa Clause, and his magical trip to the North Pole has become a holiday classic on big screens and small. Fri-Sat,  11/28-12/20: 4 & 7:30pm, Sun, 11/30-12/21: 4pm, Fri-Thurs, 12/26-1/1/15: 4 & 7:30pm daily. (10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT; www.maritimeaquarium.org)

Elf Workshop, Stepping Stones Museum for Children: Work with Santa and his helpers. Tues-Sat, 12/2-6, 9-13 & 16-20: 11am-12pm. (Stepping Stones Museum, 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 the Westchester Oratorio society fill the air and fresh baked cookies complete the scene. Take a special guided tour of the farm at night. Date: Sat, 12/3: 5-7pm. (Rt. 100, Somers; www.muscootfarm.org)

Holiday Crafts, Tree Lighting & Santa Visit, New Castle Historical Society: NCHS’s open house offers an Old-Fashioned Craft Workshop where children of all ages make paper snowflakes, corn husk dolls, potpourri sachets and paper chains for the holiday tree from 1-5pm. The activities are followed by a tree lighting ceremony at 5pm. Sat, 12/6: 1-5pm. (Horace Greeley House, 100 King St., Chappaqua; www.newcastlehs.org)

Snow Queen, Live Puppet Show: The Hudson Vagabond puppets adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic, The Snow Queen, features larger than life puppets and vibrant sets. The company has performed this production in major performing arts centers across the country, such as The Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., and The New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Sun, 12/7: 3pm. (Paramount Hudson Valley, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill; www.paramounthudsonvalley.com)

Christmas on the Farm at Muscoot Farm: Enjoy cookies and carols in the main house and experience the magic of the farm at night. Sat, 12/13: 5-7pm. (Route 100, Somers; www.muscootfarm.org)

Breakfast with Frosty & Friends: At this annual event from the Bedford Recreation Department you can take a photo with Frosty, watch a magic show and eat some pancakes. Pre-registration is required at the Rec office. Sat, 12/13: 8:30am. (Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main St. Bedford Hills)

Build a Gingerbread House, Bedford Recreation Department: Construct your own gingerbread house and eat lunch with Program Supervisor Kimberly O’Brien and staff. Grades 2-6. Sat, 12/13: 12:30-2:30pm.) Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main St. Bedford Hills)

The Laurie Berkner Band: A Holiday Celebration: Children’s music stars and preschool television favorites, The Laurie Berkner Band perform a Holiday Celebration concert featuring music from their critically acclaimed 2012 album, A Laurie Berkner Christmas. Including “Jingle Bells,” Laurie’s original song “Candy Cane Jane,” and the Hanukkah song “Candle Chase.” Sun, 12/14: 1pm. (13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

Drum Tales – The Delightful Story of Hanukkah, Rosenthal JCC: The Jewish Drum Tales is an interactive fun musical experience that uses traditional drum-circles, musical instruments and songs to tell the story of Hanukkah. Everyone gets an African drum and becomes part of the storytelling. Enjoy ricotta latkes with blackberry jam – made fresh. Make a Hanukkah craft to take home. Sun, 12/14: 3:30pm. (Rosenthal JCC, 600 Bear Ridge Road, Pleasantville; www.rosethaljcc.org)

Toy & Train Show, County Center: Largest toy and train show in the northeast. New and antique toys, trains of all gauges, train parts, layouts, appraisals, die-cast, cars, books, test tracks and toy soldiers. Sun, 12/14: 9am-3pm. (County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains; www.countycenter.biz)

What To Do: Mixed Bag

Radio City Christmas Spectacular: The Rockettes (the older you get the more you appreciate them) guide Santa’s Sleigh, float across the stage in the famous ‘Snow’ scene, perform the amazing domino tumble in the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” ride the Gray Line through Manhattan, trek to the North Pole to help Santa, turn into a thousand Santa’s during “Santa Claus is Coming To Town, “and KICK, KICK, KICK until Santa arrives at Radio City Music Hall – the grand Art Deco showcase built by John D. Rockefeller during the Great Depression. Fri, 11/7-Wed, 12/31: check times. (1260 Ave. of the Americas, NYC: www.radiocitychristmas.com)

St. Patrick’s Christmas Boutique: Can’t wait until Black Friday to start your holiday shopping? The St. Patrick’s Holiday Boutique has been the traditional beginning of the Christmas shopping season in Bedford for over 25 years. What you will find high-quality gifts, including crafts, collectibles, jewelry, decorations, leather goods, clothing and toys. And just like The Westchester, there’s a café, bakery, and SANTA. Sat, 11/22: 9am-4pm. (St. Patrick’s School, 483 Old Post Rd., Bedford; www.stpatricksbedford.com)

NEW! Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, Kensico Dam Plaza: This new offering from the Friends of Westchester Parks and the Westchester Medical Center features out door ice-skating on a temporary rink and holiday music with a choreographed light show. Shop at the artisan and craft village and chow down at the food court. There is also a rotating calendar of special Sunday events including ice sculpting demonstrations, holiday stories with master storytellers Jonathan Kruk and Ann Sayre, and the White Plains Recreation and Parks Forever Young Singers. Tickets required. Daily from Sat, 11/29 – Sun, 1/4/15: 4-10pm, 4-11pm on Fri-Sat. (Kensico Dam Plaza Park, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla; www.winterwonderland.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 and a live DJ. Fri, 11/28, 12/26: 12:45-2:45pm. (Harvey School, 240 Jay St., (Rt. 22), Katonah; www.bedfordny.info)

A Very Duchess Holiday, Lyndhurst: You’ve seen the Disney princesses, Long Island princesses and even real housewives. Now see how a real princess dressed and lived in this holiday exhibit of the couture of the last owner of Lyndhurst, Anna, the Duchess of Talleyrand and Princess of Sagan. Anna’s hats, dresses, lingerie and luggage, and Gould family toys, holiday tableware, quilts, a sleigh and more from the 10,000 pieces she left behind, when she donated the mansion to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1961, are displayed throughout the mansion that is elaborately decorated for the holidays. Check out the hats on the upside down hat Christmas tree. Tours on the hour, Fri-Sun, 11/28-12/28:10am-4pm. (Lyndhurst, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; www.lyndhurst.org)

Christmas Tree Sale, North White Plains Fire Department: The annual North White Plains Fire Co. #1 Christmas Tree Sale runs from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, as supplies last. They have sold out in 2-3 weeks in the last 4 years and anticipate the same this year. Stop by Thursday & Friday nights from 4pm to 8pm, and Saturday & Sunday all day from 9am to 9pm to find the perfect tree for you and your family! While you’re here grab a cup of coffee and take a tour of the firehouse with the firefighters! (621 N. Broadway, N. White Plains; www.ncfsd.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, 11/29. For a list of participants or to register your card go to www.americanexpress.com) 

Live From WVL Radio Theatre: It’s A Wonderful Life: Experience a novel approach to Frank Capra’s holiday classic with this 1940s radio style adaptation. The four-member company,  Live From WVL Radio Theatre, masterfully portrays multiple characters and sound effects while saving their radio station from a winter blizzard. “A toast to my big brother George. The richest man in town.” Wed, 12/3: 2 & 8pm. (Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford; www.palacestamford.org)

Christmas in Rockefeller Center: The 2014 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit for the first time on Wednesday, December 3 with live performances from 7–9 PM, at Rockefeller Plaza, between West 48th and West 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Tens of thousands will crowd the sidewalks for the event and hundreds of millions will watch it live on NBC. The tree will remain lit for viewing until 8pm on January 7th, 2015. Wed, 12/3: 7-9pm. (45 Rockefeller Plaza, NYC; www.rockefellercenter.com)

Westchester All Stars Christmas for Wounded Veterans: Featuring comedian Tony Darrow (Goodfellas/The Sopranos), Rock n Roll Hall of Famer and Rascals guitarist, Gene Cornish, Jen Lilley from Days Of Our Lives, guitar legend Earl Slick (David Bowie/John Lennon), Dominic Chianese “Uncle Junior from the Sopranos,” and many more. This show raises funds for wounded veterans organizations including The Bob Woodruff Foundation. Fri, 12/5: 7:30pm.  (Paramount Hudson Valley, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill; www.paramounthudsonvalley.com)

Holiday Open House, Philipsburg Manor: This laid back Historic Hudson Valley winter experience takes you back to what life was like in the 18th century. Experience the serenity of this historic site on the Hudson, 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. Check it out after your visit to the Old Dutch Church to see Jonathan Kruk’s A Christmas Carol. Sat-Sun, 12/6-7, 13-14, 20-21: 4pm-8pm. (381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow; www.hudsonvalley.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. Sun, 12/14. (Greenwich Audubon, 613 Riversville Rd., Greenwich; www.greenwichaudubon.org)

28th 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. Time and Place: TBA; www.vsshows.com)

It’s a Wonderful Life, Jacob Burns: George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) staves off financial ruin at the hands of the evil tycoon Henry Potter (Lionel Barrymore) in Frank Capra’s bittersweet holiday classic set in Bedford Falls during the Great Depression. With Donna Reed (“Oh, Buffalo gals won’t you come out to night”) and the original Bert and Ernie – the cop and the cab driver, played by Ward Bond and Frank Faylen Sat-Sun, 12/20-21: 12pm, Mon-Wed, 12/22-24: 3pm, Thurs-Sun, 12/25-28: 12pm. (Jacob Burns, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville; www.burnsfilmcenter.org)

White Plains New Year’s Eve Spectacular: It’s Times Square in White Plains with music, a ball drop, confetti and a fireworks show at midnight. Plus, Heineken USA provides free rides to residential destination within Westchester County from their Safe Rides transportation stand on the corner of E. Post Road and Mamaroneck Avenue between 11 pm – 3 am. For parking and street closing information click here. Wed, 12/31: 10-12:30pm. (Main St. between Court St. and Renaissance Square; www.wpbid.com)

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