Holiday Events 2016
Here’s a mixed bag of holiday events. See how a real princess celebrated the holidays, find out where to ice skate, where to shop to benefit a cause and more,
What To Do: Mixed Bag
Radio City Christmas Spectacular – Fri-Mon, 11/14-1/2/17: The Rockettes (the older you get the more you appreciate them) float over the stage in the ‘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 Art Deco showcase built by John D. Rockefeller during the Great Depression. Check dates & times. (1260 Ave. of the Americas, NYC: www.radiocitychristmas.com)
Local! Purse & Accessories Party, Horace Greeley House – Sat, 11/19: 10am-4pm: Stop by the Horace Greeley House for light refreshments and to shop for an array of stylish purses! All proceeds from this event benefit the New Castle Historical Society. Want to participate before the party? Please donate your slightly used purse(s) to the Historical Society by 11/18. Drop off 7 event location: (Horace Greeley House, 100 King St., Chappaqua; www.newcastlehs.org)
WTD Fave Rave: New York Botanical Garden’s Train Show – Sat, 11/19-Mon, 1/16/17: 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. An absolutely must do event – if you’ve never been. NYBG is open Tues-Sun & select Holiday Mondays: 10am-6pm. (2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx; www.nybg.org)
Local! Chappaqua Craft & Gift Fair – Sat, 11/19: 10am-4pm: 32nd annual craft fair featuring over 85 vendors presenting handcrafted jewelry, designer clothing, handbags and accessories, original artwork, tableware and furniture, bath and beauty products, children’s gifts, floral designs, gourmet foods and more. Plus raffles, kids creations and donation alley. This event produced by the Bell Middle School PTA benefits the Bell Middle School. (Robert E. Bell Middle School, 50 Senter St., Chappaqua; www.chappaquacraftfair.com)
Local! St. Patrick’s Christmas Boutique – Sat, 11/19: 9am-4pm: 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. There 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. (St. Patrick’s School, 483 Old Post Rd., Bedford; www.stpatricksbedford.com)
Local! Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, Kensico Dam Plaza – Fri, 11/25-Mon, 1/2: 5-10pm: This month long event from the Friends of Westchester Parks and the Westchester Medical Center features The Royal Hanford Circus and free hockey sessions (with loaner equipment) and guest appearances from New York Rangers greats at their new Rangerstown Rink. Plus their Musical Light Show, Candy Cane Lane, Santa Experience and rides on the Wonderland Express, Holly Jolly Caterpillar and winter hay rides. There’s also holiday shopping, food and special events. 28 evenings beginning the day after Thanksgiving. Check dates. (Kensico Dam Plaza Park, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla; www.winterwonderland.com)
Local! Ice Skating at The Harvey School – Fri, 11/25 & Wed 12/28: 12:45-2:45pm. In cooperation with The Harvey School, Jim Whiting and his staff at Bedford Recreation offers two hours of public skating for all ages at The Harvey School ice rink on the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas. There will be a DJ spinning fave tunes and requests. Admission is just $5 and you must provide your own skates. No hockey playing. Please supply your own skates. No Hockey. Admission just $5. (The Harvey School, 260 Jay St., Katonah; www.bedfordny.gov)
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center – 11/25-12/31: 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, 11/25-Sat, 12/31: check times. (62-65 St. at Columbus Ave., NYC; www.nycballet.com)
A Very Duchess Holiday at Lyndhurst – 11/25-12/30: You’ve seen the Disney princesses. 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 are displayed throughout the mansion that is elaborately decorated for the holidays. So are an additional 10,000 pieces she left behind, when she donated the mansion to the National Trust for Historic Preservation including Gould family toys, holiday tableware, quilts, a sleigh and more. Check out the hats on the upside down hat Christmas tree. Tours on the hour, Fri-Sun, 11/25-12/18:, Fri, 12/23 & Mon-Fri, 12/26-30:10am-4pm . (Lyndhurst, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; www.lyndhurst.org)
Katonah for the Holidays – 11/26, 12/4 & 12/9, 16 & 23: Santa comes to Katonah (with free candy canes) on Sat, 11/26: 11am-1pm. There’s entertainment, speakers, hot chocolate and cookies at the annual Katonah Chamber of Commerce’s Tree & Menorah Lighting Ceremony at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 68 Bedford Rd. on Sun, 12/4: 5:30-7:30pm. And there will be carolers, refreshments from local retailers, and holiday lights at the Katonah Holiday Stroll on Fri, 12/9: 10am-8pm. Katonah shops will also have extended hours until 8pm for holiday shopping on Fri, 12/16 & 23. www.katonahchamber.org)
Local! Small Business Saturday – 11/26: Now through December 31 eligible American Express card members can earn up to 2X rewards at qualifying small businesses with an enrolled American Express card. Hundreds of shops and restaurants in & around town will be participating. For a list of participants or to register your card for discounts go to www.americanexpress.com)
First Congregational Church of Chappaqua Christmas Tree Sale – 11/27-12/18: Christmas Trees arrive on Sunday 11/27: 11:30am-3:30pm. They sale continues on Sat-Sun, 12/3-4, 10-11 & 17-18: 10am-4pm on Saturdays and 11:15-4pm on Sundays. (First Congregational Church of Chappaqua, 210 Orchard Ridge Rd., Chappaqua, 914.2384411; http://www.fcc-chappaqua.org)
Sponsored! Cherylyn Salon Children’s Cancer Fund Benefit – Mon, 11/28: 11:30am-2pm: Join Armonk’s Cherylyn Salon in the fight against cancer at their annual boutique and fashion show luncheon at Crabtree’s Kittle House in Chappaqua. To reserve your seat or table call 914.273.7900 or email cherylynsalon@aol.com. (11 Kittle Rd., Chappaqua)
Christmas in Rockefeller Center – 11/30 – 1/7/17: The 2016 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a 94 foot Norway Spruce from Oneonta, NY, will be lit for the first time on Wed, 11/30 with live performances at 8 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 millions more will watch it live on NBC. The tree will remain lit for viewing until 9pm on January 7th, 2017. Photo by: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images (45 Rockefeller Plaza, NYC; www.rockefellercenter.com)
Artisans Faire at Muscoot Farm – 12/1-4: A variety of elegant and unique homespun treasures from local craft designers will be on sale for holiday shopping. Artisan items include: Wood boards, ornaments, quilting, fabric, bowls, baskets, pillowcases, origami, wood turned items, soaps, wood trays, pen and ink cards and pictures, shadow boxes, mobiles, and cards. Thurs-Fri, 12/1-2: 1-8pm & Sat-Sum, 12/3-4: 12-3pm. (Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah; www.muscootfarm.org)
Christmas Inn, Westchester Broadway Theatre – 12/1-23: It’s Christmas Eve at an old New England Inn. An estranged stage act are booked to headline the traditional holiday show at the Inn. Enjoy a hilarious evening of holiday music, laughter, and a story of Christmas magic, as the families of the feuding stars try to get them to reunite and recreate the act which made them famous. Performed by a Broadway cast, the show features all your favorite Christmas music including and old-fashioned sing-along. (one Broadway Plaza, Elmsford; www.broadwaytheatre.com)
It’s A Wonderful Life, Katonah Village Library, Fri, 12/2: 7pm: The Katonah Village Improvement Society (KVIS) will screen Frank Capra’s holiday classic starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed in the roles of George and Mary Bailey as they fight, with a little help from Clarence – George’s guardian angel, the Great Depression and Henry Potter from taking down Bedford Falls and his family’s do-good Savings & Loan. Despite being a relative loser at the box office, the film was nominated for 5 Academy Awards and has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made.(26 Bedford Rd., Katonah)
Westchester All Stars Christmas for Wounded Veterans, Paramount Hudson Valley, Fri, 12/2: 7:30pm: An evening of comedy, classic rock and holiday music. Featuring comedian Tony Darrow (Goodfellas/The Sopranos), Rock n Roll Hall of Famer and Rascals guitarist, Gene Cornish, guitar legend Earl Slick (David Bowie/John Lennon), rock drummer Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge) and many more. This show raises funds for wounded veterans organizations including The Bob Woodruff Foundation and features a visit from Santa Claus. (Paramount Hudson Valley, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill; www.paramounthudsonvalley.com)
Wine Around Town, Chappaqua, Fri, 12/2: Get some holiday shopping done and sample wines from around the world courtesy of Chappaqua businesses. Participants include: Houlihan Lawrence, Desires by Mikolay, Family Britches, Eye Gallery of Chappaqua, Squires Family Clothing, ICD Jewelers, hip-kid, Luxe Labels, Scattered books, Breeze, The King’s Scribe, Chappaqua Wine & Spirits, Hilltop Wines & Spirits, Chappaqua Framing, House of 29, Grimes & Zimet and many more.
Junior League Holiday Boutique at Lyndhurst – Fri-Sun, 12/2-4: 10am-4pm: The Junior League of Westchester on Hudson’s Holiday Boutique will be held under the tent and in the Carriage House at Lyndhurst. Over 55 vendors of fine quality gift items will participate. Tickets will be sold at the tent “day of” for $10. Children under 16 go free. Lunch and refreshments will be available for purchase. (635 South Broadway, Tarrytown; www.lyndhurst.org)
Wine Around Town, Horace Greeley House – Fri, 12/2: 5pm: The New Castle Historical Society will participate in the Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd Annual Winter Stroll and Wine Around Town. Stop by to taste French wine and tour the museum. www.newcastlehsorg
Local! Katonah Elementary School PTO Holiday Boutique – Sat, 12/3: 10am-4pm: Shop till you drop at the Katonah Elementary School PTO’s Holiday Boutique featuring one of a kind merchandise from local vendors, artisans and students. Gifts include candle holders, vases, gourmet popcorn, hand woven items, pottery, jewelry, children’s gifts, home decor, handmade scarves, hair accessories, sewn goods, leather handbags and more. Katonah Elementary School Gymnasium.
Local! Bedford Village Jingle Pass Weekend & Tree Lighting – Fri-Sat, 12/2-3: Hosted by the Bedford Village Business Association, Jingle Pass Weekend is kicked off with a tree lighting ceremony on the Village Green on Fri, 12/2: 7pm. On Friday & Saturday there will be a spirited shopping atmosphere with discounts and treats offered by local merchants. On Sat, 12/3 catch the Mistletoe Mart at the Presbyterian Church on the Village Green. And on Sun, 12/11 stop by Historical Hall for the Harry Banks Memorial Pancake Breakfast from 7:30am-12:30pm. (Bedford Village Green, Bedford Village; http://bedfordvillagebusiness.com)
Rappelling Santa & Grinch, Stamford Heights & Lights – Sun, 12/4: 5pm: Watch Santa, the Grinch and friends rappel 22 stories down one of Stamford’s tallest buildings on Landmark Square. Follow Santa to Latham Park for an evening of holiday music and join in the countdown to the annual lighting of Stamford’s Holiday Tree. (Landmark Square and Latham Square, Stamford, CT; www.stamford-downtown.com)
This Wonderful Life, Paramount Hudson Valley – Fri, 12/9: 8pm: Actor Jeremy Kendall brings to life Steve Murray’s one-man play of the holiday favorite movie It’s a Wonderful Life. Kendall takes you to Bedford Falls in this stage adaptation of George Bailey’s iconic journey of discovery while inhabiting all the film’s characters including Clarence, the guardian angel and Mr. Potter, the evil rich guy. (1008 Brown Street, Peekskill; www.paramounthudsonvalley.org)
Mr. Dickens Tells A Christmas Carol, Lyndhurst Mansion – 12/9-12/30: 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 – a cool way to see this fabulous castle. Fri-Sun, 12/9-11 & 16-18, & Mon-Fri, 12/19-23 & 26-30: check times. (635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; www.lyndhurst.org)
The Hip Hop Nutcracker – Thurs, 12/15: 8pm. This holiday mash-up for the whole family re-imagines Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker in contemporary New York City. An on-stage DJ and an electric violinist riff off Tchaikovsky’s classic score. And a dozen all-star dancers reinterpret the ballet through hip hop choreography. Together they bring the traditional Nutcracker story uptown style. “The Hip Hop Nutcracker turns Tchaikovsky on his head, in the coolest possible way. “– CBS (Concert Hall, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)
The Gift of The Magi – Schoolhouse Theatre – 12/15-1/8/17: Adapted from the O. Henry Christmas love story, this new adaptation by Bram Lewis is set against a back drop of the immigrant streets of New York with all the wonder of the three wise men who gave us the first gifts of Christmas. There will be carols and cookies at intermission. Thurs-Sun: 12/15-18, 22-25 & 1/5-8:: 8pm, Sundays at 3pm. (Schoolhouse Theatre, 3 Owens Rd., Croton Falls: www.schoolhousetheater.org)
Local! Looking at Christmas – Play Readings By The Armonk Players – Thurs, 12/15: 8pm: This slightly twisted romantic comedy takes place on Christmas Eve in New York City when a failed writer and a struggling actress meet at the holiday windows at Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf’s, Lord & Taylor’s and Macy’s. The windows come alive taking the audience on a delightful romp through some of the world’s great Christmas stories with just enough bite to make it exciting — and hilarious. (Whippoorwill Hall, North Castle Public Library, Armonk; http://www.armonkplayers.org)
Holiday Music: Mariah Carey, Ronnie Spector, Cyndi Lauper, John Pizzarelli, Handel’s Messiah, The Brandenburg Concertos: Check out our Holiday Music Guide for 26 holiday music celebrations from the New York Tenors to Michael Bolton, the Chappaqua Orchestra’s Community Sing to Winter Pops with the Westchester Philharmonic and Broadway star Ashely Brown (Mary Popplns) all within a stone’s throw. And only at What To Do will you find Handel’s Messiah paired up with Saturday Night Live’s Ana Gasteyer (Shweddy Balls) in a show called The Jews Who Wrote Christmas. Read more.
Connecticut Ballet: The Nutcracker, Palace Theatre – 12/17-18: Guest stars from the American Ballet Theatre Veronika Park, Blaine Hoven and Hee Seo from the American Ballet Theatre and Amar Ramasar of New York City Ballet join the Connecticut Ballet in their traditional holiday production of The Nutcracker at Stamford’s Palace Theatre. There are four shows featuring fab costumes, falling snow, the giant tree, and classical ballet at its best. Meet the dancers before and after the performance. Sat, 12/17: 2 & 6pm, Sun, 12/18: 1 & 5pm. (61 Atlantic St., Stamford www.palacestamford.org)
Hot Ticket Alert! Winter Pops, Ted Sperling conducts Ashley Brown and Ji – 12/18: 3pm: In one of our favorite events of the season, Tony-winner Ted Sperling conducts a program of popular and classical hits. Ashley Brown (who was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for her performance in Mary Poppins) will perform Broadway showstoppers. The pianist Ji will perform an audience-favorite selection of Rachmaninoff. You may remember him from the “Android” commercial seen during the Grammys that went viral and made him a breakout sensation. The program also includes Bernstein’s Candide Overture and the Waltz from Tchaikovsky’s Serenade. PS Don’t miss the after party with the stars! (Concert Hall, The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase: www.westhcesterphil.org)
The Magic Flute, Metropolitan Opera, 12/20-1/5/17:The Met’s English-language family adaptation of Mozart’s mystical journey, from Julie Taymor (The Lion King), is a new holiday tradition in the city. Young stars Janai Brugger and Ben Bliss are the fairy-tale princess and prince, and Christopher Maltman reprises his acclaimed interpretation of Papageno. Special holiday pricing and weekday matinees are available for this abridged version, conducted by Antony Walker. Check dates & times. (Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center: metopera.org)
A John Waters Christmas, Ridgefield Playhouse – Mon, 12/19: 8pm: John Waters (Pink Flamingos, Hairspray) pokes fun at the holiday season with adult-appropriate humor in his critically acclaimed one-man show. His rapid fire monologue expores traditional holiday rituals and his love of real life holiday horror stories. (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org
It’s a Wonderful Life, Jacob Burns – 12/23-29: 12pm: 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 Fallen Fri-Thurs: 12/23-29: 12pm. (Jacob Burns, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville; www.burnsfilmcenter.org)
Bolshoi Ballet in HD – Ridgefield Playhouse – 12/23: See a live performance of The Nutcracker by the Bolshoi Ballet onscreen in high definition. The Bolshoi’s version of The Nutcracker has a unique and beautiful sense of romance and philosophy, danced by the heroic Denis Rodkin as the courageous Prince and the magical Anna Nikulina as Marie. Fri, 12/23: 7pm. (Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)
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