WINTER EVENTS
NOVEMBER 18-DECEMBER 26; FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS, AND SUNDAYS AT 2PM, 4PM, AND 6PM
Catskill Mountain Railroad: Polar Express
Set to the motion picture soundtrack, pajama-clad passengers will be whisked away aboard the Polar Express on a magical round-trip to the North Pole. The conductor will punch tickets, and chefs will serve hot chocolate, just like in the film. Passengers will also enjoy a sing-along and a special reading of this Van Allsburg classic. Santa will board the train at the North Pole to greet the children and give a special sleigh bell to all those who believe. Go to Catskill Mountain Railway’s Westbrook Lane Station at the Kingston Plaza. Visit the website for ticket prices.
845-688-7400.
cmrrevents.com
NOVEMBER 24, 11AM-2PM
Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go
Order your hot and fully-cooked Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go online now. Place orders by November 17th for pick up at Terrapin on Thanksgiving Day between 11am and 2pm. Family-style meals—including turkey or lamb shanks with all the fixings—are available for $49 per person, as well as à la carte sides and whole, unsliced roasted turkeys. Pick up from
Terrapin:
6426 Montgomery Street, Rhinebeck.
845-876-3330.
terrapinrestaurant.com/menus/thanksgiving
NOVEMBER 25 & 26, 11AM-6PM; NOVEMBER 27, 11AM-4PM
Hudson Valley Art Market Thanksgiving Weekend at Locust Grove
This is a celebration of fine art and hand-crafted gifts that showcases the Hudson Valley’s best. There will be over 35 vendors and beer/cider sampling. There’s something for everyone. This event is free and open to the public. Go to
Locust Grove Estate:
2683 South Road, Poughkeepsie.
hvartmarket.wixsite.com/hvartmarket
NOVEMBER 25, 1-3PM
Santa on the Walkway
Jolly old Saint Nick will make a surprise visit at the Walkway Over the Hudson’s west entrance. Bring the kiddies, and be sure not to miss it! Go to the
Walkway Over The Hudson:
87 Haviland Road, Highland.
845-454-9649.
walkway.org/calendar
NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 23; FRIDAYS FROM 6-8PM, SATURDAYS FROM 4:30-8PM, AND SUNDAYS FROM 4:30-7PM
A Frosty Fest
This fest is a holiday light spectacular featuring Candy Cane Lane, Frosty’s Enchanted Forest, the Glistening Gardens, the Magical Mansion, Santa’s North Pole, Frosty’s Adventures (in 3D), two stage shows, and more. There will be food, cafés, and gift shops, too. Bring your camera for great photo opportunities with the characters of Frosty Fest: Mr. and Mrs. Frosty, Snowbear, The Gingerbread Man, The Candy Cane Characters, Penguin, and, of course, Rudolph. Go to
Headless Horseman Hayrides:
778 Broadway, Ulster Park.
845-339-2666.
afrostyfest.com
NOVEMBER 26-27, 10AM-5PM
Hudson Valley Farm and Flea
The Hudson Valley Farm and Flea will highlight the innovation and talent of our passionate community of artisans, vintage collectors, and local farmers. Added to this unique mix are musicians, filmmakers, and food entrepreneurs. Collecting all of these local businesses under one roof will foster an environment where customers can be immersed in a total Hudson Valley lifestyle experience on Small Business Saturday. Go to the
Motorcyclepedia Museum:
250 Lake Street, Newburgh.
hudsonvalleyfarmandflea.com.
NOVEMBER 24, 9AM-NOON
Annual Turkey Trot
The Family of New Paltz Turkey Trot is a 5K run and walk held annually on Thanksgiving morning to support Family of New Paltz’s food pantry and crisis services. Building on the success of previous years, this year’s event will include prizes for best costumes, tee-shirts for adults and children, and of course the famous Mashed Potato Fun Run, which is free for kids ages 12 and under. For the more serious runners, the 5K course will be certified by USATF this year and will include chip timing. Age groups will be in ten-year increments, and medals will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each age group, with separate awards for males and females. The main race event starts at 10am, rain or shine. Go to the
Water Street Market in New Paltz.
845-255-7957.
newpaltzturkeytrot.com.
NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 31; THURSDAYS-SUNDAYS FROM NOON-4PM
A Gilded Age Christmas
Staatsburgh reopens for the holiday season on Friday, November 25th. Visit the lavishly decorated mansion to experience Christmas, Gilded Age-style! Tour the mansion and visit the museum shop, which is full of great holiday gifts. Go to
Staatsburgh State Historic Site:
75 Mills Mansion Drive, Road 1, Staatsburg.
845-889-8851.
facebook.com/events/1489155367777609
NOVEMBER 25-27, NOON-4PM
Thanksgiving Weekend at The Wildlife Education Center
Bring the family for post-holiday fun. Visit the live animals and find out what they had for Thanksgiving dinner. There will be fun crafts for the children. Meet-the-Animal presentations will be at 1pm and 2:30pm. Shop for nature-themed holiday gifts and/or purchase an animal sponsorship as a unique holiday gift. Gain a special friend and support its care at the museum. Go to the
Wildlife Education Center at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum:
25 Boulevard, Cornwall-on-Hudson.
845-534-7781.
hhnaturemuseum.org
NOVEMBER 26, 8AM
Sixth Annual Phoenicia Turkey Trot
This is a 2.4-mile fun run, ramble, trot, walk, or wobble to benefit the Morton Memorial Library in Pine Hill. It’s open to all. See the website for pre-registration fees and information. Day-of registration will be from 8-9:45am at Parish Hall in Phoenicia. The Tot Trot for kids under age five will start at 9:30am. The main race event starts 10am, rain or shine. Dogs are not allowed. For more information, contact Heather Roberts at hrobertspt@gmail.com or Patti Rudge at rudgepatricia@gmail.com. Go to
Parish Hall:
109 Main Street, Phoenicia.
845-688-7064 or 845-254-4126.
phoeniciaturkeytrot.com
NOVEMBER 26-27, 10AM-5PM
Unison Art Center’s 26th Annual Craft, Art, and Design Fair
Find 40 master craftspeople and fine artists in one of the finest craft fairs in the Hudson Valley. You can buy gallery-quality handcrafted gift items, ceramics, jewelry, leatherwork, clocks, wreaths, woodwork, and more at affordable prices. Adult admission is $4, adult member admission is $3, and SUNY students and children under age 13 are free. This event is sponsored by Bailey Ceramic Supply, Rhinebeck Artist Shops, My Market, and Looking Good Naturally. Go to the
Student Union Building at SUNY New Paltz:
1 Hawk Drive, New Paltz.
845-255-1559.
unisonarts.org/news/event/26th-annual-craft-fair-2016
NOVEMBER 26, 11AM
Thanksgiving Weekend Magic with David Garrity
Bring your holiday weekend guests for this incredible one-man illusion show featuring unique theatrical and visual magic, audience participation, and lots of laughs. Sunglasses appear in a flash of fire, a table mysteriously floats around the stage and into the audience, and ordinary hula hoops perform extraordinary magic. Go to the
Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck:
661 Route 308, Rhinebeck.
845-876-3080.
centerforperformingarts.org/a>
NOVEMBER 26, 11AM-5PM
Sinterklaas Send-Off Day in Kingston
Sinterklaas departs from the historic Kingston Waterfront (aka Spain) after a full day of open houses, musical performances, workshops, and a children’s maritime parade down Broadway, with stars and puppets galore. Kingston sends Sinterklaas and his white horse on a tugboat across the river preceding a Sinterklaas soiree, tree lighting ceremony, and plenty of specials at all of the local restaurants. Go to the
Kingston Waterfront.
sinterklaashudsonvalley.com/sinterlass-kingston
NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 29; SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS FROM 1-4PM
Victorian Holiday Tours at Wilderstein
Florists and designers transform the Wilderstein mansion into a magical holiday wonderland. Tour the mansion at your own pace, with guides in each room to share information and answer questions. For those who like to shop local, the site’s museum store has an assortment of unique gifts for just about everyone. Admission is $11 for adults, $10 for students, and seniors and kids under age 12 are free. Go to
Wilderstein Historic Site:
330 Morton Road, Rhinebeck.
845-876-4818.
wilderstein.org
NOVEMBER 26, 6-8PM
7th Annual Village of Wappingers Falls Holiday Light Parade
Be a part of this spectacular parade with floats, boats, bikes, dogs, characters, and carriages. The possibilities are endless. Trophies will be awarded for the best floats. To register for the parade, leave a message at 845-297-8773 x7 or email dcalabrese@wappingersfallsny.gov. Go to
Elm Street in Wappingers Falls.
NOVEMBER 27 & DECEMBER 4, 11, & 18 FROM 1-4PM
Holiday Whodunit
Children become detectives to solve a history mystery as costumed interpreters provide clues to help kids find the solution. Holiday Whodunit is included with the regular admission price: $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and kids ages 12 and under are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Go to
Staatsburgh State Historic Site:
75 Mills Mansion Drive, Road 1, Staatsburg.
845-889-8851.
parks.ny.gov/events/event.aspx?e=25-17440.4.1
DECEMBER 2-4
The Wawarsing Wassail
This is a weekend of holiday family events held in Ellenville, Napanoch, Cragsmoor, and Wawarsing. There will be cookie making, card making, crafts, tree lightings, and caroling.
845-647-4620.
DECEMBER 2-18; FRIDAYS AT 8PM, SATURDAYS AT 3PM, & SUNDAYS AT 3PM
A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens’ classic returns to The Center after a two-year hiatus. The original production that played at The Center for ten years has been re-envisioned with new sets, costumes, and staging. Join Scrooge, Tiny Tim, all of Dickens’ famous characters, and over 30 of the world’s most beloved Christmas carols. This performance will be directed by Diana diGrandi, starring Lou Trapani as Scrooge with Charles Barnett, Andy Crispell, Emily DePew, Joe Felece, Jane Langan, Lisa Lynds, Patrick McGriff, and Richard Prouse. Go to
The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck:
661 Route 308, Rhinebeck.
845-876-3080.
centerforperformingarts.org
DECEMBER 3
Sinterklaas Festival Day in Rhinebeck
A non-denominational event, Sinterklaas joins residents, visitors, and people of all ages and backgrounds in a memorable celebration of children, art, and the light of the winter season. It’s a day-long, colorful celebration that features children’s workshops, dance, theatre, and music all over the village of Rhinebeck. This year, be sure to visit The HIVE to hear the Secrets of the Honey Bees. The spectacular Children’s Starlight Parade at 6:30pm, featuring two-story tall animated puppets, will close the day at twilight. Visit the website for more information:
sinterklaashudsonvalley.com/sinterklaas-festival-day-in-rhinebeck
DECEMBER 2, 4PM; DECEMBER 3, 5PM
A Holiday on Huguenot Street
Celebrate the holidays, Huguenot-style! This event features holiday tours, a Christmas fair, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more. The series of events will begin with Historic Huguenot Street’s special holiday tours of the historic Deyo House. The community tree lighting will be at 7pm on the 2nd; don’t miss it! Go to
Historic Huguenot Street:
81 Huguenot Street, New Paltz.
845-255-1660.
huguenotstreet.org/calendar-of-events
DECEMBER 2, 7:30PM; DECEMBER 3, 4PM; & DECEMBER 4, 2PM
Ulster Ballet Presents A Christmas Carol
Artistic Directors Scarlett Fiero and Quiedo Carbone, together with Woodstock resident and former New York City Ballet dancer-turned-choreographer Sara Miot, have produced an exciting, critically-acclaimed ballet based on the classic Charles Dickens story. Now in its 22nd year, featuring a cast of 65 dancers, actors, and stage professionals, this show will put you in the mood for the holidays. Standard admission is $22. Go to
The Bardavon:
35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie.
845-473-2072.
bardavon.org/event_info.php?id=865&venue=upac
DECEMBER 3-4, 10-11, & 17-18
Decorated Mansion Tours at Locust Grove
Don’t miss Locust Grove’s historic mansion, decorated for the holidays. Expert tour guides will introduce you to 25 rooms on three floors of the main house. Admission is $11 per person, and children under age four are admitted for free. Tours depart Saturdays between 10am and 3:15pm, and self-guided tours are Sundays between noon and 4pm. Go to
Locust Grove Estate:
2683 South Road, Poughkeepsie.
845-454-4500.
lgny.org
DECEMBER 3-4 & 10-11, 10AM-5PM
Wreath Fineries at the Wineries
Jump into the holiday spirit with Wreath Fineries at the Wineries, the Shawangunk Wine Trail’s memorable holiday event. An annual tradition, the member wineries are decorated for the season and stocked with wine for your holiday table and gift-giving. Visit each winery for a tasting, souvenir wine glass, and an ornament to add to your 2016 Wine Trail wreath. Advance tickets only; tickets will not be sold at the door. Pick any Shawangunk Wine Trail Winery for your starting point.
845-256-8456.
shawangunkwinetrail.com/wine-tour-wreath-fineries-at-the-wineries
DECEMBER 3-4, 11AM-4PM
Holiday Market at Bethel Woods
Artists, crafters, and specialty food vendors will gather in the Market Sheds at Bethel Woods for this annual holiday event, providing guests with the opportunity to shop a wide selection of unique holiday gift options from local creators. A showing of Miracle on 34th Street will add to the festivities. The holiday market is free, but show tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for kids. Go to
The Market Sheds and Event Gallery:
200 Hurd Road, Bethel.
866-781-2922.
bethelwoodscenter.org
MansionDECEMBER 3, 5-9PM
Annual Woodstock Holiday Open House
Enjoy a Christmas tree lighting, live music, pictures with Santa, face painting with Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Victorian carolers, ice sculpting, the Kingston Catholic School Chorus, and more. Refreshments will be served in participating businesses in and around the hamlet of Woodstock. Go to
Tinker Street in Woodstock.
845-679-6234.
woodstockchamber.com
DECEMBER 4
Open house at Vanderbilt Mansion
Joyeux Noel! The mansion is decorated for a Gilded Age holiday. Dress in your finest clothes and pose for a holiday photo in front of the Mansion’s Christmas tree in the Elliptical Hall. Gifts the Vanderbilts gave to townspeople will be exhibited throughout the house. Enjoy refreshments at the visitor center and receive a 20-percent discount in the museum shop as you learn about the Vanderbilts’ holidays. Admission is free from 11am-4pm. Go to the
Vanderbilt Mansion:
119 Vanderbilt Park Road, Hyde Park.
845-229-7770.
nps.gov/vama
DECEMBER 9-11; FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AT 7:30PM & SUNDAY AT 2PM
Catskill Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker
Each year, the Von Stahlbaum family gives an extraordinary Christmas party for their friends. The drawing room is filled with beautifully wrapped presents and a shining Christmas tree. The children, Fritz and Clara, are brimming with anticipation. Join Clara and the Nutcracker Prince on a magical adventure to the Land of Sweets, where they meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and are invited to watch the festivities. Catskill Ballet Theatre, winner of Ulster County’s 2010 Cultural Business of the Year Award, performs this classical ballet in its entirety. Adult admission is $30; student and senior admission is $25. Go to
Ulster Performing Arts Center:
601 Broadway, Kingston.
845-339-6088.
catskillballet.org/the-nutcracker
DECEMBER 10, 9AM-3PM
Saint James Artisan Market in Kingston
Want to find wonderful gifts for your loved ones while also supporting local artists and craftsmen? At this market, you will find locally handcrafted items including jewelry, soap, paintings, garments, and more. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Go to
Saint James United Methodist Church:
35 Pearl Street, Kingston.
845-331-3030.
stjames-kingston.org
DECEMBER 10-31
Holiday Family Fun at Mohonk
Mohonk House is decorated in Victorian Christmas splendor with swags, wreaths, kissing globes, ornaments, and trees throughout. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with music, good cheer, and entertainment for the entire family. Holiday themed events and activities will occur at various dates and times; see the website for more information. Go to
Mohonk Mountain House:
1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz.
855-883-3798.
mohonk.com
DECEMBER 13, 5:30-8:30PM
Annual Kinderhook Village Candlelight Night
At Kinderhook’s most charming event of the year, the village will begin the holiday sparkle with the annual Candlelight Night in the village square and at locations throughout the historic business district. Find Santa, Mrs. Claus, wagon rides, live music, holiday lights, food, artisan crafts, gifts, seasonal decorations in the Vanderpoel House of History, and much more. Go to the
Village of Kinderhook:
6 Chatham Street, Kinderhook.
518-758-9882.
villageofkinderhook.org
DECEMBER 11, 3-6PM
Candlelight Tours of Clermont
These tours provide a living picture of Christmas traditions through the ages, with glittering decorations, hot mulled cider, and traditional holiday goodies served in the historic kitchen. Admission is $12 per person and $5 for children under age 12. Go to
Clermont State Historic Site:
1 Clermont Avenue, Germantown.
518-537-4240.
nysparks.com/events/event.aspx?e=16-15926.0
DECEMBER 17, 11AM-4PM
Christmas at Clermont Open House
This is a great day for families, with free admission for everyone! Explore the mansion at your leisure, and enjoy the holiday decorations with docents available to answer questions in each room. Cider and cookies will be available in the visitor’s center. Go to
Clermont State Historic Site:
1 Clermont Avenue, Germantown.
518-537-4240.
nysparks.com/events/event.aspx?e=16-16895.0
DECEMBER 28-JANUARY 1
Winter Sleep-Away Camp
From winter arts-and-crafts and indoor climbing to snow tubing and sled-building competitions, there’s never a dull moment at Winter Camp. Campers go on snowshoe hikes, cross-country ski, build snowmen, play broomball, and even compete in Frost Valley YMCA’s own winter Olympics. On December 31, ring in the New Year with a party. Bus transportation is available from Montclair, NJ and Brooklyn. Go to Frost Valley YMCA: 2000 Frost Valley Road, Claryville. Visit the website for pricing.
845-985-2291.
frostvalley.org
DECEMBER 30-JANUARY 2
New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Camp
It’s three days of fabulous music and dancing, plus a magical New Year’s Eve dinner and dance. Enjoy music and dance workshops, singing sessions, and jam sessions. Even if you can’t make it for the three-day camp, don’t miss the New Year’s Eve dinner and dance party. Visit the website for an itinerary and pricing. Go to the
Ashokan Center:
477 Beaverkill Road, Olivebridge.
845-246-212.
ashokan.org/new-years-at-ashokan/
JANUARY 14, 11AM-2PM
Hudson Valley Rail Trail Winterfest
This fun family event brings out the unique food tastes of our culinary region, featuring area food establishments competing for the coveted Best of Fest Award for the best tasting chili. The event will also include a children’s tent, wagon rides, a wood-carving demonstration, toasted marshmallows, and roasted chestnuts. Go to
Hudson Valley Rail Trail Depot:
101 New Paltz Road, Highland.
781-640-0881.
hudsonvalleyrailtrail.net
JANUARY 27-30
18th Annual Catskill Ice Festival
Choose from multiple clinics to learn all the skills and techniques you need to get out on the ice, from basic skills, to dry-tooling, to glacier travel techniques. A slide show will be held at Rock & Snow on Saturday, January 28 at 8pm. The demo gear will also be located at Rock & Snow; try out the latest harnesses, ice tools, crampons, and clothing from the best companies. Rates are $150 per person per event. Slide shows are free. The Catskill Ice Festival includes excursions to locations near Mount Tremper and Phoenicia.
877-486-5769.
alpineendeavors.com/reference/catskill-ice-festival-2017
February 3-5
Winter Hoot at the Ashokan Center
Reconnect with your Hudson Valley community and hear beautiful folk, pop, and Americana music by Natalie Merchant, Dan Bern, Jay Ungar, Molly Mason, and more. Also enjoy local food, beer, and wine, plus kids’ activities, a documentary film screening, blacksmithing, winter hikes, and a square dance. It’s a Hoot! Go to
The Ashokan Center:
477 Beaverkill Road, Olivebridge.
845-657-8333.
homeofthehoot.com
