Featured Events
december 2
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 daylong, colorful celebration that features children’s workshops, dance, theatre, and music all over the village of Rhinebeck. The spectacular Children’s Starlight Parade at 6pm, 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 10, 8-11am
Skiing & Riding Santa Day at Windham Mountain
Windham Mountain Resort welcomes all skiing and riding Santas! Dress as Santa from head-to-toe, and get a free lift ticket for the day. Santas will also receive one additional midweek non-holiday lift ticket voucher. Space is limited and all skiing and riding Santas are required to pre-register. Your minimum donation of $30 will be given to the local food pantry at Hope Restoration Church in Windham. Go to Windham Mountain Resort: 19 Resort Drive, Windham. 518-734-4300. windhammountain.com/events-activities/events-calendar/event/skiing-riding-santa-day/2017-12-10.
december 10, 1-4pm
Mohonk Mountain House Gingerbread Competition
Join Mohonk Mountain House for the 2nd Annual Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition! Last December, they hosted the first ever Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition and were truly in awe over the creativity and craftsmanship of the entries. This year, Mohonk is planning an even more spectacular event with fabulous prizes and plenty of Mohonk holiday spirit! More information about the panel of judges will be available closer to the event. Go to Mohonk Mountain House: 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz. 855-883-3798. mohonk.com/events/holidays-at-mohonk/gingerbread.
november 17–DECEMBER 28;
FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS, AND SUNDAYS
Catskill Mountain Railroad: Polar Express
Set to the sounds of 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 Kingston Plaza. Visit the website for ticket prices and schedule. 845-688-7400.. cmrrevents.com.
november 23, 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 9:30am, rain or shine. Go to the Water Street Market in New Paltz. 845-255-7957. newpaltzturkeytrot.com.
november 22, 8PM
Thanksgiving Eve: An Annual Tradition
The Thanksgiving Eve tradition continues at The Falcon for its fifth year! A night to celebrate and reunite with friends, family, and loved ones. The Mazzstock Famiglia is presenting a killer lineup! Come for the music, the food, and the libations. Stay for the good times and the memory making. Go to The Falcon, 1348 Route 9W, Marlboro. 845-236-7970. liveatthefalcon.com.
november 24–DECEMBER 31;
THURSDAYS–SUNDAYS FROM NOON TO 4PM
A Gilded Age Christmas
Staatsburgh State Historic Site reopens for the holiday season on Friday, November 24th. 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/StaatsburghSHS.
november 24-DECEMBER 30,
SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS
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 for adults and $6 for children under 12. 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.
november 24 – DECEMBERd 27;
SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS , 1PM –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. Check website for all dates. Go to Wilderstein Historic Site: 330 Morton Road, Rhinebeck. 845-876-4818. wilderstein.org.
november 24–DECEMBER 23;
FRIDAYS 6–8PM, SATURDAYS 4:30–8PM, AND SUNDAYS 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 25, 10AM
Seventh Annual Phoenicia Turkey Trot
This is a 2.4-mile fun run, ramble, trot, walk, or wobble to benefit the Town of Shandaken Parks and Recreation Board to help fund a skate park at Smith Park in Pine Hill. It’s open to all. See the website for pre-registration fees and information. Day-of registration will be from 8am to 9:45am at the Parish Hall in Phoenicia. The Tot Trot for kids under age five will start at 9:30am. The main race event starts at 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 25, 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 25, 11AM–5:30PM
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 25, 1PM
Santa Visits Bell’s Christmas Tree Farm
Bring the whole family down to Bell’s Christmas Tree Farm for a day full of holiday fun, complete with a visit from jolly old Saint Nick himself! Come hungry and enjoy hand cut fries, sliders, and more. Go to Bell’s Tree Farm 647 Mettacahonts Road, Accord. 845-626-7849. bellschristmastrees.com.
december 1–17
Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens’ classic story hits the Shadowland Stages in Ellenville. Bring the whole family and join Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the rest of Dickens’ famous characters for this retelling of an all-time holiday favorite. For more information, and to make reservations, call the box office at 845-647-5511. Go to Shadowland Stages: 157 Canal Street, Ellenville. shadowlandtheatre.org.
december 1, 7:30PM; DECEMBER 2, 4PM; &
DECEMBER 3, 2PM
Ulster Ballet’s 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 Ulster Performing Arts Center: 601 Broadway, Kingston. 845-339-6088. ulsterballet.org/christmas.html.
december 1, 4PM; DECEMBER 2, 9AM
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 Friday, the 1st—don’t miss it! Go to Historic Huguenot Street: 81 Huguenot Street, New Paltz. 845-255-1660. huguenotstreet.org/calendar-of-events.
december 1, 6:30PM
Celebration Of Lights Parade & Fireworks
The City of Poughkeepsie, in conjunction with the Bardavon and many others, will present the 24th annual Celebration of Lights Parade and Fireworks on Friday, December 1 at 6:30pm. Each year, thousands of people attend this event, voted by Dutchess County Tourism as the “Best Event” of the holiday season. Following the parade at 8pm, the Bardavon will be screening The Princess Bride. Go to downtown Poughkeepsie. bardavon.org/show/celebration-lights-parade-fireworks-2.
december 2–3, 9–10
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 2017 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 2–3, 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 Home Alone and Home Alone 2 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.
december 2, 10AM–5PM
Unison Art Center’s 27th Annual Craft, Art, and Design Fair
Come see 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/event/27th-annual-craft-art-and-design-fair-2017/2017-12-02/
december 2, 3–9PM
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 3, 12–6PM
Saugerties Holiday in the Village
Includes many events throughout the Village of Saugerites, including a toy raffle, horse and wagon rides, a Holiday market, Santa, and a petting zoo at the Kiersted House. Visit http://discoversaugerties.com/ one month before the event for a schedule. Go to the Village of Saugerties.
december 3
Open House at Vanderbilt Mansion
Joyeux Noël! 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 that 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 to 4pm. Go to the Vanderbilt Mansion: 119 Vanderbilt Park Road, Hyde Park. 845-229-7770. nps.gov/vama.
december 3, 2PM
Silent Film Sunday Presents Charlie Chaplin in The Gold Rush
Chaplin plays a lonely prospector during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896 who, instead of finding gold, finds love. The Gold Rush features such timeless gags as the dance of the dinner rolls and the meal of boiled shoe leather. “It is the quintessential Chaplin/Little Tramp film, with a balance of slapstick comedy and pantomime, social satire, and emotional and dramatic moments of tenderness” (Tim Dirks). With Chaplin’s original score; plus, “One AM” with live accompaniment by Marta Waterman. Go to the Rosendale Theatre: 408 Main Street, Rosendale. 845-658-8989. rosendaletheatre.org.
december 7, 9:45AM & 12PM DECEMBER
8, 12PM; DECEMBER 9, 2PM & 7:30PM; & december 10, 3PM
New Paltz Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker
The New Paltz Ballet Theatre returns for an 18th season to present this classic holiday event featuring dancers from the New York City Ballet. Peter and Lisa Naumann, co-directors of the NPBT, have brought many fine regional artists together to create this beautiful production. Dancers, designers, and technicians have all contributed to make this Nutcracker a visual delight. Come along with Clara as she dreams of a fierce battle between giant mice and toy soldiers followed by a magical journey through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets. Go to the Bardavon: 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie. 845-473-2072. bardavon.org/show/the-nutcracker-2.
december 10, 11AM–4PM
Winter Fair and Outdoor Marketplace in New Paltz
A delightful day of crafts, food, song, dance, artisan wares, Waldorf gift shop, and indoor and outdoor activities. Make beautiful gifts from simple and natural materials, such as translucent window stars, wreath decorating, and pomanders. Savor the outdoor barbecue while enjoying live music, puppetry, children’s games, and more. Free admission. Vendor space available: vendors of natural crafts and wholesome foods welcome. Go to Mountain Laurel Waldorf School: 16 South Chestnut Street, New Paltz. 845-255-0033. http://mountainlaurel.org.
december 17, 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 for adults and $5 for children under age 12. Go to Clermont State Historic Site: 1 Clermont Avenue, Germantown. 518-537-4240. parks.ny.gov/events/event.aspx?e=16-18349.0.
february 2–4
Winter Hoot at the Ashokan Center
A three-day music festival at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge (20 minutes from Woodstock), The Winter Hoot is a down-home, down-to-earth, music gathering where everyone is welcome and there’s joy to spare. Admission tickets and lodging go on sale Thanksgiving Day. Go to The Ashokan Center: 477 Beaverkill Road, Olivebridge. 845-657-8333. http://homeofthehoot.com
december 21, 11AM–10PM
The Solstice from Mohonk
Celebrate this year’s winter solstice at Mohonk with astronomer Bob Berman as he provides introductions and little-known facts on this celestial event. Bob Berman is one of the best known and most widely read astronomers in the world. He is perhaps uniquely able to translate complex scientific concepts into language that is understandable to the casual observer, yet meaningful to the most advanced. He is an editor of Astronomy magazine, the as tronomy editor of the Old Farmers Almanac, and author of eight books. Bob will provide practical hints and tips for those who want to see the very best that the night sky can offer. For reservations call 855-883-3798. Go to Mohonk Mountain House: 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz. http://mohonk.com/events/nature-outdoors/solstice-from-mohonk
december 31, 6PM
New Year’s Eve Dance and Dinner at The Ashokan Center
Ring in the New Year with fabulous live music and dancing. Great live music begins at 8pm with two dance halls featuring swing, Cajun, and waltzing in one room, and contras and squares in the other—followed by late night Zydeco in the Zydeco Lounge upstairs. Fancy duds, vintage-wear, or other creative clothing encouraged. Join us early for a festive family-style dinner at 6pm with salad, three entree courses, sides, and dessert (with vegan and gluten-free options included). Plus coffee, tea, lemonade, and ice water, a bountiful snack table 11pm–1am, and a cash bar featuring local beers and wines. Music by Jay & Molly with Swingology, Jesse Lége and Bayou Brew, Zydegroove, and Ball, Bell & VanNorstrand. Bob Isaacs and John Krumm calling. Why drive home? Overnight bunk and breakfast package available. Go to The Ashokan Center: 477 Beaverkill Road, Olivebridge. 845-657-8333. http://ashokancenter.org/events/december-31-2017-new-years-eve-dance-dinner
january 26–29
20th Annual Catskill Ice Festival
Choose from multiple clinics to learn all the skills and techniques you need to go ice climbing, from basic skills, to dry-tooling, to glacier travel techniques. A slide show will be held at Rock & Snow on Saturday, January 27 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. http://ashokancenter.org/events/december-31-2017-new-years-eve-dance-dinner
