DECEMBER 1
Sinterklaas Festival Day in Rhinebeck
A nondenominational 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 9, 8AM–4PM
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 1 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 in Windham. 8am: Pre-registered Santa check-in on the 2nd Floor, mountainside of Mountain Express. 9:45am: Santas to meet at D-Lift for donation presentation. 10am: Group chairlift ride, followed by ski or ride down What’s Next. Go to Windham Mountain Resort: 19 Resort Drive, Windham. 518-734-4300.
windhammountain.com/event/9th-annual-skiing-riding-santa-day
DECEMBER 9, 12:30PM–4PM
Mohonk Mountain House Gingerbread Competition
Join Mohonk Mountain House for the 3rd Annual Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition! Last December, they hosted the second 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/december- celebrations/gingerbread
NOVEMBER 16–DECEMBER 28, FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS, AND SUNDAYS
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 journey 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 and schedule.845-688-7400.
cmrrevents.com
NOVEMBER 22, 1PM–7PM
Thanksgiving Buffet Hosted by Henry’s at Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa
Gather the family and enjoy the Henry’s Thanksgiving Buffet at the Buttermilk Barn! $69.00 per person. Cash bar. Children 12 & under $19.99. Taking reservations for seatings from 1pm to 7pm. Go to The Barn at Buttermilk Falls, 220 North Road, Milton. 845-795-1500.
buttermilkfallsinn.com/thanksgiving-buffet
NOVEMBER 23–DECEMBER 31,
THURSDAYS–SUNDAYS, NOON TO 4PM
A Gilded Age Christmas
Staatsburgh reopens for the holiday season on Friday, November 23rd. 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 23–DECEMBER 30; SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS FROM 1PM TO 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 24, 8:30AM
Eighth Annual Phoenicia Turkey Trot
This is a 2.4-mile fun run, ramble, trot, walk, or wobble to benefit the Phoenicia UMC Food Pantry. It’s open to all. See the website for pre-registration fees and information. Day-of registration will be from 8:30 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 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 24, 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
NOVEMBER 30, 4PM THROUGH DECEMBER 1, 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 November 30; don’t miss it! Go to Historic Huguenot Street, 81 Huguenot Street, New Paltz. 845-255-1660.
huguenotstreet.org/calendar-of-eventsm
NOVEMBER 30 AT 7:30 PM TO DECEMBER 2 AT 2 PM
A Christmas Carol Presented by Ulster Ballet Company at Ulster Performing Arts Center
Ulster Ballet Company’s 24th annual production of a holiday treasure with dance, theater, and breathtaking special effects. Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 4pm, and Sunday 2pm. Tickets online. Adults $25, seniors and members $22, children 12 and under $18. Go to Ulster Performing Arts Center: 601 Broadway, Kingston. 845-339-6088.
upac.org
DECEMBER 1, 5:30PM–10PM
2018 RVGA Wine Harvest Dinner
Join the RVGA on Saturday, December 1 for an intimate gathering at a historic barn in the heart of the Rondout Valley. We’ll celebrate our farmers’ bounty with harvest fare prepared by four of our local chefs and perfectly selected wines to complement it all. Silent Auction of artist-educator Sergey Jivetin’s curated selection of engraved seeds from his “Furrow” series. RSVP requested by Monday, November 19. Vegetarian option available; most food restrictions accommodated. Go to the Enneagram Institute, 3355 Route 209, Stone Ridge. 845-626-1532.
rondoutvalleygrowers.org/event/youre-invited-2018-wine-harvest-dinner-december-1-stone-ridge
DECEMBER 7 & 8 AT 7:30PM, DECEMBER 9 AT 2PM
Catskill Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker at Ulster Performing Arts Center
Catskill Ballet Theatre presents its 36th annual Nutcracker Ballet at UPAC. This full-length ballet featuring guest artists from Dance Theatre of Harlem is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Tickets are available at the UPAC box office or through Ticketmaster. Go to Ulster Performing Arts Center: 601 Broadway, Kingston. 845-339-6088.
upac.org
DECEMBER 15, 8PM
Winter Songfest at Bard College Fisher Center for Performing Arts
This holiday tradition features a program of works by Ralph Vaughan Williams, including “Fantasia on Christmas Carols” and excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. With the Bard College Symphonic Chorus, Bard College Chamber Singers, members of Bard Conservatory Graduate Vocal Arts Program, Bard Conservatory Orchestra, and The Orchestra Now (TŌN). Tickets are $10. Go to Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, 60 Manor Avenue, Annandale-On-Hudson. 845-758-7900.
fishercenter.bard.edu/events/winter-songfest-2018
DECEMBER 31, 4PM-9PM
Hunter Mountain New Year’s Eve Celebration
Welcome in 2019 with a day on the mountain complete with plenty of great entertainment! Join us on the base of the mountain for an amazing fireworks show to help ring in the New Year! Come ready to celebrate good times! (Don’t worry—if you forget your NYE party garb, we’ve got you covered.) We’ll have live music rockin’ at the Main Bar starting at 4:30pm and fireworks at 6:30pm. Go to Hunter Mountain, 64 Klein Avenue, Hunter. 800-486-8376.
huntermtn.com/event/new-years-eve
JANUARY 12, 11AM–2PM
Hudson Valley Rail Trail WinterFest
Outdoor winter festival featuring “Best of Fest” chili contest, roasted chestnuts, toasted marshmallows, light snacks and beverages, wagon rides, wood carving demonstration, and activities for children of all ages. Admission fee. Children 6 and under are free. Go to Hudson Valley Rail Trail Depot, 101 New Paltz Road, Highland. 845-691-6313.
hudsonvalleyrailtrail.net
JANUARY 26
Hudson Valley Wingfest 12
The original Wingfest is back! This year the biggest wing event is coming back to the very spacious Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie. This is our 12th year and we are planning our biggest and most delicious wing event ever. At this year’s event, you can expect more wing restaurants, more amazing and unique flavors as the best wing places battle it out to see who will be the kings of the wings. We also have some amazing bands to provide some of the best music, as well as games, prizes, and a great night of fun! Take a look at the ticket options and remember HV Wingfest has sold out for 7 years straight now! Come see why we we’re voted the “Best Winter Cabin Fever event in NY!” Bring it and Wing it! Go to the Mid-Hudson Civic Center, 14 CivicCenter Plaza, Poughkeepsie.
baptickets.com
NOVEMBER 22, 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, t-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 22, 2PM–10PM
Thanksgiving Dinner at The Greenhouses
Home (away from home) for the Holidays! Bring the whole family (kids 12 & under 1/2 price; 3 & under free) and join us for flag football, warm (& spiked, if you please) cider, mulled wine, local beers, holiday cocktails, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, veggies, cranberry sauce shaped like a can, and pie. Go to The Greenhouses, 2187 Bruynswick Road, Wallkill. 845-895-3440.
audreysfarmhouse.com/thanksgiving.html
NOVEMBER 23–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 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
NOVEMBER 23–DECEMBER 23; FRIDAYS 6–8PM, SATURDAYS 4–8PM, AND SUNDAYS 4–7PM
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, cafes, 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, Route 9W, Ulster Park. 845-339-2666.
afrostyfest.com
NOVEMBER 24, 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 30–DECEMBER 16
Shadowland Stages Presents Winter Wonderettes
The Wonderettes are back! When Santa turns up missing, the girls use their talent and creativity to save their annual holiday party! Featuring great ’60s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” and “Winter Wonderland,” this entertaining and glittering seasonal celebration is a holiday gift sure to delight audiences of all ages! Go to Shadowland Stages, 157 Canal Street, Ellenville. 845-647-5511.
shadowlandstages.org/special-holiday-show
NOVEMBER 30, 6:30PM
Celebration Of Lights Parade & Fireworks
The City of Poughkeepsie, in conjunction with the Bardavon and many others, will present the 25th annual Celebration of Lights Parade and Fireworks on Friday, November 30 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 Home Alone. Go to Downtown Poughkeepsie.
bardavon.org/show/celebration-of-lights-parade-fireworks
DECEMBER 1–2 & 8–9
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 2
Holiday 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 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 9am to 4pm. Go to the Vanderbilt Mansion: 119 Vanderbilt Park Road, Hyde Park. 845-229-7770.
nps.gov/vama/planyourvisit/2018holidayschedule.htm
DECEMBER 9, 11AM–4PM
Winter Faire 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, wreaths, 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.
mountainlaurel.org
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 astronomy editor of the Old Farmer’s 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.
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 entrée courses, sides, and dessert (with vegan and gluten-free options included). Plus coffee, tea, lemonade, ice water and a bountiful snack table open from 11 pm to 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.
ashokan.org/new-years-eve-dance-party
FEBRUARY 1–3
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. hoot.love
FEBRUARY 12 AND 13, 10AM AND 12PM
Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure
The creators of Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live want to take your family on an all new adventure—this time to the bottom of the ocean. Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure is an immersive experience that invites you to jump in and explore unknown ocean depths where prehistoric marine reptiles lived eons ago—and maybe still live today! Erth shows are at the forefront of family entertainment, using actors, technology, puppets, science, and imagination to create an amazing visual experience that connects young audiences to the real science of paleontology. Go to Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston. 845-339-6088.
bardavon.org/show/prehistoric-aquarium-3
MARCH 3, 5–8PM
Plattekill Mountain Annual Winterfest
Don’t miss this FUN annual event! Torchlight parade, live band, chicken BBQ dinners, & HUGE raffle with prizes like a 2019-20 Plattekill winter season pass, snowtubing pass, $500 gift card for brand new skis from the Plattekill Ski Shop, plus restaurant certificates, a night at The Roxbury Hotel, and SO MUCH MORE! BBQ dinners (available @ 4:30pm) and $5 raffle tickets. All proceeds benefit Plattekill Patrol. Get your tickets early, supplies are limited. Go to Plattekill Mountain, 469 Plattekill Road, Roxbury. 607-326-3500.
plattekill.com/mountain-info/activities-events
