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FAMILY EVENTS
NOVEMBER 20-DECEMBER 27
Catskill Mountain Railroad: Polar Express Fri, Sat, and Sun at 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm, except, Nov 20 at 6:15pm and 8pm . 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, chefs will serve hot chocolate, and passengers will enjoy a sing-along and a special reading of the Van Allsburg classic. Santa will greet the children and give a special sleigh bell to all those who believe. The ride departs from Catskill Mountain Railway’s Westbrook Lane Station at the Kingston Plaza. 845-688-7400 catskillmtrailroad.com
NOVEMBER 26, 8AM
New Paltz 5k Turkey Trot and Fun Run This Thanksgiving, put fitness before the feast during the annual New Paltz 5k Turkey Trot and Fun Run. All proceeds benefit the Family of New Paltz’s food pantry and crisis programs. Enjoy music, costume contests, and more. 845-255-7957, turkeytrot@gmail.com, newpaltzturkeytrot.com
NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 27
A Frosty Fest Fri 6-8pm, Sat 4:30-8pm, Sun 4:30-7pm . This fest is a holiday light spectacular featuring Candy Cane Lane, Frosty’s Enchanted Forest, Glistening Gardens, Magical Mansion, Santa’s North Pole, Frosty’s Adventures (3D), two stage shows, and more. There will be food, cafes, and gift shops too. Festivities take place at 778 Broadway (Route 9W), Ulster Park. Visit the website for new 2015 ticket prices. 845-339-2666, afrostyfest.com
NOVEMBER 28, 10AM
5th Annual Phoenicia Turkey Trot Work off Thanksgiving dinner with this 2.4 mile fun run, ramble, trot, walk or wobble to benefit the Rotary Club of Phoenicia. The free Tot-Trot for kids 5 and under precedes the main race and starts at 9:30am. The first 100 registrants will get free t-shirts as well. Registration from 8-9:45am at the Parish Hall on Main Street in Phoenicia. To register, go to runreg.com and search for “Phoenicia Turkey Trot.” Heather: 845-688-7046/hrobertspt@gmail.com, Patti: 845-254-4126/rudgepatricia@gmail.com, phoeniciaturkeytrot.com
NOVEMBER 28, 11AM
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 off 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. sinterklaashudsonvalley.com/sinterlass-kingston
DECEMBER 4, 5PM-8PM
Uptown Kingston Snowflake Festival Instead of a parade this year, the event will be located on Wall and North Front Streets with fun for all ages; 845-339-5822; kingstonuptown.org
DECEMBER 4-6
Festival of the Holidays Weekend Kick off the holiday season with a stress-free weekend at Frost Valley YMCA, celebrating with family beneath the Frost Valley Christmas tree. Enjoy a musical performance by the Bronx Opera before joining us around the fireplace for hot cocoa and the menorah lighting. Meet us at 2000 Frost Valley Road, Claryville. Visit the website for itinerary. 845-985-2291, frostvalley.org
DECEMBER 5
Sinterklaas in Rhinebeck A non-denominational event, Sinterklaas joins residents and visitors alike, 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 and hear the Secrets of the Honey Bees. The spectacular Children’s Starlight Parade at 6:30pm, featuring two-story tall animated puppets, closes the day at twilight. sinterklaashudsonvalley.com
DECEMBER 5, 5:30PM
High Falls Holiday Tree Lighting Join us on the Green next to the Depuy Canal House at 5:30pm for hot soup and carol singing as we anticipate the arrival of Santa and drink hot soup. Bring an unwrapped toy for the fire department’s toy drive. Hot chocolate and cookies will follow the event at the Community Church of High Falls, 4 Firehouse Road, High Falls. 845-687-0910, highfallscivic.org
DECEMBER 6, 12-4PM HUNT STARTS AT 3PM
Gifts of Distinction Experience the elegance of Locust Grove decorated for the holiday season, and follow the clues as you explore our historic mansion, searching for the unique gift in each room; many are on view for the first time! When you’ve completed the hunt, return to the visitor center for cider, cookies, and a performance of holiday stories. Come to Locust Grove Estate at 2683 South Road, Poughkeepsie. $8 per person/kids under 4 are free. 845-454-4500, lgny.org
DECEMBER 6, 13, 20, 27, 1-4PM
The 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 adults/$6 seniors/kids 12 and under are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come to Staatsburgh State Historic Site at 75 Mills Mansion Drive, Staatsburg. 845-889-8851, millsmansion.org/
DECEMBER 11,12, AND 18-22
Holiday Family Fun at Mohonk Mohonk House is decorated in Victorian Christmas splendor with swags and wreaths, kissing globes, ornaments, and trees throughout. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with music, good cheer, and evening entertainment for the entire family. Kids stay and eat free. This is a call-only special. 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz. 855-883-3798, mohonk.com
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 snow shoe hikes, cross-country ski, build snowmen, play broomball, and even compete in Frost Valley YMCA’s own winter Olympics. On December 31 we ring in the New Year with a party. Bus transportation is available from Montclair, NJ and Brooklyn to 2000 Frost Valley Road, Claryville. Visit website for pricing. 845-985-2291, frostvalley.org
YULETIDE PERFORMING ARTS
DECEMBER 4-20
Miracle on 34th Street Weekends, Fri and Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm An undisputed Christmas classic, this heart-warming play based on the 1947 film brings all the joy of the holidays right to the stage. When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing. Come to the center at 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck. $24 adults/$22 seniors/children under 12 are $15. 845-876-3080, centerforperformingarts.org
DECEMBER 4, 7:30PM, DECEMBER 5, 4:30PM, AND DECEMBER 6, 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 20th year, featuring a cast of 65 dancers, actors, and stage professionals, this show will put you in the mood for the holidays. Come to Bardavon at 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie. $22 for standard admission. 845-473-2072, bardavon.org/event_info.php?id=865&venue=upac
DECEMBER 11 and 12, 8pm and DECEMBER 13, 2pm
“The Nutcracker” at UPAC in Kingston
CBT’s annual production of The Nutcracker has become a tradition for many families and schools in the area. The following resources can provide teachers, parents, and children more information about The Nutcracker.
Tickets can be purchased at the UPAC box office or via Ticketmaster. http://catskillballet.org/the-nutcracker/
HOLIDAY GIFT BUYING
NOVEMBER 28, 9AM-6PM
Small Business Saturday at Kenco We will have terrific sale offers throughout the store, free refreshments, and a scratch-off event for everyone who stops by. Come to Kenco at 1000 Hurley Mountain Road, Kingston. 845-340-0552, atkenco.com/info/upcoming-events
DECEMBER 4, 5-8PM
Holiday Pop-up Shop Opening Reception Meet, greet, and shop for local makers’ handmade and vintage clothing, accessories, and home goods. Live music, food, and children’s activities will be there as well. Open through December 31st, Mondays-Saturdays. Come to the studio at 168 Cornell Street, Kingston. 845-594-4428, cornellstreetstudios.com
DECEMBER 5-6, 10AM-5PM
25th Annual Arts & Crafts Fair Master crafts people and fine artists display and sell their work. You can buy gallery-quality handcrafted gift items, ceramics, jewelry, leatherwork, woodwork, children’s clothing, wreaths, blown glass, and more, at affordable prices. Come to New Paltz Middle School at 2 South Manheim Boulevard, New Paltz. 845-255-1559, unisonarts.org
DECEMBER 5-6, 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 The Muppet Christmas Carol will add to the festivities. The holiday market is free, but show tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for kids. 866-781-2922, bethelwoodscenter.org
DECEMBER 11, 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 in businesses and locations throughout the historic business district. Santa, Mrs. Claus, wagon rides, live music, holiday lights, food, artisan crafts, gifts, seasonal decorations in the Vanderpoel House of History, and much more. 518-758-9882, villageofkinderhook.org
FEBRUARY 6 11AM-2PM
Hudson Valley Rail Trail Winterfest It’s a fun family event that brings out the unique food tastes of our culinary region of New York, featuring area food establishments competing for the coveted “Best of Fest” award for the best tasting chili. The event also features a children’s tent, wagon rides, wood-carving demonstration, toasted marshmallows, and roasted chestnuts. Held at Hudson Valley Rail Trail Depot, 101 New Paltz Road, Highland. hudsonvalleyrailtrail.net
EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY:
DECEMBER 10
Sunset Sensations Wine & Food Event Enjoy samplings from Hudson Valley chefs and wine pairings from around the world in this year-long series. During the second event of our holiday edition, guest chef Charles Fells of The Artist’s Palate will use vegetables from the estate gardens as his inspiration for three unique food samplings. Kevin Hall of South Side Wine & Spirits will pair each sampling with a different wine for your enjoyment, and Locust Grove’s historic mansion, decorated for the holidays, will be open for tours. Come to Locust Grove Estate at 2683 South Road, Poughkeepsie. 845-454-4500, lgny.org
MANSION HOLIDAY TOURS & DECOR:
DECEMBER 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, AND 26-31
Decorated Mansion Tours at Locust Grove Join us for tours of Locust Grove’s historic mansion, decorated for the holidays. Our expert tour guides will introduce you to 25 rooms on three floors of the main house. $11 per person/kids under 4 are free. Tours depart Saturdays 10am-3:15pm and self-guided tours are Sundays 12-4pm. Come to Locust Grove Estate at 2683 South Road, Poughkeepsie. 845-454-4500, lgny.org
NOVEMBER 27, 28, 29 AND DEC. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 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. $11 adults/$10 students and seniors/kids under 12 are free. Come to 330 Morton Road, Rhinebeck. Visit the website for directions. 845-876-4818, wilderstein.org
DECEMBER 6 AND 12
Open house at Vanderbilt Mansion Enjoy Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s holiday-decorated mansion this year. Guided tours will go on throughout the day. Come to the mansion on Route 9, Hyde Park. 845-229-7770 nps.gov/vama
DECEMBER 6 11AM-4PM
Vanderbilt Christmas Open House The National Park Service is pleased to offer a day of free admission to the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park, New York on Sunday December 6. Enjoy refreshments at the Visitor Center, 20 percent off regular prices in the museum shop, and a visit to the mansion to learn about the Vanderbilt’s holidays. Dress in your finest holiday clothes, bring your camera and pose for your holiday photo in front of the Mansion’s Christmas tree. Parking is limited, so please consider car-pooling; 845-229-7770; nps.gov
DECEMBER 11, DECEMBER 18 6PM-9PM
Vanderbilt Mansion Diamond Anniversary Roosevelt-Vanderbilt Historical Association is hosting an extraordinary fundraising event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. Join us for one (or two!) special evenings of champagne cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Vanderbilt Pavilion. The Mansion will be open for viewing holiday decorations and musical performances with one time only access to spaces never open to the public including Louise Vanderbilt’s jewelry closet! Tickets are $75 per person. All proceeds will support park preservation and programs. Tickets are limited. You must be 21 or older to attend. 845-229-9300
DECEMBER 13, 3-6PM
Candlelight Tours of Clermont Tableaux Vivant of Christmas traditions through the ages, glittering decorations, and wassail and traditional holiday goodies served in the historic kitchen. $12 per person/ kids under 12 are $5. Come to Clermont State Historic Site at 1 Clermont Avenue, Germantown. 518-537-4240, nysparks.com/events/event-results.aspx?hs=16
DECEMBER 29, 11-4PM
Christmas at Clermont Open House See this magnificent mansion dressed up for the holidays. Free admission. Come to Clermont State Historic Site at 1 Clermont Avenue, Germantown. 518-537-4240, nysparks.com/events/event-results.aspx?hs=16
NEW YEAR’S FUN
DECEMBER 31
The Big Takeover at The Falcon Open to the public, enjoy NYE specials and a performance from The Big Takeover with a unique concoction of backgrounds and spirits that creates a version of fresh, vivid reggae. Fill your heart with good vibes and solid joy. 1348 Route 9W, Marlboro. 845-236-7970, liveatthefalcon.com
DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 3
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 dancing along with 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 itinerary and pricing. 845-246-2121, ashokancenter.org
DECEMBER 31 7PM
Uptown Kingston New Year’s Eve Celebration A vaudevillian style event happening throughout the neighborhood, featuring jazz, swing, prohibition-style drinks, burlesque, and more! The evening culminates with an old-fashioned ball-drop at the corner of Wall and North Front Streets at midnight. kingstonhappenings.org/events/uptown-kingston-new-years-eve-celebration
