NOVEMBER 15–DECEMBER 28, FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS, AND SUNDAYS
Catskill Mountain Railroad: The 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.
845-332-4854. cmrrevents.com
NOVEMBER 23–DECEMBER 15, SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS
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 2019 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
NOVEMBER 28, 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 28, 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 29–DECEMBER 1 & DECEMBER 26–31, 10AM–5PM
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 $12 per person, and children under age four are admitted for free. Tours depart 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 29–DECEMBER 29, THURSDAYS–SUNDAYS, 11AM–3PM
A Gilded Age Christmas
Staatsburgh reopens for the holiday season on Friday, November 29th. 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, 1 Road, Staatsburg. 845-889-8851 parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/25/details.aspx
NOVEMBER 29–DECEMBER 29, 1–4PM, SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS
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 29–DECEMBER 22; 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, 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, Route 9W, Ulster Park. 845-339-2666 ext. 10. afrostyfest.com
NOVEMBER 29, 5PM–9PM
Santa Comes to the Emerson
Let the holiday magic begin at the Emerson! Join us for a fun-filled evening of lights and the arrival of Santa and be the first to visit the Emerson’s North Pole. Enjoy complimentary horse and carriage rides, pictures with Santa, holiday music, and more! Parents—this is a chance to get a head start on your Christmas shopping. The Emerson Country Stores is one-stop holiday shopping with our personal shopping service and complimentary custom wrapping. Go to Emerson Resort & Spa, 5340 Route 28, Mount Tremper. 845-688-2828. emersonresort.com/events/santa-comes-to-the-emerson-2019
NOVEMBER 30, 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 ol’ Saint Nick himself! Come hungry and enjoy hand-cut fries, sliders, and more. Go to Bell’s Christmas Tree Farm, 647 Mettacahonts Road, Accord. 845-626-7849. bellschristmastrees.com bellschristmastrees.com
DECEMBER 6, 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, December 6 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 Sandlot. Go to Downtown Poughkeepsie. bardavon.org/show/celebration-of-lights-parade-fireworks
DECEMBER 14, 7–9PM
River Mint Finery: Store Opening Party
Come celebrate our new store opening with small bites and bubbly during the last Stockade Nights Event of the season. Designers include: Ulla Johnson, Apiece Apart, NFP: New Form Perspective, 7115 by Szeki, Levis, Sorel, About Arianne, Avindy, Herbert Frere Soeur, Jennifer Zeuner, Cresconi, Fail, Night Space, Sita Murt, Janessa Leone, Seavees, and many more.... Plus, since it’s not a party without a party favor, our first 30 guests will get surprise swag. Please RSVP: kingston@rivermintfinery.com. Go to River Mint Finery, 270 Fair Street, Kingston. 845-481-5060. rivermintfinery.com
DECEMBER 6 AT 7:30PM, DECEMBER 7 AT 4PM, DECEMBER 8 AT 2PM
A Christmas Carol Presented by Ulster Ballet Company at Ulster Performing Arts Center
Ulster Ballet Company’s 25th 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 6–22, FRIDAYS AT 7PM, SATURDAYS AT 2PM & 7PM, SUNDAYS AT 7PM
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
The beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Go to The MainStage at Shadowland Stages, 157 Canal Street, Ellenville. 845-647-5511. shadowlandstages.org/2019-season/its-a-wonderful-life
DECEMBER 6 AT 4:30PM AND DECEMBER 7 AT 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 December 6; don’t miss it! Go to Historic Huguenot Street, 81 Huguenot Street, New Paltz. 845-255-1660. huguenotstreet.org/calendar-of-events
DECEMBER 6, 5–9PM
Woodstock Holiday Open House
Come out to Woodstock for the 38th Annual Holiday Open House! Enjoy a festive Friday evening of shopping, refreshments, a cozy bonfire, creative window displays, photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, holiday cheer, and more! Free and fun for the whole family. Go to the village of Woodstock. woodstockchamber.com
DECEMBER 7
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 13 & 14 AT 7:30PM, DECEMBER 15 AT 2PM
Catskill Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker at Ulster Performing Arts Center
Catskill Ballet Theatre presents its 37th annual Nutcracker Ballet at UPAC. This full-length ballet has become a tradition for many families and schools in the area. This year’s production features guest artists Yinet Fernandez from Dance Theatre of Harlem and Jose Carlos Losada from National Ballet of Cuba and 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 14, 10AM–2PM
Holiday Open House at Saunderskill Farms
Please join us for our Open House as we celebrate another great season! Tentative Menu: pizza bites, mac n’ cheese bites, taco dip and chips, spanakopita, dips, brie and chutney tarts, fig and goat cheese tarts, pigs in a blanket, mini cheesecakes, apple crisp, mini muffins, Christmas cookies, brownies and holiday punch. This is a free event. Each year we collect donations for our local food pantry or a local family in need. Leashed dogs are welcome at this event and on our outdoor patios. However, we have a no-pet policy in the market and fields. Thank you for your cooperation! Go to Saunderskill Farms, 5100 Route 209, Accord. 845-626-2676. saunderskill.com/events
DECEMBER 14, 11AM
Frozendale Presents: An American Tail
A young mouse named Fievel Mousekewitz (Phillip Glasser) and his family emigrate from Russia to the United States by boat after their home is destroyed by cats. During the trip, a fierce storm throws Fievel from the ship, and he loses contact with his family. Luckily, he manages to sail to New York in a bottle. There, Irish mouse Bridget (Cathianne Blore), an Italian mouse named Tony (Pat Musick), and a kindly cat named Tiger (Dom DeLuise) help Fievel search for his loved ones. Go to the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale. 845-658-8989. rosendaletheatre.org/monthly-calendar
DECEMBER 28, 9AM–2PM
Get Cozy With The Critters!
Join the Mohonk Preserve Youth Nature Ambassadors and get to know the creatures that call the Visitor Center home! Teens volunteers will be present throughout the day hosting crafts, story time, and demonstrations focused on our local critters. All ages welcome. This is a free program. Go to Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center, 3197 Route 44/55, Gardiner. 845-255-0919. mohonkpreserve.org/event/2019/12/28/1577541600/get-cozy-with-the-critters-/265845
DECEMBER 29–JANUARY 1
New Year’s Celebration at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch
The biggest party of the year! Pine Ridge Dude Ranch is the perfect New Year’s getaway for the whole family. Enjoy live music, a gourmet buffet, and champagne toast. We keep the whole family busy with tons of activities for all ages. Plus, book today and get 15% off your stay. Hurry, this offer won’t be available for long! Go to Pine Ridge Dude Ranch, 30 Cherrytown Road, Kerhonkson. 866-600-0859. pineridgeduderanch.com/biggest-party-of-the-year
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 8 pm 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
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
FEBRUARY 14–17
Valentine’s Week at Mohonk Mountain House
Celebrate with your sweetheart with a romantic getaway to our historic Victorian castle. Reconnect with a week-long stay filled with crafts, live music, and dancing. Indulge your sweetheart to a nature-inspired treatment in our award-winning spa or cozy up together near a fireplace with a handcrafted cocktail. Book your Valentine’s stay on our best rates of the year with the Midweek Winter Getaway package. Availability is limited. For reservations, please call 855-883-3798. Mohonk Mountain House, 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz. mohonk.com/events/holidays-at-mohonk/valentines-week
