Westchester families need look no futher than our comprehensive family activity guide for holiday fun. Here you’ll find kid-friendly events for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa for the child in your life.
Thursday, December 3
MOPS (MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS) WESTCHESTER DECEMBER MEETING: Enjoy breakfast and create holiday cards to send to outreach ministries across the US. Safe and nurturing childcare is available. 9:30am. Age: TOD, AD. FREE. Bedford Community Church, 160 Bedford Center Road, Bedford Hills. 914-666-5384. www.mopswestchester.com.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE MUSICAL: SPECIAL BENEFIT PERFORMANCE: Charles Dickens’ classic tale and beloved characters are brought to life on stage. All proceeds will benefit the Food Bank of Westchester. 8pm. Age: All. $30 and up. Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main Street, Bedford Hills. 914-244-0474. www.bedfordcommunitytheatre.org.
HOLIDAY TEA MUSICALE: Take a house tour, enjoy performances of holiday favorites and a formal tea. 1pm. Age: YE, TW, TE, AD. $55-$43, $29 children 16 and under. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah. 914-232-1252. www.caramoor.org.
HEALTHIER EATING DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON: Practical tips for eating healthier during the holiday season, presented by Donna D’Esso, MS, RD, CDN. 12:30pm. Age: AD. FREE. Calvary Hospital, Family Care Center, 1740 Eastchester Road, Bronx. 718-518-2574. www.calvaryhospital.org.
Friday, December 4
HOLIDAY TEA MUSICALE: See December 3.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE MUSICAL: Charles Dickens’ classic tale and beloved characters are brought to life on stage. 7:30pm. Age: All. $18. Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main Street, Bedford Hills. 914-244-0474. www.bedfordcommunitytheatre.org.
PURCHASE DANCE CORPS PRESENTS NUTCRACKER ’09: Guest artists Julie Diana and Zachary Hench from the Pennsylvania Ballet and over 250 local children join the Purchase Dance Corps and the Purchase Symphony Orchestra for this holiday tradition. 7:15pm. Age: All. $52.50-$27.50. Purchase College Performing Arts Center, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase. 914-251-6200. www.artscenter.org.
ANNUAL HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE: Shop for the holidays. A percentage of proceeds will go directly to Gilda’s Club Westchester. 10am. Age: All. FREE. Gilda’s Club of Westchester, 80 Maple Avenue, White Plains. 914-644-8844. www.gildasclubwestchester.org.
ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING: Enjoy warm refreshments by the fireplace while the Highland Falls Middle School choir performs the season’s favorite carols. 6pm. Age: All. FREE. Thayer Hotel, 674 Thayer Road, West Point. 845-446-4731. www.thethayerhotel.com.
Saturday, December 5
HOLIDAY TEA MUSICALE: See December 3.
PURCHASE DANCE CORPS PRESENTS NUTCRACKER ’09: See December 4. 2pm and 7pm.
PTA HOLIDAY HAPPINESS CRAFT FAIR: Over 100 vendors feature a variety of merchandise, an assortment of raffle prizes, a tag sale and refreshments. Children will have a special room to do their shopping in, plus a game room, crafts and more. 10am. Age: All. FREE. Primrose Elementary School, 110 Primrose Street, Somers. primsoreholidayhappiness@yahoo.com .
A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE MUSICAL: Charles Dickens’ classic tale and beloved characters are brought to life on stage. 3pm and 7:30pm. Age: All. $18. Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main Street, Bedford Hills. 914-244-0474. www.bedfordcommunitytheatre.org.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS FROM NATURE: Make decorations for your house or tree using twigs, vines, berries and more. 1pm. Age: All. FREE. Cranberry Lake Preserve, 1609 Old Orchard Street, North White Plains. 914-428-1005. www.westchestergov.com/parks.
POLAR PLUNGE FUNDRAISER: Take a plunge into the winter waters to show your support and raise money for the Special Olympics. Preregistration is required. 9am. Age: All. FREE. Playland Amusement Park, Playland Parkway, Rye. 212-661-5217. www.specialolympicsny.org.
ST. NICHOLAS CELEBRATION AND CONCERT: Enjoy a live performance by the Bronx Arts Ensemble, plus holiday treats, and a visit from Santa. 1pm and 3pm. Age: All. FREE. Philipse Manor Hall, 29 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers. 914-965-4027. www.philipsemanorhall.blogspot.com.
BERESHEET BUNCH: Learn about the Jewish holiday of Chanukah as part of a continuing series of parent-child programs. 10am. Age: TOD, AD. FREE. Sinai Free Synagogue, 550 North Columbus Avenue, Mt. Vernon. 914-664-1727. www.sinaifreesynagogue.org.
HOLIDAY GARDEN WORKSHOP: AMARYLLIS GIFT POT: Pot up an amaryllis bulb in a terracotta pot, cover with a saucer and decorate the “kit” for a beautiful, unique and environmentally friendly holiday gift. Preregistration is recommended. 11am. Age: TW, TE, AD. $20. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.org.
FAMILY ART PROJECT: SEASON’S GREETINGS: Make your own live action holiday cards. Liven up the winter with pop-up scenes of Wave Hill’s winter wonders to send and share. 1pm. Age: All. $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children ages 6-18, free children under 6. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.org.
HOLIDAY ROCKET, A STAR SHOW: Explore a computer animated journey around a future solar system, where human settlers hold onto their holiday traditions as they brave the space frontier. Delve into the traditions of giving in Christian, Jewish and Muslim societies, as well as Kwanzaa, and light filled celebrations of the solstice. 3:30pm. Age: All. $5, $3 children. Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers. 914-963-4550. www.hrm.org.
A FAIRY TALE HOLIDAY: Visit the Lyndhurst mansion at night and celebrate the season with live music and hot mulled cider amid the lavishly decorated rooms. Reservations are required. 4pm. Age: All. $15, $6 children ages 3-12, free children under 3. Lyndhurst, 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown. 914-631-4481. www.lyndhurst.org.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE AND HOLIDAY DECOR SALE: Shop for Fraser fir trees and red and white poinsettias, pine roping and decorated or undecorated wreaths. Plus, the International Holiday Boutique features handmade items to support Esther’s Aid in Rwanda and Masa Pan (bread dough) tree ornaments, wool shawls, ponchos, tablecloths and purses from Ecuador. Free doughnuts, coffee and hot chocolate will be available. All proceeds go directly to local charitable organizations. 7am. Age: All. FREE. Huguenot Memorial Church, 901 Pelhamdale Avenue (at Post Road), Pelham. 914-738-3488.
READY, SET, SLEEP: Learn about the animals who burrow down into the leaf litter, some even freeze until spring. Discover the ingenious strategies of local wildlife which help them survive the cold and snow. 11am. Age: All. $5. Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining. 914-762-2912. www.teatown.org.
A SWEET CHRISTMAS TREE: Learn how to prepare struffoli with your child and treasure it as a family tradition. 2pm. Age: YE, TW, TE. $38. Westchester Italian Cultural Center, One Generoso Pope Place, Tuckahoe. 914-771-8700. www.wiccny.org.
Sunday, December 6
PURCHASE DANCE CORPS PRESENTS NUTCRACKER ’09: See December 4. 1pm and 5pm.
A FAIRY TALE HOLIDAY: See December 5. 3pm.
HOLIDAY ROCKET, A STAR SHOW: See December 5.
CHANUKAH ROCKS! HOLIDAY GIFT FACTORY AND STORYTELLER: Make crafts in the Gift Factory that you can share with friends and family for the holidays. Enjoy latkes and watch hip-hop, theater and other performances by kids. Plus stories and book readings by Felicia Miller-Stehr, author of Are You Chanukah or Christmas? RSVP is requested. 2pm. Age: All. FREE. Rosenthal JCC of Northern Westchester, 600 Bear Ridge Road, Pleasantville. 914-741-0333 x 29. www.rosenthaljcc.org.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE MUSICAL: Charles Dickens’ classic tale and beloved characters are brought to life on stage. 3pm. Age: All. $18. Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main Street, Bedford Hills. 914-244-0474. www.bedfordcommunitytheatre.org.
HOLIDAY COOKIES: Make your own unique holiday cookies to take home. 1pm. Age: TOD, YE. FREE. Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah. 914-864-7282. www.muscootfarm.org.
WREATHMAKING: Bring a wire ring, a small green wire, gloves and pruning shears and use the Sanctuary’s greens and decorative items to make your holiday wreath. 2pm. Age: TW, TE, AD. $5. Westmoreland Sanctuary, 260 Chestnut Ridge Road, Bedford Corners. 914-666-8448. www.westmorelandsanctuary.org.
THE MITZVAH PROJECT FAMILY DIVISION: Learn about the project and make a real contribution to your community, while gaining a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that comes from helping others. Free pizza will be served. RSVP is required. 1:30pm. Age: TOD, YE, AD. FREE. Rosenthal JCC, 600 Bear Ridge Road, Pleasantville. 914-741-0333. www.rosenthaljcc.org.
HOLIDAY GARDEN WORKSHOP: NATURAL WREATHS AMD SWAGS: Select a variety of fresh greens, herbs, spices and other natural materials to create lush and fragrant holiday decorations. Using simple floral techniques, craft one elegant wreath or swag to take home. Preregistration is recommended. 11am. Age: TW, TE, AD. $30. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.org.
FAMILY ART PROJECT: SEASON’S GREETINGS: Make your own live action holiday cards. Liven up the winter with pop-up scenes of Wave Hill’s winter wonders to send and share. 1pm. Age: All. $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children ages 6-18, free children under 6. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.org.
VICTORIAN HOLIDAY: Celebrate Westchester Free Arts Day. Coventry Carolers in Victorian costume sing holiday songs. Explore the Victorian Ribbon Web to see how some Victorian families exchanged gifts, and make Victorian Christmas crackers and holiday cards. 1pm. Age: All. FREE. Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers. 914-963-4550. www.hrm.org.
HOLIDAY BAKING: Bake old time sweet favorites like gingerbread and other festive goodies and then bring your treats home to enjoy. Preregistration is required. 6pm. Age: YE, TW, TE, AD. $10. Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Road, Rye. 914-967-5150. www.ryenaturecenter.org.
FAMILY GIVE-BACK HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Enjoy hot and cold beverages, followed by face painting and other activities. Bring new, unwrapped books and pajamas as a gift to the Pajama Program, a not-for-profit organization that provides new warm pajamas and new books to children in need. 10am. Age: All. $15. The Ritz-Carlton, 3 Renaissance Square, White Plains. 914-946-5500. www.ritzcarlton.com.
Wednesday, December 9
AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS: A classic opera that tells the story of a crippled boy, Amahl, and his mother who live among the shepherds of Jerusalem and are visited by three kings on their way to pay homage to a newborn child in Bethlehem. 10:30am. Age: All. $15, $5 children under 16. Purchase College Performing Arts Center, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase. 914-251-6200. www.artscenter.org.
SOUL VOICES: A WINTER SOUL-STICE CONCERT: The Soul Voices Gospel Ensemble, under the direction of pianist/composer and jazz studies professor Pete Malinverni, will feature his arrangements of several spirituals, a tribute to Michael Jackson, and an evening of music taken from or inspired by the unique contribution of the African-American experience to American and world music and culture. 7:30pm. Age: TW, TE, AD. $20. Purchase College Performing Arts Center, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase. 914-251-6200. www.artscenter.org.
Thursday, December 10
HOLIDAY TEA MUSICALE: See December 3.
AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS: See December 9.
Friday, December 11
HOLIDAY TEA MUSICALE: See December 3.
AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS: See December 9. 10:30am and 7pm.
HOLIDAY JAZZ: The faculty quartet presents traditional holiday tunes performed in a variety of jazz styles. 7pm. Age: All. $15, $10 students and seniors. Music Conservatory of Westchester, 216 Central Avenue, White Plains. 914-761-3900. www.musicconservatory.org.
NUTCRACKER NOW 2009: All forms of dance including hip-hop, ballet, modern, and break-dancing come together for Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists’ modern interpretation of the Nutcracker. 7:30pm. Age: All. $18-$12. Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main Street, Irvington. 914-591-6602. www.irvingtontheater.com.
Saturday, December 12
HOLIDAY TEA MUSICALE: See December 3.
A FAIRY TALE HOLIDAY: See December 5.
HOLIDAY ROCKET, A STAR SHOW: See December 5.
NUTCRACKER NOW 2009: See December 11.
CHANUKAH CONCERT BY KOL RINAH: Enjoy joyous Chanukah music and the spirited voices of Kol Rinah, Westchester’s Jewish Community Chorus. Reception to follow. 7pm. Age: AD. FREE. Rosenthal JCC of Northern Westchester, 600 Bear Ridge Road, Pleasantville. 914-232-7281. www.kolrinahchorus.org.
HOLIDAY CANDLE MAKING: Make unique candles to display for the holidays or to give as gifts. 1pm. Age: All. FREE. Lenoir Nature Preserve, 19 Dudley Street, Yonkers. 914-968-5851. www.westchestergov.com/parks.
WINTER DUCK WALK: Take a walk to see the Scaup as well as the dozen other species that use the lake as their wintering grounds. Binoculars provided. 10am. Age: All. FREE. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Playland Parkway, Rye. 914-967-8720. www.westchestergov.com/parks.
BREAKFAST WITH THE BIRDS: Search for and observe a number of species who have taken up residence in the forests for the winter. Bring binoculars. Refreshments will be available. Preregistration is required. 10am. Age: All. FREE. Westmoreland Sanctuary, 260 Chestnut Ridge Road, Bedford Corners. 914-666-8448. www.westmorelandsanctuary.org.
VICTORIAN TREE DECORATING PARTY AND SPECIAL HOUSE TOUR: Learn about the Victorian period as you decorate the Manor Hall’s tree with various homemade ornaments and make some to take home. Plus, enjoy holiday treats and music, followed by a holiday themed house tour. 4pm. Age: All. $5, free children under 12. Philipse Manor Hall, 29 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers. 914-965-4027. www.philipsemanorhall.blogspot.com.
OPERA IN THE HISTORIC CHURCH: The Bronx Opera Company will perform favorite excerpts from classic operas as well as performances and sing-alongs of some traditional seasonal carols and holiday favorites. 12pm. Age: All. FREE. Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site, 897 South Columbus Ave., Mount Vernon. 914-667-4116. www.nps.gov/sapa.
TOT SHABBAT: Join Rabbi Barzilai and Cantor Glover for a half-hour service of music and stories to celebrate the holiday of Chanukah. 11am. Age: All. FREE. Sinai Free Synagogue, 550 North Columbus Avenue, Mt. Vernon. 914-664-1727. www.sinaifreesynagogue.org.
FAMILY ART PROJECT: IT’S A WRAP: Make one-of-a-kind wrapping paper by printing repeated patterns inspired by Wave Hill’s stately evergreens and other natural elements of the season. 1pm. Age: All. $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children ages 6-18, free children under 6. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.org.
KWANZAA PROGRAM: Celebrate Kwanzaa and make a kinara candleholder. Registration is required. 2pm. Age: YE. FREE. Ossining Public Library, 53 Croton Avenue, Ossining. 914-941-4148. www.eduscapeassociates.com.
AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS: A touching Christmas opera that takes place in Israel at the time of the birth of Christ. The Three Kings are following the North Star on their journey to visit the new king and on the way, they stop off at Amahl’s home to rest. Amahl, the disabled child of a poor widow, demonstrates such great kindness that a miracle occurs. 7pm. Age: YE, TW, TE, AD. FREE. Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla. 914-606-6262. www.sunywcc.edu.
HOLIDAY SHOWCASE: Dancers, singers, and actors between the ages of 3-19 present a special holiday performance. 2pm. Age: All. $12-$18. Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main Street, Irvington. 914-591-6602. www.irvingtontheater.com.
CANDLELIGHT TOURS: Christmas in the 1850s comes to life with a tour of a lantern lit path to the Sunnyside cottage decorated with holly, evergreens, and real candles. Excerpts from Irving’s Christmas tales and family letters are the theme of the evening. Join in song while a costumed guide accompanies on the 1830s piano and enjoy hot cider beside the fire. Reservations are required. 4pm. Age: All. $14, $6 children 5-17, free children under 5. Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, 89 West Sunnyside Lane, Tarrytown. 914-631-8200. www.hudsonvalley.org.
CANDLELIGHT TOURS TWELFTH NIGHT: Visit the home of one of the wealthiest families of the post-Revolutionary era and take a stroll through the orchard, lit by candle lanterns to the tenant house to meet the Lord of Misrule. Then watch as guests dance to the lively strains of the fiddler and drink a toast to the season. Reservations are required. 4pm. Age: All. $14, $6 children 5-17, free children under 5. Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 South Riverside Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson. 914-631-8200. www.hudsonvalley.org.
HANUKKAH PUPPET SHOW AND PARTY WITH JILL LIFLANDER: Celebrate the Festival of Lights with activities and fun. 3pm. Age: TOD, YE. FREE. Warner Library, 121 North Broadway, Tarrytown. 914-631-7734. www.warnerlibrary.org.
GINGERBREAD COOKIE DECORATING: Use a decorating kit and make the best decorated cookie to win a special gift. Plus, enjoy activities, a special guest and refreshments. 9am. Age: TOD, YE. $30. The Ritz-Carlton, 3 Renaissance Square, White Plains. 914-946-5500. www.ritzcarlton.com.
RIVER EXPLORERS: HOLIDAY RIVER ORNAMENTS: Explore the beach to find river artifacts and create a unique holiday ornament or mobile while sipping hot cocoa by the fire. Preregistration is required. 11am and 1pm. Age: YE, TW. $5. Beczak Environmental Education Center, 35 Alexander Street, Yonkers. 914-377-1900. www.beczak.org.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS FROM NATURE: Create decorations for the holidays using natural materials. 1pm. Age: All. FREE. Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Routes 35 and 121 South, Cross River. 914-864-7322. www.westchestergov.com/Parks.
CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM: Enjoy mulled cider and holiday treats as you listen to carolers and enjoy a tour of the farm by lantern. 5pm. Age: All. FREE. Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah. 914-864-7282. www.muscootfarm.org.
Sunday, December 13
A FAIRY TALE HOLIDAY: See December 5. 3pm.
FAMILY ART PROJECT- IT’S A WRAP: See December 12.
GRAND LEGO MENORAH CHANUKAH PARTY: Enjoy a Chanukah family party, featuring “the world’s largest Lego menorah” to be built by all participating with Lego architect Stephen Schwartz. There will be latkes, doughnuts and Chanukah fun for all ages. 2pm. Age: All. FREE. Chabad of the Rivertowns, 303 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry. 914-330-1366. www.chabadrt.org.
HOLIDAY CONCERT FOR PEACE BY THE SONGCATCHERS CONCERT CHOIR: Children and adults of the choir will perform songs of the season and prayers for peace. 4:30pm. Age: All. FREE. College of New Rochelle Chapel, 29 Castle Place, New Rochelle. 914-654-1178. www.songcatchers.info.
WILDLIFE TREATS: Decorate a tree using natural treats for the holiday season to help wildlife find food. 1pm. Age: All. $5. Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining. 914-762-2912. www.teatown.org.
BREAKFAST WITH FROSTY THE SNOWMAN AND FRIENDS: Meet Frosty and his friends for a sing-a-long and fun holiday activities. 9am. Age: TOD, YE. $45. FREE. The Ritz-Carlton, 3 Renaissance Square, White Plains. 914-946-5500. www.ritzcarlton.com.
Monday, December 14
HOLIDAY CHORAL CONCERT: Celebrate the music of J. S. Bach with performances by the Purchase Camerata, the Purchase College Chorus, and Purchase Chamber Singers. 8pm. Age: TW, TE, AD. $10. Purchase College Performing Arts Center, PepsiCo Theatre, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase. 914-251-6200. www.artscenter.org.
Thursday, December 17
HOLIDAY TEA MUSICALE: See December 3.
Friday, December 18
HOLIDAY TEA MUSICALE: See December 3.
THE NUTCRACKER: The timeless classic and annual tradition is presented by the Westchester Ballet Company. 10am. Age: All. $18, $12 children ages 2-10 in advance; $22 day of show; $4 parking. Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue, White Plains. 914-813-7761. www.countycenter.biz.
Saturday, December 19
HOLIDAY ROCKET, A STAR SHOW: See December 5.
A FAIRY TALE HOLIDAY: See December 5.
CANDLELIGHT TOURS: See December 12.
CANDLELIGHT TOURS TWELFTH NIGHT: See December 12.
THE NUTCRACKER: See December 18. 12:30pm and 4:30pm.
THE NUTCRACKER AT YORKTOWN STAGE: A holiday tradition presented by the Dance Theatre in Westchester. 1pm and 5pm. Age: All. $25, $21 seniors and students, $19 children under 12. Yorktown Stage, 1974 Commerce St., Yorktown Heights. 914-962-0606. www.yorktownstage.org.
IL CORO DEI BAMBINI DI NATALE: Children sing a variety of traditional Italian Christmas hymns and holiday songs. 11am. Age: All. FREE. Father Fata Hall at the Church of the Assumption, 53 Winter Hill Road, Tuckahoe. 914-793-2629. www.lapiazzadicarolina.com.
CHRISTMAS ORGAN CONCERT: Learn about the development of Christmas holiday traditions in America then enjoy a recital by Jan Piet Knijff featuring classical music on the historic 1833 pipe organ, including some traditional carols and holiday favorites. Refreshments will be served. 1pm. Age: All. FREE. Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site, 897 South Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon. 914-667-4116. www.nps.gov/sapa.
JINGLE JAM: Celebrate the coming of winter, the first snow fall and everyone’s favorite holidays with festive holiday songs, treats and jingles. Preregistration is required. 10am and 11am. Age: TOD, YE. $15 advance, $20 at the door, $10/siblings. Groove Performing Arts, 157 Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont. 914-834-3383. www.findgroove.com.
THE NUTCRACKER FILM PRESENTATION: A unique interpretation filmed in the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, home of the Kirov Ballet Academy and the Nutcracker’s original stage. 11:30am. Age: All. $15. Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main Street, Irvington. 914-591-6602. www.irvingtontheater.com.
HANDMADE HOLIDAY GIFTS: Make useful and beautiful handmade holiday gifts for the lucky people on your list. Preregistration is required. 11am. Age: YE, TW, TE. $5. Beczak Environmental Education Center, 35 Alexander Street, Yonkers. 914-377-1900. www.beczak.org.
ANIMAL PREPARATIONS FOR WINTER: Go on a hike around the preserve and find out how turtles, chipmunks, and other creatures survive during the winter months. 1pm. Age: All. FREE. Cranberry Lake Preserve, 1609 Old Orchard Street, North White Plains. 914-428-1005. www.westchestergov.com/parks.
Sunday, December 20
HOLIDAY ROCKET, A STAR SHOW: See December 5.
A FAIRY TALE HOLIDAY: See December 5. 3pm.
BREAKFAST WITH FROSTY THE SNOWMAN AND FRIENDS: See December 13.
THE NUTCRACKER: See December 18. 2pm.
THE NUTCRACKER AT YORKTOWN STAGE: See December 19. 1pm only..
CREATIVE CONNECTIONS: GIFT GIVING: Go on a family tour and explore Janelle Iglesias’ installation of entangled ribbons in Glenview and discover how some Victorian families exchanged gifts. Then, make Victorian Christmas crackers and holiday cards. 12:30pm. Age: All. $5, $3 children. Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers. 914-963-4550. www.hrm.org.
STORY SUNDAYS: THE BIG SNOW: Listen to seasonal stories and participate in activities about nature, animals and ecology. 11am. Age: YE, AD. $5. Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining. 914-762-2912. www.teatown.org.
WINTER ADAPTATIONS HIKE: Go on a hike and learn about the winter adaptations of the woodland animals. 1pm. Age: YE, TW, TE, AD. FREE. Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah. 914-864-7282. www.muscootfarm.org.
Monday, December 21
JINGLE JAM: See December 19.
THE NUTCRACKER BALLET: Presented by the professional ballet company, Ballet Du Monde, who bring together stars of major ballet companies from around the world and the United States in a full-length production filled with intense drama, comedic mice and artistry. 8pm. Age: All. $35-$55, discounted admission children under 12. Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main Street, Tarrytown. 877-840-0457. www.tarrytownmusichall.org.
STAMPER SURPRISE STORYTIME AND CRAFT: Listen to seasonal stories and use stampers to create a paper cube. Preregistration is required. 10:30am. Age: TOD. FREE. Larchmont Public Library, 121 Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont. 914-834-2281. www.larchmontlibrary.org.
PEACE SIGN CRAFT WORKSHOP: Make a seasonal pasta craft that’s great as either a gift or for your own door. Preregistration is required. 2pm. Age: YE. FREE. Larchmont Public Library, 121 Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont. 914-834-2281. www.larchmontlibrary.org.
Tuesday, December 22
JINGLE JAM: See December 19.
THE NUTCRACKER BALLET: Presented by the professional ballet company, Ballet Du Monde, who bring together stars of major ballet companies from around the world and the United States in a full-length production filled with intense drama, comedic mice and artistry. 8pm. Age: All. $35-$55, discounted admission children under 12. Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main Street, Tarrytown. 877-840-0457. www.tarrytownmusichall.org.
Wednesday, December 23
THE NUTCRACKER BALLET: See December 22.
Saturday, December 26
HOLIDAY ROCKET, A STAR SHOW: See December 5.
A FAIRY TALE HOLIDAY: See December 5.
CANDLELIGHT TOURS: See December 12.
CANDLELIGHT TOURS TWELFTH NIGHT: See December 12.
Sunday, December 27
HOLIDAY ROCKET, A STAR SHOW: See December 5.
A FAIRY TALE HOLIDAY: See December 5. 3pm.
Monday, December 28
WINTER OWL HIKE: Take a brief hike in search of owls then gather around the fireplace with a cup of hot cider or cocoa and learn about the shortest days of the year. Preregistration is required; space is limited. 4:30pm. Age: YE, TW, TE, AD. $10. Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Road, Rye. 914-967-5150. www.ryenaturecenter.org.
Tuesday, December 29
FILM FOR A WINTER DAY: See one of the newest titles to be released on DVD. 4pm. Age: YE, TW. FREE. Chappaqua Library, 195 South Greeley Avenue, Chappaqua. 914-238-4779. www.chappaqualibrary.org.
Wednesday, December 30
WARM FOR THE WINTER: Big Jeff presents a musical program where audience participation is encouraged. 2pm. Age: TOD. FREE. Ossining Public Library, 53 Croton Ave., Ossining. 914-941-4148. www.eduscapeassociates.com.
