Celebration of Lights Parade in Poughkeepsie
The 21st annual Celebration of Lights Parade with Fireworks will be held on Friday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m. The parade begins at Main and Garden Streets and proceeds to the first Christmas tree-lighting near Market Street. Santa Claus will arrive on a City of Poughkeepsie fire engine. The parade then proceeds down Main Street to conclude at Dongan Square Park for the second Christmas tree-lighting. Fireworks go off at 7:15 p.m.
Walkway Moonwalk in Poughkeepsie
Walkway over the Hudson’s December Member Moonwalk will be held during the Celebration of Lights event from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Enter from the Poughkeepsie approach. Admission is $5, free to Walkway members and children under the age of 16 who are accompanied by an adult. Hot cider and chocolate will be available for purchase.
The Muppet Movie on the Bardavon big screen
Following the parade and fireworks in Poughkeepsie, the Bardavon will present a screening of The Muppet Movie (1979) on Friday, December 5 at 8 p.m., preceded by a concert on the Wurlitzer organ at 7:30 p.m. General admission costs $6. The Muppet Movie follows Kermit the Frog as he embarks on a cross-country trip to Hollywood. Along the way, he encounters several of the Muppets – who all share his ambition of finding success in professional show business – while being pursued by a relentless restaurateur who wants to employ Kermit as a spokesperson for his frog legs business.
DEC. 5-6
Tree-lighting and Christmas Fair in New Paltz
The Reformed Church of New Paltz on Huguenot Street will host a Christmas Tree-lighting and caroling on Friday, December 5 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy “soup on the stoop” with soup and cider available for purchase. The sanctuary will be decorated and open for touring, with church historians on hand to answer questions. Mrs. Claus will stop by from 6 to 7 p.m. with cookies for decorating and a story, followed by a tree-lighting at 7 p.m. There will be a preview of the Christmas Fair, which opens on Saturday, December 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop the Fireside Room for handmade crafts, holiday décor, baked goods, fresh floral arrangements, poinsettias and wreaths. There will be a room of gently used items and a kids’ area for decorating cookies and face-painting. A gourmet South of the Border brunch featuring enchiladas and the winning salsas from the Apple Festival salsa contest will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Social Hall at a cost of $8.
DECEMBER 5-7
(Photo by Roger McKnight)
Ulster Ballet’s A Christmas Carol at UPAC in Kingston
Ulster Ballet’s 20th annual production of A Christmas Carol comes to the Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) on Friday and Saturday, December 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 at 2 p.m., featuring a cast of 65 dancers, actors and stage professionals. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $18 for seniors and UPAC/Bardavon members. Tickets for children age 12 and under or for groups of ten or more cost $15. A discounted ticket price of $15 is also available to employees of HealthQuest, Health Alliance, Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital of Westchester Medical Center, Marist, Bard and Vassar Colleges, City of Kingston and County of Ulster employees and members of the YMCA. Tickets are available at the UPAC box office at 601 Broadway in Kingston, (845) 339-6088, or through TicketMaster at (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.bardavon.org.
DECEMBER 5-20
It’s a Wonderful Life: The 1946 Radio Play at Culinary Institute
The new theater at the Culinary Institute of America will host productions of It’s a Wonderful Life: The 1946 Live Radio Play from Friday, December 5 through Saturday, December 20. Set “on-air” in a 1940s radio station, five actors playing 25 roles bring to life the timeless tale of George Bailey. A sound-effects artist encourages kids and adults alike to join in the “live radio show” fun. Performance times are Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., with an added show on Wednesday, December 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $35 to $45. To purchase tickets, call (800) 838-3006. Dinner reservations on-site are not required. The CIA will open its Italian restaurant Caterina de’ Medici for theatre patrons only on two Saturday nights, December 6 and December 13 from 5 to 6:15 p.m. Guests will enjoy a special prix fixe meal for $39. For reservations, call (845) 451-1553 or e-mail [email protected].
DEC. 5-21
It’s a Wonderful Life at Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
Up in One Productions will present It’s a Wonderful Life adapted for the stage at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck from Friday, December 5 through Sunday, December 21. Performances on Friday and Saturday begin at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. There is also a 3 p.m. show on Saturday, December 20. Tickets cost $22 to $24. The Center is located at 661 Route 308 in Rhinebeck. For more information, call (845) 876-3080 or visit www.centerforperformingarts.org.
The Santaland Diaries and Season’s Greetings in Phoenicia
The Shandaken Theatrical Society at 10 Church Street in Phoenicia will host performances of The Santaland Diaries Fridays through Sundays, December 5 to 21. The play by David Sedaris tells the story of an out-of-work actor who finds employment as Crumpet, a disgruntled Christmas elf at Macy’s. Season’s Greetings tells the holiday story of a family who find a new addition to their ranks on the doorstep. For more information, call (845) 688-2279 or visit www.stsplayhouse.com.
SATURDAY, DEC. 6
Sinterklaas Festival Day in Rhinebeck
The Sinterklaas Festival Day in Rhinebeck will feature performances of music, dance, theatrics, tightrope-walking and fire-juggling at venues throughout the village. Strolling musicians, dancing Grumpuses and a variety of colorful characters wander the streets of the village to delight children with stories and treats. Astride his white steed, Sinterklaas leads the Children’s Starlight Parade, which culminates in the center of town with the Sinterklaas pageant, honoring the children and ending with a wish for peace.
Family Day & Scavenger Hunt in Poughkeepsie
The fourth annual Family Day & Holiday Scavenger Hunt will be held on Saturday, December 6 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Visit with Santa at Dongan Square and experience ice carvers, a scavenger hunt, Disney Radio bounce house, prizes, storytellers, musicians and more. Admission is free.
Scavenger hunt registration begins at 11 a.m. at Caffe Aurora. Participation is free. Pick up an item card and area map for a holiday-themed scavenger hunt within the River District and Little Italy. Prizes are awarded randomly for all who complete the card, with drawings held at the Derby at 4 p.m. Visit with Santa. Parking is available in municipal lots. For more information, call (845) 473-2072 or visit www.bardavon.org or www.pokriverdistrict.org.
Holiday Radio Night at Shadowland Theatre in Ellenville
The Shadowland Theatre at 157 Canal Street in Ellenville will host two vintage live radio plays with a holiday theme on Saturday, December 6 at 7 p.m. The first is a Hallmark Playhouse adaptation of O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi. The second performance is The Big Little Jesus, based on an episode of Dragnet. In addition, the evening will feature live commercials written for local sponsors of the event, including Aroma Thyme Bistro, Gaby’s Cafe, the Publick House and more. The cast will include a mix of professional and civilian actors, including cast members of the theatre’s 2014 mainstage season and students at Shadowland’s Acting Academy. Tickets cost $12. For more information, call (845) 647-5511 or visit www.shadowlandtheatre.org.
Chamber Music Day at Bard College
A full day of chamber music will be offered on Saturday, December 6 at the László Z. Bitó Conservatory Building at Bard College in Annandale. There will be a concert at 1 p.m. with two intermissions, a light supper for the audience in the atrium and lounge at 6 p.m. and another concert at 7 p.m. For more information, call (845) 758-7196 or visit www.bard.edu/conservatory/events.
HollyDay Bazaar in Red Hook
The HollyDay Bazaar at the United Methodist Church of Red Hook at 4 Church Street on Saturday, December 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. will offer crafts, books, decorations, jewelry, baked goods and more. There will be a snack bar. The snow date is December 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.redhookumc.org.
Tuba Christmas at SUNY-Ulster
Tuba Christmas will be held on Saturday, December 6 in SUNY-Ulster’s Clinton Hall Conference Center at 3 p.m. Tuba and euphonium players of all ages will perform traditional Christmas music from around the world. Participants register at 12 noon, rehearse at 1 p.m. and perform the free concert beginning at 3 p.m. For more information, call (845) 687-5262 or go to www.sunyulster.edu. SUNY-Ulster is located at 491 Cottekill Road in Stone Ridge.
Houseplants for the Holidays in Germantown
Houseplants for the Holidays at the Old Parsonage at 52 Maple Avenue in Germantown will have fresh wreaths and table arrangements for purchase and a holiday boutique. The Open House will have information about growing and caring for indoor plants. For more information, call (518) 537-4868.
Winter Walk in Hudson
The Winter Walk in Hudson will find Warren Street between Front and Eighth Streets aglow with holiday decorations and activities as clowns, music, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, live reindeer, horse-drawn wagons, carolers and a legion of performers and characters fill the streets. The event begins at 5 p.m. with the carillon bells of the First Presbyterian Church marking the start of the Santa Parade that transports Mr. and Mrs. Claus from the Hudson Opera House to City Hall at 520 Warren Street, where free books are distributed to children all evening. The evening concludes at 8 p.m. with fireworks launched from Promenade Hill at the foot of Warren Street, but many businesses and restaurants will remain open afterward. The event is organized by the Hudson Opera House. The snow date is Saturday, December 13. For more information, call (518) 822-1438 or visit www.hudsonoperahouse.org.
Holiday Craft Fair at Highland High School
The Highland PTSA will host a Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Highland High School at 320 Pancake Hollow Road in Highland. More than 50 vendors will offer handcrafted goods, jewelry and food. There will be raffles, entertainment with Gina Marie’s Academy of Performing Arts, the musical talents of Highland students and a visit from Santa. Admission cost $2, $1 for seniors and students. For more information, visit the Highland High School PTSA on Facebook.
New York City holiday bus trip from Saugerties to New York City
The Girls’ Community Club annual New York City bus trip takes place on Saturday, December 6. The bus will leave from the Big Lots parking lot on Route 212 in Saugerties at 7 a.m. and return from New York City from the Hilton Hotel at 6:30 p.m. See a show, shop, visit the holiday sites and see the tree at Rockefeller Center. Round-trip tickets cost $33. Make checks payable to the Girls’ Community Club. For reservations and information, call Leeanne Thornton at (845) 246-5652.
DEC. 6-7
(Deborah Goldman)
Unison Crafts Fair in New Paltz
More than 50 craftspeople and fine artists will display and sell their work at the 24th annual Unison Crafts Fair on Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will include handcrafted gift items, ceramics, jewelry, leatherwork, woodwork, children’s clothing, wreaths, blown glass and more. Admission costs $4 for adults and is free for those under age 16. Adult admission includes a craft raffle ticket. Unison members pay $3. The event will be held at the New Paltz Middle School at 2 South Manheim Blvd. in New Paltz. For more information, call (845) 255-1559, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.unisonarts.org.
Holiday Pop-up Sale in Beacon
The Wickham Solid Wood Studio will host the second annual Work:Shop Holiday Pop-up Sale on Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The curated sale will feature handcrafted contemporary objects from 12 artisans working in the Hudson Valley. The event is held in the Wickham workshop, a renovated hat factory at 578 Main Street in Beacon. Admission is free. A café will offer holiday treats. Visitors are entered into a raffle for one of 12 items made by the vendors in the sale.
SUNDAY, DEC. 7
Service of Lessons and Carols in Poughkeepsie
Vassar College will host a Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 7 at 7 p.m. Conducted by Christine Howlett, associate professor of Music, and Drew Minter, lecturer in Music, the event will feature the Vassar College Choir, Women’s Chorus, Madrigal Singers, Cappella Festiva Chamber and Treble Choir. Vassar College is located at 124 Raymond Avenue in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 437-5370 or visit www.vassar.edu.
Into the Light! with the Vanaver Caravan in Ellenville
In collaboration with Arm-of-the-Sea Theater, the Caravan Kids in Ellenville and special guest singers Barely Lace, the Vanaver Caravan will present the holiday spectacular Into the Light! on Sunday, December 7 at the Shadowland Theatre in Ellenville. Performances will begin at 2 and 5 p.m. Into the Light! takes place in a northern country where Lucia, the heart of her village, loses her inner light as the sun’s light diminishes. Lucia is guided through the world’s communities to see how light is kept glowing through the darkest part of the year with music, dance and puppetry. Expect color, pageantry and heartfelt celebration of multicultural traditions. Open seating tickets are available at the door and cost $8 for adults and $5 for children under age 12. For more information, call (845) 647-5530 or, on the day of the performance, (845) 647-5511.
Holiday Open House at Vanderbilt Mansion
The Vanderbilt Mansion at 119 Vanderbilt Park Road in Hyde Park will host its annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Mansion will be decorated for the holidays, with refreshments provided by the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt Historical Association. Admission is free to the site from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (845) 486-7745 or (845) 229-6214, or visit www.historichydepark.org.
A Winter Songfest at Bard College
The Sosnoff Theater at Bard College’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts will host a family-friendly matinée concert, “A Winter Songfest,” on Sunday, December 7 at 3 p.m. Acclaimed soprano Dawn Upshaw and members of the Bard Conservatory graduate Vocal Arts program, postgraduate collaborative piano fellows, the Hudson Valley Brass and the chorus from the Red Hook Mill Road Elementary School will present a program of festive songs and ensembles to benefit the Scholarship Fund of the Bard College Conservatory of Music. Tickets cost $15, 20 and $100. Guests at the $100 level are invited to join Dawn Upshaw and the performers onstage for a post-concert reception in the theater immediately following the performance. Limited tickets are available, so reserve early. To purchase tickets or for more information, call (845) 758-7900 or visit www.fishercenter.bard.edu.
St. Nicholas Day Crafts Fair in Rhinebeck
The St. Nicholas Day Crafts Fair on Sunday, December 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. will feature handmade baskets, ornaments, baked goods and more, crafted by children, staff and volunteers of Astor Services for Children & Families. All proceeds support recreation and family-strengthening activities for children. Astor Services for Children & Families is located at 6339 Mill Street in Rhinebeck. For more information, call (845) 871-1117 or visit www.astorservices.org.
(Photo by Dion Ogust)
Holiday in the Village in Saugerties
Saugerties will host the annual Holiday in the Village on Sunday, December 7 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. There will be a Holiday Market, music, toy giveaways, live mannequins, free horse-carriage rides, kid’s crafts, Santa at the Kiersted House, entertainment and surprises, followed by the Parade of Lights to Seamon Park, where “A Visit from St. Nicholas” will be read. For more information, visit www.discoversaugerties.com.
Mountain Laurel Waldorf School Winter Faire in New Paltz
The Mountain Laurel Waldorf School at 16 South Chestnut Street in New Paltz will host the annual Winter Faire & Outdoor Marketplace on Sunday, December 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Make beautiful gifts from simple and natural materials, sip hot apple cider and browse local artisan wares. Savor the outdoor barbecue while enjoying live music. There will be puppetry, children’s games, refreshments, demonstrations and more. The indoor Waldorf Gift Shop and the outdoor marketplace will have a selection of jewelry, toys, collectibles, antiques, books, handmade crafts and ceramics. Admission is free, and the event goes on rain or shine. For more information, call (845) 255-0033 or visit www.mountainlaurel.org.
