Holiday Events In & Around Armonk, Bedford & Chappaqua

admin Posted OnNovember 6, 2015

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Here’s a mixed bag of holiday events. See how a real princess celebrated the holidays, find out where to ice skate, and where to shop to benefit a cause,

What To Do: Mixed Bag

Radio City Christmas Spectacular: The Rockettes (the older you get the more you appreciate them) guide Santa’s Sleigh, float across the stage in the famous ‘Snow’ scene, perform the amazing domino tumble in the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” ride the Gray Line through Manhattan, trek to the North Pole to help Santa, turn into a thousand Santa’s during “Santa Claus is Coming To Town, “and KICK, KICK, KICK until Santa arrives at Radio City Music Hall – the grand Art Deco showcase built by John D. Rockefeller during the Great Depression. Fri, 11/13-Sun, 1/3: check times. (1260 Ave. of the Americas, NYC: www.radiocitychristmas.com)

Local! Black Friday Shopping at Rosenthal JCC: Get a jump on your holiday shopping at the Rosenthal JCC’S BLACK FRIDAY event on Nov. 13^th. Doors open at 9:15 and stay open until 1:00pm, with over 20 upscale vendors including women’s and children’s clothing, handbags, jewelry, accessories, monogrammed and personal events_JCC_fashion-shopping_sml items and more. Light refreshments will be served. Fri, 11/13: 9:15-1pm. Save by purchasing tickets in advance. (Rosenthal JCC, 600 Bear Ridge Rd., Pleasantville; www.rosenthaljcc.org)

Local! Holiday Cooking Classes at Rosenthal JCC: Informal cooking classes led by Hillary Mara, the Rosenthal JCC’s Food/Gardening Consultant includes seasonal and holiday recipes that will impress your family and friends! They’ll be cooking up Apple Galette: Wed, 11/18:9:30-11am. Learn how to make latkes without grating potatoes when the JCC whips up some Ricotta Cheese latkes: Wed, 12/2: 9:30-11am. (Rosenthal JCC, 600 Bear Ridge Rd., Pleasantville; www.rosenthaljcc.org)

Local! St. Patrick’s Christmas Boutique: Can’t wait until Black Friday to start your holiday shopping? The St. Patrick’s Holiday Boutique has been the traditional beginning of the Christmas shopping season in Bedford for over 25 years. What you will find high-quality gifts, including crafts, collectibles, jewelry, decorations, leather goods, clothing and toys. And just like The Westchester, there’s a café, bakery, and SANTA. Sat, 11/21: 9am-4pm. (St. Patrick’s School, 483 Old Post Rd., Bedford; www.stpatricksbedford.com)

Local! Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, Kensico Dam Plaza: Now in it’s second year, this month long event from the Friends of Westchester Parks and the Westchester Medical Center features out door ice-skating and holiday music with a choreographed light show, a candy cane forest, and a Santa experience. Shop at the artisan and winteer_wonderland_candy_cane_forest craft village and chow down at the food court. Pay one price for unlimited skating and rides. There is also a calendar of special Sunday events to be announced soon. Last year’s events included ice sculpting demonstrations, holiday stories with master storytellers Jonathan Kruk and Ann Sayre, and the White Plains Recreation and Parks Forever Young Singers. Fri, 11/27-Sun,1 /3/16. 5-10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. 5-9pm on Sundays and weekdays. Check dates. (Kensico Dam Plaza Park, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla; www.winterwonderland.com)

Local! Ice Skating at The Harvey School: In cooperation with The Harvey School, Jim Whiting and his staff at Bedford Recreation offers two hours of public skating for all ages at The Harvey School ice rink on the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas. There will be a DJ spinning fave tunes and requests. Admission is just $5 and you must provide your own skates. No hockey playing. Fri, 11/27: 12:45-2:45pm & Mon, 12/26: 12:45-2:45pm. For more info call Bedford Recreation at 914.666.7004 or check you Fall Brochure. (The Harvey School, 260 Jay St., Katonah; www.bedfordny.gov)

A Very Duchess Holiday, Lyndhurst: You’ve seen the Disney princesses, Long Island princesses and even real housewives. Now see how a real princess dressed and lived in this holiday exhibit of the couture of the last owner of Lyndhurst, Anna, the Duchess of Talleyrand and Princess of Sagan. Anna’s hats, dresses, lingerie and luggage are displayed throughout the mansion that is elaborately decorated for the holidays. So are an additional 10,000 pieces she left behind, when she donated the mansion to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1961 including Gould family toys, holiday tableware, quilts, a sleigh and more. Check out the hats on the upside down hat Christmas tree. Tours on the hour, Fri-Sun, 11/27-12/27:10am-4pm. (Lyndhurst, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; www.lyndhurst.org)

Local! Christmas Tree Sale, North White Plains Fire Department: The annual North White Plains Fire Co. #1 Christmas Tree Sale runs from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, as supplies last. They have sold out in 2-3 weeks in the last 4 years and anticipate the same this year. Stop by Thursday & Friday nights from 4pm to 8pm, and Saturday & Sunday all day from 9am to 9pm to find the perfect tree for you and your family! While you’re here grab a cup of coffee and take a tour of the firehouse with the firefighters! Begins 11/27. (621 N. Broadway, N. White Plains; www.ncfsd.com)

Local! Northeast Westchester Rotary Club Christmas Tree Sale: Trees will be on sale at Bedford Hills Park shortly after Thanksgiving and will be sold Tues- Fri, 5-8pm & Sat- Sun 9am-6pm.

Local! Small Business Saturday: American Express card members get a $10 statement credit when they spend $10 or more in a single transaction at a qualifying small business. Hundreds of shops and restaurant in & around town will be participating. Sat, 11/28. For a list of participants or to register your card go to www.americanexpress.com)

Artisans Faire – Muscoot Farm: A variety of elegant and unique homespun treasures from 25 local craft designers will be onsale for holiday shopping. Tues-Mon, 11/29-12-5: check times. (Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah; www.muscootfarm.org)

Christmas in Rockefeller Center: The 2015 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit for the first time on Wednesday, December 2 with live performances from 7–9 PM, at Christmas at Rockefeller Center2003 Rockefeller Plaza, between West 48th and West 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Tens of thousands will crowd the sidewalks for the event and hundreds of millions will watch it live on NBC. The tree will remain lit for viewing until 8pm on January 6th, 2016. Wed, 12/3: 7-9pm. (45 Rockefeller Plaza, NYC; www.rockefellercenter.com)

Westchester All Stars Christmas for Wounded Veterans: Featuring comedian Tony Darrow (Goodfellas/The Sopranos), Rock n Roll Hall of Famer and Rascals guitarist, Gene Cornish, guitar legend Earl Slick (David Bowie/John Lennon), rock drummer Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge/Rod Stewart/Jeff Beck) and many more. This show raises funds for wounded veterans organizations including The Bob Woodruff Foundation. Fri, 12/4: 7:30pm. (Paramount Hudson Valley, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill; www.paramounthudsonvalley.com)

Local! Katonah Elementary School PTO Holiday Boutique: Shop till you drop at the Katonah Elementary School PTO’s Holiday Boutique featuring one of a kind merchandise from local vendors, artisans and students too. Gifts include candle holders, vases, gourmet popcorn, hand woven items, pottery, jewelry, sculpey minis, children’s gifts, home decor, handmade scarves, hair accessories, sewn goods, leather handbags and more. Fri, 12/4: 5:30-8:3-pm at the Katonah Elementary School Gymnasium.

Local! Bedford Village Jingle Pass Weekend & Tree Lighting: Hosted by the Bedford Village Business Association, Jingle Pass Weekend is kicked off with a countdown to the tree lighting and hot chocolate at the firehouse on Fri, 12/4: 7pm, followed by caroling and the annual tree lighting ceremony on Village Green. Throughout the weekend there will be a spirited shopping atmosphere with discounts and treats offered by local merchants on Fri-Sun, 12/4-6. (Bedford Village Green, Bedford Village; http://bedfordvillagebusiness.com)

Local! A Christmas Cabaret – ARC Stages: Songs celebrating the season starring Broadway’s Cris Groenendaal (Phantom of the Opera) with Sue Anderson on piano. Mon, 12/5: 8pm & Tues, 12/6: 2pm. (ARC Stages, 147 Wheeler Place, Pleasantville, NY; www.arcstages.org)

First Congregational Church of Chappaqua Holiday Boutique: There are lots of holiday happenings at the First Congregational Church of Chappaqua including their Holiday Boutique on Sat, 12/12: 9am-2pm. The Chappaqua Farmer’s Market will also take up residence for the winter there on 12/12. There’s and Advent Work Shop, Carol Sing and Tree Trimming on Sun., 12/6: 11:30am and a Christmas Tree Sale on Saturdays and Sundays from 12/6-20. (First Congregational Church of Chappaqua, 210 Orchard Ridge Rd., Chappaqua, 914.2384411; http://www.fcc-chappaqua.org)

The Gift of The Magi – Schoolhouse Theatre: Adapted from the O. Henry Christmas love story, this new adaptation by Bram Lewis is set against a back drop of the immigrant streets of New York with all the wonder of the three wise men who gave us the first gifts of Christmas. Starring Carey Van Driest and Timothy Carter who both appeared in The International at the Peter Jay Sharpe Theater on 42 Street and Schoolhouse Theater alum Len Gochman. Thurs-Sat: 12/10-19: 8pm & Sun: 12/12-20: 3pm. (Schoolhouse Theatre, 3 Owens Rd., Croton Falls: www.schoolhousetheater.org)

Local! Looking at Christmas – Play Readings By The Armonk Players: This slightly twisted romantic comedy takes place on Christmas Eve in New York City when a failed writer and a struggling actress meet at the holiday windows at Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf’s, Lord & Taylor’s and Macy’s. The windows come alive taking the audience on a delightful romp through some of the world’s great Christmas stories with just enough bite to make it exciting — and hilarious. Wed, 12/16: 8pm. (Whippoorwill Hall, North Castle Public Library, Armonk; http://www.armonkplayers.org)

Local! Gold In Your Attic Holiday Sale – New Castle Historical Society: Each year “Gold in Your Attic,” offers an array of silver, crystal, jewelry, artwork and decorative accessories from antiques to mid-century modern. Aome of the more recent items include a rare Russian samovar, an opaline glass light fixture from Paris, vintage embroidered Japanese kimonos, and Tiffany candlesticks. Over the years, “Gold in Your Attic” has also sold rocking chairs, antique desks, mirrors and a variety of artwork. Visit Tues-Sun. beginning Sat., 12/5 and running through 12/19: 10am-4pm, Thursdays till 7pm. (Horace Greeley House, 100 King St., Chappaqua; www.newcastlehs.org)

Katonah for the Holidays: There’s music, food and fun at the annual Katonah Chamber of Commerce’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at St. Luke’s Church at 68 Bedford Rd., Katonah. Sun, 12/6: 6pm. www.katonahchamber.org)

Tree Lighting & Caroling Mt. Kisco: Mt. Kisco Chamber of Commerce Holiday Tree Lighting and Caroling ceremony takes place at Village Hall and is followed by cookies and cocoa with SANTA at the American Legion Hall. This event is usually held on the first Friday in December at 6 pm. (104 E. Main St., Mt. Kisco; www.mtkisco.org)

ELF The Musical – Madison Square Garden: Based on the 2003 comedy film starring Will Farrell, ELF The Musical is the tale of Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. The musical ran on Broadway during the Christmas seasons in 2010 and 2012. It returns this year to The Theatre at Madison Square Garden. Fri, 12/9- Tues, 12/17. (The Theatre at Madison Square Garden; www.theatreatmsg.com)

Christmas Bird Count: Take part in the great North American bird census. Each year, Audubon Greenwich takes part in this annual tradition to monitor winter bird populations. Join teams of birders to count as many individual birds as possible in a 24-hour period. Usually held the second Sunday in December. (Greenwich Audubon, 613 Riversville Rd., Greenwich; www.greenwichaudubon.org)

It’s a Wonderful Life, Jacob Burns: George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) staves off financial ruin at the hands of the evil tycoon Henry Potter (Lionel Barrymore) in Frank Capra’s bittersweet holiday classic set in Bedford Falls during the Great Depression. With Donna Reed (“Oh, Buffalo gals won’t you come out to night”) and the original Bert and Ernie – the cop and the cab driver, played by Ward Bond and Frank Faylen Sat-Sun, 12/19-20 & Fri-Thurs, 12/25-31:12pm. (Jacob Burns, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville; www.burnsfilmcenter.org)

The Original Harlem Globetrotters 2016 World Tour: The Globetrotters will face a great challenge this year, as the infamous Washington Generals are more determined than ever to beat the Globetrotters. The Generals, the last team to beat the Globetrotters are now coached by a former member of that 1971 team. They are on a mission and will do whatever it takes to win, and break their 43 -year losing streak, with a new strategy, that’s sure to give the Globetrotters a run for their money. (Good luck!) Thurs, 12/31: 11am & 4pm. (County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains; www.countycenter.biz)

White Plains New Year’s Eve Spectacular: It’s Times Square in White Plains with music, a ball drop and confetti and a fireworks show at midnight. The music starts white plains new years spectacular at 10pm with a J and live music from Larger than Life’s “Ultimate Boyband Tribute” with songs from The Jackson 5, The Beatles, The Temptations, The Four Seasons, Backstreet Boys, Nsynch and more. Heineken USA provides free rides to residential destinations within Westchester County from their Safe Rides transportation stand on the corner of E. Post Road and Mamaroneck Avenue between 11 pm – 3 am. Wed, 12/31: 10-12:30pm. (Main St. between Court St. and Renaissance Square; www.wpbid.com)