The Best Holiday Events for Adults

admin Posted OnNovember 8, 2018

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Lyndhurst Mansion Holiday Tours one of USA Today's Ten Best

The Best Holiday Events for Adults: Ditch the kids, shop, take in a holiday concert, a holiday mansion tour, and bend an elbow at the NYBG Holiday Trains Shows Bar Car Nights!

November

Local! Chappaqua Craft & Gift Fair, Bell Middle School – Sat, 11/17: 10am-4pm: Chappaqua’s 34th annual craft fair features over 85 vendors presenting handcrafted jewelry, designer clothing, handbags, accessories, original artwork, tableware, furniture, bath & beauty products, children’s gifts, floral designs, gourmet foods and more. This event produced by the Bell Middle School PTA benefits the Bell Middle School. (50 Senter St., Chappaqua; www.chappaquacraftfair.com)

Editor’s Choice! Bar Car Nights at The New York Botanical Garden’s Train Show: Sat, 11/17 & Fri-Sat, 11/23-12/29: 7-10:30pm: Get an after dark viewing of NYBG’s spectacular holiday train show at these adults only nights. There’s fire pits, ice sculpting, music, cocktails and food. The exhibit in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory features more than a dozen large scale model train sets zipping across a quarter mile of track and a landscape of 140 scaled replicas of iconic New York City buildings made of bark, twigs, fruit, seeds and pine cones. (2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx; www.nybg.org)

Clay-Holiday, Clay Art Center, Port Chester: Sat, 11/17-Sat, 12/22:10am-5pm: Get a studio tour and shop hundreds of pieces of functional pottery and ceramic sculpture by local and nationally recognized artists at this 11,000 square foot clay art center. Sign your kid up (ages 6-15) for their Ornament Making Clay Class on 12/1 & 8: 1:30 & 3:30pm. (40 Beach St., Port Chester; www.clayartcenter.org)

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center: Fri, 11/23-Sun, 12/30:check times: Balanchine’s Nutcracker premiered at Manhattan’s City Center in 1954 and has been staged in NYC every year since. It is the most famous staged production of the ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s legendary score in the US. The production features elaborate stage elements, the most famous of which is the one-ton Christmas tree that grows from a height of 12 feet to 40 feet. (62-65 St. at Columbus Ave., NYC; www.nycballet.com)

Local! Small Business Saturday: 11/24: American Express card members can earn up to 2X rewards at qualifying small businesses with an enrolled American Express card. Hundreds of local shops and restaurants will participate. To register your card and see who is playing go to www.americanexpress.com)

USA Today’s Top Holiday Tour: Holiday Mansion Tours at Lyndhurst: Mon, 11/26-Sun, 12/30: Described as one of the “Ten Best Historic Holiday Tours” by USA Today, Lyndhurst Lyndhurst goes all-out during the holiday season, filling the mansion with elaborate tableaus, dozens of Christmas trees expertly to complement each room’s elegant period furnishings, and rarely seen items that belonged to Lyndhurst’s former owners, the Goulds. (635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; www.lyndhurst.org)

A Christmas Carol, The Musical, Westchester Broadway Theatre, Thurs-Sun, 11/29-12/23: check dates & times: This new musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, with book by John Fanelli and music from George Puello, features an original score as well as many popular and traditional carols. The production features a large cast, colorful production numbers, lots of dancing and a surprising new twist. (One Broadway Plaza, Elmsford; www.broadwaytheatre.com)

Christmas in Rockefeller Center, Wed, 11/28-Mon, 1/7/19: The lights go on Wed, 11/28 with live performances at 7-9 PM, at 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 millions more will watch it live on NBC. You can make the traditional pilgrimage (24/7) through Sun, 1/7/19. Photo by: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images (45 Rockefeller Plaza, NYC; www.rockefellercenter.com)

New Choral Society, Messiah, Part I & Selections from II & III, Scarsdale, Fri, 11/30: 8pm & Sun, 12/2: 3pm: The Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah, the New Choral Society’s traditional season-opener, is filled with familiar and uplifting choruses and solos, including the famed “Hallelujah Chorus”. It is a festive way to start the holidays. (Hitchcock Presbyterian Church, 6 Greenacres Ave.; www.newchoralsociety.org)

Local! Jingle Pass Weekend, Bedford Village, Fri-Sun, 11/30-12/2: Check out one of the most picturesque towns in America (when local merchants offer special promotions) and the new Bedford Playhouse cafe.

Local! Wine Around Town, Chappaqua: Fri, 11/30: Start your holiday shopping and sample wines from around the world courtesy of Chappaqua businesses. Check out our Best Places to Shop in Chappaqua before you go.

Ronnie Spector & The Ronettes, Best Christmas Party Ever, Ridgefield Playhouse, Fri, 11/30: 8pm: Ronnie Spector (“Walking in the Rain”, “Baby I Love You”) re-unites with The Ronettes for the first time since the 70s for this Best Xmas Party ever! Billboard magazine recently named The Ronettes song “Be My Baby” the Greatest Girl Group Song of All Time! (What took them so long?) (Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

December

Michael McDonald, Holiday and Hits, Paramount Hudson Valley, Sun, 12/2: 7pm: Five-time Grammy-winner Michael McDonald tours to support his new Season of Peace: The Christmas Collection. The album features traditional carols (Wexford Carol”, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman”); holiday standards (“Winter Wonderland”); contemporary hits (“On Christmas Morning”) and Gospel spirituals (“Children Go Where I Send Thee”). (1008 Brown St., Peekskill; www.paramounthudsonvalley.org)

Darlene Love, Paramount Hudson Valley, Wed, 12/5: 8pm: Rolling Stone called Darlene Love “one of the greatest singers of all time.” A background vocalist for The Blossoms, Love became a star when she sang lead on their mega-hits “He’s A Rebel” and “The Boy I’m Gonna Marry”. Her “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home” on the album A Christmas Gift to You from Phil Spector put her indelible stamp on the holiday season for generations to come. (1008 Brown St., Peekskill; www.paramounthudsonvalley.org)

The Klezmatics, Emelin Theatre, Thurs, 12/6: 7:30pm: The original Jewish roots band, these 2006 Grammy Award-winners revived a forgotten art and have raised the bar for Eastern European Jewish music for over thirty years. The subject of a recent documentary, The Klezmatics: On Holy Ground, The Klezmatics have collaborated with Itzak Perlman, playwright Tony Kushmer and Israeli vocal icon Chava Alberstein. (153 Library Ln., Mamaroneck; www.emelin.org)

Local! Katonah Village Stroll, Fri, 12/7: 10am-8pm: There’s carolers, refreshments from local retailers, and holiday lights at the Katonah Holiday Stroll. Better yet Katonah shops will have extended hours until 8pm for holiday shopping. Check our Best Places to Shop in Katonah before you go. www.katonahchamber.org)

Stamford Symphony presents The Best Of Handel’s Messiah, Sat, 12/8: 8pm: Ted Sperling conducts when the Stamford Symphony takes on Part I and the Hallelujah Chorus from Part II of Handel’s classic oratorio at The Basilica of St. John The Evangelist in Stamford. “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight and the rough places plain.” (Basilica of St. John The Evangelist, 279 Atlantic St., Stamford; www.palacestamford.org)

Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays, Beacon Theatre, Sat, 12/8: 8pm: Cyndi Lauper returns to the Beacon Theatre for her eighth annual holiday show. She will be accompanied by a star-studded cast of singers, comedians, actors and more. Past guests have included Jackson Browne, Dr. John, Sandra Bernhardt, Ani DiFranco, Ballets with a Twist, Ricky Shroeder and many more. (Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway, NYC; www.beacontheatre.com)

The Messiah, Westchester Oratorio Society, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Somers, Sun, 12/9: 3pm: The Westchester Oratorio Society, Benjamin Niemczyk, artistic director, celebrates its 21st season with this performance of Handel’s Messiah. WOS’s Chamber Chorus and the St. Luke’s Choir will be accompanied by a professional instrumental ensemble and soloists. (331 Somerstown Pike, Somers; www.westchesteroratorio.org)

Christmas with The Celts, Ridgefield Playhouse, Sun, 12/9: 7:30pm: Vocalist Ric Blair and Ireland’s champion fiddler and dancer, Eimear Arkins are joined by musicians on uilleann pipes, Irish whistles, fiddle, bodhran, banjo, five-string bass, drums and of course, Irish step dancers for this evening of traditional Irish music and carols, American pop and Christmas favorites. (Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

The Boston Brass: Christmas Bells are Swingin’, Performing Arts Center, Sun, 12/9: 3pm: The Boston Brass quintet teams up with the Brass All-Star Big Band featuring players from around the globe for this celebration of holiday Classics. The ensemble of all brass (trumpets, French horns, trombones, and tubas) with jazz rhythm section presents big band arrangements of Stan Kenton Christmas Carols, “Greensleeves”, Motown “Jingle Bells”, and more! (735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)

Handel’s Messiah, New York Philharmonic, Tues-Sat, 12/11-15: 7:30pm: Conductor Andre Manze and the Westminster Symphonic Choir take on Part I & II of the most famous and beloved chorale work of all time. (Geffen Hall, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza: www.newyorkphilharmonic.com)

It’s A Wonderful Life, Bedford Playhouse, Thurs, 12/13: 7pm: The Bedford Playhouse celebrates its first holiday season with this screening of Frank Capra’s holiday classic, It’s A Wonderful Life, starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed as George and Mary Bailey. With a little help from Clarence, George’s guardian angel, and a lot of friends, George and Mary save Bedford Falls and Bailey Savings & Loan from the evil tycoon Henry Potter. A loser at the box office, the film was nominated for 5 Academy Awards and has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made. (633 Old Post Rd., Bedford;www.bedfordplayhouse.org)

Carol of the King, Irish Dance Christmas Spectacular, Fri, 12/14: 8pm: Justin Boros (former lead dancer of Lord of the Dance) and 20 Irish dancers and musicians tell the epic tale of the dark sorceress Circe’s attempt to steal King Solomon’s throne and expel Christmas. Featuring state of the art lighting, fluid symphonic music, holiday favorites and explosive step dancing and soft shoe Irish jigs. (1008 Brown St., Peekskill; www.paramounthudsonvalley.org)

Rob Mathes 25th Anniversary Holiday Concert, Performing Arts Center, Fri & Sat, 12/14-15: 8pm: Rob Mathes, and his all-star rock band, choir and guests “puts a new spin on the Christmas classics.” – New York Times. Mathes has worked with virtually every big name in the music industry, arranging, producing, directing, recording, and performing with the likes of Bono, Bennett, Sting, and Springsteen. (735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)

The Brandenburg Concertos, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Fri, 12/14: 7:30 pm, Sun, 12/16: 5pm & Tues, 12/18: 7:30pm: The Brandenburg Concertos by Johann Sebastian Bach are considered among the finest musical compositions of the Baroque era. The New York Times called The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s annual performances at Alice Tully Hall a “New York holiday staple.” Get your holiday Bach fix here. (Alice Tully Hall, 1941 Broadway; www.lincolncenter.org)

Mr. Dickens Tells A Christmas Carol, Lyndhurst Mansion, Fri-Sun, 12/14-12/30: check dates & times: In this hour-long performance, appropriate for all ages, actor Mikel Von Brodbeck recreates the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim from Charles Dickens’s scripts. The performance travels through the mansion meeting the story’s spirits and characters along the way – a cool way to see this fabulous castle. (635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; www.lyndhurst.org)

New York Polyphony, Sing Thee Nowell, Caramoor, Sat, 12/15: 4 & 7pm: This a cappella vocal quartet presents a program of sacred Christmas music spanning seven centuries. The Rosen House, decorated for the holidays, is open for self-guided tours between the performances. Ring in the holidays with New York Polyphony’s “rich, natural sound that’s larger and more complex than the sum of its parts” – NPR (149 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah: www.caramoor.org)

Jessica Lynn, A Very Merry Country Christmas, Paramount Hudson Valley, Sat, 12/15: 8pm: Westchester native, and country music star, Jessica Lynn returns to the Paramount with her holiday show. The show features dancers, singers, dazzling effects, a visit from Santa and Jessica’s country take on traditional holiday songs and contemporary favorites. (1008 Brown St., Peekskill; www.paramounthudsonvalley.org)

The Nutcracker, Connecticut Ballet, Palace Theatre, Sat-Sun, 12/15-16: 1 & 5pm: Guest stars from the American Ballet Theatre including Lauren Lovett, Taylor Stanley, Devon Teuscher and Alexandre Hammoudi join the Connecticut Ballet in their traditional holiday production of The Nutcracker at Stamford’s Palace Theatre. There are four shows featuring fab costumes, falling snow, the giant tree, and a full corps de ballet. (61 Atlantic St., Stamford www.palacestamford.org)

Bach for The Holidays, The Sanctuary Series, S. Salem, Sun, 12/16: 4pm: Anthony Newman, the internationally acclaimed keyboardist, who Wynton Marsalis called the “High Priest of Bach,” performs selections from Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier; Italian Concerto, portions of the Christmas Oratorio and Sinfonia from Cantata 29, accompanied by a trio of acclaimed trumpeters. (S. Salem Presbyterian Church, 111 Spring St., S. Salem; www.thesanctuaryseries.org)

Hot Ticket Alert! Winter Pops, Rachel Worby conducts The Westchester Phil and Time for Three, Performing Arts Center, Sun, 12/16: 3pm: Rachael Worby, (former Music Director of the Pasadena Pops, and Muse/ique) conducts the Westchester Phil and guests Time for Three with violists Nicolas Kendall and Charles Yang and bassist Ranaan Meyer. This genre busting trio performs music from Bach to Brahms to bluegrass and the Beatles. American Songbook gems, and holiday favorites round out the program. (735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.westchesterphil.org)

Editor’s Choice! A Collective Christmas with Collective Brass, Lyndhurst Mansion, Sun, 12/16: 3pm: There couldn’t be a more festive (and spectacular) setting for a holiday concert than the Lyndhurst Mansion carriage house. (Tour the mansion while you’re there.) Collective Brass performs seasonal faves, selections fromThe Nutcracker, new arrangements of ancient carols and The Hallelujah Chorus. (635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; www.lyndhurst.org)

Local! Candlelight Holiday Tours, John Jay Homestead, Katonah: Thurs-Sat, 12/20-22: 5-8pm: Experience John Jay’s historic Bedford House as it takes on the glow of candlelight to celebrate the holiday season. These guided tours focus on holiday traditions and decorations of the 1820s. Tours are offered on the half hour from 5-8pm. Reservations required. (400 Jay St, (Rt. 22), Katonah; www.johnjayhomestead.org)

The Nutcracker, Bolshoi Ballet in HD, Ridgefield Playhouse, Sun, 12/23: 12:55pm: See a live performance of The Nutcracker by the Bolshoi Ballet onscreen in high definition. The Bolshoi’s version of The Nutcracker has a unique and beautiful sense of romance and philosophy. It is danced by ballet legends Denis Rodkin, as the courageous Prince, and Anna Nikulina as Marie. (Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

Cherish The Ladies, Tarrytown Music Hall, Sat, 12/22: 8pm: In their Celtic Christmas program, the Ladies put their mark on classic carols such as “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Silent Night,” in arrangements that highlight the group’s Celtic instrumentation, harmonies, and spectacular step dancing. Hailed by The New York Times, Cherish The Ladies have released three critically acclaimed holiday albums, On Christmas Night, A Star In The East, and 2015’s Christmas In Ireland. (13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

It’s a Wonderful Life, Jacob Burns, Mon-Tues, 12/24-25: 12pm: 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 Fallen. (Jacob Burns, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville; www.burnsfilmcenter.org)