Adobe Stock |Â Mat Hayward
Tree lightings, a meet and greet with Santa, holiday treats, festive music, and The Nutcracker are a handful of festive happenings in December.
Snowflake Festival — Kingston
December 2, 6–8 p.m.
Head to the historic Stockade District to join the people of Kingston for a festival of holiday-themed entertainment, activities, and goodies. There’s also the opportunity to sponsor a new bike before the big day, which will be gifted to a local child. kuba.network/snowflake
Sinterklaas! — Rhinebeck
December 3, 10 a.m.
Rhinebeck’s annual celebration of this Netherlands tradition, the Sinterklaas Festival, includes a holiday pageant, a children’s starlight parade, fun crown- and sceptor-making workshops (a highlight of the day), and more to honor the area’s Dutch roots. sinterklaashudsonvalley.com
The Laurie Berkner Band: A Live Holiday Concert — Tarrytown
December 3, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Bring the kids to celebrate the season with The Laurie Berkner Band at Tarrytown Music Hall, where she’ll perform a mix of holiday classics and fan-favorite originals. tarrytownmusichall.org
Holiday on the Lake — Carmel
December 3, 3 p.m.
This annual celebration in the historic hamlet kicks off with the unveiling of a Christmas village and continues into the early evening with live music, a parade, tree lighting, and Santa Stroll benefitting the American Cancer Society. putnamcountyny.com
Jimmy Sturr Presents the Spirit of Christmas — Middletown
December 3, 3 p.m.
Middletown’s historic Paramount Theatre will host a night of holiday polka by Grammy-winning Jimmy Sturr And His Orchestra. Special guests include The Coasters, The Pokolenie Dancers, and more. middletownparamount.com
Winter Walk — Hudson
December 3, 5 p.m.
Take a stroll down Warren Street and you’ll be greeted by unique art installations, performances, holiday shopping, local food and drink, and more family-friendly activities along the mile-long stretch. hudsonhall.org
Rock This Town Orchestra Christmas Spectacular — Pawling
December 3 and 4, 7–11 p.m.
This Brian Setzer Orchestra tribute band will take over Daryl’s House Club for two nights, paying homage to both the musician and the holiday season with hits such as “Rock This Town,” “Jump Jive & Wail,” and a swinging version of “Jingle Bells.” darylshouseclub.com
Troy Victorian Stroll — Troy
December 4, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
A tradition that began in 1982, the Victorian Stroll celebrates both the holiday season and the city’s deep ties to the 1800s and the Industrial Revolution. Learn more about the history of Troy and this annual event on page 72. victorianstroll.com
Victorian Holiday Event at Harmony Hall — Sloatsburg
December 4, 1–5 p.m.
The Jacob Sloat House—an 1800s Greek revival listed on the National Register of Historic Places—honors its Victorian history for the afternoon. Enjoy music, period décor and garb, and appearances from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Free admission. friendsofharmonyhall.org
The Magic of Christmas — Albany
December 4, 3–5 p.m.
This annual show at the Palace Theatre by the Albany Symphony is a Capital Region favorite; you’ll enjoy carols and dance performances from local talent, plus an appearance from Santa! palacealbany.org
Chatham Winterfest — Chatham
December 10
A free all-day event, Chatham will transform into a winter wonderland with decorative store fronts and special events held throughout downtown. Details and times TBA. visitchathamny.com
Calmus: Christmas A Cappella — Katonah
December 10, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Get set for a beautiful evening. This award-winning German a cappella quintet brings two operatic performances of Christmas favorites—spanning the 14th century to present—to Caramoor’s intimate music room. caramoor.org
Christmas in the Village — Monroe
December 10–11
For one winter weekend, Monroe’s replica 19th-century Museum Village is taken over by groups of carolers, local artisans, and even Santa and Mrs. Claus to ring in the holiday season. museumvillage.org
The Nutcracker — Poughkeepsie
December 10–11, multiple show times
Returning for its 23rd season at the Bardavon after a two-year absence, the New Paltz Ballet Theatre—featuring dancers from the New York City Ballet—performs the holiday classic at two matinees and one evening slot. bardavon.org
Darlene Love: Love for the Holidays — Bethel
December 11, 8 p.m.
Don’t miss Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Darlene Love sing holiday classics including “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” in the indoor Event Gallery. bethelwoodscenter.org
Adult Night: Holiday Bricktacular Edition — Yonkers
December 15
Head to the Legoland Discovery Center’s last scheduled Adult Night for the year to compete in a series of Lego challenges. Also included in admission: 4D movies, raffles, and access to a cash bar. No kids tonight—must be 18 or older to attend. legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester
Albany Pro Musica: The Many Moods of Christmas — Troy
December 18 3–5 p.m.
Join the APM Concert Chorus and the Orchestra Pro Musica for an afternoon of traditional carols at the historic Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. troymusichall.org
Related: Pick Your Perfect Pine at a Hudson Valley Christmas Tree Farm
