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Let There Be Light!
The City of Poughkeepsie’s annual holiday festival returns for the 22nd year. At the Celebration of Lights Parade and Fireworks, thousands line the streets of the Queen City for a parade that features musical performances from members of the Hudson Valley Philharmonic and an appearance by Santa Claus (who rides atop a fire engine). Aside from two tree lightings, there is also a festive fireworks display, which can be seen from the Walkway. The Bardavon continues the tradition of screening a holiday film following the parade; this year is the 1947 classic Miracle on 34th Street. The New York Theater Organ Society provides musical entertainment prior to the film. Dec. 4. Parade: 6:30 p.m., film: 8 p.m. $5. Downtown Poughkeepsie. 845-473-2072; www.bardavon.org
Shine On
A beloved Hudson Valley holiday event, Boscobel’s Sparkle never disappoints. Returning favorites include visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the Snow Queen stilt walker. Adults and kids alike delight in the ice carving demonstrations, sparkle garden, hoop dancers, and the Taghkanic Chorale’s caroling. New this year are puppet shows by internationally acclaimed ventriloquist Jonathan Geffner and holiday jazz music from the Libby Richman Trio. Always popular are the tours of the 1804 mansion itself, which is decked out in Christmas cheer. Guests interested in touring the house should book their spot in advance. Dec. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19; 5-9 p.m. Grounds only: $15, $10 ages 3-11, under 3 free. Grounds and tour: $25, $20 ages 3-11, under 3 free. Boscobel House and Gardens. 1601 Rte. 9D, Garrison. 845-265-3638; www.boscobel.org
Ba, Humbug!
Darrell James, acting professor at Vassar College, takes on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in Half Moon Theater’s production of A Christmas Carol. The company uses the highly theatrical adaptation by Patrick Barlow, the mastermind behind the Tony Award-winning show The 39 Steps. A scrumptious dinner from the acclaimed Culinary Institute of America preceding the performance makes for a unique holiday memory. Dec. 4-6, 10-13, 16, 18-19, Wed. 7 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $45, $40 seniors, $25 under 18. Marriott Pavilion. 1946 Campus Dr., Hyde Park. 845-235-9885; www.halfmoontheatre.org
Holiday on the Emerald Isle
Ric Blair, one of the most respected purveyors of Celtic music, presents Christmas with the Celts. This nationally-acclaimed show combines both traditional and contemporary music. A hybrid of Irish and Scottish tunes and more recognizable holiday songs like “Silent Night,” “Little Drummer Boy,” and “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas,” the performance features supreme vocalists, uilleann pipes, Irish whistles, drums, mandolins, banjos, and — naturally — step dancers. Dec. 10, 7 p.m. $30. 1008 Brown St., Peekskill. 914-739-0039, ext. 2; www.paramounthudsonvalley.com
