Weekend Planner: Visit Santa, Free Play Reading, Holiday Crafts

Special seasonal events in Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown are numerous this weekend, including:

The Historical Society's Annual Holiday Open House & Literary Celebration

When/Where: , 1 Grove Street. Sunday, December 4, 2011 from 1-4 p.m.

Why Go: There will be stories, music, crafts for kids, a visit from Santa, holiday refreshments and more. 

Price: Free

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Hudson Crafts Collective Holiday Craft Show

When/Where: , 42 N Broadway. Saturday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Why Go: Hundreds of wonderful items, all handcrafted by Hudson Valley artisans. This will be a great opportunity to see their newest creations, to meet and chat with the artists, to get some holiday shopping done while at the same time supporting your local arts and crafts community. Articles to be included in the show include lampworked and fused glass; handwoven fibers; felted artwork; origami and Japanese paper gifts; ceramics; mosaics; metalsmithed, polymer, wire wrapped, crocheted wire and beaded jewelry; unique furniture; wooden vessels; collage and more.

Price: Free.

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12Th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

When/Where: . Saturday Dec. 3, 5 p.m.

Why Go: Watch the big evergreen tree turn sparkly blue with lights, and then parade over to the Warner Library for treats and time with Santa. 

Price: Free

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Play Reading of "Return" 

When/Where: , Sunday, December 4, 4:30 p.m.
 

Why Go: Part ghost story, part mystery, and part romance – Return wades through race, poverty, and the past as the characters build their own families from the wreckage of their youth.

Price: Free

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Nearby (and also note that Philipsburg Manor is participating in the Free Arts Westchester event listed below):

The Beach Boys at the Paramount Center for the Arts with Special Guest John Stamos

When/Where: Friday, December 2, 8 p.m. at the Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill

Why Go: This classic band plays an average of 150 shows a year, headed by front man Mike Love. With hits like “Surfin,” “I Get Around,” “Help me Rhonda,” “Good Vibrations,” and “California Girls,” a good time is guaranteed for all. The Beach Boys have sold tens of millions of albums and have become part of the American musical landscape. Joining The Beach Boys for the Paramount performance will be John Stamos of the hit soap “General Hospital” and ABC’s “Full House.” Stamos has also displayed his musical talents over the past 25 years touring off and on with The Beach Boys.

Price:  Tickets start at $45

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Being Elmo: A Puppeteers Journey

When/Where:  Friday, December 2, 8:30 p.m. at The Pelham Picture House. Times: Friday, Dec. 2, 6:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 3:30 p.m., 5:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, 4 p.m and 5:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Why Go:  Take in a documentary about the man who created the beloved Sesame Street character, Elmo. The film’s synopsis: "Few people know Elmo’s creator, Kevin Clash, who dreamed of working with his idol, master puppeteer Jim Henson. Displaying his creativity and talent at a young age, Kevin ultimately found a home on Sesame Street. “

Price:  $8

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Christmas Decorating Party at The Field Library in Peekskill

When/Where:  Saturday, December 3, 11 a.m-1p.m. at the Field Library

Why Go:  Make holiday ornaments and help trim the library’s trees. Refreshments and lots of holiday cheer will be offered to children of all ages (with a helping adult). No sign-up required.

Price:  Free

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Brewster Kids Make Ornaments

When/Where:  Saturday, December 3, 4:30 p.m. at The Southeast Museum

Why Go:  The Southeast Museum will hold a Children’s Ornament Making Workshop where kids can create a unique ornament.  Before the lighting festival on Main Street, children can come and craft their own design.

Price:  $5 materials fee donation requested.

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Annual Tree and Menorah Lighting in Katonah

When/Where:  Sunday, December 4 from 6 p.m.-7:15 p.m. at St. Luke’s Church 68 Bedford Road, Katonah

Why Go:  Sponsored by the Katonah Chamber of Commerce, this is a beloved community tradition in which residents gather for the ceremonial Christmas tree and Chanukah menorah lighting and for holiday music from some of the area’s best acts. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served, compliments of St. Luke’s parish community members. 

Price:  Free

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Bedford Hills Neighborhood Association Tree Lighting

When/Where: Saturday, December 3, 6:15 pm at 1 Depot Plaza, Bedford Hills

Why Go: The Bedford Hills Neighborhood Association will host the annual lighting of the Christmas tree at Depot Plaza. Join neighbors for music and caroling by Antioch Choir.  Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa Claus too.

Price: Free

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City Lights Bright Holiday Nights Community Tree Lighting in White Plains

When/Where: Sunday, December 4 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Tibbits Park on North Broadway and Main St.

Why Go:  In the heart of White Plains, enjoy the sights and the sounds of the season in a tree-lighting event sponsored by the City of White Plains Recreation and Parks Department. Music will be provided by: The White Plains Youth Bureau After-School Chorus, The White Plains High School Marching Band, Eastview School Select Chorus, Taiko Drummers and The Star Performers. There will be an ice carving exhibit, visits with Santa, winter games, special guests Frosty and Rudolph, crafts, as well as a train and carousel ride. Complimentary beverages and refreshments will be provided. 

Price:  Free

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Westchester Jazz Orchestra

When/Where:  Saturday, December 3, 8 p.m. at Irvington Town Hall Theater

Why Go:  WJO, described as “setting the standard for big band jazz," pays homage to past and current masters including Mary Lou Williams, Chick Corea and Fred Hersch. 

Price:  Reserved seating tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors and $10 for students for all shows

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Free Arts Day in Westchester

When/Where:  Sunday, December 4,  click here for brochure of various venues

Why Go: Highlights of this year’s Free Arts Weekend include free admission to historic sites and museums, free films, concerts, and art-making workshops for the entire family. Free Arts Day was initiated in 2001, as a positive way to bring the community together in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedies.

Venues include Historic Hudson Valley’s sites,Van Cortlandt Manor (Croton) and (Sleepy Hollow), Union Church (Pocantico Hills); free admission to The Hudson River Museum (Yonkers),The Katonah Museum of Art, a Diwali Celebration at the Pelham Art Center; and free films at The Jacob Burns Film Center (Pleasantville) and The Picture House (Pelham).

Price:  Free

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Christmas Concert - Yorktown

When/Where: Sunday, December 4, 4 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Yorktown Heights

Why Go:  Start the Christmas season with a festive concert including a 30 voice choir, a 15-piece orchestra and hand bells. A light reception will follow the concert.

Price: Tickets at the door, suggested donation, $10

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Santa’s Rail yard at The Danbury Railway Museum

When/Where:  Sunday, Dec 4, 2011 (through) December 18 from 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm -trains every 1/2 hour, 12:30 - 3:30 at the Danbury Railway Museum

Why Go: Ride a vintage train to Santa's toyland, visit with Santa, see exhibits in restored 1903 station and rail yard with operating layouts and displays. Coloring station, temporary tattoos and a free gift for children.

Price: $9 (ages 2 and over) call to reserve tickets:  203.778.8337

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Cortlandt Chamber Orchestra Free Concert

When/Where:  Saturday, December 3, 7:30p.m. at the Holy Name of Mary Church in Croton-on-Hudson

Why Go:  This free concert, directed by Richard Simons, will include selections from Bach, Copeland and Dvorak. Also variations on a Shaker Melody for Orchestra – Aaron Copland, Symphony in C Major, Wq.174 – Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach Serenade for Winds in D Major, Op.44 – Antonín Dvořák

Price: Free