Our Best Bets for This Weekend (and Beyond): What to Do and Where to Go
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Nancy’s Picks: This week’s three Best Bets
1. Celebration of Lights Parade & Fireworks Followed by It’s a Wonderful Life
On Friday, December 3rd the city of Poughkeepsie welcomes back the Celebration of Lights Parade & fireworks followed by a screening of It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) on the big screen at the Bardavon. The parade begins at 6:30 pm on Main and Garden Streets and stops at the first tree lighting at Mural Square near Market Street and then moves on to the second tree lighting and fireworks at Dongan Square Park. The film will be shown at 8 pm at the Bardavon. Opened in 1869, it is the oldest continuously operating theater in New York, and experiencing it during the holiday season takes you back in time as you imagine the surrounding bustling city streetscape and festivities of times gone by. Parade and tree lighting free; film at the Bardavon, $6 per person.
The Bardavon
35 Market Street
Poughkeepsie
bardavon.org
2. Chanukkah Menorah Car Parade
Celebrate the festival of lights by joining the Chabad of Stamford for the Chanukkah Menorah parade of cars all decked out with lighted menorahs. The parade begins at the Chabad of Stamford at 6 pm and drives through the city of Stamford ending at the Giant Menorah Lighting at Latham Park. Contact the Chabad to pre-order your lighted menorah. Free.
Chabad of Stamford
770 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT
chabadstamford.org
3. White Plains Holiday Market
The popular White Plains Holiday Market returns with more than 60 curated vendors in the pop-up spaces along Court Street, between Main and Martine Avenue. There is something for everyone on your gift list including apparel, crafts, jewelry, accessories, food, and beverages. Produced by the White Plains BID, the City of White Plains, and 914PopUps. Open daily through December 19th from 11 am – 7 pm. Free.
White Plains BID Holiday Market
wpbid.com
Today’s supporting sponsor is the Peekskill Business Improvement District.
Events + Culture Calendar
Westchester Winter Wonderland
Sunday, December 5
Sensitive Santa at Jefferson Valley Mall (Yorktown Heights): Sensitive Santa is a visit with Santa for families and children with special needs. Children can participate in this classic holiday experience in a quiet, subdued environment, free of crowds, less sensory stimuli, lowered lighting, and with quiet music playing. The event is free, proceeds from any photos purchased will support Autism Speaks. 8:30 am – 10 am, Santa Set near the Food Court, Upper Level
jeffersonvalleymall.com
Tuesday, December 7
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland (Valhalla): Experience Westchester’s Drive-Thru Holiday Extravaganza at Kensico Dam Plaza. Enjoy the 1.2-mile drive-thru experience featuring thousands of lighted attractions including Candy Cane Lane, the 100-foot light tunnel, and the signature 40-foot Christmas tree. 5 pm on weekends, 6 pm on weekdays through January 2nd, 2022. Reservations required. Pricing from $25/vehicle
winterwonderland.com
Wednesday, December 8
Holiday at Cross County Center (Yonkers): The holiday season comes alive at Cross County Center with a holiday food truck market, pop-up holiday ice skating rink, pet photos with Santa, and the walk-through experience at the 44-foot tall Christmas tree. Free for tree walk-through; $10/skate
crosscountycenter.com
Thursday, December 9
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage! (Chappaqua): Adapted from Charles Schulz’s classic Christmas story, A Charlie Brown Christmas is presented by the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center touring company and includes the legendary music of Vince Guaraldi and traditional Christmas carols. Through December 19th. Tickets from $25.
Chappaqua Performing Arts Center
chappaquapac.org
Born and raised in Westchester, Nancy Sorbella’s lifestyle stories have been featured in several local and regional publications where she has also been a style and community columnist. She is the resident wordsmith for the Arthritis Foundation of NY and the Community Engagement Director by day, spending her free time exploring and experiencing the Hudson Valley. Follow Nancy for more of her adventures on Instagram @DetoursColumnist, Twitter @jsorbella, or on Facebook at Nancy Niskin Sorbella.
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