Our Best Bets for This Weekend (and Beyond): What to Do and Where to Go
News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
A winter solstice celebration; Glenn Miller strikes up the band; an outdoor holiday stroll; the Nutcracker; and more
Good morning! Today is Thursday, December 16, and you are reading today’s section of Examiner+, a digital newsmagazine serving Westchester, Putnam, and the surrounding Hudson Valley.
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Nancy’s Picks: This week’s three best bets
1. Ridgefield Guild of Artists 16th Annual Festive Home Reimagined
This annual holiday fundraiser is a don’t-miss. The Guild barn is transformed into a magical visual pop-up showcase of home accents, artwork, crafts, gifts, and accessories along with tablescapes and furniture in collaboration with the Housatonic Habitat for Humanity’s Restore. There are over 50 artists featured this year and the spectacular entry wall of ornaments is the icing on the cake. Artwork for sale can be previewed online. Through Dec. 19. Shopping hours: Wednesday – Sunday 11 am -5 pm. Free admission.
Ridgefield Guild of Artists
34 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield, CT
www.rgoa.org
2. OLANA Winter Solstice Celebration
Welcome to the new season at OLANA for an experiential community afternoon of sight and sound. There will be 30-minute outdoor music performances by b e i n g – s o u n d every 30 minutes on the stunning grounds on the banks of the Hudson River. Visitors are invited to enjoy tea and enjoy the sensory seasonal changes of the natural surroundings. The Main House will be open for self-guided tours and the event marks the closing of the current Jean Shin art installation, FALLEN. This event takes place primarily outdoors so dress accordingly. Saturday, Dec. 18, 1:00 – 5:00 pm. Free.
OLANA State Historic Site
5720 State Route 9G
Hudson
www.olana.org
3. The Glenn Miller Orchestra: Home for the Holidays
There is nothing better than the Glenn Miller Orchestra for the Great American Songbook, and their holiday favorites do not disappoint. The world-famous orchestra, founded in 1956 and touring consistently since then, will be featured at the Tarrytown Music Hall for their Home for the Holidays concert. The orchestra will be playing their signature holiday repertoire including In the (Christmas) Mood and many more swing and jazz classics. Dec. 23, 8 pm. Tickets $35-45, purchase in advance
Tarrytown Music Hall
13 Main St
Tarrytown
www.tarrytownmusichall.org
Today’s supporting sponsors are the Town of Yorktown…
…and the Peekskill Business Improvement District.
Events + Culture Calendar
Friday, December 17
The Nutcracker presented by the Carole Alexis Theatre/Ballet des Ameriques (Rye): Experience the classic Nutcracker ballet in the intimate Breath of Spring Room at the Wainwright House. Presented by the acclaimed French-American founder, director, and choreographer of the Ballet des Ameriques, Carole Alexis, the performance is ideal for families and small children. Dec. 17, 18, 19, 26, 27, and 31. Tickets must be purchased online, $40-50.
Wainwright House
260 Stuyvesant Ave
www.wainwright.org
Illuminations at American Christmas (Mt. Vernon): Visit American Christmas, the creators of some of the most memorable holiday light displays in New York for their annual indoor Illuminations — an exhibit of their lighted creations, along with a maze and 15-foot-tall reindeer. Doors open at 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. $5 admission to be donated to United Way of Westchester and Putnam. For more info call 914.603.7407. Dec 17. 18. 21, 22, and 23.
30 Warren Place
Mt. Vernon
Monday, December 20
Holiday Stroll, Mill River Park (Stamford, CT): Start a new holiday tradition at the Holiday Stroll in Mill River Park this season! Stroll leisurely through the spectacle of holiday lights, visit the Holiday Village for music, food, and the Half Full winter beer garden. Through Jan 9, 2022. Open daily at 5 pm; tickets ($10) can be purchased onsite or online.
Mill River Park
1010 Washington Blvd
www.theholidaystroll.com
Tuesday, December 21
Rustic Holiday Centerpiece Workshop, Come to Your Scentses (Fishkill): Celebrate the season and prepare an arrangement for the new year at Come to Your Scentses rustic holiday centerpiece workshop. Create your own signature succulent planter to enhance your holiday table in a fun, festive environment. Girls’ Night, Date Night, or just an opportunity to learn a new skill. 6:30 – 8:00 pm. $65 (includes all supplies); reserve your spot online.
Come to Your Scentses1542 Route 52, Fishkill
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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Robert Schork is Examiner Media’s Digital Editorial Director.