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.
Grand holiday illumination at Untermyer; holiday festival at Sugarloaf; annual toy train show at Lasdon Park; holiday arts & crafts sales; and more
Good morning! Today is Thursday, December 9, and you are reading today’s section of Examiner+, a digital newsmagazine serving Westchester, Putnam, and the surrounding Hudson Valley.
Today’s Examiner+ is sponsored by Greca Mediterranean Kitchen+ Bar in White Plains.
Nancy’s Picks: This week’s three best bets
1. Untermyer Gardens Conservancy Grand Holiday Illumination
(Facebook/Untermyer Gardens Conservancy)
Untermyer Gardens Conservancy Grant Holiday Illumination debuts this year on December 10th at 5:30 pm. Open every night until 8, this magical event features over 100,000 tastefully lighted trees, sculptures, walls, arches, pillars, and walkways. This year the tradition of free hot cocoa returns, along with holiday music from many faiths and traditions. There is nothing that compares to this. This is a walking experience, steeped in history, overlooking the majestic Hudson River. The perfect introduction to Untermyer Gardens, which will leave you looking forward to visiting again in the spring. Through January 2, 2022. Parking is limited in the lot, free on the street. Admission free.
945 North Broadway
Yonkers
www.untermyergardens.org
2. Sugar Loaf Holiday Festival (Saturday, Dec. 11)
The 2021 Sugar Loaf Holiday Festival returns this year for one full day of festivities and cheer throughout the art & craft village. There will be free hot cider, tree side caroling, Santa visits, horse-drawn carriage rides throughout the village, holiday shopping throughout the artisan shops and boutiques (special discount tickets for shopping at White Rabbit Restorations, 62 Wood Road, Chester), fine and casual dining fun, and more. A classic Hudson Valley holiday experience for all. 12/11/21
Sugar Loaf Art & Craft Village
1371 Kings Highway
Chester
www.sugarloafnewyork.com
3. Holiday on the Hill at Lasdon Park
Lasdon Park is taking their annual Holiday on the Hill up a notch this year by increasing the show to more than 5,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space. The grounds leading to the Conservatory are decorated in classic and whimsical holiday style. The train show begins in the Conservatory and runs along nine multi-level tracks on expansive topographical layouts that include bridges, tunnels, plants, and holiday scenes. Santa holds court in the Holiday Cottage and there is fun for all ages. This is a walking exhibit, across paths and through parts of the gardens. Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 31. Tickets to be purchased in advance online, $10-20.
Lasdon Park & Arboretum
2610 NY Route 35
Katonah
www.lasdonpark.org
Today’s supporting sponsors are the Town of Yorktown…
…and the City of Peekskill.
Events + Culture Calendar
Monday, December 13
Putnam Arts Council Invitational Craft Showcase & Sale (Mahopac): Returning following the COVID-19 hiatus, the gallery at the PAC is transformed into a magical wonderland of pottery, jewelry, glass, accessories, ornaments, candles, toys, cards, books, and more by regional artisans for the holiday sale. A quarter of all proceeds from the sale goes to support local artists and programs. Free; shop Noon – 5 pm Wednesday-Sunday or by appointment through Dec 19. www.putnamartscouncil.com
Tuesday, December 14
Holidays on the Farm at Boni-Bel Farm & Country Store (Brewster): Support Green Chimneys student vocational program by shopping for your holiday gifts, wreaths, and trees at Boni-Bel Farm & Country Store. Choose from holiday ornaments, candles and soaps, local honey, preserves, maple syrup, and much more. Open daily 9 am – 5 pm through Dec. 22. www.greenchimneys.org
Wednesday, December 15
Holiday Classic Mansion Tour of Lyndhurst Mansion (Tarrytown): Tour the magnificent Lyndhurst Mansion all decked out in its holiday finery for an extravagant seasonal experience. The elegant period décor and festive embellishments include dozens of meticulously decorated trees. A must-see every year. Through Dec. 30. Tickets for sale online; Adults, $24, Military & Students, $22, Youth (6-16), $16 & Children 5 & under free. www.lyndhurst.org
Friday, December 17
Orange County Arboretum Holiday Lights in Bloom (Hamptonburgh): Experience the 13th annual Holiday Lights in Bloom at the Orange County Arboretum located in Thomas Bull Memorial Park. The garden-themed light experience is a teaser for those who have not experienced the Arboretum throughout the year; an accessible garden of treasures. Friday, Saturday & Sunday 5-8 pm through Dec. 26. Free. www.orangecountyarboretum.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.
We hope you’ve enjoyed today’s section of Examiner+. We love honest feedback. Tell us what you think: examinerplus@theexaminernews.com
Robert Schork is Examiner Media’s Digital Editorial Director.
