by Evelyn J. Mocbeichel
There are so numerous fun events packed into this holiday season in Westchester County that it takes planning to schedule them all! The Historic Hudson Valley provides a list of wonderful activities and tours throughout their historic sites. No Christmas season would be complete without seeing the beloved holiday tale of Dickens’s Christmas Carol. Master storyteller, Jonathan Kruk, with musical accompaniment by Jim Keys, is featured at the Old Dutch Church in live afternoon performances. The dates run from December 13-21 (Saturdays & Sundays) with performances at 2, 3:30 and 5 pm. https://hudsonvalley.org/events/dickenss-christmas-carol/.
Speaking of churches, Union Church of Pocantico Hills has awe-inspiring stained glass windows by Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall to see inside this church on the grounds of the Rockefeller Estate. Built in 1921 by John D. Rockefeller, it was his plan to develop the town of Pocantico Hills that is below his estate Kykuit in Sleepy Hollow so he commissioned the artists to design the windows. https://hudsonvalley.org/historic-sites/union-church-of-pocantico-hills/.
Let’s not forget Washington Irving’s cottage, Sunnyside, also in Sleepy Hollow. This romantic riverside cottage was designed by America’s “Founding Father of Literature” and is open weekends for tours through December 6-21st. Nestled along the banks of the Hudson River, the landscape of Washington Irving’s much-loved Sunnyside has been charming guests for generations. Visitors today hear about Washington Irving’s storied past and how he came to be America’s first internationally famous author. His characters, from the Headless Horseman to Rip Van 
Winkle, are global icons, and Irving’s legacy lives on at his whimsical estate. Enjoy a festive tour of Sunnyside, all decked out in holiday finery. Sip hot chocolate or cider, enjoy a donut, and try your hand at making holiday crafts, such as paper cones and ornaments. Then add Philipsburg Manor to your list of historic mansion tour sites for your next outing. Get into the holiday spirit as you sip Harney & Sons at a Holiday Tea Party and indulge on sweet treats in their greenhouse that will be all decked out for the season. While there, step back to the year 1750 and tour the property gristmill, dairy in the cellar of the Manor House and get a new perspective on Colonial New York. To learn more visit https://hudsonvalley.org/ for information about all locations and events throughout the year.
Something for all ages, but particularly fun for children is Muscoot Holiday Lights on the Farm held on their grounds at 51 Route 100, Katonah, N.Y. 10536 (914 864-7286) Guests go inside decorated barns to see the animals and participate in holiday theme activities, listen to music and enjoy food there, too. It’s a charming trip back in time to when Westchester County was a farming community. Reservations are required and the dates run through December 20st. https://www.muscootfarm.org/programs-events/. Also close by there is another magical holiday experience Holidays on the Hill Annual Train Show at Lasdon Park in Somers. It runs through Wednesday, December 31. Step into a winter wonderland at the Conservatory Plaza, where you’ll encounter whimsical holiday exhibits leading to the Conservatory. Inside, you’ll be surrounded by thirteen multi-level tracks with trains chugging along, going over bridges, through tunnels, under waterfalls, and by charming holiday scenes, twinkling lights and vibrant flowers that could make even a Grinch smile! Families can solve the Elf Scramble riddle, and then bring their completed playing card to the Gift Shop for a free prize! Little ones will have the chance to meet Santa in their cozy Santa Cottage for some jolly good fun! Stop by their pop-up shop off the Main House patio to pick up commemorative glass ornament, holiday treats, and small toys for purchase. Snack treats such as delicious pizza from George’s Wood Fired Pizza or a delightful sweet from Jimmy’s Soft Serve Truck are available, too. For ticket purchase and information visit https://www.lasdonpublicgardens.org/events/.
For seasonal family hikes and nature walks, make sure to visit Teatown Nature Preserve to explore the winter woods and learn about wildlife in colder months. There are hands-on programs for kids and families during weekends and school breaks. Think about joining a winter-themed educational program where small groups are led by environmental educators, focusing on local wildlife, ecology and seasonal changes on the preserve. Teatown hosts events year round, so check their website often. https://www.teatown.org/public-programs-and-events/. Teatown is located at 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining, NY 10562.
Further south in Westchester County, Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla is another not to be missed holiday event. The Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive-thru Holiday Light Extravaganza is opened most nights through December 31. The1.2 mile drive through the display includes dazzling lights, elves, glittering angels of peace, dancing trees, glowing snowballs, candy cane lanes, 175 foot Transporter Tunnel, a glowing string tunnel with a central stargate running along the middle and more! See favorite holiday characters, hear jovial music on your car radio and wave to Santa! For more information visit https://www.wwinterwonderland.com/ It is located at 1 Bronx River Parkway Road, Valhalla, N.Y. Whatever events you manage to see, invite friends and family to join you to make this truly a wonderful holiday season! We wish all of our Montauk Sun readers a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and healthy New Year ahead!