The holiday season is upon us—cue the music, shopping, stress, friends, family, and hopefully, some joy. The Hudson Valley is home to a variety of performances, festivals, and happenings that will be sure to add some sparkle to your season. Here are a few of our selections.
Basilica Farm & Flea
This post-Thanksgiving market is a way to get some locally sourced seasonal shopping done at Basilica Hudson from November 25 to 27.
Hudson Valley Hullabaloo
A place to find curated hand-made goods for the holiday grab bag at the Andy Murphy Midtown Neighborhood Center in Kingston November 19 to 20. Kids under 12 are free, $2 admission fee.
Sinterklass Send-Off Celebration
The Sinterklass Festival Day send-off celebration will be in Kingston on Saturday, November 26. Traditionally Dutch, but non-denominational and welcoming, this event is a Hudson Valley classic.
Celebration of Lights Parade & Fireworks
The Bardavon and City of Poughkeepsie host their 23rd annual tree lighting and parade Friday, December 2 at 6:30 pm. Watch the lights shimmer and sparkle, then see a special showing of It's A Wonderful Life at the Bardavon.
"A Christmas Carol" Presented by Ulster Ballet Company
A ballet performance of the heartfelt-holiday-classic by Dickens, at UPAC in Kingston from December 2 to 4. Tickets are $22 in advance/$25 at the door for adults, $18 in advance for UPAC/Bardavon members and seniors/ $22 at the door, and $15 in advance for children 12 and under and groups of 10 or more/ $18 at the door.
"A Christmas Carol"
This Charles Dickens classic returns to the Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck with new sets, costumes, and staging. Tickets are $20. Fridays to Sundays, starting from December 2 through December 18.
Winter Walk on Warren Street
Hudson Opera House hosts their annual mile-long celebration of holiday lights on Warren Street, featuring shops, reindeer, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and carolers. This year will include a new event, as composer Phil Kline introduces his soundscape Unsilent Night, amplifying sounds on the street. December 3 from 5-8pm in Hudson.
Sinterklass Festival Day
Community and holiday celebration combine—Sinterklass Festival Day is December 3 in Rhinebeck this year, returning with a series of children's workshops, dance, theatre, music, and storytelling around the village.
Holiday Market at Bethel Woods
Bethel Woods Center for Arts hosts their annual weekend holiday market event, December 3 to 4. Visit with Santa, get photos with the elves, and immerse yourself in family-friendly holiday fun at this free event. Miracle on 34th Street will be shown at 4pm, tickets $8 for adults, $5 for children.
"The Nutcracker"
Sugar plum fairies and holiday storytelling as New Paltz Ballet Theatre performs "The Nutcracker" at the Bardavon. The show runs from Friday, December 9th to Sunday, December 11. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and students, and $22 for groups of 10 or more.
Irish Christmas in America
The energetic vocal, music, and dance show features singer Niamh Farrell, dancer Samantha Harvey, guitarist Patrick Doocey, and more at the Towne Crier Cafe in Beacon December 7. Tickets are $30.
A Gilded Age Christmas
Visit like an Astor this holiday season from November 25 to December 31, as the Beaux Arts-style mansion gets fully decorated and costumed interpreters lead tours. Special evening hours will be at Staatsburgh State Historic Site on Friday, December 9.
Holiday Open House With the Roosevelts
Enjoy a decorated holiday tour of the President's place, with punch and light snacks. December 10 at the Franklin D. Roosevelt home in Hyde Park from 9am-5pm. A shuttle bus will also take visitors to see Valkill, 4pm-7pm.
"The Nutcracker"
A seasonal ballet performance by Catskill Ballet Theatre returns from December 9 to December 11 at Upstate Performing Arts Center. $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and students, $22 group rates for groups of 10 and more.
Yuletide Tea at Wilderstein Historic Site
A festive holiday event, featuring a variety of teas paired with finger sandwiches, homemade cakes, and cookies on December 10 starting at 1 pm. $30 for adults, $20 for children. Tickets include a tour of the decorated Queen Anne mansion.
Holiday Stomp at Bard College
Bard College hosts a holiday jazz party, featuring selections of music like "White Christmas" and "Please Come Home for Christmas" performed by The Hot Sardines. 8pm December 23 at the Fisher Center. Tickets are $25-65.
Handel's "Messiah"
This performance of Handel's Messiah by Cappella Festiva conducted by Christine Howlett will feature over 100 musicians and singers. Saturday, December 17 at the Bardavon. Tickets are $35 to $57, and $20 for students on the day of the show only.
Boscobel Sparkle
The annual celebration of lights and holiday festivity returns the historic Boscobel House and Gardens, Fridays to Sundays from December 2 to December 17.
Judy Collins
This sublime soprano performs holiday hits alongside other classics at the
Bearsville Theater December 22. General admission $25, Floor reserved seated $55, Gold circle seated $60.
Gift of Music with David Temple
Classical guitarist and composer David Temple presents this evening performance inspired by the giving season—pieces are will be designed as musical dedications and offerings to loved ones. Tickets are $20. 8pm, December 23 at The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck.
Polar Express Train Ride
Inspired by the Warner Brothers film and book, this themed Catskill Mountain Railroad train ride runs Friday November 18 through December 26. Cmrrevents.com
