Gingerbread decorating, ice hockey top kids' weekend events in the Hudson Valley
Photo credit: Gordon M. Grant | Kids can decorate holiday goodies with professional pastry chefs at the Ritz-Carlton in White Plains on Saturdays in December.
Christmas tree cutting at Plains View Farm in Pleasant Valley
Holiday gifts by Hudson Valley celebrities
Holiday house tours in the Hudson Valley
Looking for family-friendly winter and holiday activities this weekend? Creative kids can learn to make ornaments or decorate gingerbread; aspiring athletes can try ice skating for free and meet a hockey pro; little music lovers can see Laurie Berkner perform live; and the whole family can enjoy an all-day holiday festival. It’s all happening in the Hudson Valley. Find the details here.
Saturday: Gingerbread decorating workshop in White Plains
Children are invited to put on aprons and chef hats for a special holiday tour of the hotel kitchen at the Ritz-Carlton in White Plains. Afterward, it’s time to flex their culinary creativity in a session of gingerbread decorating under the guidance of the hotel’s own pastry chefs. Kids ages 3 to 8 will decorate gingerbread people, and those over 8 will decorate a gingerbread house. Refreshments will be served at the 90-minute event.
SHOPPING:
Holiday gifts for kids from local shops
| Holiday gifts made in the Hudson Valley
| Holiday gifts for everyone on your list
HOLIDAY SHOWS:
Shakespeare troupe presents 'A Christmas Carol'
| 'Nutcracker' returns to NYC with local dancer
| Buchanan trainer leads Rockettes into 85th season
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:
Where to meet Santa in the Hudson Valley
| Holiday house tours and events at historic venues
| Christmas tree farms in the Hudson Valley
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1; the event will be held at the same time on Dec. 8 and 15
Info: Ritz-Carlton, 3 Renaissance Sq., White Plains; 914-467-5826; www.ritzcarlton.com; $42
Saturday: Laurie Berkner holiday concert in Tarrytown
The popular children’s musician has recorded her first holiday album — “A Laurie Berkner Christmas” — and she wants to share it with you. The Laurie Berkner Band will perform Christmas, Hanukkah and winter-themed songs from the new CD as well as old favorites at the live “Holiday Celebration Concert.” Children under 1 year old can sit on laps; all others need tickets. If you splurge for premium tickets, you can treat the kids to a post-show meet and greet session.
When: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1
Info: Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown; 914-631-3390, ext.100; tarrytownmusichall.org; $35-$100
Saturday and Sunday: Meet a former New York Ranger and try ice hockey in Newburgh or Poughkeepsie
Kids ages 4 to 9 are invited to a free, one-hour session of ice skating or ice hockey as part of the second annual Try Ice Hockey for Free Day. Professional instruction and all equipment will be provided. A former player for the New York Rangers will be on hand to sign autographs, and all participants will receive a free New York Rangers hockey stick.
When: 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. at Ice Time Sports Complex in Newburgh on Saturday, Dec. 1; 10:30 a.m. and 11:20 a.m. at McCann Ice Arena in Poughkeepsie on Sunday, Dec. 2
Info: Ice Time Sports Complex, 21 Lakeside Rd., Newburgh; 845-567-0005; www.icetimesports.org. McCann Ice Arena, 14 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie; 845-454-5800; www.midhudsonciviccenter.org; free
Saturday: Ornament making workshop and tree lighting in Brewster
Children of all ages are invited to visit the Southeast Museum before the Main Street tree lighting festival for an ornament-making workshop. The museum will provide all the materials needed for each child to create a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree decoration. Afterward, join the Southeast Museum and Landmarks Preservation Society of Southeast — and Santa Claus — for free cider and cookies at the Annual Holiday Caroling and Tree Lighting event.
When: Workshop is at 4:30 p.m. and tree lighting ceremony is at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1
Info: Southeast Museum, 67 Main St., Brewster; 845-279-7500; southeastmuseum.org; $5 materials fee for ornament workshop, tree lighting festival is free
Sunday: Holiday in the Village Open House in Saugerties
A petting zoo, face painting, toy raffles and kids’ crafts are all part of the fun at this all-day event. Families can take a free ride in a horse-drawn carriage, meet roaming Disney characters, build a gingerbread house and sample some cold-weather treats such as hot cocoa and chocolate lollipops. Also enjoy music and dance performances, the Firemen’s Parade of Lights and menorah and tree lightings.
When: Noon-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
Info: Main Street, Saugerties; 800-957-0124; iheartsaugerties.com; free
