Winter Solstice Activities

Plus: Holidays with Wolves, Grammy Performances, and Seasonal Cheer

Welcome to this week’s Westchester Weekly!

You know it, you feel it. It's one of those December weekends where the calendar is packed and the vibes are unmistakably festive. Across the county, holiday markets are glowing, live performances are filling theaters and halls, and neighborhoods are coming together for seasonal celebrations that feel both cozy and electric. From soulful concerts and dance-filled nights to candlelit traditions, winter solstice moments, and family-friendly magic, this weekend is your invitation to get out, bundle up, and celebrate close to home.

So make the most of it – and if this newsletter sparks a plan (or three), pass Westchester Weekly along to friends and neighbors so we can keep growing this local holiday-loving community!

πŸ‚ In this issue:
🎁 Holiday Markets, Festive Bazaars & Cozy Shopping Finds
🎢 Live Music, Big Holiday Concerts & Dance-Floor Energy
πŸ•―οΈ Candlelit Traditions, Solstice Celebrations & Seasonal Stories
🎭 Ballet Classics, Family-Friendly Performances & Holiday Magic

🏑 Real Estate Deal of the Week 🏑 

423 Rutledge Drive, Yorktown Heights

Just listed in Yorktown Heights!

Set in the highly desirable Croton Manor neighborhood, this elegant Colonial blends refined suburban living with effortless indoor-outdoor flow. The sun-filled interior features an open floor plan perfect for everyday comfort and weekend entertaining, with two fireplaces β€“ one gas and one wood-burning – adding warmth and character. French doors lead from the living and family rooms to an expansive deck and patio overlooking a private, level backyard framed by tranquil woodland views, while mountain views from the front porch enhance the home’s serene setting. A finished walk-out basement provides flexible living space, and the property is just minutes to top-rated schools, shopping, pools, hiking trails, and commuter routes.

  • 4 Beds

  • 2 Full Baths + 1 Half Bath

  • 3,383 sq ft

  • 1 acre lot

  • Built in 1970

Asking Price: $1,100,000

View the full listing here.

🧺 Family-Friendly Fun

Celebrate the season at Holiday Howl with wintery wolf encounters and festive fun at the Wolf Conservation Center!

🐺 Holiday Howl
Wolf Conservation Center | South Salem | Through Dec 28 | More
Bundle up for a magical evening of glowing lanterns, winter storytelling, and the unforgettable sound of wolves howling under the stars – equal parts enchanting and unforgettable!

✨ Grand Holiday Illumination at Untermyer Gardens
Untermyer Gardens Conservancy | Yonkers | Through Dec 31 | More
Wander through thousands of twinkling lights set against historic gardens and dramatic architecture – a dazzling, dreamlike experience that feels straight out of a fairy tale.

πŸš‚ The Great Holiday Train Show
New Castle Historical Society | Chappaqua | Through Jan 3 | More
Marvel at miniature towns, festive landscapes, and trains zipping through winter wonderlands – a timeless holiday favorite that delights all ages!

πŸŽ„ Grinch-A-Palooza
Jefferson Valley Mall | Yorktown Heights | Dec 20 | More
Games, photo ops, festive fun, and a certain green holiday mischief-maker – this high-energy celebration is pure holiday chaos in the best way.

❄️ Snow Ball with the Snow Sisters
FASNY Museum of Firefighting | Hudson | Dec 20 | More
Dress up and dance the afternoon away with beloved snow-themed characters – perfect for little ones who love sparkle, music, and magical moments.

Happy Holidays Jewish GIF by INTO ACTION

πŸ•Ž Hanukkah Laser Light Show
The Ark | Tarrytown | Dec 20 | More
Celebrate Hanukkah with a modern twist – vibrant lasers, music, and festive energy light up the night in a truly unique holiday experience.

πŸ•―οΈ Kwanzaa 2025
Hudson Hall | Hudson | Dec 20 | More
An uplifting celebration of culture, community, and tradition featuring music, storytelling, and meaningful moments for families to share together.

🌲 Yuletide at Hilltop Hanover Farm
Hilltop Hanover Farm | Yorktown | Dec 20 | More
Step into a cozy farm holiday with crafts, animals, warm drinks, and seasonal cheer – rustic, charming, and full of winter magic!

πŸŒ™ Winter Solstice Celebration
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum | Cornwall | Dec 20 | More
Welcome winter with lantern walks, nature-inspired activities, and peaceful seasonal rituals – a beautiful way to mark the shortest day of the year.

🩰 Nutcracker for Kids
Yorktown Stage | Yorktown Heights | Dec 20–21 | More
A joyful, kid-friendly take on the classic ballet – shorter, sweeter, and perfectly designed to introduce young audiences to holiday dance magic.

Santa Clause Christmas GIF

πŸŽ… Brunch with Santa
Royal Regency Hotel | Yonkers | Dec 21 | More
Enjoy a festive brunch while Santa makes his rounds – photos, smiles, and holiday cheer included with every plate!

πŸ•Ž Hanukkah Celebration at Nanuet Town Centre
Nanuet Town Centre | Nanuet | Dec 21 | More
A lively community celebration featuring music, menorah lighting, treats, and family-friendly fun to brighten the Festival of Lights.

🩰 Nutcracker, Short & Sweet (Sensory-Friendly Performance)
Paramount Hudson Valley | Peekskill | Dec 21 | More
A welcoming, relaxed Nutcracker performance designed for sensory-sensitive audiences – inclusive, joyful, and full of holiday warmth.

Together with Wonderland Holiday Lights!

Westchester Homeowners Save $150 on Holiday Lights

✨ Picture this: you pull into your driveway this December and your home is glowing with a perfect holiday display β€” without every touching a ladder.

Locally-owned Wonderland Holiday Lights makes it effortless. From custom design mockups to professional, white-glove installation, take-down, and climate-controlled off-season storage, Wonderland handles every detail so your holidays stay stress-free.

Plus, you’ll enjoy our Stay-Lit Guarantee (outages fixed in 48 hours or your money back), a complimentary timer, and professional dusk photos of your finished lights.

Spots are limited, and the best dates go fast.

Book your design consult today and let your home shine all season long while you cross one more thing off your to-do list.

🍻 Activities for Adults

Get into the holiday groove with The Rob Mathes Holiday Concert at The Performing Arts Center, a high-energy mix of rock, jazz, blues, and festive classics from the Emmy-winning, Grammy-nominated musical mastermind himself!

🩰 Nutcracker Dream
Emelin Theatre | Mamaroneck | Through Dec 22 | More
A dreamy, contemporary spin on the holiday classic – lush choreography, rich visuals, and a magical atmosphere that feels both timeless and fresh.

πŸŽ„ Ugly Holiday Sweater Adult Night at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester
LEGOLAND Discovery Center | Yonkers | Dec 18 | More
Break out your most outrageous sweater and enjoy after-hours LEGO builds, festive drinks, and playful nostalgia!

🎷 A Jazzy Holiday Concert with Veronica Nunn
Performing Arts Center | Bronx | Dec 19 | More
Smooth vocals, swinging rhythms, and classic holiday favorites reimagined through a jazz lens. Sultry, soulful, and perfect for the season!

Jimmy Fallon Reaction GIF by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

🚢 Third Annual Holiday Ramble 2025
The Pelham Picture House | Pelham | Dec 19 | More
A festive stroll through town filled with cheer, lights, and community spirit – part holiday crawl, part neighborhood celebration.

🎢 KJ Denhert & The Evening News: Holiday Celebration
Westchester Collaborative Theater | Ossining | Dec 19-20 | More
Folk-jazz storytelling, warm harmonies, and heartfelt holiday tunes – an intimate, soulful concert that feels like a musical fireside gathering.

πŸ’ƒ Willie ColΓ³n and Friends Live at Westchester Salsa Weekend
Westchester County Center | White Plains | Dec 20 | More
Legendary Latin rhythms, electric energy, and nonstop dancing! A high-octane holiday party led by a true salsa icon.

🍽️ Culinary Demonstration at the Stone Barns Market
Stone Barns Center | Tarrytown | Dec 20 | More
Get inspired by seasonal ingredients and expert techniques in this hands-on culinary experience. Perfect for food lovers and home chefs alike.

Michael Caine Christmas GIF by Sky

🎩 Victorian Christmas Celebration
Armour-Stiner Octagon House | Irvington | Dec 20 | More
Step back in time for candlelight, period dΓ©cor, and old-fashioned holiday charm – a richly atmospheric celebration of Christmas past.

🎢 Putnam Chorale: Winter Ensemble ’25
Lyndhurst | Tarrytown | Dec 20 | More
Powerful voices fill a historic estate with classic and contemporary winter selections – elegant, stirring, and deeply seasonal.

🎹 The Rob Mathes Holiday Concert
Purchase Performing Arts Center | Purchase | Dec 20–21 | More
A beloved Westchester tradition blending pop, gospel, jazz, and holiday favorites – joyful, uplifting, and packed with musical magic.

πŸ•―οΈ Winter Solstice Candlelit Reading & Celebration
Hudson Valley Writers Center | Sleepy Hollow | Dec 21 | More
Mark the longest night of the year with candlelight, poetry, and reflection – a peaceful, meaningful way to welcome the return of the light.

🌑️ Weather Report

Waving Home Alone GIF

β˜€οΈ Weekend Weather at a Glance

Friday (Dec 19): 🌧️ Rain early with breezy conditions, then partly sunny later – High ~ 53Β°F / Low ~ 28Β°F – A wet start to the weekend that should dry out and clear up later in the day; bundle up as temperatures fall!

Saturday (Dec 20): β˜€οΈ Mostly sunny and cooler – High ~ 35Β°F / Low ~ 33Β°F – A crisp winter-like day with sunshine; perfect for a brisk walk, though still chilly.

Sunday (Dec 21): β˜€οΈ Mostly sunny and milder – High ~ 46Β°F / Low ~ 28Β°F – Bright skies return with a touch of milder air; a great day to enjoy the outdoors before temperatures drop again!

Thanks for reading!

If you know of anything interesting going on in Westchester, reply to this email and let us know.

β€” Ethan & The Westchester Weekly team

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