The holiday season has arrived and there is a lot for kids and families in Westchester to see and do! Santa, train shows, menorah lightings, the Nutcracker and lots more. Many of these events require advance tickets or reservations so be sure to check availability before heading over.

Have an event to add? Please comment below or add it in our free Community Calendar. Because sometimes the weather does not cooperate and things can change, it is always best to check the direct link to the actual event in our calendar to confirm the time before you go.

Wishing you and your family a warm and happy holiday season!

​Westchester's Winter Wonderland
Thu Nov 22nd - Mon Dec 31st 5:00pm-9:00pm or 10:00pm
Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla, NY, USA
* check out our blog from when we visited last year

It's Santa Photo Time
Fri Nov 2nd - Mon Dec 24th 
The Westchester, 125 Westchester Ave, White Plains, NY

Photos with Santa + Free Gift
Fri Nov 9th - Mon Dec 24th 
Cross County Shopping Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY

Santa's Cottage at Ridge Hill
Fri Nov 9th - Mon Dec 24th 
Ridge Hill, 1 Ridge Hill Boulevard, Yonkers, NY 10710

The TaSH Holiday Market- Santa, Tree Lighting & More
Patriots Park, Sleepy Hollow, NY

Breakfast with Santa
Sat Dec 1st 8:30am - 10:00am
Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd, Yorktown Heights, NY

Cocoa & Carols with Mrs. Claus
Sun Dec 2nd 11:00am - 12:00pm
Cross County Shopping Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY

Brunch With Santa
Sat Dec 8th 
Westchester Broadway Theatre, 1 Broadway Plaza, Elmsford, NY

Sensitive Santa
Sun Dec 9th 9:00am - 11:00am
Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd, Yorktown Heights, NY

Stew Leonard's Breakfast, Brunch or Lunch with Santa
Sat Dec 15th - Sun 16th 
Stew Leonard's, 1 Stew Leonard Dr, Yonkers, NY

Santa Visits the Rosen House
Sun Dec 16th 12:00pm & 3:00pm
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, 149 Girdle Ridge Rd, Katonah, NY

Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Fri Nov 9th - Tue Jan 1st 2019 
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY​

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
Sat Nov 24th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT

A Christmas Carol
Thu Nov 29th - Sun Dec 23rd 
Westchester Broadway Theatre, 1 Broadway Plaza, Elmsford, NY​

The Laurie Berkner Band A Holiday Celebration
Sat Dec 1st 
Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St, Tarrytown, NY

Mistletoe & Holly with Sinatra and Friends starring Frankie Sands
Sat Dec 1st 8:00pm
White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Pl, White Plains, NY

Jingle All the Way with Stamford Symphony Brass
Sun Dec 2nd 3:00pm - 5:00pm
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT

Michael McDonald, Season of Peace, Holiday & Hits
Sun Dec 2nd 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St, Peekskill, NY

Holiday Tea Musicale
Wed Dec 5th 1:00pm - Thu 13th 1:00pm
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, 149 Girdle Ridge Rd, Katonah, NY

Darlene Love - Love for the Holidays
Wed Dec 5th 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St, Peekskill, NY

7th Annual Westchester All Stars and Friends Christmas for Veterans Concert
Fri Dec 7th 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St, Peekskill, NY

Dickens's 'Christmas Carol'
Sat Dec 8th - Sun 16th 
Philipsburg Manor, 381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY

​The Colonial Nutcracker ft. Dan Hogan
Sat Dec 8th 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St, Peekskill, NY

The Nutcracker Performed by New York Theatre Ballet
Sun Dec 9th 
Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St, Tarrytown, NY

Merry Christmas Darling: Carpenters' Christmas
Sun Dec 9th 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St, Peekskill, NY

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
Wed Dec 12th 7:00pm
The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY

The Nutcracker Ballet
Fri Dec 14th - Sun 16th 
Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave, White Plains, NY

Nutcracker for Kids!
Sat Dec 15th 2:30pm - Sun 16th 5:00pm
Yorktown Stage, 1974 Commerce St, Yorktown Heights, NY

CT Ballet's The Nutcracker
Sat Dec 15th - Sun 16th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT​

Jessica Lynn's Very Merry Country Christmas
Sat Dec 15th 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Paramount Theater Hudson Valley, 1008 Brown St, Peekskill, NY

Emelin Theater Premieres Ballet des Ameriques' Nutcracker Dream
Dec 16 and Dec 22
Emelin Theater, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck, NY

New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
Sat Nov 17th - Mon Jan 21st 2019 
New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY

Holidays on the Hill Train Show
Sat Dec 1st - Sun 30th 
Lasdon Park, 2610 Amawalk Road, Route 35, Katonah,NY

Holiday Toy and Train Show
Sun Dec 9th 9:00am - 3:00pm
Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave, White Plains, NY

​​Westchester's Winter Wonderland
Thu Nov 22nd - Mon Dec 31st 5:00pm-9:00pm or 10:00pm
Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla, NY, USA
* check out our blog from when we visited last year

Holiday Tree Lightings
Multiple dates and locations

Holiday Electric Lights Parade & Tree Lighting
Sat Dec 1st 6:30pm
Jack DeVito Veterans Memorial Field, Yorktown Heights, NY

The TaSH Holiday Market- Santa, Tree Lighting & More
Patriots Park, Sleepy Hollow, NY

North Kensico Christmas Light Show
Sun Nov 25th - Wed Jan 2nd 2019 
21 N Kensico Ave, White Plains, NY

Ice Skating Rink at Cross County
Sat Nov 10th - Sun Jan 13th 2019 
Cross County Shopping Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY

Rivertowns Holiday Trolley
Sat Dec 1st 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, and Hastings on Hudson

White Plains Holiday Festival - Winterfest
Wed Dec 19th - Sun 23rd 
Downtown White Plains, Court St, White Plains, NY

Menorah Workshop at the Home Depot (advance reservations recommended)
Sun Dec 2nd 
The Home Depot, 55 Weyman Ave, New Rochelle, NY

Maccabeats Concert (sold out)
Sun Dec 2nd 3:00pm
Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, 480 Bedford Rd, Chappaqua, NY

Chabad of the Rivertowns Menorah Lightings
Irvington: Sunday, December 2nd at 4:00 pm
Ardsley: Monday, December 3 at 7:00 pm
Dobbs Ferry: Tuesday, December 4 at 7:00 pm
Hastings: Wednesday, December 5 at 7:00 pm

Family Chanukah Party at Scarsdale Synagogue
Sun Dec 2nd 11:00am - 12:00pm
Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont & Emanu-El, 2 Ogden Rd, Scarsdale, NY

Chanukah Village
Sun Dec 2nd 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Street, Main St, Irvington, NY

Can Menorah Lighting at Ridge Hill
Sun Dec 2nd 3:00pm
Ridge Hill, 1 Ridge Hill Boulevard, Yonkers, NY

Chanukah with IDF Heroes
Sun Dec 2nd 4:00pm
Hampshire Country Club, 1025 Cove Rd, Mamaroneck, NY

Menorah Lighting at the Cross County Shopping Center
Mon Dec 3rd 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Cross County Shopping Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY

Bedford Village Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Village
Tue Dec 4th 4:00pm
Bedford Village, Bedford, NY​

Bronxville Menorah Lighting
Tue Dec 4th 6:00pm
Leonard Morange Square, Bronxville Train Station & Parkway Road, Bronville, NY

White Plains Menorah Lighting
Wed Dec 5th 5:30pm
Tibbits Park, N Broadway & Lake St, White Plains, NY

Tuckahoe Menorah Lighting
Wed Dec 5th 6:00pm
Depot Square, Depot Square, Tuckahoe, NY

Edgemont Menorah Lighting
Thu Dec 6th 5:30pm
Crane's Pond, Scarsdale, NY

Stew Leonard's Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Thu Dec 6th 5:30pm
Stew Leonard's, 1 Stew Leonard Dr, Yonkers, NY
​
The Chanukah Gelt Drop & Menorah Lighting in Eastchester
Thu Dec 6th 5:30pm
Memorial Park, White Plains Rd & California Rd, Eastchester, NY

Scarsdale Menorah Lighting
Sun Dec 9th 4:00pm
Chase Park, 32 Chase Rd, Scarsdale, NY

Yonkers Menorah Lighting
Sun Dec 9th 4:30pm
Untermyer Park and Gardens, 945 N Broadway, Yonkers, NY

Christmas Tree Sale
Fri Nov 23rd 4:00pm - Sun Dec 23rd 6:00pm
North White Plains Firehouse
​
Holiday Bazaar
Sat Dec 1st 10:00am - 4:00pm
Brewster High School, 50 Foggintown Rd, Brewster, NY

Holiday Boutique
Thu Dec 6th 7:00am - 7:00pm
Fantatic Finds, 400 King St, Chappaqua, NY

Music Hall Holiday Market
Sun Dec 16th 10:00am - 5:00pm
Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St, Tarrytown, NY

Hanukkah comes early this year, the first candle will be lit this Sunday evening, December 2nd. Join in the festivities at these local menorah lightings and celebrations here in Westchester County, NY. Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate! 

Menorah Workshop at the Home Depot (advance reservations recommended)
Sun Dec 2nd 
The Home Depot, 55 Weyman Ave, New Rochelle, NY

Maccabeats Concert (sold out)
Sun Dec 2nd 3:00pm
Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, 480 Bedford Rd, Chappaqua, NY

Chabad of the Rivertowns Menorah Lightings
Irvington: Sunday, December 2nd at 4:00 pm
Ardsley: Monday, December 3 at 7:00 pm
Dobbs Ferry: Tuesday, December 4 at 7:00 pm
Hastings: Wednesday, December 5 at 7:00 pm

Family Chanukah Party at Scarsdale Synagogue
Sun Dec 2nd 11:00am - 12:00pm
Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont & Emanu-El, 2 Ogden Rd, Scarsdale, NY

Chanukah Village
Sun Dec 2nd 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Street, Main St, Irvington, NY

Can Menorah Lighting at Ridge Hill
Sun Dec 2nd 3:00pm
Ridge Hill, 1 Ridge Hill Boulevard, Yonkers, NY

Chanukah with IDF Heroes
Sun Dec 2nd 4:00pm
Hampshire Country Club, 1025 Cove Rd, Mamaroneck, NY

Menorah Lighting at the Cross County Shopping Center
Mon Dec 3rd 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Cross County Shopping Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY

Bedford Village Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Village
Tue Dec 4th 4:00pm
Bedford Village, Bedford, NY

Bronxville Menorah Lighting
Tue Dec 4th 6:00pm
Leonard Morange Square, Bronxville Train Station & Parkway Road, Bronville, NY

​White Plains Menorah Lighting
Wed Dec 5th 5:30pm
Tibbits Park, N Broadway & Lake St, White Plains, NY

Tuckahoe Menorah Lighting
Wed Dec 5th 6:00pm
Depot Square, Depot Square, Tuckahoe, NY

Edgemont Menorah Lighting
Thu Dec 6th 5:30pm
Crane's Pond, Scarsdale, NY

Stew Leonard's Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Thu Dec 6th 5:30pm
Stew Leonard's, 1 Stew Leonard Dr, Yonkers, NY

The Chanukah Gelt Drop & Menorah Lighting in Eastchester
Thu Dec 6th 5:30pm
Memorial Park, White Plains Rd & California Rd, Eastchester, NY

Scarsdale Menorah Lighting
Sun Dec 9th 4:00pm
Chase Park, 32 Chase Rd, Scarsdale, NY

Yonkers Menorah Lighting
Sun Dec 9th 4:30pm
Untermyer Park and Gardens, 945 N Broadway, Yonkers, NY

By Laurie Wolk

It is a worthy goal for us as parents to aspire to clean up our own behavior so that we can see those positive traits lived out in our children. We have to set aside our own issues to make sure we’re not subconsciously asking our children to carry our emotional baggage as well.

Our culture is inundated with celebrities for our children to watch and observe, and they have instant access to them in the palm of their hands. Strangely, we have started to believe that it is a famous athlete, actor or politician’s job to be a role model for our children. Don’t buy into that, parents. YOU are their closest and most valuable example. Think about what you want from and for your children.

Do you want them to be thoughtful? Show them how by asking a friend about her life, rather than talking only about yourself.

Do you want your children to be confident and gracious? When someone compliments you, genuinely thank them without qualifying or discounting the compliment.

Do you wish your kids showed everyone the same kindness and respect? Speak kindly to servers. Treat her school custodian the same way you treat her principal.

Do you want your sons and daughters not to follow the crowd? Carve your own path. Don’t do something because it’s expected.

Parents, your children are watching. They are learning from your example. Inspire them by telling them what you want for them, then showing them, over and over.

Not only are your actions important, but your words. They can bring those actions into focus. What you say is their window into the motivation for your actions. They are not just watching, but listening.

Kids might have selective deafness when you ask whether they have finished their homework, but they hear how you talk to and about them. Let your language also be an example.

Don’t let them hear negative talk from you — this includes (note to self) cursing, gossip, badmouthing friends, family and especially your other children.

Show them how to set boundaries by saying no and meaning it.

Talk to them about your mistakes and failures, even parenting mistakes. Apologize when you are wrong.

Praise them, even for the little things — the way you talk to them becomes their inner voice. Let them overhear you praising them to others.

Be willing to listen and respect their feelings and problems.

In short, be the kind of person you want them to be. Then be open, honest and available to talk about it.

Easy, right? Of course it’s not! Parenting is the hardest, best job on the planet. Even great jobs let you have a break every now and then. Give yourself permission to be silly. Even though this is serious work, when you start to establish this open communication with your kids, you can start to model that it’s okay to be tired and stressed. It’s also okay to not take yourself so seriously. Crank up the music on the way to soccer practice and belt out some Justin Bieber.

The next time your daughter is scrolling through Kendall and Kylie’s Insta feed, trying to duplicate the signature pout, put down your own phone, ask her to do the same and show her how to do something in real life that is valuable. Even if you are just demonstrating your killer falsetto.
​
The Biebs would be jealous.

About the Author: 
Laurie Wolk is an Author, Educator & Motivational Speaker focusing on parenting adolescents and social media. A “go to” girl since childhood and a cheerleader at heart, her passion is helping parents and young girls learn how to communicate and connect with themselves, each other and the outside world.

She works directly with companies, schools, organizations and individuals on building confidence, leadership and digital citizenship skills. Her goal: teaching girls how to put down their digital devices and develop “in real life” communication and relationship skills. 

A graduate of Emory University, Laurie received her BA in Psychology and is the Author of the book Girls Just Want to Have Likes: How to Raise Confident Girls in the Face of Social Media Madness due in bookstores nationwide this August. She is the Editor of The Spark Report, a weekly report that helps parents of tweens/teens spark meaningful conversations with their children. Laurie received advanced certification at the Martha Beck and Girls Leadership Institutes and is on the Board of the Westchester Children’s Museum and at Girls Leadership.
​
 An engaged and hands-on mother of three + dog, Laurie understands adolescents and connects with them both as a guide and a friend, teaching them important social and emotional skills that will serve them for a lifetime. She has been called a “modern mentor” by clients and forms natural connections early on with both parent and child.

As the weather turns chilly, we turn to indoor entertainment. And the coming months is filled with tons of it. From kids shows like the Cat In The Hat to holiday favorites likes The Nutcracker, there's a lot to see. Book tickets in advance for your favorites!

As always, we regularly update our Community Calendar with the latest events. You can also visit our Local Business Directory to find play spaces, music classes, art classes, home repair and more. If you need help finding something you can submit a request directly on our website for free. Please sign up for our e-mail list to get the inside scoop on what's happening and more in Westchester.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Fri Nov 9th - Tue Jan 1st 2019 
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY​

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
Sat Nov 24th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT

A Christmas Carol
Thu Nov 29th - Sun Dec 23rd 
Westchester Broadway Theatre, 1 Broadway Plaza, Elmsford, NY​

The Laurie Berkner Band A Holiday Celebration
Sat Dec 1st 
Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St, Tarrytown, NY

Mistletoe & Holly with Sinatra and Friends starring Frankie Sands
Sat Dec 1st 8:00pm
White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Pl, White Plains, NY

Jingle All the Way with Stamford Symphony Brass
Sun Dec 2nd 3:00pm - 5:00pm
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT

Michael McDonald, Season of Peace, Holiday & Hits
Sun Dec 2nd 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St, Peekskill, NY

Holiday Tea Musicale
Wed Dec 5th 1:00pm - Thu 13th 1:00pm
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, 149 Girdle Ridge Rd, Katonah, NY

Darlene Love - Love for the Holidays
Wed Dec 5th 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St, Peekskill, NY

7th Annual Westchester All Stars and Friends Christmas for Veterans Concert
Fri Dec 7th 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St, Peekskill, NY

Dickens's 'Christmas Carol'
Sat Dec 8th - Sun 16th 
Philipsburg Manor, 381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY

The Colonial Nutcracker ft. Dan Hogan
Sat Dec 8th 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St, Peekskill, NY

The Nutcracker Performed by New York Theatre Ballet
Sun Dec 9th 
Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St, Tarrytown, NY

Merry Christmas Darling: Carpenters' Christmas
Sun Dec 9th 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St, Peekskill, NY

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
Wed Dec 12th 7:00pm
The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY

The Nutcracker Ballet
Fri Dec 14th - Sun 16th 
Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave, White Plains, NY

CT Ballet's The Nutcracker
Sat Dec 15th - Sun 16th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT

Nutcracker for Kids!
Sat Dec 15th 2:30pm - Sun 16th 5:00pm
Yorktown Stage, 1974 Commerce St, Yorktown Heights, NY​

Emelin Theater Premieres Ballet des Ameriques' Nutcracker Dream
Dec 16 and Dec 22
Emelin Theater, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck, NY

​The Little Mermaid Jr.
Fri Nov 2nd - Sun 11th 
White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Pl, White Plains, NY

Peppa Pig Live
Fri Nov 9th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT

James and the Giant Peach
Sat Nov 17th - Sun 25th 
Yorktown Stage, 1974 Commerce St, Yorktown Heights, NY

Circa : Carnival of the Animals
Sun Nov 18th 3:00pm - 4:30pm
The Performing Arts Center, 735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY

The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Tue Nov 27th 4:00pm
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT​

Rainbow Fish
Sun Dec 9th 
Emelin Theatre, 3609, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck, NY

Disney's Beauty & the Beast
Fri Dec 21st 7:00pm - Sun Jan 13th 2019 9:00pm
White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Pl, White Plains, NY

The Paper Bag Players
Wed Dec 26th 
Emelin Theatre, 3609, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck, NY

Pete the Cat
Sat Jan 19th 
Emelin Theatre, 3609, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck, NY

The Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites
Sat Jan 26th 11:00am
Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St, Tarrytown, NY

An Interactive Bubble Show
Sat Feb 2nd 2:00pm
White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Pl, White Plains, NY

Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat
 Sat Feb 9th 
Emelin Theatre, 3609, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck, NY

Rapunzel
Sat Feb 9th 
Yorktown Stage, 1974 Commerce St, Yorktown Heights, NY

November has arrived. As we say goodbye to Halloween, we look forward to Thanksgiving and then the holiday season. The most wonderful time of the year! Here are some upcoming events taking place this month. As more events are announced we will update this list.

As always, we regularly update our Community Calendar with the latest events. Note that some events require advance reservations. Check direct event links in the event of inclement weather to see if they are cancelled.

You can also visit our Local Business Directory to find play spaces, music classes, art classes, home repair and more. If you need help finding something you can submit a request directly on our website for free. Please sign up for our e-mail list to get the inside scoop on what's happening and more in Westchester.

It's Santa Photo Time
Fri Nov 2nd - Mon Dec 24th 
The Westchester, 125 Westchester Ave, White Plains, NY

​32nd Annual JLCW Holiday Boutique
Wed Nov 7th 10:00am - 8:00pm
Mulino’s at Lake Isle Country Club, 660 White Plains Rd, Eastchester, NY 

Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Fri Nov 9th - Tue Jan 1st 2019 
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY​

Photos with Santa + Free Gift
Fri Nov 9th - Mon Dec 24th 
Cross County Shopping Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY

Cross County Tree Lighting Celebration
Sat Nov 17th 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Cross County Shopping Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY

New Rochelle Thanksgiving Day Parade
Sat Nov 17th 10:00am
North Avenue and Main Street, New Rochelle, NY

52nd Annual Mamaroneck Turkey Trot
Sun Nov 18th 
Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck, NY

Stamford Downtown Parade
Sun Nov 18th 12:00pm
Summer to Broad to Atlantic Streets, Stamford, CT

Turkey Time
Sun Nov 18th 11:00am - 12:00pm
Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd, Ossining, NY​

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thu Nov 22nd 9:00am - 12:00pm
Central Park West, Central Park West, New York, NY,

3rd Annual Holiday Market
Fri Nov 23rd 11:00am - Sat 24th 4:00pm
Ossining Public Library, 53 Croton Ave, Ossining, NY

Christmas Tree Sale
Fri Nov 23rd 4:00pm - Sun Dec 23rd 6:00pm
North White Plains Firehouse

Westchester Parks Foundation to Kick Off 5th Annual Westchester’s Winter Wonderland with Tree Lighting Celebration
Fri Nov 23rd 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Pkwy, Valhalla, NY

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
Sat Nov 24th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT

Hanukkah Festival of (Laser) Light
Sun Nov 25th 4:00pm - 5:00pm
White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Pl, White Plains, NY

Armonk Frosty Day
Sun Nov 25th 12:30pm - Thu 29th 5:00pm
Armonk, NY

A Christmas Carol
Thu Nov 29th - Sun Dec 23rd 
Westchester Broadway Theatre, 1 Broadway Plaza, Elmsford, NY

Menorah Lighting
Mon Dec 3rd 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Cross County Shopping Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY

Join Us At The Farmhouse Festival!
Sun Nov 4th 10:00am - 4:00pm
Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, CT

Fall Breakout Day: Election on the Farm
Tue Nov 6th 11:00am - 3:00pm
Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, CT

Ice Skating Rink (see details for skating schedule)
Sat Nov 10th - Sun Jan 13th 2019 
Cross County Shopping Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY

The Little Mermaid Jr.
Fri Nov 2nd - Sun 11th 
White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Pl, White Plains, NY

Peppa Pig Live
Fri Nov 9th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT
​
James and the Giant Peach
Sat Nov 17th - Sun 25th 
Yorktown Stage, 1974 Commerce St, Yorktown Heights, NY

Circa : Carnival of the Animals
Sun Nov 18th 3:00pm - 4:30pm
The Performing Arts Center, 735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY

The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Tue Nov 27th 4:00pm
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT

Working Moms Night Out
Thu Nov 15th 7:30pm - 9:15pm

Kids in the Kitchen: Crostatine alla Marmellata
Sat Nov 17th 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Westchester Italian Cultural Center, 1 Generoso Pope Pl, Tuckahoe, NY

Mother & Daughter Yoga
Sat Nov 17th 2:15pm - 3:30pm
Yoga Haven 2, 91 Montgomery Ave, Scarsdale, NY

Toddler Yoga
Sat Nov 17th 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Yoga Haven 2, 91 Montgomery Ave, Scarsdale, NY

Songs for Seeds Pop Ups
Mon Nov 26th - Fri Feb 22nd 2019
Dobbs Ferry & Pleasantville, NY

Feeding Westchester's Community Scoop-A-Thon
Tue Nov 27th 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Feeding Westchester, 200 Clearbrook Rd, Elmsford, NY

Westchester County has some of the best Halloween events in the area. Here is our list of upcoming Halloween happenings to fill your fall with spooky fun!

Note that some events require advance reservations. Check direct event links in the event of inclement weather to see if they are cancelled. For up-to-date events, please check out our Community Calendar. You can also add events as well.

​Wishing you and your family a safe and fun fall season!

Halloween Events at the New York Botanical Garden
Sat Sep 22nd - Wed Oct 31st 
Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor
Fri Sep 28th 6:30pm - Sat Nov 24th 10:00pm
Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 S. Riverside Ave, Croton-On-Hudson, NY

Lyndhurst Mansion Tours With A Halloween Twist
Mon Oct 1st - Wed 31st 
Lyndhurst, 635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY

Boo at the Zoo
October Weekends - Sat Sep 29th - Sun Oct 28th 
Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY

The Haunt at Rocky Ledge
Friday-Sunday weekends in October- Fri Oct 5th - Sun 28th 
1402 Old Orchard Street, North White Plains, NY

Irving's Legend
Fri Oct 5th 11:30am - Wed 31st 10:00pm
The Old Dutch Church, 381, North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY

The Unsilent Picture
Fri Oct 5th 6:00pm - Wed 31st 10:00pm
Philipsburg Manor, 381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY

Horseman’s Hollow
Fri Oct 5th 6:00pm - Wed 31st 10:00pm
Philipsburg Manor, 381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY

Lasdon Park Halloween Fall Festival Train Show​
Weekends in October, Sat Oct 6th - Sun 28th
Lasdon Park, 2610 Amawalk Rd, Katonah, NY

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Tours
Sun Oct 7th - Sun Nov 25th 
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, 540 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY

Scared by the Sound At Playland
Fridays-Sundays Oct 12th - Sun 28th 
Playland, Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY

Home of the ‘Legend'
Sat Oct 6th 10:00am - Sun 28th 3:30pm
Washington Irving's Sunnyside, 3 W Sunnyside Ln, Irvington, NY

Beyond the Legend: Irving’s Ghost Stories
Thu Oct 18th 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Washington Irving Chapel at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, 540 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY

Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities
Fri Oct 19th - Wed 31st 
Lyndhurst, 635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY

Halloween SPOOKTACULAR 2018
Sat Oct 20th 10:00am - 2:30pm
​Cross County Shopping Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY
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Harvest Fest On The Hill
Sat Oct 20th 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Ridge Hill, Ridge Hill Boulevard, Yonkers, NY

Halloween Events at Stew Leonard's
Wed Oct 24th - Sun 28th 
Stew Leonard's, 1 Stew Leonard Dr, Yonkers, NY

New Rochelle BID FAMILY DAYS: Costume Parade, followed by Pumpkin-Painting on Library
Sat Oct 27th 9:45am - 11:00am
New Street, New Rochelle, NY 

Halloween Hike to Haunted Hollow
Sat Oct 27th 10:00am - 11:30am
Croton Point Park Nature Center, Croton Point Ave, Croton-On-Hudson, NY

Marshlands Halloween Spooktacular
Sat Oct 27th 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Marshlands Conservancy, Route 1, Rye, NY

Slithering Serpents
Sat Oct 27th 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Trailside Nature Museum, Routes 35 and 121, Cross River, NY

Downtown White Plains Zombie Walk
Sat Oct 27th 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Galleria Mall, 100 Main St, White Plains, NY

Howl-o-ween Party
Sat Oct 27th 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Lenoir Preserve, 19 Dudley St, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY

Halloween Boo Bash
Sat Oct 27th 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Cranberry Lake Preserve, 1609 Old Orchard Street, North White Plains, NY

Tarrytown Halloween Parade
Sat Oct 27th 5:30pm
Main Street, Main St, Tarrytown, NY

Nature at Night
Sat Oct 27th 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY

Frightfully Fun Festival & Parade in White Plains
Sun Oct 28th 12:00pm - Mon 29th 4:00pm
Main Street, Main St, White Plains, NY

​Spooky Tales
Tue Oct 30th 3:30pm
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, 149 Girdle Ridge Rd, Katonah, NY

By Nidhi Sharma, PT, DPT, OCS
Sponsored Post
​

The time after delivery is known as the postpartum period and this is one of the most important phases in a woman’s life. As the body tries to return to pre-pregnancy state, the physical influences at this time can affect the long-term health of the mother. 

After undergoing radical changes for much of 9 months and an exhausting delivery process, moms are often overwhelmed by the responsibilities of childcare. Their body, specifically the pelvis never gets a chance to heal and recover. 
​
Here are the 4 most common physical complaints of post-partum period. 

1. Urinary Incontinence: The “leaky” bladder is not just a problem during pregnancy, it persists in over 80% of women after giving birth! Often, the leaking happens with coughing, sneezing, running, etc. but can happen with almost any activity of daily life. The research shows that leaking does not go away by itself and should be addressed soon after delivery. 
2. Diastasis Recti: In simple terms, it is separation of the superficial layer of abdominal muscles due to excessive intra-abdominal pressure. Women usually notice a protruding belly or a “pouch/bulge” which is most evidentright after childbirth. Sometimes, the mothers notice that they still look “pregnant” after having the baby. The usual exercises for abdominals like crunches and planks can often hurt rather than help the problem. 
3. Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Sometimes due to weakness of muscles and ligaments, the organs like bladder, uterus and bowel can droop down outside the vaginal opening. Again, pelvic floor muscles can be strengthened to help support these organs back into their place. 

4. Lower Back Pain: Lower back pain is extremely common in new mothers and often multifactorial. All of the conditions explained above can compromise core stability and contribute to lower back pain. In addition to that, demands of childcare like frequent lifting, carrying, and breastfeeding, etc.can put repetitive stress on joints in the spine and pelvis.

What can you do? 
Postpartum Rehabilitation focuses on the health of new mothers by customizing the program to the unique physiological changes of pregnancy and demands of childcare. The program focuses on improving posture and alignment, strengthening trunk and pelvic floor muscles, and training in proper breastfeeding/childcare positions. It is important to know that all of the above conditions are closely related to each other and should be addressed as a unit. Often the lower back pain is caused by underlying pelvic floor weakness and won’t improve until incontinence is addressed. A good program looks at abdominal, lower back, and pelvic floor muscles individually as well as a coordinated system. 
​
If you are pregnant or recently had a baby, give your body some much-needed TLC. See a Women’s Health Physical Therapist at Func Physio Physical Therapy and get back to things you love. Sooner the better!

Func Physio Physical Therapy
111 Brooke Street, 3rdFloor 
Scarsdale , NY 
Contact : 347 497 0500
www.funcphysio.com

​Here is a list of upcoming local carnivals and festivals to make the most of the beautiful autumn weather. Enjoy rides, local food, games, live music and more!

As always, we regularly update our Community Calendar with the latest events. You can also visit our Local Business Directory to find play spaces, music classes, art classes, home repair and more. If you need help finding something you can submit a request directly on our website for free. Please sign up for our e-mail list to get the inside scoop on what's happening and more in Westchester.

Chappaqua Children's Book Festival
Saturday, September 29th 
Bell Middle School, 50 Senter St, Chappaqua, NY
The 2018 Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is the largest annual children’s book festival in the tri-state region. The event is filled with activities, famous authors, books for purchase and much more. 

Eastchester Columbus Day Celebration Carnival & Parade
Friday, October 5th - Monday, October 8th  
Lake Isle Country Club, 660 White Plains Rd, Eastchester, NY
Multi-day festival featuring rides and games, as well as, cuisine and crafts from local restaurants and businesses that celebrate everything local, and most of all, everything Italian! Special events include a DJ Dance Party, Homemade Meatball Contest, Live Music and Homemade Wine Contest. The Eastchester Columbus Day Parade is Sunday, October 8th.

Stone Barns HarvestFest
Saturday, October 6th
630 Bedford Rd, Tarrytown, NY
Typically sold out far in advance, celebrate the best of the farm in fall. Enjoy hayrides, farm demonstrations, activities, crafts, live music, and seasonal fare and more.

Dobbs Ferry Festa
Saturday, October 6th
Cedar St & Main St., Dobbs Fery, NY
Ferry Festa is Dobbs Ferry’s largest community event, an annual street fair with festivities, crafts, entertainment, music, and vendors. Fun for all ages.

Pumpkin Picking Weekend at Muscoot Farm
Saturday, October 6th - Monday, October 9th
51 NY-100, Katonah, NY
​Lots of festive activities to do on the farm each day including pumpkins for sale, hayrides, live music, games and an art show. Check the schedule for other special activities like Glitter a Pumpkin Cider.

Free Family Fun Day at Tarrytown Music Hall
Sunday, October 7th
13 Main St, Tarrytown, NY
A fun-filled day of dance, circus arts, and theater arts, with music, fall-themed arts and crafts, healthy snacks, and many other fun surprises! This event is FREE and open to the public. No tickets required.

Yorktown Festival & Street Fair
Sunday, October 7th
Commerce St & Veterans Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY
A fun filled day of food, music, activities for kids. Includes over 250 vendors, children's rides, music  & dance performances, food, classic cars and more.

21st Annual Sleepy Hollow Street Fair
Saturday Oct 14th
Beekman Ave, Sleepy Hollow, NY
The fair features local food, live music, dance performances throughout the day, kids carnival and more.

by Laurie Wolk

Confident … Brave … Resilient … These are just a few of the buzz words that we have been hearing lately as it relates to “raising girls.” Inspiring campaigns online, in person and at our nations capital promoting the strong female are drawing huge attendance and attention. Household brands, toy companies and acadamia are shifting their focus and encouraging girls to get engaged in science, math and whatever it is that excites them.
 
Our girls are seeing, hearing and believing that they do not need to settle for anything less than half of the American pie. That is exciting! At times this year I have felt that there is magic in the air and indeed there is. However, all I have to do is walk into one of my girls leadership workshops and speak with my students (in grades 4th-8th) to be reminded of the immense pressure our girls feel to be “perfect”, “get along” and just “be nice.” 
 
We parents (and society) give our girls mixed messages and we need to pay close attention to our actions and our words . We tell them to be leaders, but we call them out for being “bossy.” We tell them that they are capable and strong, but then we jump in and solve their problems for them. We encourage them to be assertive, but then we inundate them with pleas to be nice and respectful.  We tell them to take risks, make mistakes but then we mitigate their failures so they don't feel the hurt.
 
Truth be told, our girls don’t have the utensils they need to eat, let alone share that half of the American pie that they are being promised.  
 
We parents need to help our girls not rely on the external world to offer them pats on the back and validation. Sure good grades in school or being on an elite sports team offer a confidence boost during those early years, however, research shows that when our girls keep their head down and focus only on academic and physical achievement and don't speak up, it is not enough to sustain a feeling of true confidence in one's whole self.  Having report cards that are covered with A’s alone is not doing our girls justice. In fact, along with those A’s we want to be focusing on a whole lot of C’s, too: Communication, collaboration, contribution, character, creativity 
 
That feeling of confidence that we all so desperately want for our girls can only be born from the inside and hard earned. No parental life lesson, academic achievement, empowerment rally or brilliant ad campaign can give it to her. And that starts with her learning to speak up and ask for what she wants and/or needs.  It takes courage, but it’s a skill they (and even we adults) can learn.
 
So how do we raise confident girls in 2018 you ask? 
 
We teach our girls to use their voice and be brave!  
 
Being able to share freely how you feel in exchange for the opportunity to make change in your world (or a situation) is freedom.  Freedom is the ability to share  your truth and knowing that you will be okay whatever the outcome may be from having done so. Intimacy comes when you share how you feel. That is how relationships get stronger. And relationships are the cornerstone of happiness. 
 
Just like an iceberg where only 10% of the whole mass can be seen above the surface, most people hide their true emotions below the surface. Only if we dig below the surface, and let those feelings come above, can others actually know and understand how we are feeling.   Sharing how you feel brings the truth to the surface. Thus if you share how you feel with someone, and it is not received as you would have liked, you will find that you still feel relief. 
 
When feelings are kept inside and not voiced, that is when we see unhealthy and problematic behaviors.. Those “hurt” feelings often get buried and later in life, whether in work or in relationships, we tend to see that girls won't speak up yet again, having carried with them this default way of being in the world. This can come at tremendous personal cost to their careers, marriages and friendships.
 
So for those who have a girl they adore in their lives, start broadening the emotional vocabulary that you use around them. Do good role modeling and tell stories from your day labeling the emotions (disappointed, anxious, embarrassed) that went along with the events that happened. You can even play the game Rose and Thorn. Sharing with each other a “Rose” (something good) that happened and a “Thorn” something that didn’t go so well.  Just be sure to include super descriptive words that the audience can understand right away how you were feeling. No generalizations like happy or angry.   
 
And while you are at it, let’s start lowering the “perfection" wall that you have built up around you.  The one that you thought you needed in order to show your girl(s) you are a wise and capable mentor. Let her see over the top and that you make mistakes too and while your at it, apologize to her when you in fact mishandle something. Have an open and honest conversation about the value i, asking for help, making mistakes and demonstrating that we can all choose to act differently no matter what age and how entrenched our habits maybe, once we know to act differently.
 
 
About the Author: 
Laurie Wolk is an Author, Educator & Motivational Speaker focusing on parenting adolescents and social media. A “go to” girl since childhood and a cheerleader at heart, her passion is helping parents and young girls learn how to communicate and connect with themselves, each other and the outside world.

She works directly with companies, schools, organizations and individuals on building confidence, leadership and digital citizenship skills. Her goal: teaching girls how to put down their digital devices and develop “in real life” communication and relationship skills. 

A graduate of Emory University, Laurie received her BA in Psychology and is the Author of the book Girls Just Want to Have Likes: How to Raise Confident Girls in the Face of Social Media Madness due in bookstores nationwide this August. She is the Editor of The Spark Report, a weekly report that helps parents of tweens/teens spark meaningful conversations with their children. Laurie received advanced certification at the Martha Beck and Girls Leadership Institutes and is on the Board of the Westchester Children’s Museum and at Girls Leadership.
​
 An engaged and hands-on mother of three + dog, Laurie understands adolescents and connects with them both as a guide and a friend, teaching them important social and emotional skills that will serve them for a lifetime. She has been called a “modern mentor” by clients and forms natural connections early on with both parent and child.

Preparing your child for a successful future starts early. Start with music.

Sponsored Post

Did you know studying music can actually make your child smarter? Learning to play an instrument or sing improves overall academic performance, strengthens motor skills and cognition, as well as develops self-motivation, self-confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. Having a strong foundation in music can positively impact the trajectory of your child’s life. Start early. Start with music!

Music Conservatory of Westchester, voted Best of Westchester’s ‘Best Music School’ for two consecutive years (2017 and 2018), provides the quality music instruction your child needs to jump-start their journey to future success. Starting with its First Notes curriculum for babies and toddlers, and progressing with its Suzuki program and Guitar program for young musicians, opportunities for your child’s best possible start are at the Music Conservatory. 

This fall, prospective students and their families are invited to attend and participate in the Conservatory’s Open Houses introducing its updated roster of classes in September!

“Music is all around us, virtually everywhere we go, yet most people listen to music without understanding what they are actually hearing,” Conservatory Dean of Students and Faculty Dr. Douglas Bish explains. “Children who develop a strong sense of musical concepts from their earliest years have a better chance of growing up with confidence, self-motivation, creativity, and other essential skills.”

The Music Conservatory of Westchester prepares children as young as 3 months old for their future through its First Notes sequence, with three levels of classes to begin your child’s musical understanding: Bravo Babies (3 – 18 months), Toddler Tunes (1 ½ - 2 ½ years), and Preschool Prodigies (3 – 4 years). Children explore musical sounds and rhythms, and learn songs from around the world, attending classes with a parent or caregiver.
 
The Conservatory’s Suzuki programoffers instruction in violin, cello or piano for students ages 4 and up, focusing on the philosophy that “Every Child Can” learn to play an instrument. The Suzuki music training process is based on an equal triangle of support and cooperation between the student, teacher, and parents.Our highly qualified Suzuki teachers train young musicians to become skilled instrumentalists, performers and ensemble players, while developing their motor skills and focusing ability. Our new Guitar Program offers a progressive curriculum on this popular instrument, preparing young students ages 4 and up to specialize in their favorite style of music, whether rock, jazz or classical, when they get to middle school.

No other activity activates both sides of the brain like playing a musical instrument. Giving your child the gift of music at early stages in their brain development provides a positive, creative outlet for your child to grow with. 

As part of our inclusive musical community, the Conservatory provides numerous performance opportunities throughout the year for students of all ages. With more than 80 expertly qualified faculty of professional musicians with exceptional academic and performance credentials in their specialized instruments, the Music Conservatory of Westchester truly offers your child the best possible start!

Explore music classes that appeal to student of all ages, toddlers, children, teens, and adults – open for registration now!
 
New Students Register for FREE this Fall! 
Sign up for private lessons or group classes at the Music Conservatory of Westchester using code: FALL18 and we’ll waive your registration fee. ($60 value for private lesson registration & $30 value for group class registration) Enroll now and save!*
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Join us at Open Houses at our 216 Central Avenue location in White Plains on:

• Tuesday, September 4 (6:00 – 7:30 PM)
• Saturday, September 15 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)

• Monday, September 17 (5:00 – 7:00 PM)
  
  

See us on Saturday, September 15 and September 22 at 9:30 AM for our Suzuki Open Houses!

Music Conservatory of Westchester
216 Central Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
www.musicconservatory.org
* Expires Sept. 30th, 2018. Offer only eligible for new students, one time use. Subject to class availability. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Not eligible for Music Therapy classes.