Thanksgiving Weekend Guide November 27-29

 

Happy Thanksgiving.  Hoping you and your family and friends had an enjoyable time together and the stress was minimal!  Now we’re fully into the holiday season!  Today is Black Friday, but to be honest, all week I’ve been seeing Black Friday deals and I’m sure they’ll continue through the new year!  I wonder how many people went out last night or early this morning to try and snag some deals.  Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday. A great chance to frequent our local businesses and help put our money into our local economy.  There’s so much happening this weekend, starting today, so dig into this jam packed weekend guide and have a great holiday weekend!

Rye Library

Today, Friday, at the Rye Library, kids ages 18 mths-4 years and their caregivers can come to one of three Music and Movement shows at the library, at 9:30, 10:15 and 11am.  “Children will Wiggle to music, giggle to funny rhymes and pretend to be wild and wonderful animals in this lively interactive program with "Ellen Watermelon" Kaplan and "Dawny Dew" Halasz.  Music is a natural connection tool. It brings people together and helps them interact with one another.  Children are engaged with the use of puppets, felt board activities, nursery rhymes, and songs.  We encourage active participation by parents and other caregivers.  This 20 minute weekly musical program promotes early language skills and socialization.  Since space is limited you may attend only 1 session.

Please note that doors close 5 minutes after the program begins to prevent interruptions and help focus audience attention on the Presenter.  Please be prepared to enjoy the Children's Room while waiting for the next session to begin.”

Also today, from 1-2:40pm, for the slightly older kids, it’s Brown Bag Lunch and a movie.  This week’s movie is Wall-E, rated G and lasts 98 minutes.  You pac the lunch and the library will provide the movie, drinks and snacks!.

“WALL-E, short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-class, is the last robot left on Earth. He spends his days tidying up the planet, one piece of garbage at a time. But during 700 years, WALL-E has developed a personality, and he's more than a little lonely. Then he spots EVE, a sleek and shapely probe sent back to Earth on a scanning mission. Smitten WALL-E embarks on his greatest adventure yet when he follows EVE across the galaxy.”

And on Saturday, from 11-12pm, kids ages 3.5 and up, along with their caregiver can participate in Family Story Time and Craft.  “Children listen to age-appropriate stories and participate in fun games, rhymes and other activities to develop pre-literacy skills and an interest in books and reading.  Felt boards, puppets and other props are sometimes used to enhance stories and model future classroom experience.  A fun craft project is designed around the story theme or a seasonal topic.  Parents and caregivers are asked to assist younger children using scissors, glue and other art materials.  60 minutes.”

 

Larchmont Library Programs

Drop-In Craft: Fingers and Thumbs Art Party!

Kids ages 5 and up and their caregivers can head to the Larchmont Library on Friday, November 27 at 11:00-12pm and 3:30-430pm to “drop-in and learn about all the different things you can make with your fingerprints. Make wild animals, funny faces, crazy creatures, or create your own designs! It’s a Fingerprint Party Palooza!”  No registration required.

Things That Go Storytime!

Appropriate for all ages, on Saturday, November 28 from 11:00am-12pm check out the Things That Go Storytime!  “Trucks, Trains, & Planes..oh my! Join us for a stories and songs about all things that go! Followed by free play with cars & trucks. A free ticket is required to attend this event. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning 30 minutes before the program (so 4pm program tickets start hand-out at 3pm..etc.) on the day of the program.”

 

Winter Wonderland At Kensico Dam

This Winter Wonderland opens tonight with a magical tree lighting at 6pm.  Today, NY Rangers Alum, Adam Graves will also be in attendance.  There will be a magic show, ice sculpting, carolers, a stilt walker, and holiday walkers. Hours are Friday and Saturday 5-10pm, and Sunday 5-9pm.

Click here to learn more. 

 

Moostletoe at the WPAC

Today, Friday November 27th at 11am “start a fresh holiday tradition with an enchanting NEW moosical.  Mooseltoe is the charming story about a Moose who wants to fly with Santa’s reindeer. Mooseltoe sets out to find the great wise Mooseking for advice, and along the way meets a variety of characters, all of whom teach Mooseltoe valuable life lessons. Meanwhile, there is trouble at the North Pole. Will Mooseltoe be able to save Christmas?... Show is about 60 minutes and recommended for ages 4+.  Mooseltoe even poses for photos after the show!” 

 

Frosty Day in Armonk

Tomorrow, Saturday, from 12-4, come celebrate the “homecoming of America’s favorite snowman, Frosty” at Frosty Day in Armonk.  “Free activities and fun-filled family events will start at 12:00 noon in town; they include miniature train rides around town, a horse-drawn wagon ride through 

Wampus Brook Park, Main Street musicians, Frosty cartoons at the North Castle Public Library, dancers and performers in Armonk Square, as well as magicians, singers and lowns throughout downtown Armonk . In addition, marching bands and carolers will accompany families as they visit shops and merchants to get their faces painted, frost holiday cookies, decorate ornaments and trinkets, and make-your-own Frosties to carry in the parade” which starts at 4:30pm and goes down Main Street.  There will be “floats, lights, dancing, costumes and music to welcome Frosty home.  Frosty then invites everyone to become part of the parade and to cross the bridge in Wampus Brook Park to the gazebo for a gala holiday lighting ceremony, with more music and refreshments.”

 

Reptile Show at the Westchester County Center

If you’re not squeamish, maybe you’ll want to check out the reptile show at the County Center on Sunday, November 29th from 10-4pm.  There will be “thousands of live pet reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates on display and for sale. Books, supplies, cages, and more! 200 + vendor tables. Buy breeder direct and save! Sorry, no personal pets allowed. All children must be accompanied by an adult over 21.“  Ticket prices are $10 for Adults, and Children 7-12yrs - $5, Children under 7 – free.  The Westchester County Center is located at 198 Central Avenue, White Plains , NY 10606.  For more info call 845-526-4845  or click here.  

Barnes & Noble

This Saturday at 11am check out the children’s event at your local Barnes and Noble.  “To celebrate The Elf on the Shelf tradition on Saturday, November 28 at 11:00AM, we will be hosting a Scout Elf Return Boot Camp featuring fun-filled activities children and families can do to prepare for their Elf's return this holiday season.” There are Barnes and Noble locations in White Plains (city center), Stamford Mall and Palisades Center.

 

Mistletoe Magic

My favorite holiday tradition takes place this Sunday, November 29th, from 12-3pm, in Rye and features Horse Drawn Carriages, Santa, Train Rides, Climbing Wall, Bouncy Castle, puppet shows, pony rides, chili cook off, ice sculptures, holiday crafts, farmer’s market, and much more.  Check it out, on Purchase Street in Rye, NY!

 

DreamWorks “Adventure to Santa” at Ridge Hill 

Despite the warm weather, Christmas is a little over a month away and Ridge Hill is getting into the holiday spirit with the DreamWorks’ interactive ‘Adventure to Santa’ featuring Shrek and friends.  Don’t miss this “high-tech reinvention of Santa experience.”  The experience is free but visitors can purchase photos and gifts at the store.

Book your reservations here

 

Westmoreland Sanctuary

On Saturday at 12pm head out on a Turkey Hike and burn off some of that Thanksgiving dinner!  “Dress for the weather, wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water.

Ages 5 and up. Members free. $5/Nonmember”

Westmoreland is located at 260 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Mt Kisco, NY.

 

Nutcracker the Musical at Sandbox Theater

This weekend, why not check out the Nutcracker in Mamaroneck at the Sandbox Theater.  What better way to escape the crowds and get into the holiday season.  Showtimes are Friday at 2pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 2 and 7pm.

 

Pictures with Santa at the Westchester

Santa, and his usual display are back at the Westchester until December 24th.  So, if you want to get that adorable picture with Santa, the hours this weekend are:

Friday, November 27: 10AM-9PM

Saturday, November 28: 10AM-9PM

Sunday, November 29: 11-7PM

And you can schedule an appointment here

Pleasantville Farmer’s Market

Every Saturday from May 23rd (8:30-1) through December 5, the Pleasantville Farmer’s Market is open for all to enjoy in Memorial Plaza, next to the train station. There will be “farm-fresh foods, prepared foods created with regionally sourced ingredients, as well as many other unique offerings. It's a great way to support local agriculture and eat healthy year-round.”

 

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

Another great musical to get us into the holiday spirit is on stage at the Palace Theatre in Stamford.  This Saturday, November 28th, at 3 and 7pm, check out Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

“First airing in 1964, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has become a beloved Christmas classic – capturing the hearts and wonder of generations of fans. Now, something magical is happening as the beloved classic soars off the screen and onto the stage. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, the Misfit Toys and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.

Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. Beloved heartwarming memories which last a lifetime are just waiting to be made. Based on the animated television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and the stage production directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage. Script adaptation by Robert Penola. Arrangements and orchestrations by Timothy Splain.”

Tickets are $55, $45, $35 (plus per-ticket fees)

 

Little Rockers at Garcias

On Saturday, November 28th at 3pm (doors open at 230), don’t miss “80’s for kids”, at Garcia’s.  Who doesn’t love the 80s?!  Now your kids can too!  Check out this children’s music workshop series happening every weekend at Garcia’s this fall!

“The Rock and Roll Playhouse Curriculum Director Devlin Goldberg and Dan Griffith from Ramblin’ Dan and the Freewheelin’ Band will lead the workshops, along with special guests.

The Music for Little Rockers series is designed to keep children moving, playing and singing while simultaneously reaching developmental milestones and listening to classic tunes.  Adults will love the cool selection of genres and popular music hits through the decades, and all are encouraged to participate fully.  

Appropriate for all ages! Tickets are $15

Bruce Museum

The Bruce Museum is a hidden gem just up the road from us in nearby Greenwich, CT.  After you’ve checked out the museum, head across the street to a super fun playground the kids are sure to love!

Today, Friday, check out the Marine Tank Animal feeding from 2:30-2:45.

 

Home Depot Kid’s Workshop

Saturday, November 28th from 9-12pm, stop by the Home Depot for a free kid’s workshop! This weekend they’re building a School House Bank! The School House Bank Workshop at The Home Depot, teaches “them the basics of working with tools, while letting them take pride in building a functional object to keep.”  All kids get to keep their craft, receive a certificate and an apron and pin.  Workshop begins at 9am and ends at noon.  While registering isn’t required, it does help them plan craft quantities needed.

 

Stepping Stones

Stepping Stones museum is an amazing place for the kids.  Located about 20 minutes north of Rye Brook, in Norwalk, CT, it’s perfect for the whole family! Check them out here, then head on over for a fun filled day of learning and hands-on activities the kids will adore!  The museum is open on the 4th but closing early!

Check out, Mega Making, Stepping Stone’s newest exhibit experience, which was “designed by Stepping Stones to celebrate creativity in our children! They will be the future engineers, designers, inventors, artists, teachers, scientists and the ones shaping the world - maybe in as little as 10 years from now!”

“The Mega Making exhibit experience is organized into five main areas: Art, Textiles, Construction/Woodworking, Tinkering and Book Nook/Future Ideas. Using real materials and real tools, young makers can explore art, textiles, construction and woodworking, tinkering and gadgets and a variety of materials, techniques and projects!”  There will be staff members to help get kids started, “whether it’s working a needle and thread for the first time, practicing using wrenches and screwdrivers, tinkering with batteries and buzzers or picking out the perfect artist medium. Something for all ages, best for 5 and older. Children and their adults will surely enjoy a unique experience together!”

Check out the newest special exhibit, Broken? Fix It!, teaching our younger generation how much fun it is to fix something, rather than throw it away.

View the Past and Present display showcasing familiar objects that have transformed over time; like the typewriter and the iPad, the telephone and the iphone.”

Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11-12 check out “Shine! – Creative Dramatics and Talent Show – Let the Stepping Stones players open for you, as they present a fun-filled Creative Dramatics performance based upon gratitude and thanks.  You can then sign-up for an open mic slot, and present your own gifts and talents of any kind. Tell a joke, sing a song, do a dance, recite your ABCs… we want to see you shine!”

On Saturday, check out Mutt-i-grees from 10:30 - 11:30am.  “Enjoy a special canine storytime and discussion followed by a visit from a shelter dog. Shelter dogs courtesy of P.A.W.S.  Free with museum admission. For children ages 3 and older. Children under 3 can meet the visiting dog at 11:20 am.  $3 materials fee for select activities.”

 

Stamford Nature Center

Lego® fans will love this! On display now, “come and see the completely re-designed LEGO galactic landscape and enjoy an up-close view of a universe made completely out of LEGO bricks. The new design encourages visitors of all ages to inspect the details and construction methods used to create an entire galaxy from a "Billion" bricks!  Check out 500 mini-figs (LEGO mini-figurines), one of every Star Wars mini-fig ever produced, and authentic LEGO Star Wars spaceships, vehicles, and original set boxes.  Members: Free | Non-Members: Free with gate admission.”

On Sundays, November 1 - 29, Noon - 4 pm, check out Sunday Explorers- there will be “crafts, hikes, and animal meet & greets each week. At 12:30 pm, join us for a chance to help feed some of our animals in Heckscher WILD! Enrollment is limited for this program; participants ages 5 and older can sign up at the Heckscher WILD! exhibit any time after 10 am. New this November is MuseumQuest, where each week we will explore a different area of the grounds, whether it be forest or farm. Free with gate admission.”

To learn more click here.

 

Maritime Aquarium

There is always SO much going on at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.

Just in time for the holiday season, check out “Shark-Diving Santa”  Saturday and Sunday, November 28th and 29th and most Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays in December, at 12:15 and 2:15.  Watch Santa put on his scuba gear and enter the Aquarium’s 110,000 gallon “Ocean Beyond the Sound” exhibit, home to 7-foot sand tiger and lemon sharks.  “Be sure to bring your camera and get a photo of your kids posing with our "Shark-Diving Santa" at the exhibit window for a most unique holiday memory.”  Free with Aquarium admission.  Sometimes Mrs. Claus will join The Maritime Aquarium’s dive team demonstrating that sharks aren’t the “blood-thirsty killers of myth.”

Now on display, check out the 14th annual "Festival of Lighthouses Contest." This display “showcases 23 large model lighthouses, built by local artists, families, individuals and students, from Nov. 21 - Jan. 18.”

Dragons! Real or Myth?, Meerkats and Jiggle a Jelly are also among some of the amazing current exhibits at the aquarium.

The aquarium is definitely worth a trip up the Merritt or 95!

Click here to learn more about Maritime.

 

Reindeer & Santa

There are real, live reindeer right near us at McArdle’s Florist & Garden Center, 48 Arch Street.   Don't miss the "We're Back" party on November 27 from noon to 6 pm to welcome Santa and four of his reindeer. There will be a ribbon cutting and open Santa's workshop at noon as "we wait for the jolly old elf to arrive from the North Pole later in the afternoon.   Cosi will supply refreshments, Faces by Wells will be doing face painting and balloon art.You can also take pics with Santa here!"  “Photo packages begin at $29.99 and include a Citizens Bank gift bag filled with promotions redeemable at participating downtown Greenwich stores. During the Holiday Stroll Weekend, $5 from every photo package and $5 from every wreath purchased at McArdle’s will be donated to Kids in Crisis, Connecticut’s only free, round-the-clock agency providing emergency shelter, crisis counseling and community educational programs for children of all ages and families dealing with a wide range of crises.”  Click here to learn more.

 

Greenburgh Nature Center

The GNC always has a fun array of activities for families to enjoy each weekend!

Train Show-Yonkers Model Railroad Club presents a display of model trains this Saturday and Sunday from 10-4:30pm this Saturday and Sunday!  Members FREE, Non-members: Adults $10, Seniors $9, Children 2 to 12 $8. Children under 2, FREE. Includes admission to all Manor House exhibits. No Refunds.

On Saturday November 28th and Sunday the 29th at 11:30am, head out on Teaching Trails-“A Guided trail experience in our woodland forest. Learn which of the animals left specific tracks and discover how a variety of wildlife make their homes within the trees. Program runs approximately 45 minutes. FREE!”

 

Hudson River Museum

The Hudson River Museum, in Yonkers, boasts an amazing Planetarium, six galleries, and a mansion!

On Friday from at 1 & 3pm, check out Nicholas Young Body Percussionist at 1 & 3pm.  Sounds interesting!!  Literally!

Glenview Explainers show you both Victorian River Home and Nybelwyck Hall, Dollhouse homes Wednesday through Sunday 1 & 3 pm 

Also, “Holiday bright and beautiful-
November 27 - January 10, make an Ornament, 
1 - 4 pm- Transform a child-friendly ornament into the form of a dancer with art materials.”

Saturdays & Sundays 12 - 5 pm there’s “a safe space for children to explore, play, and create with their families.  The room hosts a large-scale dollhouse, blocks, puppet theater, and books.  A Junior Docent is present to answer questions and suggest activities.”

Also on Saturdays from 1-4pm, kids can participate in fun and educational Science Projects!  This Saturday, “build a solar cooker and concentrate the Sun’s power with an array of mirrors. Bake Solar Cookies!”

And Saturday and Sundays from 1-4, kids can do a fun art project too- creating a Dancer in A Box- “Paint a dance scene in a box and mold a dancer from pipe cleaners and art materials. Ages 7+, can be adapted for younger children.”

There are planetarium shows the whole family can enjoy! Check out the “NEW Star Show
, The Girl Who Walked Upside Down
 @ 12:30 & 3:30 pm on Friday.”  On Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 there will be another showing of “The Girl Who Walked Upside Down.”  And at 2pm, The Sky Tonight teaches children 8 and older what “the sky is like on the Planetarium dome the VERY night you see this interactive show. LIVE presentation.”   And at 3:30 pm We Are Astronomers.

To learn more, click here.

 

Crafts at Lakeshore

Lakeshore will be holding a fun, free crafting workshop this Saturday from 11-3pm for kids ages 3 & up.  Their project sounds like lots of fun, and gets you into the Holiday spirit, creating a “Nature’s Picture Frame.” It’ll will make an awesome gift!  Click here to learn more.

Farmer’s Market in Rye

Rye hosts a great farmer’s market in the back parking lot behind Encore, Chase bank and Blue Mercury on Sundays from 8:30-2pm.  

Stone Barns Farm

Even though it’s cold out, Stone Barns is still open and entrance to the property is FREE.  In addition there is a paid tour you can participate in or check out the free drop-in programming

Weekend activities may include:

11:00 -11:45 am: Family Farm Tour, $10

12:00 - 12:30 pm: Meet the… sheep, sprouts, pigs or other part of the farm-Drop-in, FREE

1:00 - 1:30 pm: Making the Rounds Tour: Greenhouse-Drop-in, FREE

1:30 - 2:00 pm: Meet the… sheep, sprouts, pigs or other part of the farm-Drop-in, FREE

2:30 - 4:00 pm: Insider’s Tour, $20

Tickets for the tours may be purchased online.

 

The movies are also a fun weekend option.  The Good Dinosaur is out and my kids and I can’t wait to see it! In 3-D and regular format.  And still new in theaters this weekend, the Peanuts Movie.  

Ice skating? Nearby rinks include Playland Ice Casino, Hommocks, and Dorothy Hammil. 

Or maybe the Bronx Zoo?  

The NY Botanical Gardens are also a beautiful nearby destination and the HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW® has started and runs until JAN. 18 2016.

“Enchanting model trains zip through a display of 150 landmarks, each re-created with bark, leaves, and other natural materials—all under the twinkling glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Marvel at G-scale locomotives humming along among familiar sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center—surprising at every turn—on nearly a half-mile of track. This year’s exhibition features 3,000 square feet of additional exhibition space, making room for dozens of new trains, bridges, and tracks; a captivating short film of the show's behind-the-scenes magic; and a stunning multisensory finale of light and sound.

Explore a winter wonderland across our 250 acres with special tours, musical performances, and activities for kids, plus take care of your gift list at NYBG Shop and stop for a bite at one of our exciting new dining venues. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind holiday outing!”

Advanced reservations are strongly recommended.

 

And Bowlmor bowling alley is now open in White Plains!

The beaches in Greenwich are open and free now!  It’s a close, easy option that the whole family will love, especially with the forecast this weekend!

 

Remember, it’s always a good idea to call ahead to ensure a scheduled activity is still running.  Email me at ryebrook@hamlethub.com and let me know if we missed any super fun, family friendly events and/or if you would like to advertise with us!

Photo Credit: Kelly Schwark

 

 

K
Submitted by Katonah, NY

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