Mostly Free & Fun Things to Do this Weekend with Westchester Kids: Live Shows, Last-Chance Holiday Events, Kwanzaa and More, Dec. 25-28

12/24/14 - By Susan Miele

Seasonal fun abounds all weekend long in Westchester and due the short holiday week, we've decided to run our weekend roundup a day early. You'll find lots of fun things to do with kids around town--we've even listed a few events happening on Christmas Day! For this coming weekend, we'll highlight the wrap-up of a few seasonal events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Additionally, in light of all the high expenses incurred around the holidays (not to mention the exhaustion!), we’ve selectively zeroed in on activities that are FREE, inexpensive and/or restful.

If you haven’t yet squeezed in enough holiday events, get your last licks with Frosty Fest, Holiday Spirit Festival, or Mr. Dickens Tells a Christmas Carol, all of which end this weekend. Continuing this weekend (as well as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) is It's a Wonderful Life.

If you’re looking for FREE, celebrate the start of Kwanzaa with The Black Candle or enjoy Family Holiday Program, Lionheart Puppet Company, Spring Valley Puppet Theater, The Polar Express or Alamo Kids Camp, to name a few.

For other forms of low-key, low-cost entertainment, your kids might enjoy a comical performance by The Paper Bag Players, cheering at the Slam Dunk Tournament or getting artsy at School’s Out/Art’s In.

Read on for our top weekend picks, and click through to the event listing to view full details. Looking for more options? You can count on our Event Calendar to keep you busy, and check out our roundup of holiday mini-camps. Sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter to get top picks delivered straight to your inbox. 

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THURSDAY - CHRISTMAS DAY

It's a Wonderful Life - Pleasantville
One of the most iconic holiday films, this Frank Capra classic reminds us of the true meaning of riches. Bring the tissues. Thursday through Sunday. $7-$12

Alamo Kids Camp - Yonkers
If your Christmas Day schedule allows some down time at the movies, try this showing of a G-rated holiday film, which is FREE (how’s that for a gift?).

ALL WEEKEND

Holiday Spirit Festival - Wappingers Falls
Soak up the holiday festivities at this event, which is loaded with special features, including a magical Christmas village, enchanted forest of lights, Santa’s workshop and more. Friday-Sunday. $8-11

Frosty Fest - Ulster Park
At this holiday light spectacular, visit Frosty and his friends, enjoy giant light displays, explore Candy Cane Lane, magical mansion and more. Friday-Sunday. $9-12

Mr. Dickens Tells a Christmas Carol - Tarrytown
The Dickens holiday classic is brought to life, with Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim. $15-$35

Slam Dunk Tournament - White Plains
Basketball fans of all ages can check out high school students take to the court in this slam dunk basketball tournament. Friday-Monday. $5

The Paper Bag Players - Mamaroneck
If you’re looking for some wacky humor, this is the show for you! The characters include dancing cookies, a runaway chicken, a talking building and a family of tubes, among others. Interactivity included. Saturday and Sunday. $15

FRIDAY

The Polar Express - White Plains
Allow your kids some chill-out time while still savoring the holidays at this family-friendly film. FREE

The Black Candle - New Rochelle
Kick off Kwanzaa with an award-winning documentary  narrated by Maya Angelou. FREE

Lionheart Puppet Company - Pound Ridge
Puppeteer Matthew Leonard presents The Reluctant Dragon. FREE

School's Out/Art’s In - Katonah
Rebound from the holidays at this museum event, where an art workshop is inspired by the current exhibition. $5-8

SATURDAY

Family Holiday Program - Mount Vernon
This event is offers a variety of amusements, including historic games, music, tours and demonstrations. FREE.

Kids' Classes: Learn to Sew, Knit or Crochet - Scarsdale
If you can’t commit to a several-week course but want your child to learn fiber arts, try this one-off workshop in which kids are taught to knit. $35

SUNDAY

Spring Valley Puppet Theater - White Plains
A puppet show set to music is geared towards ages 5 and up. FREE.

Furry Factoids - Mount Kisco
While we bundle up in coats and hats, many mammals survive the cold weather with their own fur. Learn more about how these animals function in their habitat. $5

BEYOND WESTCHESTER

Just over the county border is the site of Wildlife Ice Carving Week. Watch professional ice carvers in a “throwdown” as they compete to create frozen wildlife sculptures. There’s also the Ice Sculpture Play Area, character meet and greets, performances and more.

Take the drive to see the Holiday Lights at the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, where a dazzling light display is in the shapes of elephants and other zoo animals. Admission is free but in-kind donations of canned goods and toys are encouraged.

Remember to check out our Events Calendar for even more fun happening this weekend and beyond in Westchester. And be sure to sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on our latest reviews, tips and more.