Mostly Free & Fun Things to Do this Weekend with Westchester Kids: Winterfest, Chanukah Fun House, Gingerbread Festival & More, Dec. 6-7

12/4/14 - By Susan Miele

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and that’s just what’s in store for you this weekend in Westchester! We’re in full-on holiday mode, with Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa upon us, so get ready for some festive, sparkly, wintry fun!

Several towns and villages come alive with holiday tree-lighting events and other festive soirees, like Tuckahoe's Winterfest. For added charm, take in any of several holiday spectacles in historic homes: Somers Holiday Celebration, Holidays at the Homestead and Gingerbread Festival, Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting or SPARKLE: Nights of 10,000 Lights. Also check out our holiday tree-lighting roundup for five more illuminating events taking place this weekend!

Several holiday performances take the stage including two nontraditional interpretations of the Tchaikovsky classic ballet--Danse Elite Performing Artists Presents The Nutcracker and The Nut/Cracked--and Community Holiday Musical "Christmas Every Day," an original, holiday-themed musical performed by talented local children.

For a fun twist on holiday shopping (regardless of your heritage), the Chanukah Fun House and Gift Shop combines a boutique experience with a surprising slew of fun stuff for kids.

Read on for further details, visit our December GOList for our top picks of the month and be sure to consult our Event Calendar, which is bursting with fun events every day of the week! 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

ALL WEEKEND

Tuckahoe's Winterfest - Tuckahoe
BYO skates to this pop-up ice rink, or just dazzle in the lights, music and festivities. Return the next day for Santa, hayrides, reindeer and more! FREE

The Nut/Cracked - Mamaroneck
Beyond the traditional Tchaikovsky score, this variation on The Nutcracker features music of various styles and eras, as well as dance styles beyond classical ballet. Catch a matinee or evening performance.

Community Holiday Musical "Christmas Every Day" - Bronxville
This homespun musical features the talents of local kids as they tell the story of a girl who wishes Christmas could be every day of the year. 

SATURDAY

Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting - Chappaqua
Make Victorian ornaments and potpourri sachets and watch the tree-lighting ceremony at this old-world holiday celebration at a historic home. Santa will be there! FREE

SPARKLE: Nights of 10,000 Lights - Garrison
In addition to the dazzling light display and decorated grounds, this weekend you can enjoy illuminated hoop dancing with The Sparkle Spinners, magical entertainment, live period music and Santa and his elf. Hot cocoa to boot!  

SUNDAY

Danse Elite Performing Artists Presents The Nutcracker - Tarrytown
Here’s another fun twist on The Nutcracker, with elements of hip-hop, tumbling and Irish step dance—and it supports a good cause! 

Holidays at the Homestead and Gingerbread Festival and Somers Holiday Celebration- Somers
Vote for your favorite gingerbread house in the fundraising contest, enjoy a Holiday Open House, light up the tree, sip on hot cocoa and more, as these two events coincide. Plus, catch the exhibition "Toys of Holidays Past and Present." FREE

Chanukah Fun House and Gift Shop - Irvington
Shopping rises to new heights, as this event offers family amusement as well. The daily activities include a Clay Bar, Crafts, Glow in the Dark Room, Dance Machine, dreidel toss and Tot Zone. This being the opening day, take 10% off at the gift boutique. Also on Sunday, kids can partake in challah baking, face painting, candle making and donut making. Admission is FREE; a donation of $5 per special event is suggested.

BEYOND WESTCHESTER

Winter Family Day, a museum event in NYC, highlights medieval illuminated images and offers a craft workshop, strolling characters, try-on literary costumes and more.

The Chocolate Expo at the CT Science Center in Hartford is worth the drive. If the title alone doesn’t whet your appetite, how about the prospect of sampling confections ranging from candy and baked goods to frozen treats and more? Items are available for purchase, too. Won’t your kids thank you?

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.