If you're like us, you love weekends because it's the time when you get to spend quality time with your kids, whether you are planning a day trip to a nearby destination or are looking for things to do that are close to home in Westchester County. There’s lots to do this weekend with your family, from concerts and performances to museum exhibits, shows, crafts activities, seasonal events, parades, and more, so you're sure to find something to do that the whole family will love. Look no further for ideas and plan your weekend with our guide that highlights the best family-friendly events happening in and around Westchester County, including family fun in Mamaroneck, White Plains, Scarsdale, South Salem, Yonkers, Valhalla, Hastings-on-Hudson, Katonah, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Tarrytown, Larchmont, Croton-on-Hudson, Pellham, Pleasantville, Bronx, and Peekskill.
RELATED: Get Weekend Activities Sent to Your Inbox
Mamaroneck Chorus
WHEN: Dec. 12-13, 7pm
WHERE: Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck
AGES: All
WHAT: See this multi-age musical event featuring musicians and singers from the Mamaroneck/Larchmont area.
WANT TO GO? $10-$15. 914-698-3045. https://emelin.org/mamaroneck-chorus.
My Grandparent And Me Day
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 13, 9:30am-5pm
WHERE: Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, 75 N. Water St., Poughkeepsie
AGES: All
WHAT: Celebrate grandparents with free admission to grandparents when accompanied by their grandchildren.
WANT TO GO? $10; free for members and grandparents when accompanied by their grandchildren. 845-471-0589. https://mhcm.org/event/my-grandparent-and-me-day-12-13-19/.
Outdoor Adventures: Family Night Hike
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 13, 7-8:30pm
WHERE: Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Learn about how night vision works, discover who we might see or hear on nighttime trails, and even make a spark in the dark. Ages 6 and older.
WANT TO GO? $9; $6 members. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.
A Christmas Carol
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 13, 7:30pm
WHERE: Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, CT
AGES: All
WHAT: See Charles Dickens’ most beloved holiday story.
WANT TO GO? $35-$60. 203-325-4466. palacestamford.org/.
Westchester Ballet Company Presents 'The Nutcracker'
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 13, 10am
WHERE: Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy the thrill of this professionally produced live production, with exquisite choreography, stunning costumes, and special effects.
WANT TO GO? $15-$35. 914-995-4050. https://westchesterballet.org/.
FREE Tot Shabbat
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 13, 3:30pm
WHERE: Chabad of the Rivertowns, 303 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry
AGES: Newborn to 5
WHAT: Bring your little ones for a program full of Shabbat songs, spirit and tradition.
WANT TO GO? 914-693-6100. ChabadRT.org/TotShabbat.
Ornament Making Class
WHEN: Dec. 7-14, Saturdays, 1:30-3pm and 3:30-5pm
WHERE: Clay Art Center, 40 Beech St., Port Chester
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Create a personalized holiday ornament!
WANT TO GO? $30; $20 children younger than 12. 914-937-2047. clayartcenter.org.
FREE Performance of Holiday Music & Wreaths Across America
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 12-3:30pm
WHERE: St. Paul's Church National Historic Site, 897 S. Columbus Avenue, Mt.Vernon
AGES: All
WHAT: Honor service members buried at St. Paul’s during this moving performance.
WANT TO GO? 914-667-4116. nps.gov/sapa.
FREE Holiday Concert
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 2:30pm
WHERE: Warner Library, 121 N. Broadway, Tarrytown
AGES: All
WHAT: The Hudson Bells will peform a Holiday Concert featuring traditional and popular songs of the season.
WANT TO GO? 914-631-7734. warnerlibrary.org.
FREE Saw Mill River Audubon Second Saturday Walk at Brinton Brook Sanctuary
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 9-11am
WHERE: Brinton Brook Sanctuary, 1339 Albany Post Road, Rte 9A, Croton-on-Hudson
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: These monthly walks will continue year-round on second Saturdays at their largest sanctuary, Brinton Brook in Croton-on-Hudson. Ages 8 and older.
WANT TO GO? 914-666-6503. http://sawmillriveraudubon.org.
Gingerbread Cookie Decorating
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 9:30-11:30am
WHERE: Boscobel House, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Enjoy a family-focused tour of the Historic House Museum with Museum, then decorate cookies.
WANT TO GO? $12; $8 members. 845-265-3638. boscobel.org.
Hudson River Haiku
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 1:30-3:30pm
WHERE: Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers
AGES: All
WHAT: Offer a topic and within 120 seconds you will have a short poem of your own to keep, written on vintage typewriters.
WANT TO GO? $8; $5 seniors 62 and older, students, veterans; $4 ages 3-18; free for members and children younger than 3. 914-963-4550. http://hrm.org.
Jessica Lynn: A Very Merry Country Christmas
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 8-10pm
WHERE: Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill
AGES: All
WHAT: See country music star Jessica Lynn in a show that features dozens of dancers, singers, musicians, dazzling effects, and maybe even a visit from Santa himself.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Please bring a new unwrapped gift for a Toys for Tots and be entered in the raffle to win a brand new guitar!
WANT TO GO? $25-$35. 914-739-0039. https://paramounthudsonvalley.com/events/jessica-lynn-a-very-merry-country-christmas/.
The Nutcracker, An Amanda Kupillas Dance Production
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 2:30pm
WHERE: Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main St., Irvington
AGES: All
WHAT: This show was created for families who want to bring their young kids to enjoy a stress-free and short production of the Nutcracker.
WHY WE LOVE IT: This show is short and sweet!
WANT TO GO? $20; $5 children. 914-591-6602. irvingtontheater.com.
Candle Making Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 1pm
WHERE: Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Road, Rye
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Children and families will make their own candles in an assortment of colors to light upcoming holidays.
WANT TO GO? $8; $5 members. 914-967-5150. ryenaturecenter.org.
Family Gingerbread House Making
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 12:30-2:30pm and 3-5pm
WHERE: Pelham Art Center, 155 Fifth Ave., Pelham
AGES: All
WHAT: Customize your candy land dream home and embellish with professional icing techniques.
WANT TO GO? $50 includes two participants & one gingerbread house; $45 members includes two participants & one gingerbread house. 914-738-2525. https://pelhamartcenter.org/.
Make A Polar Bear With Polymer Clay
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, Ages 5-8 from 2-3pm; Ages 9-12 from 3-4pm
WHERE: The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Road, Rye
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Learn how to make simple shapes with clay and put them together to form a cute sculpture.
WANT TO GO? $20; RAC members receive discount. 914-967-0700. https://ryeartscenter.org/workshops-1/2019/12/14/make-a-polar-bear-with-polymer-clay-ages-5-8-9-12.
Brunch with Santa
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 10am and 1:45pm
WHERE: Westchester Broadway Theatre, 1 Broadway Plaza, Elmsford
AGES: All
WHAT: Join the North Pole crew for a terrific family gathering featuring a delicious brunch buffet!
WHY WE LOVE IT: Bring your camera for pictures with Santa! Plus, some new unwrapped gifts for TOYS FOR TOTS.
WANT TO GO? $41; $28 ages 13 and younger. 914-372-6491. broadwaytheatre.com/.
FREE Holiday Crafts
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11am
WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Make a festive craft for Chanukah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa.
WANT TO GO? 914-737-0847. https://fieldkids.wordpress.com/.
Holiday Train Show
WHEN: Through Dec. 15: Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-4:30pm
WHERE: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy zooming freight cars, flashing bells, tooting whistles, and more at one of Greenburgh Nature Center's most popular events.
WANT TO GO? $10; $9 seniors/students; $8 children ages 2-12; free for members and children younger than 2. 914-723-3470. https://greenburghnaturecenter.org.
Weekends On The Wheel
WHEN: Dec. 8-15, Sundays, 12:30-2:30pm
WHERE: Clay Art Center, 40 Beech St., Port Chester
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: Treat yourself to some family fun as you get your hands dirty while creating memories and art.
WANT TO GO? $45. 914-937-2047. https://clayartcenter.org/youth-families-classes?category=One%20Time%20Classes.
Family Art Project: Self-Portraits: Follow My Tracks
WHEN: Dec. 14-15, 10am-1pm
WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Ave., Bronx
AGES: All
WHAT: Using natural and food materials, create your own self-portrait from the tracks that you leave behind, remembering all the places you’ve been and the memories you hold.
WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 children 6 and older; free for children younger than 6 and free admission to grounds on Saturday until noon. . 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.
Family Piñata Making
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 12-2pm
WHERE: Pelham Art Center, 155 Fifth Ave., Pelham
AGES: All
WHAT: Learn the step-by-step instructions to make your own piñata!
WANT TO GO? $35 two participants and one piñata; $32 members two participants and one piñata. 914-738-2525. https://pelhamartcenter.org/.
Santa Visits Whitby Castle
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 11am-12:30pm
WHERE: Whitby Castle at Rye Golf Club, 330 Boston Post Road, Rye
AGES: All
WHAT: Whitby Castle at Rye Golf Club will host Santa, his elves and strolling carolers for brunch. Reservations are required.
WANT TO GO? $44.95; $18.95 for children 5-11. 914-777-2053. lessingsweddings.com.
Santa Visits the Rosen House
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 12pm and 3pm
WHERE: Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Play I Spy a Santa or Two in The Music Room, followed by a concert of favorite holiday songs when Santa Claus will appear to delight the whole family.
WANT TO GO? $15; $10 child. 914-232-1252. https://caramoor.org/events/santa-visits-rosen-house-2019/.
The Symphony of Westchester All Baroque Concert
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 3pm
WHERE: Christopher J. Muprhy Auditorium, 715 North Ave., New Rochelle
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: Two Symphony of Westchester violinists will step out of their section to perform Bach’s Double Violin Concerto BWV 1043 in D minor. Snow date 12/14.
WANT TO GO? $55; $40 seniors 65 and older; $15 students. 914-654-4926. thesymphonyofwestchester.org.
The Nutcracker
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 1pm and 5:30pm
WHERE: The Capitol Theatre, 149 Westchester Ave., Portchester
AGES: All
WHAT: Join Clara on her wild journey through a blizzard of ballerinas into a Land of Sweets filled with colorful characters and pure holiday magic.
WANT TO GO? $25-$45 . 914-937-4126. thecapitoltheatre.com.
It's A Wonderful Life
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 7pm
WHERE: Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown
AGES: All
WHAT: See the heartwarming story of how George Bailey finds the true Christmas Spirit.
WANT TO GO? $5. 914-631-3390. tarrytownmusichall.org.
Holiday Fantasy Special Effects Make-Up Workshop
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 11am-3pm
WHERE: Keeler Library, 276 Titicus Road, North Salem
AGES: 13-17
WHAT: Learn how to create professional make-up just like they do for Comic Con or for films.
WANT TO GO? $20. 914-669-5161. https://ruthkeelermemoriallibrary.org/.
Canadian Brass: Christmas Time Is Here
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 7pm
WHERE: The Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy this program of specially arranged holiday favorites, sure to get you in the spirit of the season.
WANT TO GO? $35-$75; tickets for kids 16 and younger are 50% the regular price. 914-251-6200. https://artscenter.org/events/arch-8-rising-tide/.
FIY: Winter Evergreen Swags
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15 , 2:30-4pm
WHERE: Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT
AGES: All
WHAT: Learn to identify some basic evergreens and create your own evergreen swag to take home.
WANT TO GO? $10; $8 members . 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.
Bruce Explorers: Weather Investigators
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 1-3pm
WHERE: Bruce Museum, One Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT
AGES: 5-17
WHAT: Kids will be get to learn all about weather and create their own backyard weather station to take home. Ages 7-16.
WANT TO GO? $60; $50 fmembers. 203-413-6740. https://brucemuseum.org/calendar/event/bruce-explorers-weather-investigators.
Rhyme and Read
WHEN: Dec. 14-21, Saturdays, 11-11:30am
WHERE: Westchester Children's Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Join in playing sound games, hear a story, watch a Nursery Rhyme video and make a craft to take home! Ages 3-6.
WANT TO GO? $7.50; $6.50 seniors; free for members, children younger than 1, and active duty military personnel and their families within the same household. 914-420-5050. discoverwcm.org.
'The Polar Express' in IMAX
WHEN: Through Dec. 22: Saturdays and Sundays, 5pm
WHERE: The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT
AGES: All
WHAT: See this holiday classic with your family in IMAX.
WANT TO GO? $11.50; $10.50 for youths 13-17 and seniors 65 and older; $9.50 for children 2-12. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.
Ride a Vintage Train to Visit Santa Claus
WHEN: Dec. 7-22, Saturdays, 10am-4pm and Sundays, 12-4pm
WHERE: Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St., Danbury, CT
AGES: All
WHAT: Take a ride in a vintage train through the historic Danbury Railway Museum railyard to visit Santa and Mrs. Clause.
WANT TO GO? $12 includes train ride, and all activities; free for children younger than 2. 203-778-8337. http://danburyrailwaymuseum.org.
FREE 11th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival
WHEN: Through Dec. 24: Mondays-Fridays, 12-6pm and Saturdays, 9am-6pm
WHERE: Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St., Greenwich, CT
AGES: All
WHAT: Meet Santa and his reindeers, enjoy rides, face painting, dance demonstrations and more.
WANT TO GO? 203-531-3047. GreenwichReindeerFestival.com
Down to Earth Larchmont Farmer’s Market
WHEN: Through December 28: Saturdays, 8:30am-1pm
WHERE: Metro North Parking Deck off Chatsworth Ave., Larchmont
AGES: All ages
WHAT: Each Saturday the Larchmont Farmers Market brings together small farms and artisan food makers with cooks and eaters.
WANT TO GO? 914-923-4837. http://downtoearthmarkets.com.
FREE Read to Rover Squared
WHEN: Dec. 7-28, Saturdays, 11am-12pm
WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount KIsco
AGES: 5-17
WHAT: Children can register to read to a therapy dog to help practice their reading skills.
WANT TO GO? 914-666-8041. mountkiscolibrary.org.
FREE Madagascar Movies
WHEN: Dec. 7-28, Saturdays, 2-4:30pm
WHERE: White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave., White Plains
AGES: All
WHAT: Each Saturday features a different film from the Madagascar series.
WANT TO GO? 914-422-1476. whiteplainslibrary.org.
Nutcracker Dream
WHEN: Dec. 15-28, 12/15, 12/22, and 12/28 at 2pm and 5pm; 12/21 3pm and 7pm
WHERE: Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck
AGES: All
WHAT: This beautiful interpretation of the beloved holiday classic delights audiences young and old with its artistry and storytelling.
WANT TO GO? $20-$25. 914-698-3045. https://emelin.org/nutcracker-dream/.
Mr. Dickens Tells A Christmas Carol
WHEN: Dec. 13-29, see website for schedule
WHERE: Lyndhurst, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: Journey through the main floor of the beautifully decorated Lyndhurst mansion and meet different spirits and characters along the way.
WANT TO GO? $40. 845-331-7900. lyndhurst.org/.
Holiday Bricktacular
WHEN: Through Dec. 29: Sundays, 10am-7:30pm; Mondays-Saturdays, 10am-9:30pm
WHERE: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers
AGES: All
WHAT: Join the holly jolly fun as LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester transforms into a winter wonderland with magical builds and activities!
WANT TO GO? $27.95-$33.95. 866-243-0770. legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester.
Shark-Diving Santa
WHEN: Dec. 5-29, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 12:15pm and 2:15pm
WHERE: The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT
AGES: All
WHAT: Santa will strap on his custom scuba outfit and enter the Aquarium’s 110,000-gallon “Ocean Beyond the Sound” exhibit, to hang with 7- and 8-foot sharks. Workload permitting!
WANT TO GO? $26.95; $24.95 seniors 65 and older; $19.95 ages 3-12; free admission for Norwalk residents with proof of residency during . 203-852-0700. https://maritimeaquarium.org/.
Holidays on the Hill Train Show
WHEN: Dec. 7-29, Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-4pm
WHERE: Lasdon Park, 2610 Amawalk Road, Route 35, Katonah
AGES: All
WHAT: See the beautiful holiday trains on display.
WANT TO GO? $5-$10. 914-864-7268. https://lasdonpark.org.
Flurry Zone! An Indoor Snow Experience
WHEN: Dec. 1-31, every hour on the hour, from 10am-4pm, daily
WHERE: The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT
AGES: All
WHAT: Flurry Zone! An Indoor Snow Experience will produce a squall that will last for 5 minutes but, through unique technology, evaporates as it hits the floor.
WANT TO GO? $26.95; $24.95 seniors 65 and older; $19.95 ages 3-12; free admission for Norwalk residents with proof of residency during . 203-852-0700. https://maritimeaquarium.org/.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
WHEN: Through Jan. 5: Sunday-Thursday 5-9pm; Friday and Saturday 5-10pm
WHERE: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx
AGES: All
WHAT: The Bronx Zoo is bringing back this celebrated holiday tradition with dazzling light displays that will cover and sparkle acres of the zoo.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Entertainment and activities will include holiday-themed music performances, caroling, ice-carving demonstrations, train rides, and seasonal treats!
WANT TO GO? $29.95; $28.95 for seniors; $22.95 for children. 718-220-5100. bronxzoo.com.
Marine Tank Animal Feeding
WHEN: Dec. 6-Jan. 24, Fridays, 2:30-2:45pm
WHERE: Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT
AGES: All
WHAT: See what happens during feeding time.
WANT TO GO? $10; $8 students 5-22 and seniors 65 and older; free for members and children younger than 5. 203-869-0376. https://brucemuseum.org/.
28th Annual Holiday Train Show
WHEN: Through Jan. 26: see website for schedule
WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx
AGES: All
WHAT: Model trains zip through an enchanting display of more than 175 New York landmarks, each delightfully re-created from natural materials.
WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $23 for adults and $10 for children ages 2-12; free for members and children younger than 2. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.
Evergreen Express
WHEN: Through Jan. 26: 10am-6pm, daily; Guided Activities: Monday-Friday, 1:30–5:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am–5:30pm
WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx
AGES: All
WHAT: Pretend to ride the rails, hike winter trails to discover evergreen trees and shrubs, and put on a winter woodland puppet show.
WANT TO GO? Wednesdays $12-$28; Weekends $10-$23; free for members. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.
IMAX Movies: 'Great Barrier Reef'
WHEN: Dec. 14-March 31, see website for schedule
WHERE: The Maritime Aquarium At Norwalk, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT
AGES: All
WHAT: Discover how the reef is like a thriving metropolis populated by a cast of characters straight out of an adventure novel – heroes, bad guys, sidekicks, lovers, and clowns.
WANT TO GO? 1 IMAX film included with admission: $26.95; $24.95 ages 65 and older; $19.95 ages 3-12. 203-852-0700. https://maritimeaquarium.org/imax.
FREE Rock n' Roll Babies & Toddlers
WHEN: Through Aug. 28: Fridays, 10:15-10:45am
WHERE: Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Drive, Croton-on-Hudson
AGES: Newborn to 5
WHAT: It's time for great stories, classic kids' songs, new rock n’ roll music, and lots of dancing!
WANT TO GO? 914-271-6612. http://crotonfreelibrary.org.
RELATED: Find Fun Things to Do Next Week!
