What’s Happening in the Hudson Valley This Weekend

It's the last weekend before Christmas and while there will be the mad dash for last minute shopping, there's also some pretty cool events going on throughout the Hudson Valley to celebrate the season.

Friday, 12/9 at 8 pm and Saturday, 12/20 at 2 & 8 pm: Half Moon Theatre Company invites you to bring the entire family to celebrate the holiday season Dec. 5-20 (weekends only) with It’s a Wonderful Life: The 1946 Radio Play. Set in a 1946 radio station studio, five actors perform an “on-air” retelling of this heartwarming tale. The actors portray all of the movie’s favorite characters and are joined by a live sound effects artist—who brings the story to life by encouraging audience participation. Kids (and kids at heart) will love getting to applaud and make special sound effects throughout the performance. To purchase tickets call 800-838-3006 or order online at www.halfmoontheatre.org. 

Saturday, 12/20: 5 pm. Family Fun Night at the Red Hook Library. Come in and make a gingerbread house using graham crackers, frosting and, of course, candy!

Saturday, 12/20 at 2 pm: The Snowflake Man is puppet fun for kids! It's a beautiful trunk show of Czech-style marionettes and props backed by a pop-up book of watercolor paintings telling the story of “Snowflake” Bentley.  This utterly unique show by Sarah Frechette of PUPPETKABOB combines art with history and science thru live story-telling. Advance reservations are recommended as seating is limited.

Sunday, 12/21 at 1:30: Enjoy a Winter Solstice Hike at Minnewaska State Park Preserve. This three and half mile loop hike along the Beacon Hill Footpath and Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road offers some of the best views in the Hudson Valley and the Catskills. This hike does include some tricky footing. Meet at the Nature Center. All programs require pre-registration. To reserve your spot, please call the Park Office at 845-255-0752. Minnewaska State Park is located on 5281 Rte 44 55, Kerhonkson.

Sunday, 12/21 at 6:30: The 65th Annual Living Nativity at the Old Dutch Church is a wonderful holiday tradition with the re-enactment of the Christmas story with animals & local parishioners outside at the Old Dutch’s churchyard. Performances are 6:30pm, 7pm & 7:30pm each night. The Old Dutch Church, 272 Wall St., Kingston.