holiday shopping and festivities

White Plains is adding a new tradition to its holiday celebrations this year. Scheduled for December 3 though the 13th,  The White Plains Holiday Market will bring over 40 vendors and artisans to Waller Avenue (between Maple Avenue and Lyons Place) in downtown White Plains. Local pop-up company 914PopUps is working with the city of White Plains on the market.

“The White Plains Holiday Market is the first one like it in Westchester,” said Melissa Tomlin, president of 914PopUps. “White Plains is a great central location and (the market) is a really big community effort.”

The market will be set up in a similar way to Bryant Park’s Winter Village in Manhattan, including the sheds that house vendors. “Each shed is 10 feet by 10 feet and is self-contained so vendors have the ability to monitor clients,” Tomlin said. “Regarding social distancing, (vendors) can shut the shed door and allow a number of people to come in and out.”

The White Plains Business Improvement District, one of the event sponsors, has been helping to coordinate the event with the city and 914PopUps. “We hope to give people and shoppers a sense of normalcy during this ever-changing and challenging time, while remaining safe and stimulating local businesses,” Brittany Brandwein, executive director of White Plains BID, said. “It’s not an easy feat to try to accomplish but we’re giving it a college try and are happy to support it. It has the potential to stimulate the business downtown.”

The White Plains Holiday Market will run from Thursday, Dec. 3 until Sunday, Dec. 13. The market will be open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday.

The 2020 Chappaqua Craft & Gift Fair marks its 36th anniversary this year! What started as a small, school craft fair has grown into a highly-anticipated annual holiday shopping event attended by hundreds of people from surrounding Westchester towns. Still managed by the PTA committee, this team understands the importance of a comfortable and safe shopping experience – especially during the pandemic. That’s why this year’s annual shopping event will have a virtual component! Click on the craft and gift fair link below to find incredible gifts for purchase from local small businesses and talented artisans.

As a non-profit 501c3, the Chappaqua Craft and Gift Fair is the largest fundraising event held by the Robert E. Bell PTA that provides support for important student enrichment programs.

There will also be an Outdoor Holiday Market in the First Congregational Church parking lot (210 Orchard Ridge Road in Chappaqua), running every weekend starting Sunday, November 29 through Sunday, December 13, from 11a.m. to 4 p.m.  For additional information, email: officeofcc-chappaqua.org. And check out their Christmas trees for sale during these same times, as well as on December 19 and 20.

You may also want to help support the historic Tarrytown Music Hall through these difficult days by purchasing a Christmas tree ornament from them. Don’t be confused when you click through to the site. You will need to click on the “Buy Tickets” button to take you through to the ornament purchase… everyone is pivoting as well as they can!

The Pelham Art Center, located at 155 Fifth Avenue in Pelham,  will be hosting their annual holiday boutique from November 21 through December 23 – in person, with safety protocols in place. The Art Boutique highlights a dynamic collection of quality, affordable handmade items for sale, featuring one-of-a-kind items by local and national artists who represent a range of traditional and modified artisan techniques.

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland is a festive 1.2-mile drive through Kensico Dam Plaza, filled with dazzling light displays that will thrill all ages.

Enjoy favorite holiday characters and joyful music right on your car radio. Wave to Santa and other surprises – all from the safe and controlled environment of your car.

Open every evening from November 27 – January 3, click here to purchase tickets. The Winter Wonderland will be closed on the following dates: November 30, December 7, 14, 24 (Christmas Eve), and on Christmas Day.

Enjoy the season with GLOW,  The New York Botanical Garden’s new outdoor color and light experience. You’ll find plenty of room to spread out and explore a glowing world of color and light featuring the Haupt Conservatory as the centerpiece. Washes of brilliant colors, thousands of dazzling lights, and picture-perfect installations fill the Reflecting Pool and enliven surrounding gardens and collections. Also  enjoy artistic ice carving displays, roving dancers and musicians, plus more outdoor fun.

The NYBG’s Pine Tree Cafe will be open for hot cocoa, coffee and more snacks during the same operational hours.

Tickets for GLOW are on sale now for timed-entry on November 27 & 28; December 5, 12, 18, 19, 26, 27, 28, 29, & 30; January 1, 2, & 9. The experience runs from 5–10 p.m. (And don’t forget the Holiday Train Show – running through January 31, 2021.)

Chill Bucket Productions will be celebrating the holiday season with their virtual interpretation of the beloved short story, The Gift of the Magi, which tells the story of Jim and Della, newlyweds who are struggling to make ends meet.

Join Chill Bucket for the premiere viewing on December 15, 2020 at 8 p.m. or purchase a ticket for any of the twelve viewing days (December 15-26, 2020). This adaptation of a favorite sentimental story will be streamed directly at chillbp.com and tickets can also be purchased through the website for just $8. For more information, please email chillbucketprod@gmail.com

 

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