Living Nativity with animals this week at Kingston’s Old Dutch Church
It’s one thing to see Christmas decorations and Nativity sets, but to experience the story with a reenactment with live animals? That’s a whole new level! The Old Dutch Church presents its 63rd annual Living Nativity this week in its historic cemetery, with refreshments available between performances. The Living Nativity takes place on Thursday and Friday, December 20 and 21 at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. The Old Dutch Church is located at 272 Wall Street in Uptown Kingston. For more information, call (845) 338-6759 or visit www.olddutchchurch.org.
Dinner with Santa this Friday at Railroad Playhouse in Newburgh
This weekend, not only is Santa Claus coming to town, but he and Mrs. Claus are coming to dinner! And so can you! We’re talking music, merriment, a buffet, a puppet show, a photo with jolly St. Nick and a gift for each child. I love it! Admission costs $25. Dinner with Santa takes place on Friday, December 21 at 6 p.m. at the Theatre at Railroad Playhouse, located at 27 South Water Street in Newburgh. For tickets or more information, call (845) 875-4325 or visit www.justoffbwy.com.
Sandy Cause concert at Bearsville this Saturday to raise storm relief funds
Fred Rogers is quoted as saying, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Sometimes helpers also happen to be family entertainment superstars. Join Story Laurie McIntosh, Uncle Rock, Ratboy, Jr. and Grenadilla at the Sandy Cause: a Family Music Fest for Sandy Relief. In addition to the fantastic music and storytelling, kids can enjoy face-painting, crafts and nutritious snacks.
But like I said, these helpers are superstars, and they are committing their talents beyond this weekend’s event by contributing songs to the upcoming charity album Neighbor to Neighbor, where all of the proceeds will benefit the efforts of the storm recovery. Neighbor to Neighbor features Pete Seeger & the Rivertown Kids, Dar Williams, Tom Chapin, Dan Zanes, Guy Davis and of course Uncle Rock, Story Laurie, Grenadilla and many others.
Bring the whole family to the Sandy Cause event for dancing, singing and celebrating giving to our neighbors in need. The Sandy Cause takes place on Saturday, December 22 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Bearsville Theater, located at 291 Tinker Street in Woodstock. Tickets cost $10 per person or $25 per family. For more information about the concert or the Neighbor to Neighbor Project, visit www.unclerock.com or www.storylaurie.com.
Puppet People perform A Christmas Carol this Saturday at Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck
The story A Christmas Carol feels important to me. I love the lessons and the reminders about the deeper meanings of the holidays, as well as life; but my children are still young, and I need something abridged to hold their interest. So I was excited to read that the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck is putting on a puppet show as part of its awesome Saturday morning family series. I can’t wait for my kids to hear the “Bah, humbug” phrase in context!
The Puppet People’s A Christmas Carol takes place on Saturday, December 22 at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $7 for children, $9 for adults and seniors. The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck is located at 661 Route 308 in Rhinebeck. For reservations or more information, call (845) 876-3080 or visit www.centerforperformingarts.org. To learn more about the performers, visit www.thepuppetpeople.org.
Bear Mountain State Park hosts Beary Merry Holiday this Saturday
Ever since a bear took down our feeder five years ago, my kids have cast a wary eye on these furry friends. But I think that Bear Mountain’s Beary Merry Holiday is a great way to help understand some of the more fun aspects of these fascinating creatures. Families craft special bear-friendly treats, including mealworms, peanuts, acorns and raisins, which go into a box sealed with honey and frosting. Onlookers then watch the bears emerge from their den to discover and devour the tasty treats. Is there anything cuter or more hysterical than watching animals “open” gifts?
Beary Merry Holiday takes place on Saturday, December 22 at 10:30 a.m. Parking at the Bear Mountain State Park costs $8; however, the event itself is free, and donations are welcomed. The Trailside Museums and Zoo are located at Bear Mountain State Park at 3006 Seven Lakes Drive in Bear Mountain. For more information, call (845) 786-2701, extension 265, or visit www.trailsidezoo.org.
Origami for kids this Saturday at Kingston Library
I can replicate the special note-folding technique that I mastered during middle school, so why can’t I do the simplest origami? It sounds like Anita Barbour can help even people like me learn a few decorative folds. Folks ages 5 years and up are invited to join in on the folding fun at the Kingston Library this Saturday, December 22 at 10:30 a.m.
Can’t make it to the event, or looking for additional origami designs to try? Check out Barbour’s acclaimed book Easy Origami Ornaments. The Kingston Library is located at 55 Franklin Street in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 331-0507 or visit www.kingstonlibrary.org.
Free Christmas dinner for the needy at Ellenville’s Aroma Thyme Bistro
Aroma Thyme Bistro is a pretty special restaurant. Its commitment to good food, clean food and sustainable eating, all while tasting delicious, is what it’s all about. Well, that’s what I thought it was all about. The proprietors are also firmly committed to community service. For the past ten years, Aroma Thyme Bistro (even before it opened!) has been feeding folks in the community on Christmas Day. Its owners even have enough volunteers for delivery on Christmas, but they could use a hand with donations of baked goods, which can be dropped off at the restaurant any time before December 25.
Aroma Thyme Bistro is located at 165 Canal Street in Ellenville. Individuals and families in need are encouraged to sign up for this special free holiday meal. To make arrangements for a meal delivery, call Family of Ellenville at (845) 647-2443. For more information, call (845) 647-3000 or visit www.aromathymebistro.com. To learn more about the work of Family of Ellenville, visit its page on Facebook or www.familyofwoodstockinc.org.
Join the family! 
