SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4
“Construction & Christmas Cookies” at Hyde Park’s Vanderbilt Mansion
You are giving so much of yourself this season; how about being on the receiving end for a change? And you’ll even be a little richer for it! “Construction and Christmas Cookies” takes place this Sunday, December 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. Learn about 2017 restoration projects, get free admission to the mansion, refreshments and a 20 percent discount in the museum shop.
The Vanderbilt Mansion is located at 119 Vanderbilt Park Road in Hyde Park. For more information, call (845) 229-7770 or visit www.nps.gov/vama/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?event=504F29ED-1DD8-B71B-0BCB11985770E830.
Scavenger hunt tours at Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie
There’s more to Samuel Morse than just code like “…—…” (SOS), so take a history break and race your kids to find the antique toys at Morse’s former home, the Locust Grove Estate. Scavenger hunt Open House tours take place on Sundays between 12 noon and 4 p.m. from December 4 through 18, and daily between 10:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. from December 26 through 31. Tickets cost $11 for adults, $6 for kids.
The Locust Grove Estate is located at 2683 South Road in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 454-4500 or visit www.lgny.org.
Caroling at nursing home in New Paltz
Come one, come all, all ages, all voice types (including non-tune-carrying folk), and join Hudson Valley Parents.com for our annual caroling fun on Sunday, December 4 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Mountain View Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. You love to spread good cheer, you love to do fun holiday activities with your babies/kids and you love free! Caroling books, Santa hats and handheld percussion instruments will be available to use, and festive clothing is encouraged.
The Mountain View Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is located at 1 Jansen Road in New Paltz. For more information, call (845) 255-5896 or e-mail erica@chasal.net.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7
Gingerbread house workshop at Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum
Have little ones and feel overwhelmed about holiday traditions? Would you consider a gingerbread house activity if you didn’t have to bake the walls or clean up afterwards? Because on Wednesday, December 7 at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum presents “Making Masterpieces: Gingerbread House Decorating.” Each kit includes gingerbread house elements such as cookie walls, icing and candy, not to mention fantastic photos and memories. The cost is $25 per kit, and registration is required.
The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum is located at 75 North Water Street in Poughkeepsie. For more information or to register, call (845) 471-0589 or visit https://mhcm.org/event/making-masterpieces-gingerbread-house-decorating.
Erica Chase-Salerno is boogieing to Let All the Children Boogie! She can be reached at kidsalmanac@ulsterpublishing.com.
Join the family! 
