Once we’ve carved the turkey and the pumpkin pie, our thoughts will turn to the rest of the holiday season – if they haven’t already done so. And there are plenty of activities this weekend to get you in the mood.
Westchester Winter Wonderland opens Nov. 27, Black Friday, and runs through Jan. 3.Take a stroll through Kensico Dam Plaza with the illuminated spectacle of “Candy Cane Lane” and a musical light show. Meet with New York Rangers alumni and enjoy outdoor ice skating at “RangersTown” on a temporary rink or bring the kids to visit with the “Big Man” at the Santa Experience. Join other shoppers as they browse the artisan craft village for that perfect gift or treat. Then top it off with a meal or beverage at the food court. The fun’s at Park Drive West, Valhalla. For more, visit winterwonderland.com.
Also in White Plains on Black Friday, there’s “Mooseltoe,” a live-action production based on the beloved children’s book about a moose who wants to fly with Santa’s reindeer. Mooseltoe himself with be available for photo ops with the kiddies after the 11 a.m. show at the White Plains Performing Arts Center. It’s at 11 City Place. For tickets ($15-$20) and more, call 914-328-1600 or visit wppac.com.
Perhaps Mooseltoe would like to visit Santa and four actual reindeer at McArdle’s Florist and Garden Center in Greenwich on Black Friday for the seventh annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop (through Christmas Eve).
From noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27, the community is invited to a “We’re Back” party at McArdle’s to welcome the reindeer and open Santa’s Workshop for photos with St. Nick. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at noon with attendance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, town officials, sponsors, including James McArdle and representatives from Citizens Bank, and Tammi Ketler of TMK Sports & Entertainment, event producer. Refreshments by Cosi and face painting and balloon art by Faces By Wells will be on tap as everyone anticipates the reindeer’s arrival later in the afternoon for their month-long stay.
“We’re very excited to host the reindeer again this year,” James McArdle says. “We’re looking forward to seeing the smiles and expressions of wonder on the children’s faces as they gaze at the reindeer and families happily making holiday memories of a lifetime here in Greenwich.”
Inside McArdle’s at Santa’s Workshop, families, children, corporate groups and even pets can have their photos taken with Santa. Photo packages begin at $29.99 and will include a gift bag provided by Citizens Bank filled with promotions redeemable at participating downtown Greenwich stores. Digital photos will also be available with photo packages. Photos with Santa will take place noon to 6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Throughout the four weeks, everyone is welcome to view the reindeer, thanks to Pepsi, Reindeer Stable Sponsor. Feeding times will take place daily at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The reindeer will remain at McArdle’s until approximately 2 p.m. on December 23. Santa will stay on for photos until 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve. (Because then everyone has to skedaddle to the North Pole.)
Each child who has his photo taken with Santa may enter a raffle to win a Mercedes-Benz pedal car from Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich. A lucky winner will be named on Christmas Eve. In addition, children can enter the 2015 Pepsi Name the Reindeer Contest and submit their favorite reindeer names in a ballot box at McArdle’s. Santa will announce the winning names on Dec. 6. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.
Throughout the Festival, McArdle’s will be selling special Kids in Crisis Holiday Belgian chocolates sourced from sustainable cocoa. All proceeds will benefit Kids in Crisis.
For more, call 203-531-3047 or visit GreenwichReindeerFestival.com.
Armonk celebrates the return of everyone’s favorite snowman – and its native son – with Frosty Day on Saturday, Nov. 28. Activities and family events start at noon, with a parade that will go down Main Street, then turn onto Bedford Road and pass the “Village Square” mentioned in the song. More than 30 local groups and organizations will participate with floats, lights, dancing, costumes and music to welcome Frosty home. For more, visit ArmonkFrosty.com
And for a little Thanksgiving cheer, we couldn’t resist this photo and item that reader and Sleepy Hollow resident Regina Moore submitted to us. Writes Regina:
“I just wanted to share with you a personal photo of my rescue dog, Marty. He has been with us for five years now and has transformed our family in ways I can’t believe. We think he may have been a model in his past life. He enjoys celebrating all the holidays in unique costumes and loves the attention it brings….A wonderful holiday to you and your family.”
Right back at you, Regina.
And from everyone at WAG, thank you to all our readers and advertisers for taking this journey with us. Happy Thanksgiving! – Georgette Gouveia
