It’s that time of year when WAG Weekly, WAG’s wacky kid sister, pours herself a big cup of eggnog, puts her feet up and lets all those who’ve been naughty and nice know what they can do with the relatives who’ll be invading for the holidays.
As usual, there’s plenty in the offing, and we’re sure that includes a partridge in a pear tree, too:
The first three entries are only on through Jan. 3, so best sleigh on over to them now. (Given our weather, you might want to Jet Ski instead):
The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum holiday exhibit traces the development of Christmas traditions during the Victorian era in America. Visitors will see the season’s evolution from 1850 to the 1900s, from small tabletop trees with edibles and handmade ornaments to lavishly embellished trees that stood on the floor and almost reached the ceiling. Noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Ave., Norwalk, 203-838-9799, lockwoodmathewsmansion.com
The holiday season in New York wouldn’t be the same without the New York City Ballet and George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker.” Highlights of this holiday chestnut include a one-ton Christmas tree that grows from 12 to 40 feet, swirling snowflakes and hundreds of elaborate costumes, including one for Mother Ginger that measures nine feet wide and weighs 85 pounds. The production’s grand finale involves one million watts of lighting, the most used in any City Ballet production. David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, Manhattan; 212-496-0600, davidhkochtheater.com. (Too busy in the ’burbs to trek to the big city? On Dec. 23, the Ridgefield Playhouse presents “Bolshoi Ballet in HD: The Nutcracker,” the Russian ballet company’s take on the E.T.A. Hoffmann story of the bewitched Nutcracker Prince and the girl whose love transforms him, with Tchaikovsky’s soaring score, of course. 8 p.m., 80 East Ridge Road; 203-438-5795, ridgefieldplayhouse.org
“Westchester’s Winter Wonderland” – Take a stroll through Kensico Dam Plaza on a beautiful crisp evening 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. Kensico Dam Plaza, Park Drive West, Valhalla; wwinterwonderland.com
Through Jan. 10 it’s “Nativity Scenes from the Americas” at the Castle Gallery. These nacimientos from different countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and the American Southwest blend pre-Hispanic elements, Colonial heritage and contemporary components to illustrate how artists and artisans have depicted the birth of Jesus. 11a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, noon-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, The College of New Rochelle, 29 Castle Place, New Rochelle; 914-654-5423, castlegallery.cnr.edu
“Dancers Among Us” features photographs by Jordan Matter through Jan. 17 at the Hudson River Museum. Dancers leap and move in everyday settings in an exhibit grouped into three themes – Soaring, Stretching and Serendipity. Noon-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers; 914-963-4550, hrm.org
“The Holiday Train Show,” with New York landmark replicas made of all natural materials – nuts, bark and other plant parts – speeds on through Jan. 18. This year’s exhibit has an additional 3,000 square feet of space, making room for dozens of new trains, bridges and tracks and a salute to the 1964 World’s Fair. The New York Botanical Garden, Southern Boulevard, Bronx; 718-817-8700, nybg.org
“Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!”
