History Highlights
A Colonial Innkeeper’s Holiday Celebration
On Dec. 14, the Rye Historical Society will host “A Colonial Innkeeper’s Holiday Celebration” at the Square House Museum. Step back in time as you explore the Square House Museum and learn about the holiday traditions of the Haviland family. Discover how they managed the Square House during the holiday season and celebrated the winter festivities as a family. Guided Tours are on a first come, first served basis and last approximately 20 minutes, followed by an informal Q&A session. Scheduled tour times are 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m. Program is appropriate for ages 10+.
Cost: Free and open to the public; Donations appreciated
Outdoor Education
Candle Making
On Saturday, Dec. 7, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Rye Nature Center will host a candle making activity for students ages 5 and up. Families will enjoy making these colorful candles together and creatre something they can use to light up the holiday.
Cost: $10/person
Birding with the Audubon Society
Anne Swaim, executive director of Saw Mill River Audubon, will lead participants on a venture to observe birds that visit the Edith Read Sanctuary. This is a rare weekday event, held on Dec. 20, 8-10 a.m. The program meets near Playland Lake in the back of the main Playland parking lot and then continues to the Sanctuary. Please bring binoculars, if you have them. Registration is required. To register, please go to https://www.sawmillriveraudubon.org.
Cost: Free
Celebrate the Arts
Clay Holiday Market
The Clay Holiday Market is open in-person and online through Dec. 23. Store hours are Mondays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Clay Art Center is hosting a family-friendly holiday shopping event that will feature free clay ornament painting, holiday sweet treats, and hot beverages. The Holiday Market includes an excellent selection of handmade pottery and ceramic gifts, ornaments, home accents, and sculptures. Visitors will meet some of the participating artists, and enjoy a tour of Clay Art Center’s studios, classrooms, and kilns. Purchases directly support artists, many of whom are local, and Clay Art Center.
Cost: Free
Senior Scenes
Rye High School Parsons Street Players’ annual “Senior Scenes” production takes place on Dec. 7, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Rye High School Performing Arts Center. “Senior Scenes” is a show created and run by RHS seniors. They select the scenes from popular plays and movies, then cast the actors, direct rehearsals, and present their work in two shows.
Cost: $10/adults, $5/students, senior citizens are free
Artwork for Read Photography Exhibit
On Dec. 7, 1-4 p.m., artists are invited to submit wildlife and natural landscape artwork for the annual art exhibit at the Edith Read Sanctuary. Curator Scott Williamson will fill the sanctuary nature center with photography, painting, drawing, and sculpting from members and friends. Photographs and artwork should be framed and wired for hanging. One photograph/art piece per person please.
Cost: Free
Wreaths and Mimosas
The Wainwright House is hosting a wreath-making workshop with local designers Outdoors Contained on Sunday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets include a continental breakfast, instruction, and materials. Every participant will take home a beautiful holiday wreath.
Cost: $85/members, $100/non-members
Fonrose Singers Pop-Up Concert
The Fonrose Singers will host their first-ever concert at the Wainwright House on Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. This is a free and family-friendly event featuring live music and refreshments.
Cost: Free
Holiday Stories
SPRYE will host Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk on Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Rye Presbyterian Church. Mr. Kruk will delight the audience with “December Holidays Tales of the Origin of Santa Claus,” “Solstice,” and “The Hanukkah Bear.” In this free performance, he will be accompanied by musician Kelman Westkill. For reservations and more information please call 914-481-5706.
Cost: Free
Community Events
Christmas Tree Sale
On Dec. 7, Christ’s Church will hold its 14th Annual Christmas Tree Sale on Rectory Street in Rye from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sale includes top-quality Douglas and Frazer firs. Proceeds benefit Christ’s Church programming. This sale is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season for a good cause.
Cost: Tree prices vary
Holiday Bonfire and Sing Along
On Dec. 8, families are invited to attend a magic show at 4 p.m. in the Rye Recreation Department amphitheater followed by the bonfire lighting and carols at 5 p.m. Hot chocolate will be served. Rye Rec has partnered with the Rye Police Association to collect new, unwrapped books and toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program supporting underprivileged families in Westchester County. Children’s Philanthropy of Rye will also be giving out holiday goody bags for a small donation to directly support grocery gift cards and holiday gifts for Rye families living at or below the poverty line.
Cost: Free
Kids’ Night Out
Students in grades 3-5 can go to the Rye YMCA for an evening of Nerf fun on Dec. 13, 7-9 p.m. The evening includes food, competitions, and games, and is held at the Y’s main facility. Registration required.
Cost: $10/members, $15/non-members
Children’s Holiday Party
Wainwright House will celebrate the magic of the holidays with cookies, crafts, caroling, a visit from Santa, and much more on Dec. 15, noon-3 p.m. Wainwright will be decorated for the season, creating the perfect backdrop for holiday fun.
Cost: Free for members, $15/non-members
Teen Movie: ‘Home Alone’
On Friday, Dec. 20, 3:30-5:15 p.m. at the Rye Free Reading Room, teens can enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and the classic holiday movie, “Home Alone.”
Registration required.
Cost: Free