Your guide to holiday festivities and events

By Manor Ink Staff

Now that it appears that winter has finally arrived, it’s time to get into the holiday mood. To help you get the festive spirit, here’s a list of some of the seasonal activities taking place in town and around the area in upcoming weeks.

Friday, Dec. 6: Shabbat services and virtual Hanukkah party
Share the light by bringing your own menorah to Congregation Agudas Achim at 587 Old Rte. 17 in Livingston Manor. Services begin at 7:30 p.m., with a virtual option beginning at 7 p.m. For a Zoom link, email virtualshabbat@gmail.com or call 845-798-0783.

Saturday, Dec. 7: A Very Merry Manor
The Chamber will also sponsor a holiday kickoff event featuring live music, an all new Manor-themed gift wrap bar in front of Sunshine Colony, 47 Main St., free hot cocoa and cookies, and a tote bag giveaway, all from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spend $75 or more at local businesses and receive a free Livingston Manor tote (just show your receipts).

Saturday, Dec. 14, 15: Manor Flea 7 – Holiday Edition
The recurring flea market at the Manor’s Catskill Brewery, 672 Old Rte. 17, will feature crafts and creations by local artists as well as collectibles and curios, all with a holiday theme. It starts at noon on Saturday and at 5 p.m. on Sunday.

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Rockland’s schools also have plans for the festive season. School choirs will set the mood with familiar holiday melodies, and students will once again raise funds for class activities with hearty breakfast fare.

Saturday, Dec. 7: Breakfast with Santa
Students will serve up pancakes and other breakfast favorites in the LMCS cafeteria all day. Old St. Nick will be in attendance for photos with children. Tickets are available at the door.

Wednesday, Dec. 11: RCS Winter Concert
Roscoe’s Pre-K students will entertain with holiday favorites at RCS beginning at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend, and admission is free.

Wednesday, Dec. 11, and Thursday, Dec. 12: LMCS Winter Concerts
Middle and high schoolers are featured on Wednesday, with elementary students appearing on Thursday. Performances begin at 6:30 p.m. on both evenings in the LMCS auditorium. The concerts are open to the public and admission is free.

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Lastly, a few other traditional celebrations of interest will take place in hamlets around Sullivan County.

Saturday, Dec.7: Breakfast with Santa
Have breakfast at 9 a.m. with the Jolly Old Elf, and then have a picture taken with him and receive a special gift “from Santa” (which parents can secretly supply). It happens at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre, 219 Main St., Hurleyville. Info at hpacny.org.

Saturday, Dec. 7: SCVA Holiday Market
The Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association will hold its annual Holiday Market at the Liberty Mall, 15 Sullivan Ave. in Liberty, just across from the Liberty Diner. Peruse gifts by local artisans while sampling holiday treats and taking photos with Santa. It happens 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with details at facebook.com/SullivanCatskills.

Wednesday, Dec. 11: Make a Live Wreath
Another holiday activity from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre, 219 Main St., Hurleyville. Create a fresh, 14-inch wreath, using seasonal greenery and beautiful embellishments. Suitable for all skill levels, this hands-on workshop will guide you through crafting a unique holiday decoration. More at hpacny.org.

Friday, Dec. 13: 12 Tastes of Christmas
A holiday-tasting adventure from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Executive Chef Joel Trocino will prepare 12 unique dishes inspired by the holiday classic, “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The center is at 200 Hurd Rd. in Bethel, and reservations can be made at bethelwoodscenter.org.

Saturday, Dec. 14: Dickens on the Delaware
A favorite event in Callicoon every year, this Victorian-themed winter festival takes place from noon to 5 p.m. and features horse and buggy rides, caroling, street performances, warming fire pits and a holiday vendors market.

Tuesday, Dec. 17: Kids Holiday Craft Hour
From 6 to 7:45 p.m., kids can make snowman and reindeer ornaments, decorating a menorah craft for Hanukkah, or create their own kinara for Kwanzaa. Enjoy hot chocolate, a small snack and a special showing of “Arthur’s perfect Christmas” while crafting. At the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre, 219 Main St., Hurleyville. For more info, go to hpacny.org.

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Additional holiday doings can be found on Inklings, our calendar on page 23 in the print edition. Season’s greetings to all!