Weekend Fun for Westchester Kids: Thanksgiving Events, Nutcracker, Mario the Magician, Nov. 21-22

11/18/15 - By Susan Miele

It’s clear that Thanksgiving is right around the corner from the theme of this weekend’s events for Westchester and Hudson Valley families. Burn off those calories before the big feast at Turkey Run Peekskill, and who needs Macy’s when you can stay local for the Annual Valenti Thanksgiving Day Parade?

In addition to honoring American customs, there's also the chance to partake in international customs at the Diwali Celebration, or you can get a head start on the next holiday at Holiday Wreathmaking. And if entertainment is what your family craves, catch a dazzling performance by Mario the Magician.

These are just a few of our top picks for the weekend. Read on for the rest, and be sure to scan our Event Calendar for many more options to choose from—this weekend and beyond! The list grows daily, so check back often and sign up for our FREE weekly newsletters to stay in the know.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

All Weekend

Nutcracker! The Musical – Mamaroneck
The first Nutcracker production of the season is the least traditional, with singing taking the place of ballet. Also check out other productions of The Nutcracker we've rounded up for our readers!

Saturday, November 21

Annual Valenti Thanksgiving Day Parade - New Rochelle
This annual event showcases local organizations, floats and bands through downtown New Rochelle.  FREE

Turkey Run Peekskill - Peekskill
Get fit while supporting a good cause at this charitable fun run. Participants are required to wear the turkey that they donate (the price of admission). Additional costumes are further encouraged!

Diwali Celebration - Scarsdale
Enjoy cultural immersion at this FREE celebration of the Hindu Festival of Lights with traditional dancing and food. FREE

Holiday Wreathmaking - Tarrytown
Learn from a professional floral designer how to decorate a holiday wreath using materials provided—and it’s all FREE!

Taylor 2 - Valhalla
Modern-dance aficionados will enjoy this performance, which pays homage to choreographer Paul Taylor.

See all Saturday events.

Sunday, November 22

Mario the Magician - Nyack
Prepare to be dazzled by this entertaining magic act by a magician who has also performed at Lincoln Center, among other high-caliber venues; a hands-on magic and science workshop follows.

Menorah Workshop - New Rochelle
Get a head start on Hanukkah, as your kids build their own menorahs. FREE

See all Sunday events.

Beyond Westchester

If you’ve never seen the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden, you’re in for a treat! The trains are almost the least of it; what’s amazing is the community of landmark NYC buildings that the trains course through. Every single one of them—The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Yankee Stadium, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and even classic buildings that have been demolished—are recreated from elements found in nature, like sticks, bark and leaves. The artistry is mind-blowing. Even if you have already seen the exhibit, you’ll want to go back for this year’s new attractions

The UBS Parade Spectacular, Stamford’s annual holiday balloon parade, has become one of the largest events of its kind in the country. The parade features giant balloon characters, award-winning marching bands and fabulous floats. Fun for the whole family!

Don't forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more events happening throughout Westchester and follow us on Facebook for more ideas!

Photo credit: Mario the Magician

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