Destination Shopping

Holiday Events Across the Region

by Hillary Harvey, October 28, 2008

With the holiday season upon us, an opportunity presents itself to appreciate the plenty that quietly exists in our Hudson Valley. If we all skip the mall and keep our money in the local economy, we could create a more peaceful wealth for ourselves and our neighbors that would follow us into the new year. Removed from that stress of last-minute buying sprees at enormous, impersonal chain stores, we might even enjoy the holiday season that much more. Think, Destination Shopping, where you wander the streets of a neighboring village, discover a new restaurant, enjoy the region’s rich history, and casually shop in local stores. With towns offering open houses and traditional winter festivals, updated and specifically designed to bring us all a sense of community, you just may find that being a tourist in your hometown restores your sense of giving.


2nd Annual Downtown Unwrapped
in New Paltz
November 21, 5-8pm

Stores will dress up their windows for the holiday season and officially unwrap them on Friday night to start off the holiday shopping season. All weekend, there will be meet-the-artist receptions in the shops which feature jewelry, hats and fine art by local artisans, as well as special sales and door prizes. Vintage Studio will hold a holiday tea and hat party, and Historic Hugenot Street’s Museum Shop will be open and docents will be guiding tours of the historic houses by candlelight. On the street there will be fresh, hot apple cider stations to warm shoppers. There will be special sales and refreshments at participating stores all weekend. Additional events are planned for Christmas week.
(845) 255-3022.


A Gilded Age Christmas at Mills Mansion
November 28-December 31

Weekend tours every half hour at the mansion, a 25-room Greek Revival structure built in 1832 by the firm of McKim, Mead, and White for Morgan Lewis. The mansion features elaborate turn-of-the-century holiday decorations, Christmas trees festooned with Edwardian-style ornaments, elegant flower arrangements, and other decorations based on historic themes. The museum gift shop will also be open. On December 26, there will be special evening hours from 6pm to 8pm. Admission fees are $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, students, and groups; children 12 and under are free.
www.staatsburgh.org


37th Annual Dutchess Community College Holiday Craft Fair
November 29 & 30, 10am-4pm

Dutchess Commnuity College hosts its 37th annual Holiday Craft Fair, featuring candles, soaps, oils, wood sculptures, decorative paintings, paper, photography, pottery, Ukranian eggs, leather goods, glass, jewelry and sumptuous vittles to eat on-site and take home. Proceeds from admission and raffle sales benefit student scholarships.
www.sunydutchess.edu