Events in the Yorktown area:

Dance for Joy Dancers Gift Wrap Presents for Fundraiser

When/Where: Sunday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble, located at 3089 East Main Street, in Mohegan Lake (The Cortland Town Center).

Why Go: 28 girls, members of the ballet school Dance for Joy in Mohegan Lake, have been chosen to perform at the American Alliance of Performing Arts Educators (AAPAE) London Invitational Dance Festival, taking place during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. To help pay for the trip, the girls have been holding a number of fundraisers. This Sunday, they will be gift wrapping at the Barnes & Noble. They will also be selling tickets for their Dec. 18 Nutcracker performances at the Paramount Theatre in Peekskill. 

Contact: 914-526-4486

Annual Tree Lighting in Yorktown

When/Where:  Monday, December 5 from 6:30 p.m.-7:15 p.m. at  Jack DeVito Gazebo located by the track of the Yorktown Community and Cultural Center.  

Why Go:  Sponsored by the town's Parks and Recreation Department, this is a beloved community tradition in which residents gather for the ceremonial Christmas tree lighting and for holiday music. Local Girl Scout Troops from both Lakeland and Yorktown schools will be on site singing a number of holiday classics. Food and clothing donations will be accepted to benefit Yorktown HELP and Beaver Farm Holiday Angel programs.

Price: Free

Christmas Concert in Yorktown

When/Where: Sunday, December 4, 4 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Yorktown Heights

Why Go: Start the Christmas season with a festive concert including a 30 voice choir, a 15-piece orchestra and hand bells. A light reception will follow the concert.

Price: Tickets at the door, suggested donation, $10

Events in the Hudson Valley area:

The Beach Boys at the Paramount Center for the Arts with Special Guest John Stamos

When/Where: Friday, December 2, 8 p.m. at the Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill

Why Go: This classic band plays an average of 150 shows a year, headed by front man Mike Love. With hits like “Surfin,” “I Get Around,” “Help me Rhonda,” “Good Vibrations,” and “California Girls,” a good time is guaranteed for all. The Beach Boys have sold tens of millions of albums and have become part of the American musical landscape. Joining The Beach Boys for the Paramount performance will be John Stamos of the hit soap “General Hospital” and ABC’s “Full House.” Stamos has also displayed his musical talents over the past 25 years touring off and on with The Beach Boys.

Price: Tickets start at $45

Being Elmo: A Puppeteers Journey

When/Where:  Friday, December 2, 8:30 p.m. at The Pelham Picture House. Times: Friday, Dec. 2, 6:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 3:30 p.m., 5:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, 4 p.m and 5:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Why Go:  Take in a documentary about the man who created the beloved Sesame Street character, Elmo. The film’s synopsis: "Few people know Elmo’s creator, Kevin Clash, who dreamed of working with his idol, master puppeteer Jim Henson. Displaying his creativity and talent at a young age, Kevin ultimately found a home on Sesame Street. “

Price:  $8

Christmas Decorating Party at The Field Library in Peekskill

When/Where: Saturday, December 3, 11 a.m-1p.m. at the Field Library

Why Go: Make holiday ornaments and help trim the library’s trees. Refreshments and lots of holiday cheer will be offered to children of all ages (with a helping adult). No sign-up required.

Price: Free

Brewster Kids Make Ornaments

When/Where: Saturday, December 3, 4:30 p.m. at The Southeast Museum

Why Go:  The Southeast Museum will hold a Children’s Ornament Making Workshop where kids can create a unique ornament.  Before the lighting festival on Main Street, children can come and craft their own design.

Price: $5 materials fee donation requested.

City Lights Bright Holiday Nights Community Tree Lighting in White Plains

When/Where: Sunday, December 4 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Tibbits Park on North Broadway and Main St.

Why Go: In the heart of White Plains, enjoy the sights and the sounds of the season in a tree-lighting event sponsored by the City of White Plains Recreation and Parks Department. Music will be provided by: The White Plains Youth Bureau After-School Chorus, The White Plains High School Marching Band, Eastview School Select Chorus, Taiko Drummers and The Star Performers. There will be an ice carving exhibit, visits with Santa, winter games, special guests Frosty and Rudolph, crafts, as well as a train and carousel ride. Complimentary beverages and refreshments will be provided. 

Price: Free

Westchester Jazz Orchestra

When/Where: Saturday, December 3, 8 p.m. at Irvington Town Hall Theater

Why Go: WJO, described as “setting the standard for big band jazz," pays homage to past and current masters including Mary Lou Williams, Chick Corea and Fred Hersch. 

Price: Reserved seating tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors and $10 for students for all shows

Free Arts Day in Westchester

When/Where: Sunday, December 4, click here for brochure of various venues

Why Go: Highlights of this year’s Free Arts Weekend include free admission to historic sites and museums, free films, concerts, and art-making workshops for the entire family. Free Arts Day was initiated in 2001, as a positive way to bring the community together in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedies.

Venues include Historic Hudson Valley’s sites,Van Cortlandt Manor (Croton) and Philipsburg Manor (Sleepy Hollow), Union Church (Pocantico Hills); free admission to The Hudson River Museum (Yonkers),The Katonah Museum of Art, a Diwali Celebration at the Pelham Art Center; and free films at The Jacob Burns Film Center (Pleasantville) and The Picture House (Pelham).

Price: Free

Santa’s Rail yard at The Danbury Railway Museum

When/Where:  Sunday, Dec 4, 2011 (through) December 18 from 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm -trains every 1/2 hour, 12:30 - 3:30 at the Danbury Railway Museum

Why Go: Ride a vintage train to Santa's toyland, visit with Santa, see exhibits in restored 1903 station and rail yard with operating layouts and displays. Coloring station, temporary tattoos and a free gift for children.

Price: $9.00 (ages 2 and over) call to reserve tickets:  203.778.8337

Cortlandt Chamber Orchestra Free Concert

When/Where:  Saturday, December 3, 7:30p.m. at the Holy Name of Mary Church in Croton-on-Hudson

Why Go: This free concert, directed by Richard Simons, will include selections from Bach, Copeland and Dvorak. Also variations on a Shaker Melody for Orchestra – Aaron Copland, Symphony in C Major, Wq.174 – Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach Serenade for Winds in D Major, Op.44 – Antonín Dvořák

Price: Free