Above: Victorian holiday strollers in Athens. Photo from the Athens Cultural Center's Facebook page.
They're tuning the harps and decanting the holiday spirits in the riverfront town of Athens for this Saturday's Victorian Stroll. Tour the proceedings in a horse-drawn buggy or hayride, get your face painted, and lace up your granny boots for some serious touring of historic homes and bazaars-full of the offerings of local creatives.
Take your kids to meet Victorian Santa, then watch their eyes sparkle at juggling, puppetry, and ice sculpture. Play some Family Holiday Bingo and spin the dreidel. Tour the Crossroads Brewery or sample wine and chocolate. Get your caricature done or take a photo in Victorian garb.
Folks will gather in Riverfront Park at 5 p.m. for a grand finale of tree-lighting, fire-dancing, and plenty of hot cocoa and good things to eat. For a complete schedule of events, visit the Athens Cultural Center's website; though the stroll officially kicks off at 1 p.m., a couple of venues are offering refreshments and craft workshops in the morning to get you revved up.
Athens Holiday Victorian Stroll, Saturday, Dec. 14, 1-5 p.m. Various venues around the Village of Athens. Free admission.
Also on tap this Saturday is Holidayfest in the village of Catskill. Sample some free Venezuelan snacks from the pizza shop or a "grab-and-stroll" baguette-and-cocoa special, and raise a glass of champagne, wine or spirits to the Season of Lights. Shop at local galleries, a pop-up bazaar and an affordable art show, and if you still aren't sure what Aunt Edna wants, they've got psychic readers available.
Live performances will range from karaoke to mentalism, and include the acoustic Americana of the Lucky Devils and a winter pageant presented by Radio WGXC. A wandering choir of carolers will serenade you as you stroll among more than 30 Main Street shops, galleries and restaurants that have celebratory specials planned for your delight. For complete details, visit welcometocatskill.com.
Catskill Holidayfest. Saturday, Dec. 14, 4-8 p.m., throughout the village of Catskill. Free admission.
