Robin Chwatko, Author at The Inside Press

Photo Courtesy of Salzburg Marionette Theater

This holiday season, there’s no need to travel far to soak up the holiday spirit. Whether you are looking for something traditional or off the beaten path, here’s a roundup of some of Westchester’s best cultural arts events to delight the biggest Scrooges or the tiniest Sugar Plums.

1. Holiday Tea Musicale

Caramoor, Katonah
caramoor.org
December 4–21
$32.50-65

Feel the magic of the season with Caramoor’s holiday tradition of classical concerts with charismatic musicians, festive decorations, a chance to sing-a-long, and tea service in the majestic Music Room.

2. Holiday Sing-along with the Chappaqua Orchestra

Robert E. Bell School, Chappaqua
chappaquaorchestra.org
December 7
FREE

Guest conductor Mina Kim leads the orchestra’s annual Holiday sing-along followed by the New Castle Historical Society tree lighting at the famous Horace Greeley House.

3. It’s a Wonderful Life

Bedford Playhouse, Bedford
bedfordplayhouse.org
December 8
$14

Frank Capra’s heartwarming masterpiece continues to endure, and after 70 years, this beloved classic still remains as powerful and moving as the day it was made. Presented in 4K!

4. The Chordsmen: ‘Tis The Season Winter Concert

First Presbyterian Church, Ossining
chordsmen.org
December 8
$20-25

The Chordsmen is an all-male chorus that sings in 4-part a cappella harmony, often in the barbershop style. This lively concert features a selection of seasonal songs by the entire Chorus and selected quartets.

5. Mr. Dickens Tells a Christmas Carol

Lyndhurst, Tarrytown
lyndhurst.org
December 13-29
$40

This timeless event recreates the famous performance tour by Charles Dickens in 1867 with his classic tale bringing the travails of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim alive.

6. Canadian Brass: Holiday Time is Here

Performing Arts Center, Purchase
artscenter.org
December 15
$16.25-$72.50

Renowned for genre-bending versatility and joyous performances, the award-winning quintet delights with holiday favorites from classical presentation to music served up with lively dialogue and theatrical effects.

7. The Magic Dreidels

White Plains Performing Arts
Center, White Plains
wppac.com
December 26 & 30
$17-22

When young Jakob meets a goblin who offers him dreidels that work miracles, the boy and others learn the true meaning of Hanukkah. By Jenna Zark, adapted from the book by Eric A. Kimmel.

AND..A Nutcracker for Everyone!

8. Salzburg Marionette Theatre: The Nutcracker

Westchester Community College, Valhalla
sunywcc.edu
December 8
$8-28

From Austria with love, these marionettes have delighted children since 1913 worldwide. This original production features live actors with their marionettes bringing the famous holiday tale of The Nutcracker to sparkling life while set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.

9. The Nutcracker Westchester Ballet Company

County Center, White Plains
westchesterballet.org
December 13-15
$23-35

Westchester Ballet Company’s crown jewel is its annual Nutcracker production. This classic is chock full of exquisite choreography, stunning costumes, and exciting special effects.

10. Nutcracker Short & Sweet

Paramount Hudson Valley, Peekskill
paramounthudsonvalley.com
December 21
$13-15

Only one hour long and fully narrated from the point of view of Clara, this show is sure to hold the attention of even the youngest ballet fan.

On November 3, 50,000 runners will hit the streets for the 49th NYC Marathon.

Here are a few local runners to root for.

STEVE CHAPMAN, 43, Armonk

Occupation: Accountant

Marathons completed: 2

Breakfast of champions: Race day is always a bagel with peanut butter

Favorite local running route: North County Trailway

Exercise schedule: I’m also a triathlete, so I’m training every day in some way, shape, or form!

Inspiration for running: I’m running to raise money and awareness for Project Purple/ pancreatic cancer research in honor of my mother in law

Can’t run without: Bose SoundSport wireless headphones

Playlist: First half: happy, uplifting, and easy-going – I always start out with Here I Go Again (yes, I’m dating myself) and Save it For a Rainy Day by Kenny Chesney. Second half: heavier into rock, which keeps me going as the miles add up

Hardest mile: Mile 22 – the false flat, up 5th Avenue is just brutal.

Easiest mile: Mile 16 –the bottom of the 59th Street bridge -the adrenaline that comes with the crowd off the bridge is indescribable

Goal time: 3:59:59 –anything under that 4-hour threshold.

Favorite post marathon meal: I’m not hungry right away, but then definitely carbs – pasta, bread, can’t get enough!

“Just about anyone can run a marathon. It’s easy to get scared of the distance – add your miles slowly, and don’t be afraid to run slow. Your fellow runners, volunteers, and fans in NYC will get you through the day. The camaraderie and friendships that I’ve experienced through running and training are amazing.”

CHRIS DESSI, 44, Chappaqua

Occupation: VP of Sales

Breakfast of champions: Fruit

Marathons completed: I ran the marathon in 2012, when Sandy hit, and the marathon was cancelled. I ran it by myself throughout Chap-paqua and Pleasantville. I finished on the track at Pleasantville High School to the cheers of family, friends and a soccer game that was going on!

Favorite local running route: Chappaqua into Pleasantville via Washington Avenue, and throughout Pleasantville (sidewalks are great, and so is the track at the high school).

Exercise schedule: CrossFit Mount Kisco 5 days/week – I run after that class during the week. It’s exactly one mile from CrossFit Mount Kisco to the Saw Mill Club. So you’ll see me just pinging back and forth to get in my miles.

Inspiration for running: My father. I am raising money for the ALS Association. The disease killed my father in 2015.

Can’t run without: Apple Watch/MapMyRun app.

Playlist: Nothing at all. I do my deep thinking while running. It’s rare to be left alone to your thoughts, and I find it highly meditative and centering.

Hardest mile: 18 – my legs were cramping and my motivation was waning. A nice stranger asked if he could run with me, and I don’t think I could have done it without him. In an odd twist, I ran into him last week – we hadn’t seen each other since 2012!

Easiest mile: The last one!

Goal time: I just want to finish!

Post-marathon meal: Is scotch a meal? The first sip after the marathon was delicious.

“Marathons are 90% mental – if you can run one mile, you can run 26.2. My Father’s last words to me were “keep up the good work.” His words have been a powerful reminder for me to encour-age, love and support those around me. I will very much miss having Dad at the finish line.”

JACQUI MERRITTS, 50, Pleasantville

Occupation: Mom of 4

Marathons completed: 13

Breakfast of Champions: Oatmeal with almond milk, cinnamon and raisins

Favorite local running routes: FDR park and Tibbets Park in Yonkers for long runs. Short runs are mainly run around Pleasantville or on the North County Trailway

Exercise schedule: Spin, boot camp and strength classes, various cardio machines at Lifetime Fitness

Can’t run without: Garmin Vivoactive 3

Playlist: Anything with a good beat that keeps me on pace, from Justin Bieber to The Bee Gees!

Hardest mile: 1st mile

Easiest mile: Last mile

Goal time: Anything faster than my previous time!

Post marathon meal: Sushi

“As Nike says, Just Do It! At the age of 41 with four kids and with no running experience I never dreamed I could run a marathon but here I am 10 years later with many marathons under my belt. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it!”