The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Sleepy Hollow

Celebrate the Season with Dickens’s ‘Christmas Carol’

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Popular event, holiday shopping and site tours add to winter fun

Sleepy Hollow, NY  – Hudson Valley families can get into the spirit of the holiday season by attending dramatic performances of Dickens’s ‘Christmas Carol’ at the historic Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow on select weekends in December. Performances take place on Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22.

Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk, along with musical accompaniment by Jim Keyes, tells the Charles Dickens story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and Tiny Tim in a joyous rendition of the holiday classic, produced by Historic Hudson Valley.

Visitors to the region will also be able to enjoy tours of Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, which will have festive decorations for the season, Philipsburg Manor, and Union Church of Pocantico Hills on weekends in December.

The Museum Shops at Philipsburg Manor and Washington Irving’s Sunnyside will be open on Saturdays and Sundays through December 22. Holiday shoppers are invited to browse local wares and support Historic Hudson Valley’s educational programs while checking off their entire gift list. Stocked with Hudson Valley-inspired and holiday-themed merchandise–including artisan foods, books about the region, exclusive candles, and handcrafted jewelry–the shelves are full of unique items for everyone that can’t be found anywhere else.

All tickets for the following events are available at hudsonvalley.org

Details: Dickens’s ‘Christmas Carol’
Performances take place at the Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow on December 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 at 2:30, 3:45, 5pm. 

Capacity is limited for Dickens’s ‘Christmas Carol’ and tickets should be purchased in advance at www.hudsonvalley.org or by calling 914-366-6900. Ticket prices are $47 for adults and $42 for children under 18. Historic Hudson Valley recommends the event for ages 10 and up. Members of Historic Hudson Valley receive a 15% per ticket discount.

Details: Winter Tours of Philipsburg Manor

In 1750, Philipsburg Manor was home to 23 enslaved individuals known to have lived and labored there. It is the country’s first living history museum to focus on the history of northern slavery.

The site will be open for guided tours and the museum shop will be open Saturday-Sunday, December 7-December 22. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and young adults, and $13 for children. Tours are free for Historic Hudson Valley Members. Admission is by timed ticket only.

Philipsburg Manor is at 381 North Broadway (Route 9) in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., two miles north of the Tappan Zee Bridge.

Details: Winter Tours of Union Church of Pocantico Hills

Union Church was organized as a non-denominational Protestant church in 1915, with John D. Rockefeller among the founders. Over the years, the Rockefeller family commissioned stained-glasses windows by European masters Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall to adorn the unassuming country church.

The site will be open for guided tours Saturday-Sunday, December 7-December 22. Tickets are $10. Tours are free for Historic Hudson Valley Members. Admission is by timed ticket only.

Union Church of Pocantico Hills is at 555 Bedford Road, Tarrytown.

Details: Winter Tours of Washington Irving’s Sunnyside

America’s “Founding Father of Literature” and inventor of many Christmas traditions created this romantic, picturesque estate nestled along the Hudson riverbank. The house and the furnishings, many of which are original to Irving, have been restored to their 1850s character.

The site will be open for guided tours and the museum shop will be open Saturday-Sunday December 7-22.  Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and young adults, and $13 for children. Tours are free for Historic Hudson Valley members. Admission is by timed ticket only.

Washington Irving’s Sunnyside is at 3 W Sunnyside Lane, Irvington, one mile south of the Tappan Zee Bridge.

About Historic Hudson Valley
Historic Hudson Valley, Westchester County’s largest cultural organization, educates and entertains more than hundreds of thousands of visitors a year through school programs, tours of five National Historic Landmarks, and large-scale events like The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze.

From its lower Hudson Valley base of operations, the organization focuses on delivering quality educational and entertaining experiences, striking a balance between tradition and vision, from preserving the past, to contextualizing it for 21st-century audiences,
Historic Hudson Valley operates tours and public programming at Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate, Philipsburg Manor, Union Church of Pocantico Hills, Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, and Van Cortlandt Manor. These sites help us make meaning for visitors in a variety of settings, including traditional house and landscape tours, formal educational programs for school children, popular on-site special events, and digital media.

News and photo courtesy of Historic Hudson Valley

Spooky Times Arrive at the ‘Twilight Village’ of Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow!

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Sleepy Hollow, NY– At the expansive “Twilight Village” now at the historic Philipsburg Manor, through November 3, grab family and friends for a chance to mingle with ghostly creatures and spirited legends! The event is appropriate for all ages even little ones!

Traveling solo? That’s fine! Buddy up with your fertile imagination as you stroll across the dimly lit bridge, contemplate lights bouncing off water or the neon shadows cast on tall imposing trees and the dare-to-enter ‘residences’, all on a perfect autumn night. It’s rather… romantic. Think… date night!

If your imagination goes into overdrive, no worries. Several pop up shops will delight and calm you.

There are games (the teens will especially love) to blow off earthly steam.

But first… consider treating yourself  and your entourage to a clever magic show in which human hosts call upon spirited characters of Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow, while also enlisting audience members participation to achieve feats that will leave you positively agape…

The heart of the evening’s experience includes sightings of a most spirited Headless Horseman, a group of flame throwers, and an animated story teller in the old Barn!

Reach for apple cider donuts  if hunger pangs kick in. This correspondent, starved after the tour, and it being only 7 p.m., also suggests that you be sure to visit one of Sleepy Hollow’s many fine restaurants.

It takes a village. A village devoted to its legends, too.

Either upon arrival, or before you leave, do stop by a packed gift shop for a multitude of colorful gift ideas for everyone on your list, too!

This is one of those ‘you can’t go wrong’ evenings.

May the Spooky Mood Stay with You! 

For more information and for tickets, visit https://hudsonvalley.org/events/twilight-village-at-sleepy-hollow/

 

Coming to Philipsburg Manor on May 25th: A Festival Filled with Music, Art, and Storytelling Celebrating African American Holiday

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Live Performances, Food Trucks, Hands-on Activities Coming to “The Pinkster Festival” in Sleepy Hollow

Storytelling, music, dance, drumming, crafts and food inspired by Black culture will highlight “The Pinkster Festival: Remembering the Past, Reimagining the Future” on Saturday, May 25, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m at Philipsburg Manor. The festivities will commemorate the region’s African American history and culture and look forward into a vibrant future with live performances, storytelling, and hands-on art activities.

Some of the day’s highlights include immersive spoken word and music performances from Malik Work, master kora player Yacouba Sissoko, DJ GoodWill, the Mount Vernon Denzel Washington School of the Arts youth gospel choir, and drummer Kazi Oliver, as well as dance performances from Threads of Truth and Hallow Dreamz. Multimedia artist Nichole Washington will be creating art inspired by Pinkster and Adinkra symbols throughout the day, and Chef Apa will be demonstrating open hearth cooking.

Visitors can also get hands-on making Adinkra stamps, drums, and flower crowns, and enjoy tasty treats from local food trucks, including Ambrosia Juicery, Bazodee Street Foods, and Kinwich. Pinkster, originally a Dutch observance of the Pentecost, was by the 1800s in New York recognized as a joyous, festive African American holiday celebrating the arrival of spring. Philipsburg Manor, a National Historic Landmark owned and operated by the educational non-profit organization Historic Hudson Valley, began celebrating Pinkster in 1977, making this event the longest-running Pinkster Festival in North America.

Malik Work, an accomplished poet, playwright, and actor and a founding member of the groundbreaking jazz/hip hop group The Real Live Show, is curating The Pinkster Festival’s performances for the second year in a row. He previously collaborated with Historic Hudson Valley on an original piece of poetry for the award-winning interactive documentary, People Not Property.

Admission is $14 for adults; $12 for seniors and young adults 18-25; free for children 17 and under and for Historic Hudson Valley members.

The Pinkster Festival is supported by Insperity.

About Philipsburg Manor

In 1750, Philipsburg Manor was home to 23 enslaved individuals known to have lived and labored there. It is the country’s first living history museum that focuses on the history of northern slavery. Philipsburg Manor is at 381 North Broadway (Route 9) in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., two miles north of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. Information: 914-366-6900, www.hudsonvalley.org. About Historic Hudson Valley Historic Hudson Valley, Westchester County’s largest cultural organization, educates and entertains more than 325,000 visitors a year through school programs, tours of five National Historic Landmarks, digital content, and large-scale popular entertainment events like The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze and The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country.

Celebrate Fall with Top-Rated Halloween Experiences: Two Activations of The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze® and a Full Roster of Legend of Sleepy Hollow-Themed Events

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The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Two Locations Plus Brand New Event: The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country to Feature Master Illusionists

Hudson Valley: Blaze returns to its location at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson for the 19th year. Long Island: Blaze presented by Catholic Health will return to Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Old Bethpage for the fourth year.

This year, too: On the grounds of Washington Irving’s Sunnyside in Tarrytown, visitors can enjoy two special celebrations of the author’s most famous work: Home of the ‘Legend,’ during the day and dramatic evening performances of Irving’s ‘Legend.’ A brand-new event will come to Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow this season, The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic, where visitors will be astounded by master illusionists communicating with legends thought long departed.

Both Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze® experiences are bigger and better than ever and feature thousands of hand-carved jack o’lanterns lit up in elaborate displays throughout historic landscapes. Blaze: Hudson Valley will run for 54 nights from September 15 through November 19. Blaze: Long Island will run for 30 nights from September 22 through November 5. New displays at Blaze: Hudson Valley include the country’s first-ever pumpkin Ferris wheel, a circus sideshow, and a jack o’lantern tribute to the Day of the Dead. At Blaze: Long Island, visitors will go under the sea with a giant pumpkin-octopus, meet the mythical Montauk mermaid, and get to know our friendly Pumpkin Pals. Both locations feature immersive experiences, an all-original soundtrack, theatrical lighting, and special effects.

Sleepy Hollow will get a little bit spookier with a new event at Philipsburg Manor, The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic, featuring Mark Clearview and Nick Wallace, both professional magicians. These master illusionists will take visitors on a supernatural journey, conjuring the spirits of Sleepy Hollow lore, including Hulda, Major Andre, and the Headless Horseman, for a night of mystery and fun. The event takes place in the Dutch barn on the 18th-century property.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Returns This September

More Halloween fun can be found at the estate of Washington Irving, America’s founding father of literature. Historic Hudson Valley is bringing his classic spooky tale to life at Sunnyside, where daytime visitors can tour Irving’s home, take in an original shadow puppet film, and see a special Legend exhibit at Home of the ‘Legend.’ In the evenings, master storyteller Jonathan Kruk casts a spell with dramatic performances of Irving’s ‘Legend,’ performed outdoors under the stars. Complete with live music by Jim Keyes, this performance is sure to thrill audiences of all ages.

A one-day event, Belinda’s Bewitching Tea Party, will treat visitors to spooky mocktails and festive snacks, along with a special opportunity to see the original doll from our collection and a brand-new toy based on the item.

Blaze: Long Island is presented by Catholic Health. Supporting sponsor is Bethpage Federal Credit Union.

Blaze: Hudson Valley’s Supporting Sponsor is Servpro of Peekskill, Ossining, and Contributing Sponsors are JPMorgan Chase and Captain Lawrence Brewing Company. Tarrytown House Estate is the Hospitality Partner.

All events are held rain or shine. Proceeds support Historic Hudson Valley, the Tarrytown-based private, non-profit educational organization that owns and operates several National Historic Landmarks.

Ticket and date information

These events have limited capacity and sell out. All admissions are by advance purchase only. Buy tickets online at www.hudsonvalley.org or by calling 914-366-6900 ($2.50 per ticket surcharge for phone orders).

Blaze: Hudson Valley dates are September 15-17, 22-24, 27-30; October 1-31; November: 1-5, 8-12, 17-19. Online tickets start at $32 for adults and $24 for children 3-17, and are free for children 2 and under. Historic Hudson Valley members can attend for free.

Blaze: Long Island presented by Catholic Health dates are September 22-24, 29-30; October 1, 6-15, 18-22, 25-31; November: 3-5. Online tickets start at $29 for adults and $19 for children 3- 17, and are free for children 2 and under.

The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic dates are September 29- October 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29. Online tickets start at $65 and Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount.

Irving’s ‘Legend’ dates are September 29-October 1, 6-9, 13-15, 20-22, 27-31. Online tickets start at $35 for adults and $30 for children. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount on tickets.

Home of the ‘Legend’ dates are September 15-17, 22-24, 29-31; October 1; 6-9; 13-15; 20-22; 27-31 and November 3-5. Online tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and children 3-17, and are free for those 2 and under. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount on tickets.

Belinda’s Bewitching Tea Party is on September 16. Online tickets start at $35. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount.

Buy tickets online at www.hudsonvalley.org or by calling 914-366-6900 ($2.50 per ticket surcharge for phone orders).

 The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: Hudson Valley features illuminated, individually hand-carved jack o’ lanterns in elaborate displays which are professionally lit throughout the landscape of Van Cortlandt Manor in various themed areas. Favorite installations, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Pumpkin Planetarium, are joined this year by new creations like a pumpkin Ferris wheel and a circus sideshow.

Creative Director Michael Natiello leads a small team of Historic Hudson Valley staff and local artists who carve. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Shop offers a selection of Blaze-specific merchandise including T-shirts and hats. Snacks and drinks, including beer from Captain Lawrence, will be available to purchase.

Van Cortlandt Manor is at 525 South Riverside Avenue, just off Route 9 in Croton-on-Hudson.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: Long Island presented by Catholic Health features illuminated, individually hand-carved jack o’ lanterns in elaborate displays professionally lit throughout the landscape of Old Bethpage Village Restoration – a historic site owned and operated by Nassau County – in various themed areas.

Favorite installations appear along with site-specific displays including a sea monster and sea creatures, as well as a lighthouse, an homage to the location’s proximity to the ocean.

Creative Director Michael Natiello leads a small team of local artists who carve all the jack o’lanterns. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Shop offers a selection of Blaze-specific merchandise including T-shirts and hats. Snacks and drinks, including local wine and beer, will be available to purchase.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration is at 1303 Round Swamp Road in Old Bethpage. More information about both Blaze activations is available at pumpkinblaze.org.

The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic Featuring Mark Clearview and Nick Wallace, this event features these master illusionists communicating with the spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country, such as Hulda, Major Andre, and the Headless Horseman, delighting and thrilling audiences. The event takes place in the evenings in the Dutch barn at Philipsburg Manor, in the heart of Sleepy Hollow. Snacks and drinks, including local wine and beer, will be available to purchase.

Philipsburg Manor is at 381 North Broadway in Sleepy Hollow.

All Information Presented in Partnership with Historic Hudson Valley

Westchester Circus Arts Offers a Unique Immersive Experience to Fully Appreciate The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

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“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Rides Again” in a Unique Cirque Performance with production dates from September 23 through October 16.

Groundbreaking Use of Hologram

SLEEPY HOLLOW, N.Y– Step back in time. It’s the 1800s. Hear the clamoring metal horseshoes click across cobblestone roads in this dark Sleepy Hollow tale. The LEGEND is a simmering adaptation of Washington Irving’s iconic ghost story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Audiences will be treated to a cirque/theatre noir production with narration by Washington Irving himself – in hologram form, commemorating the 200-year anniversary of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

Zoë Heywood, third-generation circus artist, performs as Katrina Van Tassel in, The LEGEND, a total immersion, modern adaption of Washington Irving’s classic The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to commemorate its 200th Anniversary. The show runs Sept. 23 – Oct. 16.

The LEGEND is a new, total immersive experience with the groundbreaking use of holograms combined with live action circus performers to tell the story. Two years ago, Westchester Circus Arts began exploring the concept of holograms as part of the cirque performance with Montreal-based Neweb Labs to find out if the idea was possible.

“We invite people to come see the show as we make history Sept. 23. This is the first time that an American Circus will use a hologram to portray an ‘animal act’ in a circus tent. Come out, buy tickets, grab some popcorn and tell us if our concept has come alive,” says Carlo Pellegrini of Westchester Circus Arts, creator, producer and writer of The LEGEND.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.SleepyHollowLegend.com. The show will run from Sept. 23 – Oct. 16, 2022 in The LEGEND Circus Tent on the East Parcel at 60 Continental Street in Sleepy Hollow, NY. Showtimes: Fridays, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., and Sundays, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Shows run for an hour and a half and include an intermission. Tickets are $30 online and $40 at the door. Recommended for ages 10 years old and up. For more information, contact Westchester Circus Arts at (914) 275-5711.

Producing The LEGEND has been a years-long endeavor by The Village of Sleepy Hollow’s Administrator Anthony Giaccio and the Village’s grant writer Fiona Matthew. The Village re-engaged longtime collaborators Westchester Circus Arts to create a show that would celebrate the bicentennial publication of this story, so unique to Sleepy Hollow.

This project is supported by a Market New York grant awarded to the Village of Sleepy Hollow from I LOVE NY/New York State’s Division of Tourism through the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative.