Weekend events!

Tonight's holiday tree lighting on Mainstreet Oneonta, was even better than ever! The kids were fascinated by the dancers in the display windows and the troupe performing a much shortened version of The Nutcracker for all to watch through the store windows. They were equally fascinated by the gingerbread house displays (one of the themes this year was 'classic toys.') There was wassailing at the history center (which felt like a combination of blues, gospel and holiday music). And of course wagon rides, cookies, cider and hot chocolate. We probably missed something but had to scoot home.

Here are a few of the events going on this weekend:

Sat Dec 4th: Hanford Mills Museum will have a Holiday Open House 1 to 3pm, featuring an exclusive preview of 2011 exhibits and events, complimentary refreshments, hands-on activities for kids, and a sale in the Museum Shop. The shop features Mill-made wood products, books on the region, vintage-style toys, science kits for kids, Yaktrax and more. The event will be held in the Museum Shop and Conference Room, behind the East Meredith Post Office. http://www.hanfordmills.org/

Saturdays in December, take your kids on the Santa Express with the Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad. Santa Claus and his helpers will be onboard. Complimentary Holiday Refreshments will be served. Details: http://www.lrhs.com/santaexpress.htm Not sure if you want to go? I've done it two years in a row. Email me and I'll give you a short and sweet review.

Santa will be on Main Street this month, so get your Christmas list ready and visit http://mainstreetoneonta.com/ for details about when and where to meet the big man! Too shy to talk to Santa? No one's too shy to talk to Mrs. Claus, who will be there too. My son asked for a pony, but I've been hinting that Santa can't actually make live pets in his workshop(!).

Looking ahead:

Please stop by and vote for the Oneonta World of Learning (OWL) tree this month during the Foothills Performing Arts Center Festival of Trees. It's the smallest one there but looks great with all the ABC’s, numbers, rulers, and etc. on it, with an OWL tree topper! All proceeds of the votes for this special tree go to OWL. Additionally, there is a VIP event on Wednesday, Dec 15 from 6-9pm in the Foothills' Atrium with Silent and Live Auctions, Musical Entertainment, Catering, and Cocktails, $10 per VIP (and everyone's a VIP). Details: http://www.foothillspac.org/fft.html

Orpheus Theatre presents "A Christmas Story" the weekend of Dec 10th - 12th. This holiday classic is sure to please the whole family. Details: http://www.orpheustheatre.org/home.htm

The Nutcracker: Friday Dec 17th, 7pm and Sat Dec 18th at 1pm and 7pm, at the Goodrich Theater, SUNY Oneonta, presented by the Decker School of Ballet. Details: http://www.deckerschoolofballet.org/fokine.shtml