Calendar
Saturday, Dec. 8
BIKE GIVEAWAY: Bikeatoga holds its annual Holiday Kids Bike Giveaway on Saturday, December 8, at the Bikeatoga workshop in Saratoga Springs. Approximately 60 bikes will be given away to children through age 17. Parents or guardians of children who are in need of a free bicycle must call the Bikeatoga phone line at 518-290-0065 and leave a voicemail. You will receive a return call with an appointment for Saturday, December 8, and directions to the Bikeatoga Workshop. The Giveaway is by appointment only, and a parent or guardian must be present. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association presents their annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 8, from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. in the gymnasium of St. Mary’s School, 40 Thompson Street in the Village of Ballston Spa. Pancake breakfast will be provided courtesy of the Eagle Matt Lee and Union Fire Companies. Children and families will enjoy activities, live performances and a chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. $5 per person; no reservations necessary. More information can be found at www. ballston.org. CAMBRIDGE FINE ART TOUR: Travel to the Village of Cambridge on “Christmas in Cambridge” weekend and visit six local artists in five locations on the Cambridge Valley Fine Art Tour from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. While in Cambridge visit the numerous restaurants, shops and galleries and take part in Christmas in Cambridge events around the village. For more information about the artists and a map to their locations, visit www. cambridgevalleyart.org. CHRISTMAS AT THE FORT: The Fort Plain Museum’s annual Christmas at the Fort will be held on Saturday, December 8, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Events include the debut of museum chairman Norm Bollen’s new book, “George Washington and the Mohawk Frontier,” a local author book fair, colonial Christmas music by the Liaisons Plaisantes, from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. and much more. The museum is located at 389 Canal Street, Fort Plain. CHRISTMAS IN CAMBRIDGE: December 8 is a very full day of holiday events in Cambridge, starting with the annual Holiday Breakfast at Hubbard Hall, with seatings at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Cambridge United Presbyterian Church hosts a Christmas Goodies Holiday Bazaar, while Cambridge Central School hosts the Christmas in Cambridge Craft Fair from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. A lighted Holiday Parade and Ugly Sweater contest starts at 7 p.m. at 129 East Main Street and ends at Cambridge Railroad Park on Broad Street near the Argyle Brewery. For more information visit cambridgenychamber.com. D-DAY 75TH ANNIVERSARY TRIP: Saratoga Arts will celebrate the 75th anniversary of D-Day in 2019 with a “Vive La France” tour to Normandy and Paris from May 22-31. You’re invited to a trip overview presentation on Saturday, December 8, at 11:30 a.m. at 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. For a detailed itinerary, email goedventures@gmail.com or call 607-387-3322. ESYO HOLIDAY BOOK FAIR: Small ensembles from the Empire State Youth Orchestra will perform at the Colonie Center Barnes & Noble for the holiday spirit from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, while members gift-wrap your presents and raise awareness for their organization. A percentage of purchases made at the Colonie Center Barnes & Noble will benefit ESYO at no additional cost to you. Simply tell your cashier that you wish to support ESYO. HYDE HALL POP-UP STORE: Featuring books and gift items from the Museum Bookstore, quilts, pottery, candles and more, with hot mulled cider donated by Fly Creek Cider Mill. 10 a.m. – 2:20 p.m., Kent Center, Hyde Hall, 267 Glimmerglass State Park Road, Cooperstown. Please enter via Glimmerglass State Park. For more information call 607547-5098 or visit HydeHall.org.
NACRE DANCE: “Christmas Oratorio” is based on modern dance pioneer Charles Weidman’s later version from 1961, which remains a much-loved classic work of modern dance. Performances at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., with tea between performances, at Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Avenue. Individual tickets $20, family tickets $35. Get tickets online at https:// christmasoratorio.brownpapertickets.com/. NYS 5-HOUR PRE-LICENSING COURSE: The next NYS 5-Hour Pre-Licensing course will be offered Saturday, December 8, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs. The cost for the class is $40. To register, call John
Rinko at 518-584-2221 or email RinkoDrivingSchool.com. A portion of the cost will be donated to United Methodist Church.
RACING CITY CHORUS: The Racing City Chorus, a men’s barbershop singing group, presents “Seasons of Harmony” on Saturday, December 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the Greenwich Central School Auditorium, 10 Gray Avenue, Greenwick. The concert includes patriotic songs in remembrance of Pearl Harbor Day as well as Yuletide songs and carols. General admission $10, seniors/students $8, children under 5 free. Proceeds will support local missions of the Easton and North Cambridge (Stump) Methodist churches. Tickets are available from church members, at the door, or by calling 518-692-9751 or 518-692-9366. SANTA’S PLAYLAND: Quick Response Restoration hosts its annual Santa’s Playland Open House on December 7 and December 8 from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. at 2077 Route 9, Round Lake. Guests can visit with Santa, take a ride on horse drawn wagon or hop aboard a tractor drawn train ride. Refreshments of hot chocolate, coffee and cookies are served. The event is completely free to the public. SARATOGA FILM FORUM: “Wildlife,” a film that has nothing to do with animals, starring Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal. 7:30 p.m., Springs Street Gallery, 110 Spring Street, Saratoga Springs. General admission $10, students with ID and Film Forum members $8. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. For more information and advance ticket sales visit www.SaratogaFilmForum. SARATOGA SPRINGS FARMERS’ MARKET: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Lincoln Baths building, 65 South Broadway. With more than 50 vendors, market-goers will be able to shop for a wide variety of local products year-round. The Holiday Market features local artisans, crafters, and specialty foods from November 3 to December 29. For a complete list of winter vendors, visit http:// www.saratogafarmersmarket. org/saturday-winter-vendors/. SENIOR MONTHLY DANCE: Peaceful Country Band provides the music for this month’s Ballston Area Senior Dance from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Road, Ballston Spa. $5 entrance fee for non-members. Members are asked to bring a snack to share. Please note: if schools are closed for
the day the Center will also be closed. Check out www. ballstonareaseniors.com for more information. SKIDMORE CONCERT: Concert by Skidmore Community Chorus and Vocal Chamber Ensemble, 7 p.m., Zankel Music Center. Adults $8, seniors and Skidmore community $5, free for students and children. For ticket information call 518580-5321 or visit www. skidmore.edu/zankel. TANG FAMILY SATURDAYS: Programs include a brief tour of a current Tang Museum exhibition followed by a hands-on art activity suitable for children ages 5 and up with adult companions. 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Tang Museum, Skidmore College. Free and open to the public; registration strongly suggested. For reservations and more information, call 518-580-8080. TEN BROECK MANSION: Bring your children to hear holiday stories read by Sinterklaas, decorate cookies and take a photo with Sinterklaas. Recommended for ages 3-10. 10:30 a.m. – noon, Ten Broeck Mansion, 9 Ten Broeck Place, Albany. Free and open to the public. The Holiday Open House follows from noon – 2 p.m. Adults $5, children under 12 $1. For more information visit www.tenbroeckmansion.org. WINTER DANCE CONCERT: Skidmore College’s Winter Dance Concert features the Skidmore premier of Paul Taylor’s “Runes,” the culmination of a three-week residency with members of Taylor2, a six-dancer ensemble established by the late Paul Taylor. Performances at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Skidmore Dance Theater. Adults $12, seniors $9, students $5. For more information call 518-580-5383.
Sunday, Dec. 9
CAMBRIDGE FINE ART TOUR: Travel to the Village of Cambridge on “Christmas in Cambridge” weekend and visit six local artists in five locations on the Cambridge Valley Fine Art Tour from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. While in Cambridge visit the numerous restaurants, shops and galleries and take part in Christmas in Cambridge events around the village. For more information about the artists and a map to their locations, visit www. cambridgevalleyart.org. CAPITAL DISTRICT HUMANIST SOCIETY: In “Why Theatre?” Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill, the Producing Artistic Director at Capital Rep, discusses different thoughts on the place of theatre in modern times and takes you on a journey from script to stage to explore the creative process for some of Capital Rep’s celebrated productions. The 1:15 p.m. program is preceded by a 12:30 p.m. meet and mingle at Room 224 of the Albany Sage Colleges Campus, New Scotland Avenue and Academy Road, Albany. Free and open to the public. Presented by the Capital District Humanist Society. For details and directions call 518-533-2666 or visit www.humanistsociety.org. CHRISTMAS IN CAMBRIDGE: Christmas in Cambridge Weekend closes with the lighting of the Eternal Illumination Memorial Trees at 5:30 p.m. and a 6 p.m. concert by the Canadian folk music band Coig at Hubbard Hall. During the day from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., visit the Cambridge Valley Farmers Market in the Lovejoy Building. For more information visit cambridgenychamber. com. CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Singer/guitarist/songwriter Nate Fiorino of Waterford presents a Christmas music concert featuring a sing-along of classic Christmas songs at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 9, at Oneida Community Church, 197 Sunnyside Road, Queensbury. There is no door charge for this concert sponsored by WNGN. A free will offering will be taken. For more information call the church phone at 518-745-8611 or 518-793-2276, or email mbailey90@gmail.com. FOLK LESSONS AND CAROLS: Carols drawn from Celtic, African American and Early American traditions are the hallmark for a concert at Christ Church, Ballston Spa. Folk music legends John Kirk and Trish Miller anchor the concert with Field Horne, Theresa LaGattuta-Bruno and Kristin McCabe, along with Glenn McClure and other special guests. The free concert takes place by candlelight at the church, located at the corner of Route 50 (Church Avenue) and Route 67 (West High Street) at 4 p.m., with another performance on December 10 at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited for festive refreshments afterward. GRACE CHURCH (WATERFORD): The Rev. Kathy Alonge-Coons celebrates the Holy Eucharist at 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Sundays at Grace Church, 34 Third Street, Waterford. Deacon Denise Moore assists. An adult Christian Education program begins at 8:30 a.m. A coffee hour follows each service. For more information, call the Episcopal parish at 518-237-7370 or visit www.gracewaterford.com. HANDBELL CONCERT: The United Church Bell Ringers present “Merrily We Ring,” a Holiday Handbell Concert on Sunday, December 9, at 1 p.m. at the United Church (Presbyterian), 37 Salem Street, Greenwich. There is no charge for the event, but free-will donations will be collected for the Greenwich Central School Elementary Health Offices. Stay in Greenwich after the concert for the Greenwich Holiday House Tour at 2 p.m. and a free community dinner from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.For more information on the concert, please call director Debi Craig at 518-854-3102. HARK THE HERALD: The Community Choir of Ballston Spa invites the public to a free Christmas Concert, “Hark the Herald” celebrating the miracle of Christ’s birth. The 6 p.m. concert will be preceded by appetizers at 5 p.m. at The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa, 202 Milton Avenue. HOLIDAY CONCERT: The Music Company Orchestra is a 70-piece all volunteer community orchestra, conducted by Dr. Gerald Lanoue, bringing live orchestral music to audiences throughout the Capital District, with light classical & pops repertoire. Join the orchestra for a program of holiday favorites, including Handel and Tchaikovsky, and a new sing-along. Sunday, December 9, 3 p.m., Niskayuna Reformed Church, 3041 Troy-Schenectady Road. Free and open to the public. MONTHLY BREAKFAST: Join the Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club for their monthly breakfast on Sunday, December 9, from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Adults $8, children $4. Call 518-695-3917 for more information. SARATOGA CHILDREN’S CHORUS: Saratoga Children’s Chorus presents a Winter Concert on Sunday December 9, at 3 p.m. at Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 5th Avenue. Free and open to the public. SKIDMORE JAZZ: Concert by Skidmore Small Jazz Combo, 5 p.m., Zankel Music Center. For more information call 518580-5321 or visit www. skidmore.edu/zankel.