The very special sights and sounds that express the joyous confluence of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are vividly demonstrated throughout December in Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, Irvington and the surrounding area. And, over it all, the Nutcracker is the Master of Ceremonies. As you can tell, he may be overworked, but each performance has an imprint special to the particular company and its director.

The following is a sampling of the wonderful holiday activities available throughout the area and nearby.

Irvington Town Hall Theater

The season kicks off with a matinee performance of Holiday Showcase, December 12, presented by the Sleepy Hollow Performing Arts Center. The cast is made up of student dancers, singers and actors between the ages of 3 – 19. Call (914) 909-5070 for ticket information.

Nutcracker Now 2009, presented by Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists, December 11 & 12, is a modern interpretation of the venerable ballet. All forms of dance including hip hop, ballet, modern and breakdance, plus song are incorporated in the telling of this holiday favorite. Call (914) 909-5070 for ticket information.

On December 19, The “Best of” Film Series presents The Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky, performed by the Kirov Ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg, Russia. That is the Nutcracker’s original stage. This film, a 2007 production, features new costumes and staging by Mikhail Shemiakin. Call (914) 591-6602 for ticket information.

Tarrytown Music Hall

On December 4, comedian Kevin Meaney brings a healthy dose of laughter to the Music Hall with his annual Christmas Holiday Comedy Show. This return engagement offers his unique brand of comedy while reminiscing with his favorite holiday memories. Call: (914) 631-3390 or www.tarrytownmusichall.org

The Nutcracker Ballet, presented by Ballet Du Monde, December 22 & 23. This troupe brings together stars of major ballet companies from around the world, as well as the United States, in a spectacular, full-length production. Brilliant artistry abounds in Ken Ludden’s treatment of this traditional gem. Call (914) 631-3390 or www.tarrytownmusichall.org. For group rates: Call (877) 840-0457.

The Westchester Broadway Theatre

The Christmas Voyager, a holiday musical adventure by Bob Fitzsimmons, is being presented December 2-27. All the splendor of Christmas is brought to life in a magical journey through Yuletides past. Traditional holiday songs are wrapped up in a celebration of spirit to delight audiences of all ages. The production is directed and choreographed by Richard Stafford. Musical direction is by Angela Howell. For reservations, call: (914) 592-2222 or www.BroadwayTheatre.com.

The Paramount Center for the Arts

The Nutcracker Ballet – The NewYork Theatre Ballet Company has created a unique hour-long production of this favorite holiday ballet. Founded in 1978 by artistic director, Diana Byer, NYYB is the most widely seen chamber ballet company in the U.S. Performance date is December 6. For tickets call: 1-877-840-0457 or www.paramountcenter.org

Purchase College Performing Arts Center

Nutcracker ’09 by the Purchase Dance Corps, December 4, 5, 6. More than 200 area children will participate in this elaborately staged production. This year’s guest artists, Julie Diana and Zachary, are principal dancers from the Pennsylvania Ballet. Another attraction is live performances of Tchaikovsky’s score by the Purchase Symphony Orchestra. For tickets, call: (914) 251-6200 or www.artscenter.org

White Plains County Center

The Westchester Ballet Company and Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation invite you to The Nutcracker, a magical holiday season event for the whole family, December 18, 19 & 20 at the White Plains County Center.

For tickets call: (914) 864-7077 or www.ticketmaster.com

SUNY Westchester Community College

Amahl and the Night Visitors, a one-act English opera that takes place in Israel at the time of the birth of Christ. The Three Kings follow the North Star on their journey to visit the newborn. On their way, they stop off at the home of Amahl, a disabled child of a poor widow who demonstrates such great kindness that a miracle occurs. December 12 at 7 p.m. For tickets call: (914) 606-6600 or www.sunywcc.edu.

Andrus Planetarium at the Hudson River
Museum

Holiday Rocket, is a computer-animated, holiday-themed journey to a future solar system, where human settlers hold onto their holiday traditions as they brave the space frontier. They delve into the traditions of giving in Christian, Jewish, and Muslim societies, as well as Kwanzaa, and light-filled celebrations of the solstice. December 5-6, 12, 19-20, 26-27 at 3:30 p.m. For tickets call: (914) 963-4550 or www.hrm.org

Chabad of the Rivertowns

Help construct the World’s Largest Lego Menorah. In 2003, renowned architect Stephen Schwartz, together with Chabad of The Rivertowns, set the world record. This year they hope to break their record. Hanukkah activities, live music and refreshments will round out the festivities. Dobbs Ferry. FREE. For information call: (914) 693-6100 or www.chabadrt.org

Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst is transformed with elaborate storybook designs for “A Fairy Tale Holiday”. Live music and cider included. Weekends through December. For information call: (914) 631-4481 or www.lyndhurst.org

Ossining Public Library

Experience the African-American holiday of family, culture, and community at a Kwanzaa event at the Ossining Public Library. Make your own Kinara, or candleholder, using materials like raffia, glitter and feathers. One of the seven symbols of the holiday, the Kinara stands for African ancestry. Appropriate for ages 5-12. For more information call: (914) 941-2416 or www.ossininglibrary.org

Nearby Holiday Happenings in New York City

But, if you sometimes get that New York City state of mind, may we offer the following suggestions. Remember, as they say, you’re only 45 minutes from Broadway! And, another suggestion…take the train!

Macy’s Santaland. Families take a magical journey through the Enchanted Forest to the North Pole aboard the the Macyland Express. It culminates with a private visit with Santa. For more information call: (212) 494-4495

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. The lighting takes place on December 2, but just to see the 76-foot Norway spruce, situated above the famous skating rink, decorated with 30,000 lights is a thrilling sight all by itself if you can’t make the 2nd.

Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. A sell-out and a must-see for over 75 years. November 7 thru December 30. The Rockettes alone, are worth the price of admission. For tickets call: (212) 494-4495

Department Store Holiday Window Displays. The stores plan all year for the unveilings, protecting their top-secret themes and designs until the curtain separates. This holiday hallmark is eagerly awaited every year by locals and tourists. A two-mile walking tour is available. Some of the highlighted windows are Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fith Avenue, Barneys, and Bloomingdales.

World’s Largest Menorah. Hanukkah is celebrated with a 32-foot, 4,000-pound, golden candelabra that takes the spotlight on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street. The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m on December 11 and continues throughout the eight-day Jewish holiday.

New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show. November 21 to January 10, 2010. Visitors get a great view of nearly 150 miniaturized five-borough landmarks recreated entirely from natural materials like twigs, seeds, tree bark and berries. For information call (718) 817-8700.