The snowy grounds of Untermyer Gardens Conservancy in Yonkers (Photo: WalkingGeek via Flick / CC BY 2.0)
Situated on the borders of the Hudson River, just minutes from the bright lights of Manhattan, the city of Yonkers is widely regarded to be one of New York State’s most liveable cities. Teeming with shops, restaurants, and world class entertainment, it is also a popular filming location and has been the setting for a number of renowned television shows and movies down the years.
Needless to say, there’s no shortage of fun and adventure to be had in Yonkers at any time of year, but it’s winter time when the city is perhaps at its most vibrant and atmospheric best. If you’re coming to Yonkers during the winter period and would like to know what’s on the calendar, we’ve picked out 7 of the best events taking place here over the coming months.
1. Grand Holiday Illumination at Untermyer Gardens Conservancy
The Indo-Persian inspired walled garden at Untermeyer Gardens hosts a captivating Holiday Illumination show every winter, which sees the enchanting venue blanketed with sparkling lights. The waterways, octagonal towers and amphitheater are all aglow allowing visitors to enjoy a self-guided tour after dark. Admission is free, but donations to support the work of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy are welcome.
LOCATION 945 North Broadway DATES 12 December 2020 – 3 January 2021
(Photo: Untermyer Gardens Conservancy)
2. The ‘Women to the Fore’ exhibition at Hudson River Museum
Drawn from the Museum’s permanent collection as well as loans from regional artists, galleries, and collectors, this exhibition was created to mark the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment which granted many American women the right to vote for the first time. The exhibition features a diverse collection of feminist-themed paintings and drawings, prints and photographs, collage and sculptures by both internationally recognised and lesser known artists.
(Photo: Hudson River Museum)
LOCATION 511 Warburton Avenue DATES Now through 3 January 2021
3. Santa Photos at Cross County Shopping Center
This year, the Cross County Shopping Center will play host to Santa Claus in a new, custom space that allows for a touchless experience. Visitors can capture a magical photo of their family inside Santa’s workshop, and kids can watch from a safe distance while the big man in red is busy building toys, all of which will be featured in the photo. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made through the centre’s website.
LOCATION 8000 Mall Walk DATES 4-23 December 2020
4. Winter Exhibition
Co-curated by Guy Stanley Philoche and Roddy Wildeman, this exhibition in downtown Yonkers features a range of New York City-based artists. Philoche has recently gained recognition for helping fellow artists during the pandemic by purchasing their works, and the exhibition will include a handful of these works he has bought. The exhibition is taking place at US+U/Warburton Galerie, a not-for-profit arts organisation and artist-run gallery dedicated to bringing the public exemplary art exhibitions via collaborations with curators, art advisors and creative organisations.
(Photo: Artist Sergio Barrale)
LOCATION 16 Warburton Avenue DATES Through 22 January 2021
5. Yonkers Speed Dating (virtual event)
Yonkers speed dating has been reimagined this year as a virtual event. Whether you’re recently single or new in town, the event for Yonkers locals seeking romance is modelled on real-world speed dating and is designed to get those with confidence, courage and crazy schedules meeting each other face-to-face – albeit only via a screen for the time being. Events are held every Friday through winter and you can join by downloading a dedicated app.
LOCATION Online only DATE 11 December 2020
6. Outdoor Cooking Demo at the Lenoir Preserve
The Lenoir Preserve, a 40-acre nature preserve perched on a ridge overlooking the Hudson River and comprising woodlands and field habitats, will stage a one-day outdoor cooking demonstration in early December. The event will be hosted by an experienced cook and keen naturalist who will make succotash stew, a staple dish for centuries among the Lenape, the Native American tribe that once lived here made. Ingredients will be plucked from the adjacent Three Sisters garden.
LOCATION 19 Dudley Street DATES 6 December 2020
(Photo: Rev Stan via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
7. Run Run Rudolph 5K Run (virtual event)
Normally held in the flesh, the Run Run Rudolph Run! event will this year go online. Participants can run indoors or outside and all runners are encouraged to don their Santa hats, elf ears, or Rudolph antlers for the occasion – just as they normally would. Open to 1,5000 runners, anyone keen to take part can register online, and then submit their results once they’ve completed the race. Medals will be on offer for the fastest times.
LOCATION Online only DATES 1 December 2020 & 9 January 2021
By Paul Joseph