Pre-school Christmas programs - St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 55 Wilbur Blvd., Poughkeepsie. 10:45 a.m. Dec. 18. Preschool Christmas programs will be held 10:45 a.m. Dec. 18 and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 19. 845-452-1550.
Christmas choral concert - United Church of Christ, 5928 Route 82, Stanfordville. 7 p.m. Dec. 19. Annual Christmas choral concert features local folk musicians Beth and Steve Ashton. The program will include holiday favorites sung by the chorus, selections by the children's choir and duets by baritone Len West and soprano Karen Gale. Admission is free and refreshments are provided after the concert. Snow date is Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. 845-868-2286.
Christmas music services - Clinton Alliance Church, 1192 Centre Road, Clinton Corners. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 20. The church will present special services of music celebrating Christmas featuring Paul Heffron. Services will be held 6:30 p.m. Dec. 20; 9 and 10:40 a.m. Dec. 21. 845-266-5178.
Christmas musical - Faith Assembly of God, 254 Spackenkill Road, Poughkeepsie. 6 p.m. Dec. 20-21. The Christmas musical, "One King," features the sanctuary choir and orchestra under the direction of music minister, the Rev. Kreg Godfrey. 845-462-5955.
Living Nativity display - Old Dutch Church, 272 Wall St., Kingston. Dec. 20-21. Living Nativity displays will be held at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. both days. 845-338-6759.
Advent vespers - Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, Route 9, Garrison. 4 p.m. Dec. 21. This year's theme is "Giving Peace a Chance: Anticipating the Year of Reconciliation." Services will be held in the Little Flower Chapel across from the book and gift center. 845-424-2111.
Advent evensong program - Mount Saint Alphonsus Retreat Center, Route 9W, Esopus. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 21. The Redemptoristine Nuns will conclude its "A Celebration of Evensong" program. The contemplative nuns of Mother of Perpetual Help Monastery, on the grounds of the retreat center, will sing the Psalms of the Office of Vespers. 845-384-6533.
Blue Christmas service - Hyde Park United Methodist Church, 1 Church St., Hyde Park. 4:31 p.m. Dec. 21. Blue Christmas service begins at sunset and will feature prayer, scripture, reflection, quiet music and memorial candle lighting. The service acknowledges that for many people Christmas can be a time of loneliness and sadness and offers a way to claim those feelings and still feel surrounded by the compassionate love of God. 845-229-2114. www.hydepark-umc.org.
Blue Christmas service - Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church, Route 55 and Stringham Road, LaGrange. 7 p.m. Dec. 21. Service features readings and reflection to offer hope and healing to those who may be feeling blue and dealing with difficult situations during the holidays. 845-452-0684. www.fppchurch.org.
Christmas concert - St. Mary Mother of the Church, 103 Jackson St., Fishkill. 4 p.m. Dec. 21. 13th annual Christmas concert featuring adult, children's and bell choirs with special guest performers. Holiday program led by Martha and Doug Martin. Refreshments will be served after the concert. Those attending are requested to bring nonperishable food donations for the Fishkill Food Pantry and the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen. 845-896-6400. www.saintmaryschurch-fishkill.org.
Christmas concert - Tabernacle Baptist Church, 155 Academy St., Poughkeepsie. 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 21. "Child of Wonder" celebration features classic and contemporary Christmas music. Free. Refreshments will be served before the 11 a.m. program and after the 6 p.m. concert. 845-454-2790. www.tabernacle-baptist.com.
Christmas pageant - Hyde Park United Methodist Church, 1 Church St., Hyde Park. 11 a.m. Dec. 21. The Sunday school students will present their Christmas pageant in the sanctuary. 845-229-2114.www.hydepark-umc.org.
Christmas pageant - St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 850 Wolcott Ave., Beacon. 10 a.m. Dec. 21. Annual Christmas pageant will be held. 845-831-2643.
Christmas pageant - Lyall Memorial Federated Church, W. Maple Avenue, Millbrook. 4 p.m. Dec. 21. Annual Christmas pageant features sacred songs performed by the adult, youth and junior choirs and presentations by the children's and youth groups. Refreshments will follow the performance. 845-677-3485.www.lyallmemorial.org.
Christmas pageant - Zion Episcopal Church, 12 Satterlee Place, Wappingers Falls. 5 p.m. Dec. 21. Drama is a modified version of the Mexican celebration called "Las Posadas." Starting at the church grounds, procession ends at the manger inside the parish hall. Following a brief narration and enactment of the Nativity, group will sing "Silent Night." 845-297-9797. www.zionwf.dioceseny.org.
Christmas pageant - First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 269 Mill St., Poughkeepsie. 10:30 a.m. Dec. 21. Presentation of the holiday children's pageant, "A Brown Bag Christmas." 845-454-2960. www.fccpok.org.
Christmas play - New Life Bible Church, 476 Farmers Mills Road, Carmel. 11 a.m. Dec. 21. Presentation of "Missing Out At Christmas." 845-225-4620.
Cookie walk and Christmas caroling - Gridley Chapel, Furnace Bank Road, Wassaic. 2 p.m. Dec. 21. Doors open at 2 p.m. for caroling in the historic chapel. Visitors should bring a plate of cookies for the cookie exchange or purchase cookies for your own holiday celebration. 1-888-200-0959.
Festival of Advent lessons and carols - Christ Episcopal Church, 20 Carroll St., Poughkeepsie. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21. "East Meets West," a festival of Advent lessons and carols presented by the combined choirs of St. Gregory the Theologian Orthodox Church and Christ Episcopal Church. Program features readings and music from the Anglican and American Orthodox traditions. Reception follows. Free admission. 845-452-8220. www.christchurchpok.org.
Lessons and carols program - Church of the Holy Innocents, 401 Main St., Highland Falls. 7 p.m. Dec. 21. Christmas concert of lessons and carols presented by the choir of James I. O'Neill High School. Part of the church's stained glass concert series. 845-446-2197.
Lessons and carols service - Christ Church, 7423 South Broadway, Red Hook. 6 p.m. Dec. 21. English lessons and carols service with the Rev. Dr. Ryan E. Lesh and organist James Stewart. 845-758-1591.www.christchurch-redhook.org.
Longest night service - First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 269 Mill St., Poughkeepsie. 7 p.m. Dec. 21. Participants will reflect on those who may be having a difficult time during the holidays. 845-454-2960. www.fccpok.org.
Christmas pageant - First Presbyterian Church, 50 Liberty St., Beacon. Presentation of "Traditional Christmas Story" pageant. 845-831-5322.
Candlelight service - Tabernacle Baptist Church, 155 Academy St., Poughkeepsie. 7 p.m. Dec. 23. "Christmas by Candlelight" service. 845-454-2790. www.tabernacle-baptist.com.
Christmas Eve service - Beekman Baptist Church, 1068 Beekman Road, Poughquag. 7 p.m. Dec. 24. Service of lights, lanterns and candles. 845-223-7157. www.beekmanbaptistchurch.org.
Christmas Eve services - Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church, Route 55 and Stringham Road, LaGrange. Dec. 24. Services will be held at 5, 7 and 11 p.m. 845-452-0684. www.fppchurch.org.
Christmas Eve service - Christ Church, 7423 South Broadway, Red Hook. 7:15 p.m. Dec. 24. Christmas Eve service includes carols and Holy Eucharist with the Rev. Dr. Ryan E. Lesh. James Steward, organist. Julia Manetta, guest flutist. Reception follows in parish hall. 845-758-1591. www.christchurch-redhook.org.
Christmas Eve service - Reformed Church of New Paltz, 92 Huguenot St, New Paltz. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 24. Christmas Eve service in the sanctuary. 845-255-6340. www.reformedchurchofnewpaltz.org.
Christmas Eve service - Third Evangelical Lutheran Church, 31 Livingston St., Rhinebeck. 5 p.m. Dec. 24. 845-876-4471. www.rhinebecklutheran.org.
Christmas Eve service - Lyall Memorial Federated Church, W. Maple Avenue, Millbrook. 7 p.m. Dec. 24. Candlelight service. 845-677-3485. www.lyallmemorial.org.
Christmas Eve service - New Life Bible Church, 476 Farmers Mills Road, Carmel. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 24. Candle-light service. 845-225-4620.
Christmas Eve service - Northern Dutchess Bible Church, 59 Fisk St., Red Hook. 7 p.m. Dec. 24. Traditional service includes congregational singing, scripture reading and a brief Christmas message by Pastor Clint Eastman. Susan Eastman will coordinate the special music selections and accompany the singers on piano and organ. 845-758-3141. www.ndbiblechurch.org.
Christmas Eve service - First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 269 Mill St., Poughkeepsie. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 24. Candlelight service of lessons and carols. 845-454-2960. www.fccpok.org.
Christmas Eve service - Old Dutch Church, 272 Wall St., Kingston. 8 p.m. Dec. 24. Candlelight service. A brass and organ prelude concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. 845-338-6759.
Christmas Eve Services - Hopewell Reformed Church, 110 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction. Dec. 24. Children's service at 4 p.m.; traditional services at 6:30, 8:30 and 11 p.m. 845-221-9542.
Christmas Eve services - Hyde Park United Methodist Church, 1 Church St., Hyde Park. Dec. 24. Three candlelight services will be held. The 5 p.m. family-oriented service will include carols, a Christmas story for children and music by the junior choir and chimers. The 7:30 p.m. service of lessons and carols will feature music by the sanctuary choir and an instrumental ensemble. The 11 p.m. service of Holy Communion will include a short homily, carols and music by a small group of musicians and singers. 845-229-2114.www.hydepark-umc.org.
Christmas Eve services - Clinton Alliance Church, 1192 Centre Road, Clinton Corners. Dec. 24. Candlelight services will be held at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. and include a reading of the Christmas story, presentation of the Gospel, candle lighting and carol singing. 845-266-5178.www.clintonalliancechurch.org.
Christmas Eve services - St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 55 Wilbur Blvd., Poughkeepsie. Dec. 24. Family service at 12:30 p.m. with childcare provided in the nursery. There will be festival candlelight services at 7 and 11 p.m. Extended prelude music will begin at noon, 6:30 and 10:30 p.m. 845-452-1550.www.stjohnselc.org.
Christmas Eve services - Christ Episcopal Church, 20 Carroll St., Poughkeepsie. Dec. 24. The family service at 5 p.m. will include Holy Eucharist and a "no costume, no rehearsal" Christmas pageant. The Guadalupe Christmas Eve service will be held at 6 p.m. The concert at 10:30 p.m. will feature Britten's "Ceremony of Carols" for harp and choir. The Festival of Christmas Eve service will be held at 11 p.m. 845-452-8220. www.christchurchpok.org.
Christmas Eve services - Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 775 Main St., Poughkeepsie. Dec. 24. Masses will be held at 5:30 and 7 p.m. The midnight mass with the Holy Trinity Festival Choir will begin at 11 p.m. 845-452-1863. www.holytrinitypoughkeepsie.org.
Christmas Eve services - St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 850 Wolcott Ave., Beacon. Dec. 24. Christmas Eve services with Holy Eucharist will be held at 8 and 10:30 p.m. 845-831-2643.
Christmas Eve services - St. Mary Mother of the Church, 103 Jackson St., Fishkill. Dec. 24. Christmas Eve masses will be held at 4, 5:30, 7 and 9 p.m. There will be no midnight mass. 845-896-6400.www.saintmaryschurch-fishkill.org.
Christmas Eve services - St. Mary's Church, 11 Clinton St., Wappingers Falls. Dec. 24. Christmas Eve masses will be held at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. There will be no midnight mass. 845-297-6261.
Christmas Eve services - First Presbyterian Church of Wappingers Falls, 2568 South Ave., Wappingers Falls. Dec. 24. Candlelight services will be held at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Pre-service music and bell choir at both services starting at 7 and 9:30 p.m., respectively. 845-297-2800.
Christmas Eve services - Zion Episcopal Church, 12 Satterlee Place, Wappingers Falls. Dec. 24. Family service at 5:30 p.m. includes a blessing of the creche followed by a reception for children in the parish hall. Carols will be sung beginning at 5:10 p.m. The second Mass of the Nativity will be held at 10 p.m. followed by a Christmas party in the parish hall. Carols will be sung beginning at 9:30 p.m. 845-297-9797.www.zionwf.dioceseny.org.
Christmas Eve services - Faith Assembly of God, 254 Spackenkill Road, Poughkeepsie. Dec. 24. Candlelight Communion services with carols and scripture readings will be held at 7 and 11 p.m. 845-462-5955.
Christmas Eve services - Grace Bible Fellowship Church, 6959 Route 9, Rhinebeck. 7 p.m. Dec. 24. Candle-light service includes congregational Christmas hymns, special music, scripture reading. 845-876-7214.
Christmas Eve services - First Presbyterian Church, 50 Liberty St., Beacon. Dec. 24. Christmas Eve services include a family service at 6 p.m. and a candlelight communion service at 8 p.m. 845-831-5322.
Christmas Eve service - The Reformed Church of Poughkeepsie, 70 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 24. Christmas Eve service will include candlelight and carols. 845-452-8110.
Christmas Eve services - Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church, 2381 New Hackensack Road, Poughkeepsie. Dec. 24. Christmas Eve services include a family celebration at 6 p.m.; a Celebration of Light service at 8 p.m.; and a candlelight and communion service at 11 p.m. Child care available at the 6 and 8 p.m. services. 845-452-2933.
Christmas Day service - St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 55 Wilbur Blvd., Poughkeepsie. 9:30 a.m. Dec. 25. Nativity of Our Lord worship service. 845-452-1550. www.stjohnselc.org.
Christmas Day service - Christ Episcopal Church, 20 Carroll St., Poughkeepsie. 10 a.m. Dec. 25. The Christmas Day Eucharist will be celebrated. 845-452-8220. www.christchurchpok.org.
Christmas Day service - Christ Church, 7423 South Broadway, Red Hook. 10 a.m. Dec. 25. Christmas Day service with Holy Eucharist. Guest celebrant will be the Rev. Louis Weil. 845-758-1591. www.christchurch-redhook.org.
Christmas Day service - Zion Episcopal Church, 12 Satterlee Place, Wappingers Falls. 10 a.m. Dec. 25. The third Mass of the Nativity will be celebrated. 845-297-9797.
Christmas Day services - Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 775 Main St., Poughkeepsie. Dec. 25. Masses will be held at 9, 10:30 and noon. The church will be open all day for prayer and family visits. 845-452-1863.www.holytrinitypoughkeepsie.org.
Christmas Day services - St. Mary Mother of the Church, 103 Jackson St., Fishkill. Dec. 25. Christmas Day Masses will be held at 7:15, 8:30, 9:45 and 11:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. 845-896-6400.www.saintmaryschurch-fishkill.org.
Christmas Day services - St. Mary's Church, 11 Clinton St., Wappingers Falls. Dec. 25. Christmas Day Masses will be held 7:30, 9, 10:30 a.m. and noon. 845-297-6261.
Community Christmas dinner - Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church, Route 55 and Stringham Road, LaGrange. 1 p.m. Dec. 25. Community dinner open to all at no charge. Freewill contributions will be accepted. Reservations requested by Dec. 24. Call the church office, 845-452-0684. www.fppchurch.org.
Ongoing Events
Annual creche display - Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, Route 9, Garrison. Franciscan Friars of the Atonement will present their annual display of more than 100 international creches in the fifth floor hallway and in the library. Through Jan. 12. Hours: daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 845-424-2111.
Nativity display - Mariapolis Luminosa, 200 Cardinal Road, Hyde Park. Nativity scenes display through Dec. 31. Hours: Saturday-Wednesday, 2-5 p.m. and by appointment. 845-229-0230.
Hanukkah Events
Hanukkah celebration - Temple Beth-El, 118 Grand Ave., Poughkeepsie. Annual Hanukkah dinner will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 19 at the temple. Evening includes Kabbalat Shabbat, a festive dinner and shortened evening services. $10, adults; children under age 18, free. Prepaid reservations required. Nonmember paid reservations will be accepted pending available seating. Call 845-454-0570. www.templebethelpokny.org.
Hanukkah extravaganza - Congregation Ezrath Israel, 31 Center St., Ellenville. 5 p.m. Dec. 21. Held by the Men's Club at Congregation Ezrath Israel. Featuring menorah lighting, traditional Hanukkah dinner, "Mommy, Daddy and Me" program and live music. $10, adults; $6, children under 12. 845-647-4450.
Dreidel House event - Leonardo's Italian Cafe, 51 East Market St., Rhinebeck. 12:30 p.m. Dec. 21. Event sponsored by Chabad of Dutchess County. Activities will be held from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Olive oil press demonstration, candle workshop, Hanukkah play, crafts. 845-559-9200. www.chabaddutchess.com.
Hanukkah celebration - Poughkeepsie Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie. 3 p.m. Dec. 21. Lighting of the 22-foot menorah on the first night of Hanukkah sponsored by Chabad of Mid-Hudson Valley. Songs, refreshments, dreidels and Hanukkah gelt for all. Menorah will be lit each day at 3:30 p.m. and at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27. 845-463-5801. www.chabadmidhudsonvalley.com.
Hanukkah celebration and menorah lighting - Poughkeepsie Galleria, 2001 Route 9, Poughkeepsie. 4 p.m. Dec. 21. "Hanukkah in Candy Land" event from 4-6 p.m. features a giant jelly bean menorah, dreidels, crafts, donut toss, music and other activities. Free. Sponsored by Chabad of Mid-Hudson Valley. 845-463-5801. www.chabadmidhudsonvalley.com.
Hanukkah celebration - Vassar Temple, 140 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie. Dec. 22. Reservations deadline is Dec. 22. Event date is Dec. 26. Temple will have its annual potluck Hanukkah dinner at 6 pm. Dec. 26 at the temple's social hall. Visitors should bring a nondairy dish to serve 12. Menu includes potato pancakes, applesauce, challah, salad and beverages. $18, family; $6, per person. Pre-paid reservations re-quired by Dec. 22. Call 845-462-6193 or e-mail [email protected]. A special menorah lighting sabbath service will follow at 7:30 p.m. Everyone encouraged to bring a menorah and seven candles.www.vassartemple.org.
Hanukkah celebration and menorah lighting - Hudson Valley Mall, 1300 Ulster Ave., Kingston. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 23. "Hanukkah in Candy Land" event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. features a giant jelly bean menorah, dreidels, crafts, donut toss, music and other activities. Free. Sponsored by Chabad of Mid-Hudson Valley. 845-463-5801. www.chabadmidhudsonvalley.com
Hanukkah bowling event - Hoe Bowl Mardi-Bob Lanes, 45 Taft Ave., Poughkeepsie. 4 p.m. Dec. 25. Hanukkah cosmic bowling event sponsored by Chabad of Mid-Hudson Valley. Events will be held from 4-6:30 p.m. Bowling to Jewish music hits, crafts for children, dreidel games, kosher food. Admission is $14, adults; $10, children. Reservations requested. 845-463-5801. www.chabadmidhudsonvalley.com