By Isabella Aranda Garcia
Design by Aeneas Eaton
Making spirits bright one dinner at a time
Now in its 32nd year, Westchester’s Christmas Dinner at St. Mary’s in Katonah continues to embody the very best of our community. Entirely volunteer-run, the dinner serves hundreds of local families and individuals in need each Christmas Day, providing a festive meal, gifts and an outpouring of love. All volunteers are welcome, and organizers say they are especially seeking sports teams to assist with cleanup on Christmas Day and tech-savvy, bilingual (Spanish) students to help with guest communication. Slots fill up fast, so visit westchesterchristmas.org on Nov. 3 to sign up.
Sip, sushi and stand-up (for ladies only)
Ladies, mark your calendars. On Nov. 6, we’re heading to The Rye Arts Center for their annual Ladies Comedy Night, featuring four hilarious headliners guaranteed to keep you laughing all evening while you sip fine wine and savor delicious sushi & bites. Plus, you can bid on luxury raffle packages featuring coveted prizes from local businesses. Best of all, every ticket and raffle purchase supports The Rye Center’s scholarship program to ensure everyone has access to a quality arts education. You’ll laugh, support and savor this memorable ladies’ night.
Jessica Lynn’s holiday show helps you give back
Merry, classy and overflowing with holiday spirit, award-winning country singer Jessica Lynn’s annual “A Very Merry Classic Christmas” returns to The Paramount on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. The show features dancers, choirs, magical special effects and all your holiday favorites. Most importantly, the show serves as a fundraiser for children in need. You’re encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy to support Toys for Tots (the tour is now a corporate sponsor with over $100k worth of toys collected). This show always sells out, so get your tickets early at jessicalynnmusic.org/shows.
See a holiday show close to home
Want to see a show this holiday season, but everything in the city is sold out? Don’t fret—we’ve got you covered. You can head to The Capitol Theatre for a food drive event with Widespread Panic on Nov. 21-23. Or catch the holiday classics, like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “A Christmas Story” throughout December at Jacob Burns. For a sophisticated afternoon out, Caramoor’s “Holiday Tea Musicale” on Dec. 10-21 includes a tour, holiday concert and afternoon tea. If none of that entices you, the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance brings The Nutcracker to life at Ridgefield Playhouse on Dec. 12-14.
Good deeds are just a simple click away
Starting on Nov. 24, our Giving Tuesday page will list local and regional nonprofits who would appreciate your support. Just click on their image to learn more and donate, so you can give back in a way that matters to you. Whether you’re passionate about the arts, helping children or strengthening your community, everything you need is all in one place. This is donating made easy, meaningful and impactful. And if you are a nonprofit, head to connecttomag.com/givingtuesdaysubmissions to share your story, mission and ways the community can get involved.
This article was published in the November/December 2025 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
Isabella Aranda is a designer, writer and social media specialist with an M.A. in emerging media from the New Media Institute at the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication. Driven by curiosity and inspired by timeless modern design, she blends creativity and strategy to craft compelling narratives that engage diverse audiences.
Her expertise spans digital marketing, content creation and UX design, with notable achievements such as co-creating the Georgia On Your Mind podcast and leading digital campaigns that significantly boosted engagement. A Venezuelan immigrant, Isabella brings a multicultural perspective to her work, enhancing her ability to connect with and inspire others.
Aeneas Eaton
Based in northern Westchester, Aeneas is a graphic designer, creative and artist who has a fondness for print design and bold colors. He enjoys turning the wacky and eccentric ideas that come to his mind into reality, whether it be on the computer or through painting.
