As we ease into December, we are getting ready for the holidays in all the best ways—twinkling lights going up, local events filling the calendar, and that familiar feeling of excitement settling in. Whether you’re baking, decorating, wrapping, or just trying to soak in the magic between the busy moments, this time of year always brings a little extra sparkle to our town. Here’s what’s been happening around the lake as we gear up for the festive season.

Here are some events happening in our community and beyond:

Songs, Stories and Sleighbells – A Holiday Concert will take place on Sunday, December 14 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30 and available now on My River Tickets. Link to purchase: https://myrivertickets.com/events/songs-stories-sleighbells-a-holiday-concert-celebration-12-14-2025. The show features Craig Bickhardt, Jesse Terry, Halley Neal, and Sam Robbins—four highly acclaimed, award-winning singer-songwriters joining forces for an afternoon of festive and heartwarming holiday music. Craig Bickhardt’s songs have been recorded by legends like Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, B.B. King, and Martina McBride, among more than 125 others. He has co-written nine Top 10 hits, including four #1s, and his holiday collaboration “Precious Child – The Story of Christmas” with Songwriter Hall of Fame member Thom Schuyler is considered a must-have classic. Jesse Terry, a Grand Prize winner of both The John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the CMT/NSAI Song Contest, performs over 125 shows annually, from Bonnaroo to the Philadelphia Folk Festival. His holiday CD Peace – A Christmas Collection and children’s book If I Were the Moon continue to delight fans each season. Halley Neal, an award-winning folk singer-songwriter known for her messages of positivity and peace, has captivated audiences across the country and at major festivals like Kerrville, Rocky Mountain Folks Fest, and Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Her live shows are celebrated for their effortless vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Rounding out the lineup, Nashville-based Sam Robbins—winner of the 2021 Kerrville Folk Fest New Folk competition and the first artist to perform a Jim Croce song on The Voice—brings a warm, classic singer-songwriter sound reminiscent of James Taylor and Jackson Browne. His collaborative holiday album with Halley Neal, You and Me on Christmas Eve, released last year, was met with high praise from critics and fans alike. All are welcome to join in and celebrate the season with this unforgettable afternoon of music and cheer!

The holiday season is kicking off in true Catskills style as The Hartman Sisters & Friends return to the Tusten Theatre for the 4th Annual Cozy Catskills Holiday Revue. This retro-inspired variety show, presented by DVAA, features the Ladybug Land Entertainers and an exciting lineup of special guests. Two performances will be offered on December 13, 2025, a family-friendly show at 1:00 p.m., and a grown-ups-only version at 5:00 pm, with doors opening a half hour early for festive treats. Led by sisters Camellia and Odetta Hartman and backed by their talented band—Evan Tyor, Jamie Mohamdein, Billy Aukstik, Eric Burns, and Nathan Repasz—the revue blends classic holiday tunes, readings, and lively surprises. This year’s guests include Brett Keyser, Sara Budde, Justin Sutherland, and Brent Habig, with more to be announced. For a taste of the magic, check out Odetta Hartman’s original Christmas song, “Christmas Together (Maybe Just This Year).” Tickets are $30 for adults ($25 in advance), with free admission for children 12 and under at the afternoon show and a 20% discount for DVAA members. Performances take place at the Tusten Theatre, 210 Bridge Street, Narrowsburg; tickets are available by phone at (845) 252-7576 or online at delawarevalleyartsalliance.org.

If you have a local business that would like to be spotlighted in an upcoming column, please get in touch! Please email jenn@jennpowelldesigns.com with any news, events, and happenings. You can also find me online at https://rustic-road.com/