Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts is welcoming the holiday season and New Year with a festive lineup of concerts, creative workshops, historic house tours and seasonal experiences for visitors of all ages. Located on 81 acres of historic gardens and woodlands in Katonah, New York, the cultural destination will offer special programming from November through January.
Among the season’s highlights is Christmas with Cantus, part of Caramoor’s Rosen House Concert Series, on Sunday, Dec. 6, with performances at 2 and 4 p.m. Now in its 32nd season, the acclaimed low-voice ensemble will present Lessons and Carols for Our Time, a holiday program blending traditional carols, contemporary compositions and poetry. The performance explores themes of hope, peace and unity through familiar favorites, including “Silent Night” and “I Saw Three Ships,” alongside works by composers Zanaida Robles, Kim Andre Arnesen, Sarah Quartel and Eric Whitacre.
Music lovers can get an introduction to the history of Christmas carols on Nov. 19 during Sacred Songs, Folk Roots: The Making of the Christmas Carol. Presented through Caramoor’s new collaboration with Juilliard Extension, the class will explore the evolution of carols from medieval European folk traditions to the beloved holiday songs celebrated today.
From Dec. 9-20, visitors can experience the annual Holiday Rosen House Tours, featuring the historic, art-filled residence decorated for the season with inspiration from the Rosen family archives. Guests can explore the Mediterranean-style villa and its remarkable collection of international art, furnishings and architectural treasures.
The holiday experience continues with Holiday Tea Musicales, featuring live vocal performances by Kimberley Hawkey, Kate Morton, Nathan Romportl and Sophia Baete, accompanied by pianists. Guests can enjoy seasonal music alongside finger sandwiches, holiday treats, tea and hot chocolate.
Caramoor is also offering hands-on activities, including adult and children’s winter wreath-making workshops on Dec. 3 and 5, respectively. Families can return Dec. 19 for a gingerbread house decorating workshop in collaboration with local bakery BreadsNBakes. Children ages 4 and older can decorate their own gingerbread creations while enjoying hot chocolate.
Following the holiday festivities, Caramoor will welcome 2027 with Yoga in the Music Room, a Tuesday evening series beginning Jan. 5 and continuing through Jan. 26. The sessions will offer participants an opportunity to relax, practice mindfulness and start the year with a renewed sense of balance.
Caramoor’s gardens and grounds are also open year-round, free of charge, for walking and picnicking daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts is located at 149 Girdle Ridge Road in Katonah, New York. Advance reservations are required for select programs.
For tickets, schedules and additional information, visit Caramoor.org.