Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts is welcoming the holiday season with a lineup of concerts, festive workshops, historic house tours and seasonal teas, followed by a series of yoga classes to start the New Year. The programming runs from November through January at the cultural destination’s 81-acre estate in Katonah, New York.
The season’s musical highlight is Christmas with Cantus, presented Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. as part of the Rosen House Concert Series. The acclaimed low-voice ensemble, now in its 32nd season, will present Lessons and Carols for Our Time, a program blending traditional Christmas carols, international music and poetry curated by award-winning author Michael Kleber-Diggs.
The performance features classics including “Silent Night” and “I Saw Three Ships,” alongside contemporary works by composers Zanaida Robles, Kim Andre Arnesen and Sarah Quartel. The program explores themes of hope, peace and unity through a mix of traditional and modern compositions.
Music lovers can learn more about the history of Christmas carols ahead of the concert through Sacred Songs, Folk Roots: The Making of the Christmas Carol, a Nov. 19 class offered through Caramoor’s new collaboration with Juilliard Extension. Led by Patrick Kreeger, chair of music theory and analysis at Juilliard Extension, the session examines the evolution of carols from medieval folk traditions to beloved holiday anthems.
From Dec. 9-20, visitors can experience the annual Holiday Rosen House Tours, featuring festive decorations inspired by the Rosen family archives. The tours showcase the historic home’s distinctive art and architectural treasures, including its celebrated Music Room Christmas tree. Advance ticket purchases are required.
The same period brings Holiday Tea Musicales at 2 p.m., pairing seasonal performances by vocalists and pianists with tea, finger sandwiches, holiday treats and hot chocolate. Reservations are required.
Hands-on activities include adult wreath-making on Dec. 3 and a children’s wreath workshop on Dec. 5, both led by floral designer Abby Blatte. Families can also decorate gingerbread houses with local bakery BreadsNBakes on Dec. 19. The event includes decorating supplies, hot chocolate and take-home creations.
Caramoor will also transform its Summer Dining Room into a Holiday Gift Shop featuring locally made artisan goods from Dec. 9-20.
In January, visitors can unwind with Yoga in the Music Room, a series of gentle, mindful practices held Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. throughout the month.
Located at 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Caramoor offers concerts, arts programming and opportunities to explore its gardens and grounds. The estate is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for free walking and picnicking.
Tickets and reservations are available at caramoor.org or by calling 914-232-1252.