11 2025 Winter Fun

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FLet there

rom holiday lights to wild animals on display, lights will be offering warmth and cheer this winter season.

For the last time, Lake Compounce in Bristol will be holding its Holiday Lights annual event beginning on Nov. 28 The event will be retired after 2025.

Don’t miss your last chance to enjoy Holiday Lights and to mingle among half a million twinkling lights throughout the park Hop on some of your favorite family rides while you enjoy holiday treats and admire Connecticut’s tallest Christmas tree Put some sparkle in your season one final time at Holiday Lights ‘25, select nights through Dec 28

The event includes a Snowflake Village with holiday balloon creations, holiday rides, festive foods and more Visit WWW.LAKECOMPOUNCE.COM for more information.

In Mystic, step into the past and experience the magic of the holidays at Lantern Light Village As twilight falls, Mystic Seaport Museum glows with the warm flicker of lanterns and the sparkle of music-filled light displays The waterfront village will be transformed into a festive wonderland alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of a bygone holiday

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Lantern Light Village is a self-guided holiday journey through time The adventure starts at the Museum’s North Entrance, with twinkling lights, carolers, and a visit with Saint Nick. Visitors will then enter the realm of the 19th century to join the residents of Greenmanville (along with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future!) Visit WWW MYSTICSEAPORT.ORG for more information.

Once again, the Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor is offering its Winterfest 2025 and the dazzling “Tunnel of Lights” beginning Friday Nov. 28

Experience the magic every Friday Saturday and Sunday night through Dec 28 with bonus days on Monday, Dec 29 and Tuesday, Dec 30

This tradition runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and offers over 10,000 lights illuminating both the museum’s interior and exterior

Visitors can then hop onboard the museum’s cozy, closed trolley cars and ride through the enchanting “Tunnel of Lights.”

For those ready to brave the elements, try one of the open-air trolleys, entirely adorned with holiday lights, for an unforgettable view of the tunnel.

Winter in New England offers so many ways to celebrate

The holiday season is filled with festive cheer and time with loved ones. What better way to enjoy it than to take in many of Connecticut’s holiday festivals and fairs?

On Saturday, Nov. 29, the Wilton Historical Society’s Great Train Show returns Wilton Historical Society’s 18th and 19th century buildings are charmingly decorated and transformed into a train lover’s delight with many different model train layouts winding through tiny towns with a variety of different kinds of buildings, tunnels and all sorts of delightful animals showing up in unexpected places!

The displays enchant visitors of all ages with lots of buttons to push and knowledgeable “train engineers” on hand to “talk trains.”

The marvelous miniature winter village, twinkling with lights is a seasonal delight! Visit WWW.WILTONHISTORICAL.ORG for more information.

The Amistad Center for Art & Culture in Hartford is holding Radiance: Festival of Lights on Dec 18 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event will celebrate Hanukkah with an outdoor Menorah lighting, followed by an indoor party featuring kosher delicacies, holiday crafts, and a spectacular Hanukkah Gelt Drop Visit WWW AMISTADCENTER.ORG for more information.

Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford will be holding its annual fundraiser, Festival of Trees and Traditions, from Dec 4 through 14, giving the community a chance to celebrate the season and support the Wadsworth.

Each year, community members, artists, and volunteers from local organizations donate trees and holiday décor, turning the galleries into a festive and inclusive winter wonderland. Profits from the sale of donated holiday items help fund the museum’s special exhibitions and educational programs. Bring home the holiday cheer or donate your purchase to a local charity. Festival of Trees & Traditions is presented by the Friends of the Wadsworth Atheneum All proceeds from this event fund the museum’s exhibitions, collections, and programming. Visit WWW THEWADSWORTH.ORG for more information.

For the Lifetime and Hallmark holiday movie lover, the Connecticut Tourism Office has created a Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail Not only can these romantic and family-friendly movie lovers find spots that their favorites were filmed, but the tourism office has also provided a sample itinerary to make the most of your visit Check out the map at WWW.CTVISIT.COM/ ARTICLES/CHRISTMAS-MOVIES-IN-CONNECTICUT >>

SPORTS BARN SKI & SPORT

Middlefield’s Powder Ridge Mountain Park offers its annual Winterfest with a variety of fun and festive events

DECEMBER 6 2 TO 6 P.M.

Holiday Craft Market + Visit with Santa

DECEMBER 13 12 TO 4 P.M.

The Children Entrepreneurs Market, all vendors are children!

DECEMBER 14 12 TO 4 P.M.

The Mountainside Holiday Market will be bursting with unique and locally made gifts, art, crafts, jewelry, pottery clothing and specialty food items This craft market is held in the lodge and is free to the public

>> Don’t miss the 17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop presented by Jenny Allen and Kristen Studwell at Compass Real Estate from Nov. 28 through Dec. 24

Santa and his three live reindeer are returning to Greenwich for “The North Pole on North Street, at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North Street, Greenwich. The annual tradition at this expansive nursery enables visitors to have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy the beautiful Santa’s Workshop

This all takes place just minutes from downtown Greenwich. Parking is free, and the event once again supports Kids In Crisis, which will receive a portion of every Photo with Santa. Visit WWW.GREENWICHREINDEERFESTIVAL.COM for more information.

The State of Connecticut is holding a free family

DECEMBER 14 10:30 A.M. TO 1 P.M.

Santa Brunch

DECEMBER 21 10:30 A.M. TO 1 P.M.

Grinch Brunch

Snow tubing and the snow play area passes can be purchased at WWW.POWDERRIDGEPARK.COM

Winter Festival on Saturday Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3

p.m. This fun day of outdoor winter fun will be held at Burr Pond State Park in Torrington.

This is the ninth annual Winter Festival sponsored by No Child Left Inside® Program in partnership with Fish with CARE and the City of Torrington This event is all about winter and all the things you can do and see in the winter!

There will be ice fishing with Fish with CARE (safe ice dependent), hikes, story times, Search and Rescue dogs, demonstrations, hiking, ice sculptures, marshmallow roasting, a bonfire, furs & pelts, live animals.

There will even be a special appearance from Chuckles the Groundhog from the Lutz Children’s Museum. Scouts BSA, Troop 1, out of Torrington, will be selling food at this free family event. Visit WWW.PORTAL.CT GOV/NCLI/EVENTS/WINTER-FESTIVAL for more info.

Pictured above: Middlefield’s Powder Ridge Mountain Park offers its annual Winterfest with a variety of fun and festive events. Photo by Powder Ridge Mountain Park

Winter eats help restore your warmth

With not much to see in terms of color outdoors during long New England winters, we might be inclined to indulge other senses. Whether it’s fireside dining or finding your own igloo, now is the time to get culinarily creative

Since dining on delicious fare is a feast for all senses, many CT restaurants have made an effort to give you that unique ambience while enjoying your meal.

IGLOOS

Sign of the Whale offers rooftop igloo dining in Stamford beginning in November Diners can enjoy well-crafted food sipping on playful cocktails

and listening to great music in a fun, upbeat atmosphere.

Dockside Brewery boasts an Igloo Park in Milford, including a “super igloo,” the Garden There are also themed igloos, like a Swiftie party, a Man Cave, a Wicked the Musical Igloo, an Under the Sea Igloo, and more These igloos require a minimum purchase and gratuity.

Aquila’s Nest Vineyard in Newtown offers Igloo Spheres that can accommodate up to nine guests. They provide the perfect setting to gather with friends and family, enjoy wine flights, sip warm mulled wine, and take in the magical sunset and breathtaking hilltop views

CONTINUE Dining ON PAGE 10

If you’re newto curling, sign up at our website forone of our public events now through April:

We’ll provide everything you need foryou and your friends to give it atry!

If you’ve curled before,reach out to our Director of Membership at theemail belowto learnmoreabout ourcluband its history.

Nutmeg CurlingClub 123 Glenwood Ave Bridgeport, CT 06610

Email: info@nutmegcurling.com

Telephone: (203) 615-0077 www.nutmegcurling.com

CURLING TERMS

Bonspiel: Acurling tournament

House: Thecircular target at eachend of the curlingice

Button: Thecircleatthe center of thehouse.

Biter: Anystone that touchesthe outerrings

Curl: Howfar astone curves while traveling downthe ice.

Guard: Astone placed to protectanother stone from being knockedout

THIS WINTER, ROCK OUT TRYCURLING

at Fairfield County’sonlydedicated club

You’ve seen it on TV in theOlympics. Now, come downand give this great gameatry at Nutmeg CurlingClub –right off Rt.8,nexttoBridgeport’s Wonderland of Ice.

Sign up forone of ourwinterLearn-to-Curlsessions –orifyou’ve curled before, join our club and enjoy league competitionall winter long!

Whycurling?

It’s fun! Curlinginvolves strategy as well as skill. Butwhether it’s acasual pickupgameora competitivematch,the goal is always to haveagood time

It’s agreat waytomeet newpeople. Afterevery game, curlerssit down together to chat and raisea glasstogether

It’s family friendly

As asport, curlingpromotesgood sportsmanship,respectfor other playersand apositive attitude.

Curlingisa bargain compared to most winter sports.Membership costsare discounted for new playersand equipment isn’texpensive.

Peopleofall ages and abilitiesenjoy curling. It’sa low-impactsport youcan do whether you’re young, oldorin between.

unique

Curlinghas itsown colorful traditionsshared by teamsall over the world. We don’thold tournaments; we hold “bonspiels”.A shot thrown hard is “normal”, and one that’s tooshort is a“hog”

FIRESIDE MEALS

The Goose in Darien is a long-time community tradition; the Goose features a cozy fireplace in its historical bar and serves upscale American fare It has long been the gathering place for friends, high school reunions holiday parties, and more

The White Horse Country Pub & Restaurant in New Preston earned the honor of best fireside dining this year from CT Magazine. It offers two fireplaces and a view of a river and a waterfall. It offers a variety of upscale American fare as well as seafood, Italian, curry dishes and more

New Haven’s Union League Café offers fireside dining and is a Maison of French cuisine that brings together Old-World charm, French classical traditions,

and a contemporary approach to flavors, textures, and natural ingredients.

Nestled among the trees in the picturesque small town of Redding The Roadhouse offers a classic pub style menu featuring great wings, dry aged burgers, salads and seasonal entrees. The dining room features a cozy oversized fireplace

Little Pub with locations in Wilton, Greenwich, Old Saybrook Branford Fairfield Westport, and Stratford, has cozy fireplaces in each of its European pub-vibed locations Whether you’re looking for the best burgers, a fun pub atmosphere, or a casual dining experience, we promise great food, good vibes, and an inviting ambiance

OTHER FOOD CELEBRATIONS

Mohegan Sun’s annual Sun Wine & Food Fest is returning this Jan. 22 to 25 Popular chefs attending include Maneet Chuhan, Rocco DiSpirito, Scott Conant, Todd English, Robert Irvine, Antonia Lofaso, Marc Murphy, and Michael Symon.

The event, touted as Mohegan Sun’s most anticipated culinary celebration, includes four days of bold flavors, rare pours and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re here to sip, savor, or explore, each event offers a distinct experience designed to surprise and delight

Events include two full days of grand tastings, a curated collection of wines, craft beers, and premium spirits, paired with inspired bites. Throughout the day, renowned chefs will provide live demonstrations of their techniques, insights and signature fare Book signings are also offered.

There are many other special events included, like spirits and cigars events, bourbon tastings, and an Asian market. Specialty hotel packages are available. Visit WWW.MOHEGANSUN.COM/SUN-WINE-AND-FOODFEST.HTML for more information.

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301 Merritt 7, Floor 1, Norwalk, CT 06851 ©2025 Hearst Connecticut Media Group

DeLuca

While local fresh fruits and vegetables may be sparse in the winter, colder temps along New England’s shoreline boost a bounty of local shellfish.

Bob Altman of Bethel’s seafood shop Community Shellfish explained that as the water gets colder in the Gulf of Maine her shellfish bounty reacts by plumping up

“Shellfish thrives in cold water—the meat in the mussels almost doubles from its summertime weight Oysters become meaty and creamier And the jewels of the sea—scallops can finally be harvested,” he said

Altman said the smaller bay scallops from around Nantucket are being harvested starting this week Their larger cousin, the Maine day boat sea scallops will begin on Dec. 1.

“They are plump and sweet The scallop harvests are strictly controlled in Maine with quotas and time limits so that the stocks will not be depleted,” Altman said.

He pointed out that “Day boat” is literal—the boat goes out, harvests and comes back to harbor on the same day, so the scallops can be brought down to Bethel the very next day.

“This causes day boat scallops and Nantucket Bay Scallops to be pricier over the treated scallops found

in supermarkets that come off of huge international vessels which can spend weeks at sea,” Altman said

Wherever you buy it, if you want to get the very best shellfish, Altman recommends you ask your monger exactly where (what town) the mussels, oysters, clams or scallops were harvested in.

Altman, a filmmaker founded Community Shellfish with his childhood friends Boe Marsh, and Shea Farrell, an actor.

Community Shellfish is located at 23 Francis Clarke Circle Bethel. For more information, visit WWW.COMMUNITYSHELLFISHCT.COM

Community Shellfish, smaller bay scallops like these from

will begin on Dec 1.

day

Pictured above: According to Bob Altman of Bethel’s seafood purveyor
around Nantucket are being harvested starting this week Their larger cousin, the Maine
boat sea scallops
Both will be available at the store. Photo by Community Shellfish.

GetWinteraways

WOODSTOCK, VERMONT

Stay in luxury at the Woodstock Inn & Resort, where timeless New England charm meets modern comfort. Just minutes from the heart of Woodstock VT village, Saskadena Six offers trails for all skill levels and a truly memorable winter experience Set against Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, the Woodstock Inn & Resort is a year-round destination wrapped in luxury and history. Each of its uniquely decorated 142 rooms and suites embraces Vermont’s signature style.

Enjoy a classic Vermont ski and snowboard escape at Saskadena Six one of America’s oldest ski areas, formerly known as Suicide Six. Perfect for couples and families alike Saskadena Six offers a welcoming and intimate ski and snowboard experience in the heart of the Green Mountains.

Packages are available Jan. 2 through March 7.

Once you have turned in your skis or enjoyed delectable cuisine, indulge yourself in another way at the award-winning spa- an experience is not to be missed

Tranquility flows throughout The Spa’s LEED-certified architecture and calming treatment rooms. After a customized spa therapy, soak in the healing waters of the hot tub Find sanctuary in the Great Room, in the Scandinavian sauna, or surrounded by the warmth of one of the spa’s Shaker wood stoves.

A visit to The Woodstock Inn & Resort is a memorable feast for the senses and an incomparable way to kick off your 2026 Visit WWW.WOODSTOCKINN.COM to plan your trip today. >>

BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

>> Bucks County offers scenic countryside, history, the arts, downtown charm, gourmet dining, small town villages, award-winning accommodations, the Ale Trail, and Parx Casino. Bucks County is ideally located 25 miles from Philadelphia 75 miles from New York City and 130 miles from Stamford

When winter arrives, Bucks County’s picturesque towns provide cozy retreats and festive holiday cheer Enjoy yearly tradition of driving through the Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show in Yardley. Come aboard for a magical journey to the North Pole on the North Pole Express & Santa’s Steam Train Ride on the New Hope Railroad or watch historic reenactment of the Annual Washington’s Christmas Day Crossing

New Hope is one of the charming destinations in Bucks County Book a stay at the Logan Inn, one of the oldest continually operating inns in the United States, which offers opportunities to roast marshmallows on the fire outside. For families, the Golden Plough Inn, located in the heart of Peddler’s Village, is the perfect place to recharge. This rustic inn holds nearly 70 rooms, is beautiful

during the winter, and a great place to meet for a drink in one of the surrounding pubs or restaurants. Make sure to check out the decorations of the Gingerbread House Competition & Display, From drive-through displays to cozy B&B finds, start planning your getaway at WWW.VISITBUCKSCOUNTY.COM

NEW YORK CITY

While living so close to the Big Apple, and many working there, some times its easy to forget the fun that NYC offers a tourist Especially during the winter there are some unforgettable memories to be made in New York City.

Whether you prefer a historic and lavish hotel like the Plaza, a name brand like the Omni or Hilton, or the various eclectic and artsy hotels dotted throughout the city, there’s something for everyone Thanksgiving season through New Year’s Eve is the most exciting time of year to visit New York City. Take in the beautiful holiday windows on Fifth Avenue, get tickets to a Broadway show or CONTINUE Getaways ON PAGE 16

Book a stay at the Logan Inn, one of the oldest continually operating inns in the United States.

the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, and more

Grand Central Terminal offers a holiday market, and Bryant Park offers a quaint and festival winter village featuring gift shopping, a après ski lodge offering festive cocktails and foods, and an ice skating rink And no holiday trip in NYC is complete without visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and ice skating there as well.

A quick subway trip also take you to the lightscape at the Brookyln Botanic Garden Visit WWW NYCTOURISM.COM for more info.

STOWE, VERMONT

Stowe offers year round beauty to enjoy in a quaint ski town. It also hosts one of the most culturally endearing family lodges offering a truly special experience

The von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort is a unique, four-season resort specializing in European-style accommodations and cuisine, spectacular mountain vistas, upscale amenities, and outdoor activities. Situated on 2,600 acres overlooking the classic New England village of Stowe, Vermont, von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort is the perfect setting for a vacation during any season.

Founded by the family that inspired the Sound of Music, the lodge offers memorabilia and historic memories of the family and the movie.

Winter packages include adventures outdoors like skiing and snowboarding. The beer lovers’ package also features samplings of the von Trapp Brewing products and a souvenir glass.

Choose from a charming room to a well-appointed suite with views and a fireplace and more

During the winter months, the von Trapp Resort shimmers with lights and stunning ice sculptures. Learn more at WWW.VONTRAPPRESORT.COM

The von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort, founded by the family that inspired The Sound of Music, is a unique, four-season resort specializing in European-style accommodations and cuisine, spectacular mountain vistas, upscale amenities, and outdoor activities.
Photo by The von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort.

As the holiday season approaches, whatcould be morespecial than sharing unforgettable musical experiences withyour loved ones? We inviteyou to jointhe Hartford Symphony Orchestra this season,wherewecelebrate thepower of music together!

WinterDreams December12-14,2025

RomeoandJuliet: ATheatricalConcert February13-15,2026

TheNutcracker December20&21,2025

AnEveningwith ItzhakPerlman February21,2026

TheFierceUrgencyof Now:MLKTributeConcert January22,2026

ModernMelodies February22,2026

PressPlay:Anime January29,2026

PressPlay:I’mEvery Woman March5,2026

PinesofRome March13-15,2026

HarryPotterAndThe DeathlyHallows™Part2 inConcert March28,2026

PressPlay:The90s April30,2026 America250 May17,2026

Brahms’Third April10-12,2026

PressPlay:The90s April30,2026

Revolution:TheMusicof theBeatles–ASymphonic Experience May30,2026

TheRiteofSpring On-Screen June5-7,2026

New England winters can be brutally cold, but that cold often means ideal conditions for the various winter sports that thrive in the area.

SKIING IN CONNECTICUT

Powder Ridge Park in Middlefield offers skiing and snowboarding, winter snow tubing, and the increasingly popular snow biking.

Powder Ridge also offers snow bike lessons and says if you can ride a bike, you can snow bike.

Snow biking is the easiest way to enjoy the full mountain experience Whether you have never skied or now have physical limitations, snow biking is for you. Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort now offers lessons and rentals of a snow bike. Before you rent a snow bike at Powder Ridge, a one-hour lesson is required. Powder Ridge also houses an on-location restaurant, Fire at the Ridge.

Mohawk Mountain, in Cornwall, offers ski and stay packages partnering with local historic inns in Cornwall and nearby Kent It also offers an extensive snow tubing

schedule, two on-site restaurants, and an equipment rental program. The rental program helps with avoiding having to buy new equipment as your child grows—but if you want to buy, there’s a retail shop on site.

Mount Southington is located in Plantsville and offers an expansive selection of skiing and snowboarding, including night skiing. Mount Southington also offers terrain parks, for the “wilder side” of the mountain.

These terrain parks include jumps, boxes, rails, and more For the very beginners, the brand new Snowball Park is located at the Glacier Area just outside the Mountain Room, a playful interactive learning zone designed for young snowboarders only ages 4–8 as part of our Glacier Learning Area

Other amenities include lessons, equipment rentals, a retail shop and several food options, including a casual burger joint, a fully equipped restaurant and bar at The Mountain Room, and made-to-order waffles at The Waffle Haus.

Ski Sundown, in New Hartford, conveniently offers packages that include your lift ticket and equipment rentals at a discounted rate Ski Sundown also offers group, private, and adaptive lessons

Ski Sundown also offers night skiing as a way to relax after a long workday and a chairlift ride under the stars. Terrain parks are also offered for both beginners and experienced skiers.

ICE SKATING

From competitive ice hockey the long tradition of pond hockey to indoor and outdoor recreational skiing Connecticut has it all.

Perfect for a date or a fun day with family or friends an outdoor ice rink gives the full New England experience

Outdoor rinks in CT include the WPAL Rink at the Longshore, in Westport, adjacent to Compo Beach. The Cohen Skiing Center in Stamford is located at the Mill River Park, and the Bushnell Park in Hartford returns for the annual Winterfest Foxwoods Casino also offers a “winter wonderland,” featuring igloo rentals, a fire pit, and festive lit trees.

Pond hockey is a long-time tradition in Connecticut When the temperatures drop and the ice is strong enough, community members gather to enjoy ice skating in a natural setting While some

Other amenities include The Lodge for eating and drinking, a 10,000 square foot Mountain View

Patio, a snow sports school, a ski shop food courts, and a bar. If you’d like to make a weekend of it there are several options just over the border in Vermont or other areas.

towns do take ownership via their Parks and Recreation Department and test the ice for safety, many do not. For those ponds where ice is not inspected, caution is advised.

Some popular ponds for pond hockey and skating include Kirk’s Pond in Oxford Gorham’s Pond in Darien, The Exchange Pond in Old Saybrook, and Kent Pond in Wilton.

Youth and adult ice hockey leagues and teams are offered through the school districts and private organizations. Various towns offer indoor ice rinks, like Dorothy Hammill Ice Rink in Greenwich, the Milford Ice Pavilion in Milford, Darien Ice House in Darien, Chelsea Piers in Stamford, and the Danbury Arena That arena is home to the Danbury Hat Tricks, a Tier 1, National Bound program under the Connecticut Hockey Conference and full-time members of the AYHL and NAPHL

ICE FISHING

While not as mainstream as other CT winter sports, there is a lively ice fishing community out there.

In fact, the state of Connecticut offers ice fishing lessons in January and February and publishes an Ice Fishing 101 Blog that teaches you all you need to know

The ice fishing events are part of the state’s Fish with CARE Events These events are designed to increase your fishing skills and confidence by providing a positive experience that includes the use of our loaner fishing equipment, bait and

expert instruction! The CARE program offers FREE fishing events year-round Ice fishing events are an opportunity to practice skills learned from an in-person or ZOOM ice fishing class. CARE coaches will be available to assist you from start to finish, from drilling holes, setting up gear, and pulling in fish onto the ice. All tackle and bait are provided.

According to the state’s tourism guide, Visit CT Highland Lake Bantam Lake Tyler Lake Coventry Lake and Lake Waramaug are a few of Connecticut’s popular ice fishing spots.

Whatever sport you choose, there are many options to continue your lifelong obsession or to learn a new one. Either way, they will help you pass the time during the cold days of winter.

Bundle up bring blankets, and enjoy the crisp air as you take in the festive atmosphere

The Museum’s Visitor Center transforms into a Winter Wonderland, featuring elaborate model train layouts, twinkling lights, and holiday decorations that will captivate visitors of all ages Visit WWW.CT-TROLLEY.ORG for more information.

Don’t miss the return of the twinkle of a million lights at Glow Hartford, at the Connecticut Convention Center

Glow Hartford returns to the Connecticut Convention Center, Nov. 21 through Dec 23.

Enjoy interactive light gardens, illuminated structures, seasonal food and drinks, family-friendly activities a festive holiday market, and live entertainment

Don’t miss a free photo with Santa and ride on the trackless “Glow-comotive” train.

The event includes an interactive replica of the spectacular Northern Lights, a tunnel of lights, hanging lit-up picture frames for photos, and brightly lit holiday favorites, like a reindeer-drawn

carriage, a snowman arch a giant ornament ball, a spiral ball tree, and a stand-in present display.

There’s also a scavenger hunt, a playground, and a ride-on horse corral Visit WWW.HARTFORD.GLOWGARDENS.COM for more information.

Downtown Stamford offers a new tradition this year in a Holiday Stroll located at Mill River Park, a stroll through a festive, dazzling world of larger-thanlife holiday light displays After strolling, enjoy the Holiday Village featuring a state-of-the-art Christmas Tree, holiday music, and tasty food vendors.

This family-friendly Holiday Stroll takes place on select dates from Nov. 24 to Dec. 24 Designated time slots for entry starting at 5 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m., and the stroll includes candy cane arches, a 16-foot gingerbread house, and an ice-skating rink

Visitors will embark on a merry stroll through a winter wonderland! Experience a 30-foot interactive Christmas Tree and enjoy a dazzling show of lights and sounds while vendors will be serving your holiday favorites and so much more For more information, visit WWW.THEHOLIDAYSTROLL.COM

BEARDSLEY ZOO

The Beardsley Zoo can be seen in a new “light” with the return of the GLOW Wild Lantern Festival

The festival runs Thursdays to Sundays now through Dec. 14, from 5:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. and is Beardsley Zoo’s most dazzling nighttime tradition!

Back by popular demand, the lantern festival transforms the Zoo into a glowing wonderland

filled with over 35 larger-than-life, hand-crafted lantern displays that celebrate wildlife, nature, and the magic of the season.

Perfect for families date nights and evening adventures, Glow Wild offers a unique way to experience the Zoo after dark. Enjoy new experiences, tasty treats, and photo-worthy moments at every turn. Visit WWW.BEARDSLEYZOO.ORG/GLOWWILD for more info

Perfect for families, date nights, and evening adventures, Glow Wild offers a unique way to experience the Zoo after dark. Photo by Beardsley Zoo.

Mirror Lake Inn Resort andSpa

Indulgeinthe ArtofAlpineElegance

Votedthe #1 Resort in theNortheast by Conde Nast Traveler

Overlookingthe serene,snow-blanketedshoresofMirror Lake,the Innoffersanelegant escape whereroaring fireplaces, elevated Adirondack dining,and cozy,upscale accommodations await. Whetheryou’recarving fresh tracks down Whiteface Mountain, enjoying apeaceful snowshoe trek,orsimplyunwinding in ourluxurious spa, every moment is wrappedinalpinecharm.Atthe Mirror Lake Inn, winter isn’tjusta season —it’sanexperience.

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