Connecticut Living Holiday Guide 2015

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Contents There is something very special about the holiday season in Connecticut. The hustle and bustle of finding the right gift, attending a holiday concert or spending time with family & friends help to create memories that last a lifetime.

Discover festive events in towns nearby to celebrate the season. We hope our Holiday Guide will make your season bright!

Westport 6 Fairfield 8 Bridgeport 10 Stratford 12 Milford 16 Orange 17 West Haven 18 New Haven 20 And Nearby for more holiday fun.

4

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reetings of the season—the most wonderful time of year—when we gather together to celebrate family, friends, and community.

This issue of Connecticut Living is an invitation to experience a joyful holiday season with darling delights, cozy nights, shimmering trim, and memorable events to enjoy and treasure. It’s our annual gift to you, a celebration of our beautiful coastal Connecticut communities at holiday time, a tinsel-trimmed resource guide to all the festive local holiday happenings for you and your friends and families to explore and enjoy.

We hope you will use this Holiday Guide as your go-to-resource for the seasonal events to take delight in, all within minutes of your doorstep.

With thoughts of peace and happy wishes for a time filled with health, love, and laughter, all of us at Red Mat Publishing wish you a wonderful holiday season and an extraordinary New Year!

A Joyous Today— Suzanne

Suzanne Cahill Publisher

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Westport

DECEMBER 3

Celebrate the Season of Giving 5:00 p.m.

Downtown Westport Westport Downtown Merchants Association kicks off the holiday season with a community-wide holiday party following the Westport Town Hall tree lighting at 5:00 p.m. Branson Hall at Christ & Holy Trinity Church, 75 Church Lane, will be open to all for live music, delicious food, special performances, good cheer, and Santa. The highlight of the evening will be a non-profit showcase and Wish List Fair.

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Downtown Westport The Westport Downtown Merchants Association will be offering complimentary Horse & Buggy Rides. The festive, holiday atmosphere of downtown will be enhanced by carols from local school choirs and other groups, hot cider/cocoa sales to benefit local youth groups, and a strolling Santa.

Main Street, Westport.

DECEMBER 6

Sonos Handbell Ensemble 4:00 p.m.

Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church of Westport, 75 Church Lane Ring in the holidays with “The Olympians of handbell ringers” (Joyce Johnson Hamilton, Music Director, Diablo Symphony) and Christ & Holy Trinity’s professional singers! Sonos has stunned audiences with their show-stopping virtuosity for 25 years. Tickets $35 General admission, $15 under 18, Preferred seating $45

DECEMBER 6

Annual Holiday Book Sale Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road Holiday shopping made easy!

Buy donated books in pristine condition that are truly giftworthy, all at great prices. You’ll find crafts, cooking, children’s and art books, as well as fiction, history, current events, gardening, biography, and more. All sales benefit the Library.

DECEMBER 6

Holiday Music with the Art-Strings Ensemble 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road Art-Strings Ensemble features selection from holiday music traditions, including waltzes, opera, jazz and pop works

DECEMBER 13

Christmas Lessons & Carols 5:00 p.m.

Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church of Westport, 75 Church Lane 12th annual festival, in the style of King’s College, Cambridge, features the timeless lessons of Christmas,

and glorious seasonal music. Please bring donations of non-perishable food to benefit the Food Pantry at St. John’s, Bridgeport. Free: donations accepted.

still be splendiferous? Nancy proves once again that a little fancying up can go a long, festive way! For more information: www. westportplayhouse.org

DECEMBER 20

DECEMBER 26, 28, 29, 30 & 31

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.

Westport County Playhouse.

25 Powers Court Nancy is excited about decorating the Christmas tree, especially because she bought a sparkly treetopper with her own money. But when things don’t turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas

the magic of ringing in the New Year in a fun, safe, and friendly atmosphere; all walkable within downtown Westport. There are lots of venues for children of all ages. Toquet Hall open until 10:00 p.m. Buttons on sale

starting December 2 for $10, after December 15th the tickets will be $15. For more information please visit http://www.firstnightww.com.

Vacation Film Festival 2:00 p.m.

Westport Library Movies for the whole.

DECEMBER 31

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Fairfield DEC. 3, 4 & 5

Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Burr Homestead, 739 Old Post Road Each year, hundreds of dedicated volunteers magically transform the historic Burr Homestead into a celebration of the Christmas season. Visitors may enjoy a cup of hot cider as they roam the mansion and view the many rooms designed by local interior designers and artists. Exquisite trees, wreaths, and decorative items throughout the house are for sale as well as custom-made one-of-a-kind live

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DECEMBER 6 – JANUARY 3

DECEMBER 4

Christmas Tree Lighting 5:50 p.m.

Fairfield Town Hall, 611 Old Post Road Santa arrives at 7:00 p.m. The occasion that truly kicks off the holiday season in Fairfield is the lighting of the Christmas tree on the Town Hall Green. Gather with your family and countdown as we light the 90-foot tall Norway spruce, the tallest living tree that gets lit at Christmas time in Connecticut.

DECEMBER 5

Christmas Concert 7:00 p.m.

Edgerton Center, Sacred Heart University Join the band for their annual December concert, and help send the band off as they prepare for their upcoming concert tour of Ireland! Join the Sacred Heart Band as they present a swing-filled holiday assortment of your holiday favorites. $10.00 pp.

10:00 am -9:00 pm Fairfield Museum & History Center, 370 Beach Road Fairfield Museum and History Center holiday tradition! Kids and adults will delight in the magic of model trains winding around a winter wonderland of spectacular trees, and beautiful holiday scenery.

370 Beach Road. For more information www.fairfieldhistory.org

DECEMBER 6

Festival of Lessons and Carols 4:00 p.m.

Chapel of the Holy Spirit, Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield Join the Liturgical Choir and 4 Heart Harmony, Blended Hearts, SHUpermen, and SHU LOVE in the beautiful atmosphere of the University’s Chapel as the Christmas Story is celebrated in scripture readings, anthems, and Christmas carols. Free admission

DECEMBER 12

Holiday Breakfast 10:00 a.m.

Roger Ludlowe Middle School Cafeteria, 689 Unquowa Road Santa Claus is coming to town!

Gather the family together for a fun breakfast of donuts, bagels, coffee, juice, hot chocolate, and more. Get a chance to have the kids visit with

Santa and Mrs. Claus while listening to the local Town School Choirs.

This event is sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department, the Police Athletic League, and the Town Youth Council.

Price: $10 adults/$5 children and seniors. For more information and to buy tickets, please visit http:// www.jwcfairfield.com.

DECEMBER 19

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DECEMBER 12-13

Junior Women’s Club of Fairfield Presents: A Visit to Santa’s House 10:00 a.m.

Burr Homestead, 739 Old Post Road, Fairfield.

Each year hundreds of dedicated volunteers magically transform the historic Burr Homestead in Fairfield,

Connecticut into a celebration of the Christmas season. From the moment visitors step into the Burr Homestead, there will be plenty to see and do. The Holiday Boutique is an annual favorite, offering festive gifts and ornaments. Bring the kids to visit Santa! They can have their photo taken while they read him their list! General Admission

1:00 p.m.

Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield University The beloved holiday hit Frosty the Snowman inspired this brand new story by Catherine Bush.

After a young orphan named Billy discovers magic in a hat, his snowman comes to life! Join Billy and Frosty as they embark on a

New York City adventure and discover that the real magic of the holidays is love. Featuring original music by Mandy Williams and produced by The Barter Players from Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Va. Quick Center for the Arts. Join us after each of our Family Fun Series performances for juice and cookies! $15 (adults and children) Become a series ticket holder aand see all three performances for just $36.

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Bridgeport NOVEMBER 29 & DECEMBER 13

The Sugar Plum Party 3:00 p.m.

Bijou Theater, 275 Fairfield Avenue Share a special afternoon with the New England Ballet Company and enjoy a performance of the Nutcracker Suite. Hear Clara read the enchanting story of the Nutcracker. Meet the dancers, do a simple holiday craft, plus children may have their photo taken with their favorite character. Fee is $15 per person, plus $1 handling fee.

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DECEMBER 5-23

PAL Christmas Village Bridgeport PAL, 7 Quarry Road, Trumbull.

In 1950, the Bridgeport PAL wanted to create something for area youth at Christmas time that would be unique. After many hours of discussion, they came up with the idea of bringing a replica of Santa’s Workshop to the area.

This workshop would include animated displays and each child would receive a gift. Today, it

is lovingly known as Christmas Village. In December of each year thousands of people visit the Village which has grown from a simple shack into a Christmas Spectacular!

for a fun night out, you’ll want to get up and dance as soon as they start playing. Burroughs – Saden Branch, 925 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT. For more information 203-576-7400.

DECEMBER 12

DECEMBER 19 & 20

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Bridgeport Public Library Join us for a holiday concert performed by Yesteryear! Singing the best hits of the 50’s and 60’s, Yesteryear still performs today with its original members, over 42 years of doo wop! Great music

8:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Enjoy a special holiday afternoon with an abridged version of The Nutcracker! After the show, hear Clara read the enchanting story of the Nutcracker and meet the dancers—a perfect family outing!

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Stratford

DECEMBER 1

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NOVEMBER 28 UNTIL TREES RUN OUT

Annual Sterling House Christmas Tree Sale

Weekdays 12:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Weekends 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

2283 Main Street The sale is held on the grounds of Sterling House Community Center. Come select your favorite tree from a large selection and make your holiday festivities complete. This is a fundraiser for the center’s Food Pantry, which helps nourish those in-need within the local community.

4:30 p.m. Family Program, Stratford Library at 2203 Main Street followed by 5:30 p.m. Tree lighting at Stratford Town Hall. 2725 Main Street Live music from local school choirs and special programs for the children at Stratford Library. The highlight of the event is a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrive on a fire truck. Every child can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and will receive a free photo and gift. This year we will have a craft for all the kids to create! This event is made possible by the support of our many local businesses. A holiday family program is planned before the tree lighting at the Stratford Library, please call 203-3854165 for further information.

DECEMBER 5 Annual Christmas Fair 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Lordship Community Church, 179 Prospect Drive Come join us as we celebrate the Christmas holiday with a quilt exhibit, handmade crafts, Vermont cheeses, an old-fashioned candy

DECEMBER 13

Holiday Bluegrass Concert store, gift baskets, jewelry, wreaths, local vendors, a raffle, great food, and a visit from Santa. Fun for the entire family! More info at www. thelordshipchurch.org

DECEMBER 12

Kingdoms Life Children’s Choir Holiday Concert 2:00 p.m.

Stratford Library Seasonal favorites sung by members of the Kingdom Life Children’s Choir. Free.

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Stratford Library Holiday music with a bluegrass flavor. Free.

DECEMBER 15

Lifelong Learners – Holiday Concert 1:00 p.m.

Stratford Library The Baldwin Chamber Players return for a concert of Holiday music. Stratford Lifelong Learners is co-sponsored by Stratford Library & Stratford Senior Services.

Free.

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Milford NOVEMBER 27

Annual Tree Lighting on the Milford Green 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

This annual tradition offers music and fun for the whole family.

Santa will arrive and visit with the kiddies. Free.

NOVEMBER 28

Small Business Saturday Join the businesses of Downtown Milford Business Association this special day. You’ll find many wonderful pre-holiday specials while supporting locally owned businesses. Most shops open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., some open later.

12 Connecticut Living

NOVEMBER 28 – DECEMBER 7

Annual Celebration of Trees Milford Hospital 300 Seaside Avenue Milford Hospital Auxiliary is sponsoring its annual Celebration of Trees. Opening on Saturday, November 28th with Kids Day including breakfast with Santa, a magician, face painting, and other activities. The Celebration of Trees includes themed decorated trees, wreaths, and baskets. Tree of Light ceremony on December 4th; bake sale on December 7th

followed by raffle drawing at 4:00 p.m.; weekends will feature entertainment from local choirs and schools.

MHS Country Store 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Milford Historical Society 34 High Street The Country Store will be open for Christmas shopping on November 28 & 29 and December 5 & 6. The store offers book, candy, toys, maps, and all kinds of stocking stuffers for children and adults. For more information visit milfordhistoricalsociety.org

DECEMBER 6

Christmas Concert 2:00 p.m.

The United Church of Christ, 34 West Main Street Christmas music will fill the air. Candlelight Silent Night Reception. For more information 203-877-4277 or info@ firstchurchofmilford.org

DECEMBER 4

14th Annual Lamplight Stroll 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Downtown Milford Broad Street Visitors will enjoy a nostalgic

experience during the popular classic New England traditional event that celebrates the holiday season. Downtown Milford’s shops, spas, and salons will greet visitors with refreshments, holiday cheer, and unique holiday shopping opportunities!

For more info visit www. downtownmilfordct.org

Milford Arts Council. 40 Railroad Tickets are $25, BYOeverything. For more information contact MAC 203.878.6647 or milfordfac@ optonline.net

DECEMBER 5

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

St. Ann’s Parish Center 499 Naugatuck Avenue In a charming Dickens Village setting, visitors will discover unique, handcrafted items from more than 30

“Nite Spot Nights” presents “Christmas Cocktails: a Holiday Variety Show with Pantochino & Friends” 8:00 p.m.

DECEMBER 5

Christmas Spectacular at Saint Ann’s

www.connecticutliving.com 13

Milford vendors. Strolling carolers will add to the festivity of this unique shopping venue. The Tiny Tim Auction will feature an array of raffle prizes. Dine at the food court and purchase mouth-watering baked goods at the old-fashioned Bake Shoppe. Admission is free. For information or directions please call 203-874-0634.

DECEMBER 6

Breakfast with Santa 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Saint Ann’s Parish Center Hall 499 Naugatuck Avenue Parents, kids, and grandchildren

are invited to enjoy Breakfast with Santa. It’s his busiest season but Santa will take a brief break for a pancake breakfast with his friends and admirers. Santa’s buddy the Sound Tiger (of the AHL Bridgeport Sound Tigers) will also be on hand. Highlights include music from the Pumpkin Delight School choir and lots of fun activities. Tickets are $5 per person; $20 per family. Free for children under 3 years old. For advance reservations call 203-7100471. Tickets will also be available at the door. For information or directions, please call 203-8740634.

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DECEMBER 11 & 12

Holiday Faire

Milford Historical Society 34 High Street The Holiday Faire in the historic Bryan Downs House will offer visitors a glimpse of the past.

Baked goods, crafts & more.

Free. For more information visit milfordhistoricalsociety.org

DECEMBER 13

Senior Gospel Choir Christmas Concert 2:00 p.m.

Senior Center, 9 Jepson Drive Enjoy classic Christmas music and get in the holiday spirit. Free and open to the public.

DECEMBER 20

Milford Concert Band Christmas Performance 1:00 p.m.

Senior Center, 9 Jepson Drive Holiday classics by Milford’s premiere band.

DECEMBER 31

New Year’s Eve Party Senior Center, 9 Jepson Drive Ring in the New Year! $15.00 tickets. Call 203-877-5131.

DECEMBER 31

New Year’s Eve Celebration Milford Arts Council, 40 Railroad Ave “Nite Spot Nights presents New

Years Eve Celebration with DynaMojo 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $45, includes complimentary champagne toast & dessert table, BYO-everything else. For more information 203.878.6647 or milfordfac@optonline.net

JANUARY 1

Celebrate New Year’s Day Milford Arts Council, 40 Railroad Ave “Celebrate New Year’s Day with Argentine Tango, intro class and social”. 3:30 p.m. Admission is $20. For more information contact Gem @ 203.543.8099 or info@ tangosueno.com

SUPPORT LOCALLY OWNED DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES 14th Annual Lamplight Stroll December 4th Come enjoy a nastolgic experience!

Carriage rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus and more!

DOWNTOWNMILFORDCT.ORG Upcoming 2016 Events: Spring Arts & Crafts Show, Pirates Day with Cap’n Kidd, Annual Wine Trail DOWNTOWN MILFORD’S ANNUAL EVENTS www.connecticutliving.com 15

Orange NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 30

NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 24

Annual Food and Coat Drive

Material Girls and Kaoud Rugs Toy Drive for Yale’s Toy Closet

Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers. 240 Indian River Road, Orange.

All non-perishable foods are accepted; especially in need of peanut butter, tuna, and holiday foods. All donations go to the Orange Community Services Food Bank. The coat drive will benefit the West Haven Family Resource Center. To get involved, call 203-298-9828 or stop in any time Monday through Friday for donations.

463 Boston Post Road, Orange.

New, unwrapped toys (no stuffed animals) can be dropped off during regular store hours and will be donated to Yale’s Toy Closet. (For toy suggestions, visit http://www. ynhh.org/community-health/toycloset-program.aspx). Both stores are offering specials to participants who donate items.

NOVEMBER 29

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Guild Annual Holiday Boutique 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Maple View Farm, 603 Orange Center Road, Orange.

Over two dozen craftspeople and artists of the guild have created items for sale. Come explore unique gift giving opportunities, or purchase something for yourself.

A portion of the proceeds will go toward an Amity High School Art Scholarship. No admission fee.

NOVEMBER 29

Wagon Rides with Santa 10:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Maple View Farm. 603 Orange Center Road, Orange.

Enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride with Santa at this historic farm along with hot chocolate and

cookies, and a holiday boutique. $5. Reservations required. 203799-6495,

DECEMBER 6

Town of Orange’s Annual Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

On and around the Orange Town Green.

Exciting events will take place all about the Town Green including the Clark Building, Stone Otis House, Case Memorial Library, and the Congregational Church. A gingerbread house contest, Santa Claus, ice sculptures, and more!

Tree lighting is approximately at 5:30 p.m. Yuletide singers will be performing throughout the event.

All activities are free of charge.

West Haven NOVEMBER 28

DECEMBER 5 & 6

5:00 p.m.

The annual lighting of the city Christmas tree will herald a night of merriment. Music, carols and sing-alongs. Santa & Mrs. Claus and their elves will help this year’s special guests throw the switch to light the green. Santa and Mrs. Claus will then greet visitors in their workshop – the foyer of City Hall until 9:00 p.m. Enjoy a hayride, ride the carousel or hop on the train. All activities are free but donations are appreciated.

December 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 pm and December 6, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

St. Lawrence School, 231 Main Street St. Lawrence School will transform their gym and the After-School Building into a winter wonderland that will have something for everyone. Have your picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy entertainment on the stage while shopping with the numerous

Christmas Tree Lighting

“Christmas In The Schoolhouse Extravaganza”

craft vendors that will be set up throughout the gym. Stop by the kitchen and enjoy breakfast and/or lunch, check out Candy Cane Lane and pick up some delicious baked goods. Enter the raffles to win gift baskets filled with Christmas

Goodies. Make sure to stop in the After-School building for face-painting, kids crafts, and the jewelry table. For more information 203.933.2518. For a schedule of events and entertainment check out our facebook page.

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Wed - Sat 11:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. • Sunday 2 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Closed Mondays

www.connecticutliving.com 17

New Haven up Lighthouse Point Park from late November until the end of the year. All proceeds from the Fantasy of Lights support the programs of Easter Seals Goodwill Industries.

NOVEMBER 27–29 NOW THROUGH JANUARY 3

Fantasy of Lights

5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily.

Lighthouse Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Road, New Haven The Fantasy of Lights is the perfect place to go to see a park filled with holiday light displays. With over 100,000 bulbs, the displays light

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Shubert Theater, 247 College Street, New Haven Charles Dickens’ story of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge—who discovers the true meaning of Christmas with the help of Tiny Tim and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future—

captures all the warmth, goodwill, and musical memories of the holiday season. Tickets are available at www.shubert.com.

COMMUNITY FOOD & TOY DRIVE: The Shubert Theater will be a collection site for nonperishable food items and new, unwrapped toys.

36th Annual Colonial Concert 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

United Church on the Green, 270 Temple Street Orchestra New England has been performing at this event for 36 years. ONE’s flagship flashback entertainment event features wigs, waistcoats, candlelight, and the great music of the 18th century.

We usher in the holiday season and bring Colonial New Haven back to life with this family concert tradition! 203-777-4690.

Annual Tree Lighting New Haven Green Check the city website for time and festivities. www.cityofnewhaven. com

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18 Connecticut Living

DECEMBER 1-5 8:00 p.m.

DECEMBER 6 2:00 p.m.

NOVEMBER 28

DECEMBER 1

The Lily Pad

performed, with Marguerite L. Brooks conducting. Also, the music of J.S. Bach, Vaughan Williams, Kyr, and Marshall. Free and open to the public.

DECEMBER 5

Yale Camerata Advent Concert 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Battell Chapel, College and Elm Streets “Dona Nobis Pacem” will be

A Snowy Holiday Romance Kendall Drama Lab Directed by Shelia Hickey-Garvey Tickets: $10 General Public $5 SCSU Faculty/Staff and SCSU Student Guests (1 ticket limit) $5 All Non-SCSU Students (with valid student ID) Free SCSU Students (ticket required 1 ticket limit with valid ID) Seating: General Admission

DECEMBER 6

Messiah: Sing-in: Yale Symphony Orchestra and Yale Glee Club 1:30 p.m.

Battelle Chapel, 400 College Street Join the YSO and the Yale Glee Club for our Annual Messiah SingIn and sing-along to the chorus sections of Handel’s “The Messiah.”

We will perform a number of excerpts from the timeless oratorio.

Scores will be available for purchase and a portion of the proceeds will benefit New Haven’s homeless.

Admission is free; $5 suggested donation at the door.

DECEMBER 5 Holiday Harmonics: The New Haven Chorale 2:00 p.m.

Saint Mary’s Church. Hillhouse Avenue Join the Chorale in ringing St. Mary’s vibrant acoustics thrillingly.

Majestic brass will join the Chorale in spectacular performances of Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata, antiphonal choruses by Schütz and Gabrieli, and holiday favorites. Exquisite a cappella choruses by Poulenc, Britt, Friedell, Rutter, and Vaughan Williams will mesmerize you with this great space’s quieter acoustics. Assistant Conductor Brett Judson will play holiday favorites on the organ and join the brass and strings to

accompany the Chorale’s popular audience sing-along. Rumor has it that St. Nick himself may appear!

A great family activity for all generations to share.

DECEMBER 5-13 26th Annual Trees of Hope 10a.m.-5p.m.

Maritime Center, 555 Longwharf Drive Trees of Hope is a nine-day holiday spectacular featuring a raffle and holiday boutique benefiting Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut. (admission is free!)

Over 120 holiday displays to be raffled off to lucky winners on the very last day! *Raffle tickets on sale at the site for only $1.00!

DECEMBER 12 & 13

Babes in Boyland

Theatre Coop, 177 College Street Join the men of the CTGMC as we welcome a dazzling lineup of leading ladies to help us celebrate the holidays! For more information CTGMC.org

DECEMBER 17

Holiday Extravaganza 7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m. should be bold New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Woolsey Hall, 500 College St. Celebrate the holidays with music from the Nutcracker, Handel’s Messiah, Sleigh ride and more.

Featuring a holiday sing-a-long!

Call for information 203-865-0831

DECEMBER 18-20

The Nutcracker, New Haven Ballet Shubert Theater The holiday classic, performed by the New Haven Ballet is a must see for the holidays. Showtimes: Friday 7:00pm, Saturday 1:00 & 5:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00 & 5:00 p.m. Tickets price vary by seat location and are available at: www.shubert.com.

www.connecticutliving.com 19

And nearby…

Ansonia Derby DECEMBER 12

Gift Shop Fair and Cookie Walk 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

David Humphreys House, 37 Elm Street Shop for unique and yummy items at the annual fair & cookie walk.

Free. For more information 203735-1908.

JANUARY 3

12th Night Celebration 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

David Humphreys House, 37 Elm Street Join in the fun at the annual 12th Night Celebration! Free. For more information 203735-1908.

NOVEMBER 30

Cooking Demo: Say Cheese for the Holidays!

NOVEMBER 27 – DECEMBER 19

Holiday at the Farm Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave Celebrate the holidays at the Osborne Homestead Museum and learn about Connecticut agriculture and the legacy of Osborndale Farm! Each room will be beautifully decorated to the theme of “Holiday at the Farm”.

The holiday tours will run Tours will be offered Thursdays through Sundays from 10AM to 4PM. On

Fridays, December 4, 11, and 18, the museum will present “Twilight Tours” to show off the ethereal glow of the decorations from 4PM to 6:30PM. Connecticut Grown farm products will be available for purchase at the Connecticut Holiday Market in the Kellogg Environmental Center located behind the museum. The Holiday Market will be held on Friday, December 4 from 3PM to 7PM and Saturday, December 5 from 10AM to 4PM. Choose from a wide variety of products, including cheeses, CT Grown gift baskets, meat products (bison and beef), produce, soaps, spice kits, teas, and woolen products. Free. To register for group tours and for more information, please call (203) 7342513 or email donna.kingston@ ct.gov. Admission: Free.

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth Street For adults ages eighteen years and older. Stacey Ference of Savour Catering will offer participants some new recipes for their holiday entertaining, using everyone’s favorite ingredient-cheese. There will be samples of all demonstrated foods. Registration is required.

Admission: Free. For more information 203-736-1482.

DEC 8

Gingerbread Program 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth Street Catch a gingerbread man story, create a craft, and decorate a gingerbread man treat during this holiday program for families with children ages 4-10. There is no fee to attend and all materials will be provided. Free. Registration is required. For more information 203-736-1482.

Greenwich NOVEMBER 27 – DECEMBER 24

7th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop McArdle’s Florist & Garden Center, 48 Arch Street Join the fun as Santa and his reindeer arrive on Friday, November 27 at noon. Face painting, balloons, refreshments, and photos with Santa. The reindeer will make McArdle’s

20 Connecticut Living

Festive luminaries, outdoor fires, popcorn, roasted marshmallows, s’mores, hot cider, hot chocolate, holiday ornament crafts and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” all in CT’s oldest house. $8 adults, $6 seniors & students, $5 children (6-17), free under age 6.

Newtown DECEMBER 4

Tree Lighting

6:30 p.m.

The Christmas Tree lighting will take place at Ram Pasture. A fun, family and friends event. Free.

Shelton DECEMBER 13

NHSO Pops presents Holiday Extravaganza 3:00 p.m.

Shelton Intermediate School, 675 Constitution Blvd North Celebrate the holidays with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s soundtrack for the season at Holiday Extravaganza. Led by NHSO pops conductor Chelsea Tipton, this program will warm hearts and enchant listeners with music from The Nutcracker, Pachelbel’s Canon, Sleigh Ride, a

22nd Annual Train Show

Coming at You!

their home until Dec. 24rd.

Daily feeding times are 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. www. greenwichreindeerfestival.org

DECEMBER 5 – 6

7th Annual Greenwich Holiday Stroll Weekend ™ Saturday 10:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m.; Sunday 12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m.

Downtown Greenwich Shop, Dine, Save and Be Merry as you stroll downtown Greenwich

with family and friends to celebrate the 7th Annual Greenwich Holiday Stroll Weekend, December 5th and 6th.

Guilford DECEMBER 4

Firelight Festival 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Henry Whitfield State Museum, 248 Old Whitfield Street

November 19 - February 15 Don’t miss train artist Steve Cryan’s latest Locomotive Extravaganza!

26 Foot Model Train Display Children’s Interactive Layout

I SPY Discovery Game Original Art by Steve Cryan

Connecticut River Museum

67 Main Street, Essex, CT | 860.767.8269 | CTRIVERMUSEUM.ORG

www.connecticutliving.com 21

And nearby…

Christmas carol sing-along and more! Tickets: $35/$49. KidTix and Blue Star Tickets available. $10 student tickets w/ ID. The Shelton Pops Series is sponsored by RD Scinto KidTix and Blue Star Tickets are sponsored by Frontier.

For more information http://newhavensymphony.org

Stamford NOVEMBER 24

The Brian Setzer Orchestra: 12th Annual Christmas Rocks! Tour 8:00 p.m.

Palace, Stamford. 61 Atlantic Street Their highly anticipated first studio Christmas album in 10 years, “Rockin’ Rudolph,” will be released on October 16th, along with a special numbered and limited edition Deluxe Box Set, right in time for the holidays! https://palacestamford.org

NOVEMBER 28

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical Palace, Stamford. 61 Atlantic Street First airing in 1964, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER has become a beloved holiday classic. The musical will feature all the songs you want to sing along to! https://palacestamford.org

DECEMBER 6

KLOVE Christmas Tour 2015 7:00 p.m.

Palace, Stamford. 61 Atlantic Street, Stamford The Palace Theatre Celebrates

22 Connecticut Living

the season with KLOVE Christmas! Featuring:Jeremy Camp, Plumb, Chris August and Love & The Outcome. Enjoy a night of Christmas favorites as well as a few of the artists’ popular songs! Tickets www. palacestamford.org

DECEMBER 8

Heights & Lights Landmark Square & Latham Park 5:00 p.m.

From 22 stories high above downtown Stamford, watch and cheer for Santa Claus as he makes his daredevil descent, twisting and flying from the top of one of Stamford’s tallest buildings, Landmark Square. Then follow Santa up Bedford Street to Latham Park for an evening of holiday music and fun and join in the

countdown to the annual lighting of Stamford’s Holiday Tree.

DECEMBER 12

Handel’s Messiah, Stamford Symphony Orchestra Palace, Stamford. 61 Atlantic Street Enjoy the joyful Handel’s Messiah performed by the Stamford Symphony Orchestra. A classic not to be missed. Tickets: www.palacestamford.org

DECEMBER 19 & 20

CT Ballet’s The Nutcracker The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic Street The Nutcracker returns to the Palace when Brett Raphael’s celebrated production lights up the stage for four spectacular performances. Be dazzled by fabulous costumes, falling snow, the giant tree, and classical ballet at its best starring American Ballet Theatre principal guest artists. www.palacestamford.org for times and tickets.

Woodbridge NOVEMBER 27 – DECEMBER 24

Boy Scout Troop 63 Annual Christmas Tree Sale Behind the old Woodbridge Firehouse, Intersection of Newton & Center Roads, Woodbridge Weekdays: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Weekends: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Woodbridge Boy Scout Troop 63 is holding its annual Christmas tree sale. Located behind the old firehouse in Woodbridge on Center Road, the troop will

sell fresh balsam pine trees & wreaths beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving. Free local delivery and set-up is available.

E-mail Troop63wreathsandtrees@ yahoo.com or contact Sue at 203397-8104.

www.connecticutliving.com 23

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