It’s a magical time of year on the Shoreline and we don’t want you to miss a trick! We’ve compiled all of our most popular, need-to-know holiday info into one digital, mobile-friendly, downloadable, and shareable magazine.
You’ll find round-ups of our favorite holiday events, festive shops, teas and treats, and lots of local gifts to keep our hometown businesses thriving.
Click on the links or photos throughout to discover more about the featured shops, restaurants, happenings, and creators.
Wishing you a wonderful season, Erica
About The E List
Erica, Laura, and the team have been shouting out the best of the CT Shoreline since 2008. Our 25,000 loyal subscribers depend on The E List newsletter and website to plan their lives on the Shoreline.
Who makes a stunning floral arrangement?
Where’s the best gift shop? What’s the go-to cocktail bar?
We announce the sales and events that matter, must-have items of the season, and tell you where to eat and what to do this weekend.
Whether you’re new to the Shoreline or a long-time follower, we hope you enjoy our Guide to the Holidays, which has everything you need to know to make the best of the season.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter about the best of the Shoreline below. It’s free!
Holiday Happenings
A round-up of festive things to do every day (and night) of the season
The E List’s Girls’ Night Out in Guilford, 12/11: Our signature event: Drinks, Discounts and Dinner! Take 20% off in over 20 participating shops in Guilford!
Artistry at the Guilford Art Center – 11/14 –1/11/26: Celebrate creativity and community at this Holiday Expo, showcasing hundreds of handmade gifts and artisan works, each crafted with care and perfect for holiday giving.
Deck the Walls at Lyme Art Association, from 11/14 – 1/1/26: Shop artfully this season! This juried show features original, giftable works by local artists, perfect for adding a creative touch to your holiday giving. Opening reception 11/23 from 2 – 4pm.
White Christmas at the Goodspeed – East Haddam, from 11/24 – 12/31: Make your season sparkle with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas! Tap your toes, hum along, and fall in love with this dazzling musical filled with laughter, romance, and timeless holiday tunes!
Playhouse Holiday Jamboree – Ivoryton, from 11/20 – 12/21: Experience pure Christmas magic at Ivoryton Illuminations. Enjoy a petting zoo, elf scavenger hunt, Santa’s grand arrival, and one of Connecticut’s largest living Christmas trees, dancing lights and all.
Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair at Ray of Light Farm – East Haddam, 11/25: Ho-ho-horses!
Visit Ray of Light Farm for Santa, wagon rides, handmade gifts, and holiday fun with Mr. Beans the donkey and Valentine the peacock.
Beat the Butterball Blues at TreeTrails –Mystic, 11/28: Shake off that turkey coma and climb into adventure! TreeTrails’ Black Friday Glow Night brings zip-lining fun, fresh air, and festive lights for the whole family.
Chester Holiday Market, Sundays 11/3012/21, Peruse a festive array of vendors selling everything from cheese to pottery and skincare to coffee and much more in Downtown Chester.
Next Stop Santa at Shoreline Trolley Museum – East Haven, Weekends 11/28 –12/21: All aboard for holiday magic. Ride a festively decorated trolley to meet Santa, sip hot cocoa, explore holiday displays, and make memories that sparkle at the Shore Line Trolley Museum.
Winter Nights at Stone Acres Farm –Stonington, 11/28 – 1/1/2026: Savor the season at the Winter Nights pop-up. Enjoy a four-course farm-to-table feast, festive drinks, and cozy fireside ambiance all through the holidays. Make your reservation.
Holiday Tours at Gillette Castle – East Haddam, 11/28 – 12/21: Step into the magic of the season at Gillette Castle. Twinkling lights, festive décor, and a dash of mystery await inside this storybook stone mansion overlooking the Connecticut River. Don’t miss it.
Miracle on 34th Street at the Schubert – New Haven, 11/29 & 11/30: Believe in the magic of the season with Miracle on 34th Street! A heartwarming holiday musical filled with wonder, laughter, and the timeless reminder that faith makes the impossible possible.
Holiday Magic at Flo Gris Museum – Old Lyme, 11/29/25 – 1/4/2026: Celebrate the season at the museum’s dazzling holiday display! Marvel at 250 artist-created palettes, vintage 1910 décor, festive teas (make reservations) and the holiday shop.
Home for the Holidays at the Kate – Old Saybrook, 12/1: Kick off the season in style with a star-studded night featuring Peabo Bryson, Sheena Easton, Ruben Studdard, and Ilya Serov performing holiday favorites and timeless hits.
Scrooge and Marley at Legacy Theatre, Branford, 12/3 – 12/14: Go behind the legend with Scrooge and Marley, a delightful new musical prequel to A Christmas Carol that celebrates friendship, forgiveness, and the joy of the season. Click for tickets.
A Christmas Carol at Wadsworth Mansion –Middletown, 12/4: Step inside the story with the East Haddam Stage Company. A Christmas Carol comes alive at the Wadsworth Mansion in a 90-minute immersive adventure filled with spirits, song, and holiday magic. Follow Scrooge, if you dare. Get tickets.
images for holiday things to do
Old Saybrook Starlight Festival, 12/6: Gather in Old Saybrook for the Starlight Festival and enjoy a day of seaside cheer, the Heroes Tree Lighting on December 5, and cozy weekend dining specials throughout town. Click for full details.
Lantern Light Village at Mystic Seaport, timed entry on various days in December. Enjoy old-fashioned holiday magic featuring music, lanterns, fires, and festive cheer as Mystic Seaport transforms into a Dickens-inspired winter wonderland. Click for dates and tickets.
Niantic Light Parade, 12/13 from 6 – 8pm: Be dazzled as the 37th annual Niantic Light Parade rolls through downtown Niantic. Don’t miss New England’s largest and longest-running holiday spectacle, bursting with lights, music, and merriment!
Feast of Seven Fishes at Shipwright’s Daughter, Mystic, 12/14: Dive into tradition at The Shipwright’s Daughter. Chef David Standridge’s Feast of the Seven Fishes celebrates the sea with seven dazzling courses of coastal flavor, festive spirit, and James Beard–worthy flair. Click for reservations.
The Nutcracker at The Garde, 12/13 & 12/14: The holidays wouldn’t be the same without The Nutcracker at The Garde! Eastern CT Ballet and Boston Ballet dancers unite for a breathtaking performance that captures the spirit of the season. Get tickets.
Annual Holiday Train Show at CT River Museum, 11/21/25 – 2/1/26: The holidays roll in with Steve Cryan’s incredible model train exhibit at the Connecticut River Museum, a festive, family-favorite tradition of tracks, twinkles, and tiny-town magic.
2025 Holiday Festivities at The Shops at Yale: All season long, The Shops at Yale shine with holiday cheer—tree lighting, Santa stories, carolers, ice carving, and pop-ups make New Haven merry and bright! See all the events.
Photo: Lyme Academy of Fine Art
Photo: Florence Griswold Museum
Award-winning luxury wellness, beauty, and fitness boutique studios with premier, custom expertise and unrivaled amenities to strengthen and treat your mind, body, and spirit.
ESSEX VILLAGE 10 Main St., Essex, CT 06426 (860) 662-4866
IVORYTON 57 Main St., Ivoryton, CT 06442 (860) 767-7770
757 Boston Post Rd., Madison, CT 06443 (203) 421-2761
Local Gift Guide
We’ve scoured the Shoreline for the best gifts for everyone on your list
Areaware Serving Friends, Company, Ivoryton,
Big Bottle of Bubble Bath, Creations, Madison, $26
Fair Isle Ceramic Mug, Grace, Niantic, $17
Paper Party
The Hosting Ivoryton,
Areaware Kitchen Timer, The Hosting Company, Ivoryton, $48
Buy One Plant One Northern Lights Fire Starters, Creations, Madison, $21.95
Saybrook Home: A handy roll of cotton cocktail napkins, $62
Party Crowns, Hosting Company, Ivoryton, $24
Harley & Marley, Essex, Nutcracker
Three different scents are stacked in this Palo Santo candle from our favorite Brooklyn Candle Studio, Homeward, Madison & Essex, $42
Quilted Throw, $50
Hound House Holiday Scented Candles Made in CT, Wm Cole, Stonington, $45
Flutterby, Guilford: It’s the year faux fur. Vest and Jacket,
Men’s
Plaid, quilting and fleece? This season celebrates New England!
Saybrook Home: Bust out a fanciful jacket and wear it to every single holiday party, Vineyard Vines, $395
A plaid cashmere scarf is forever. Saybrook Home, Old Saybrook, $88
Gentlemen’s Social, Guilford: We’re from the East Coast, let’s brag about it, $60
J. Horton, Madison: A cool toolbox to encourage organization, $160
Gentlemen’s Social, Guilford: This quilted number from Untuckit has a warm insulated lining, $148
Three Store, Handmade (locally) equally good
Two
Store, Westbrook: (locally) fishing lure, good as an ornament,
Pearls & Plaid, Old Saybrook & Niantic: The girls will be stealing this fleece-lined buffalo plaid shacket, $89
Gentlemen’s Social, Guilford: Guys need skin care and good shampoo, too. Shampoo & Conditioner, $22, Body Bar, $18
Saybrook Home: The softest, coziest already-broken-in flannels by Frank & Eileen, $258
Azalea, Niantic: Sturdy but elegant leather gloves, $175
Willow & Birch, Niantic: Aqua del Elba: Fresh Italian scents from a Tuscan island bringing together florals, citrus and the sea, from $78
J. McLaughlin, Essex: essential layering vest, $228
Kids
A few ideas for your favorite tots
Acoustic or Electric (!) Kid-sized Guitar, Bowerbird, Old Lyme, $149 - $219
Wooden Car Glider Track, Grace & Haven, Essex, $42
Ski Goggle Beanie, Grace & Haven, Essex, $34
Make Your Own (created in CT!) Madison, $39
Own Restaurant Kit
CT!) Available at Folklore Flowers, $39
Cuddle & Kind Hand-knit Doll provides 10 meals to kids in need for each purchase.
Azalea, Niantic, $85
Holiday Camper Van, Willow & Birch, $69.95
Hanukkah Board Book, Just Hatched, $5.99
Sweater and Hat, Junk To Junque, Madison $52
Lego Christmas Tree, The Bowerbird Lyme, $69.99
Monster Bubbles, J. Horton, Madison, $8
Set of High-Contrast Fine Art Books for Baby, Azalea, Niantic, $39.95
Castle Block Set, Azalea, Niantic, $195
Jelly Cat Bunny, Just Hatched, Guilford, $50.95
Strolls & Tree Lightings
Bundle up and head to the Shoreline’s charming villages, where twinkling lights, Santa sightings, and cheerful carolers set the scene for the season
Olde Mistick Village Holiday Light Spectaular – Mystic, through 1/31/26: Get your sparkle on and wander through over half a million twinkling lights, sip, shop, and soak up the magic nightly at New England’s brightest (and free) tradition.
Stonington Lobster Trap Tree at Stonington Town Dock from 11/22 – 1/4/2025: Experience this sparkling seaside masterpiece honoring the town’s fishing roots and making the perfect backdrop for your holiday photos.
22nd Annual Niantic Holiday Stroll on 11/29, 12 Noon – 6pm: Shop small, eat big, feel merry! The stroll features local deals, giveaways, and festive bites from the Food Truck Court to get you into the sprit.
Ocean House Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, 11/29, 4:30pm: Santa’s trading his sleigh for a firetruck! Enjoy Ocean House’s beloved tree lighting with cocoa, cookies, fireworks, and festive cheer by the sea. Bring a toy to share the joy!
Christmas in East Haddam Village, 12/2, 5:30 – 8:30pm: Be there when Santa flies into Goodspeed Airport then enjoy the tree lighting, carols, tasty bites from Twin Beaks, and festive photo ops.
Downtown Mystic Holiday Stroll & Luminaria, 12/2, 5 – 7:30pm: Experience the magic of Downtown Mystic! Enjoy carolers, Santa’s grand stroll, late-night shopping, and sweet treats as the streets glow with holiday cheer. Free and open to all!
New Haven Tree Lighting & Holiday Village on 12/4, 5:00pm: The Elm City shines bright! Enjoy the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Santa and Mrs. Claus, local gifts, and weekend-long festivities at the Holiday Village on the New Haven Green.
Stonington Village Holiday Stroll on 12/5, 5:30pm: Kick off December in Stonington! Join the tree lighting, community carol sing, and Santa’s visit in Wadawanuck Square, followed by the beloved holiday stroll down Water Street.
Guilford Tree Lighting on 12/5: Grab mittens and get ready for magic on the Guilford Green as the tree lights sparkle, Santa arrives, and joyful tunes fill the green. It will be a festive kickoff you won’t want to miss.
First Friday in Chester on 12/5, 4 – 9pm: Celebrate First Friday in style! Chester’s merchants roll out festive menus, new art shows, live music, and merry shopping vibes throughout the village.
Ivoryton Illuminations, 12/6, 5:30 – 8:00pm: Santa’s coming to Ivoryton! See the village glow with thousands of twinkling lights, music, and one spectacular tree, plus dazzling pixel displays for a magical night the whole family will love.
Old Saybrook Starlight Festival, 12/6: Gather in Old Saybrook for the Starlight Festival and enjoy a day of seaside cheer, the Heroes Tree Lighting on December 5, and cozy weekend dining specials throughout town. Click for full details.
Light up Deep River Vehicle Light Parade and Holiday Stroll, 12/6 3-7pm: Don’t miss the Vehicle Light Parade, tree lighting, Santa, shopping, and family fun. Register your festive wheels today and join the parade.
Lyme Academy’s 5th Annual Holiday Enchantment and Tree Lighting, 12/6, 3-5pm: Join the fun with live music, Santa visits, fire pits, s’mores, and hands-on holiday crafts with Lyme Academy artists, a festive afternoon of art, music, and merry memories!
Westbrook Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, 12/7, 4pm: Enjoy the parade, tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus, ice carving, s’mores, carriage rides, crafts, and cozy community fun.
Mystic Village Festival of Lights, 12/12, 4 – 10pm: Bask in the glow of thousands of luminaries while enjoying live music, treats, and holiday magic around every corner.
Niantic’s 37th Annual Light Parade, 12/13 from 6 – 8pm: Don’t miss New England’s largest and longest-running holiday spectacle, bursting with lights, music, and merriment!
Books We’d Love to Give and Get
Winter Homes: This gorgeous publication features stylish and contemporary residences that sit atop mountains, deep in valleys, and in forests, plains, and coastal regions. Homeward, Madison & Essex, $40
Let’s Party, Dan Pelosi, This best-selling author’s new cookbook includes 16 easy dinner parties. $35
The Ballad of Innes of Skara Skaill, By Faulkner Hunt: An old-fashioned adventure tale with family appeal by a local author, to be read aloud in front of the fire. $30
Dorie’s Anytime Cakes, Dorie Greenspan: Local author and beloved baker presents her 15th book! $35
Distinctly American: Houses and Interiors by Hendricks Churchill, RJ Julia, Madison, $75
The Art of Jacques Pepin: Jacques Pepin and RJ Julia have prepared a special edition of this curated collection of his favorite recipes and artworks in a cloth bound cover & cloth slipcase. $100.
The Bowerbird, Old Lyme, Watercolor Workbook: The Bowerbird has a rack full of watercolor and coloring books, paint by numbers and plenty of paint sets and colored pencils. $24.99
Just the Right Book! Adult, teen and child book subscriptions from 4 months to a year, handpicked by the team at RJ Julia.
Festive Shops
A slew of local shops pull out the stops for the holidays. If you need a little inspo, you’ll find it here.
Photo
Deep River Home, Deep River
A Modern General Store. Find an array of timeless, considered, and well-made essentials for the home from artists and artisans near and far in this converted barn in Deep River.
Saybrook Home, Old Saybrook
Inspirational themed trees (with so many baubles to buy) all over the store, plus genius gift ideas, clothes for men and women, and so much more make this a holiday destination must-see.
Pink Sleigh, Westbrook
An annual rite for local families, this seasonal cabin is stocked to the rafters with ornaments, trees and everything Christmas.
Harley + Marley, Essex
This newish shop in Essex is a holiday wonderland, stocked with velvet ribbons, plaid tablecloths and napkins, nutcrackers and so much more for your Ralph Lauren Christmas.
Wm Cole, Stonington
A whimsical shop with a great sense of humor helmed by the ever-cheerful Chelsea, we never leave here empty-handed. 862 Stonington Rd, Stonington.
Homeward Collective, Old Lyme & Madison
We love the curation of gifts, home goods, apothecary, and women’s clothing at this happy holiday shop.
Taken for Granite, Stony Creek
One of our perennial favorites for the holidays, you’ll find lots of decorating inspo, host/ess gifts, and likely a thing or two for yourself!
Azalea, Niantic
Always a delight for the holidays, the merchandising of giftable goods is masterful here.
Grace, Niantic
Spirited and well-priced, you can easily check everyone off your list at this holiday haven.
Guilford Art Center, Guilford
If you’re on the hunt for handmade, head here for goods from over 200 artisans.
Nora Murphy’s The LIttle Shop
Lille Shoppe
Saybrook Home
Azalea
Grace
Nora Murphy’s The LIttle Shop
Coffee and shoppe
Local Food Finds
In our opinion, consumables always make a welcome gift! Here are our favorites: 8 Nights of Candy Tasting Marketplace,
Spaghetti Dust: A blend of garlic, chilis and herbs for pasta (and everything!), Fromage, Old Saybrook, $10.99
& Raw
Algae Cooking Oil, Savour Cafe, Essex, $17.99
Fine
Chocolates, GG at Home, Niantic, $17
Delight
Tasting Cooked Marketplace, Essex, $32
Nightingale Honey from East Lyme, Azalea, Niantic, $22
Harth Hot Chocolate, Deep River Home, $15
Yiayia and Friends Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Chili Pepper, The Hosting Comapny, Ivoryton, $28
Truffle Parmesan & Black Garlic, J Horton, Madison, $10
Runamok Maple Syrup with Edible Sparkles, Fromage, Old Saybrook, $24.99
Milk Caramels Handmade in Vermont, Cooked Marketplace, Essex, $14
Goat
Hen & Heifer, Guilford, A box of 6 cream puffs, filled to order, $33
French Chocolate Advent Calendar, J Horton, Madison,
Glitter Mimosa, Harley & Marley, $17
Winter Survival Kit, The Hosting Company, Ivoryton, $25
$80
Apple Custard Cake
By Dorie Greenspan
Our favorite local cookbook author, renowned baker Dorie Greenspan’s new book, Dorie’s Anytime Cakes makes an excellent gift for bakers and non-bakers alike!
She’s shared a recipe with E List readers. Get the recipe here!
Illustrations by Nancy Pappas
Deck the Halls
Here are a few of our favorite spots for custom holiday trimmings, but don’t dally; these floral and decor designers fill up fast
Acer Gardens, Deep River
You’ll find acres of poinsettias and Christmas cacti, yards of greens, and piles of wreaths, plus handmade centerpieces, decor, and ornaments. Oh, and the elves here are awesome!
Outdoor Design & Living, Guilford
Looking for a table scape that will outlast the holidays? Outdoor Living’s dried arrangements are stunning.
Madison Flower Shop, Madison
A classic for decking your halls, from trees to wreaths to roping, and the inventory of trimmings is enormous.
Mar Floral, Old Saybrook
Mar.Floral’s magnificent wreaths are custom made to order, but don’t dally, she sells out! From $90 to $200. Call or stop in to order. 860.388.4670
Scott’s Farm, Old Saybrook
Pick out your tree, and they’ll attach the base, so all you have to do is drag it inside and stand it up! I stock up on roping and holly berries here.
Rustic Barn, Killingworth
Folks flock here for the enormous assortment of holiday trimmings, ornaments, decor, and well-priced gifts.
Village Herbery, Deep River
Christine is busy whipping up Magnolia wreaths that will last throughout the season. Find natural and repurposed gifts here, too.
The Hosting Company
Outdoor Design & Living
Pink Sleigh
Village Herbery
Van Wilgens, Branford
Pick up amaryllis, poinsettias and other holiday houseplants, fresh greens (garland, wreaths, planters), cut branch bundles (willow, winterberry, magnolia, juniper) and Fraser fir trees.
Riggios, Essex
Locals have relied on this garden center for decades. Pick out a fresh tree and sift through piles of of boxwood, juniper and lots of trimmings.
Ballek’s, East Haddam
An array of trees, roping, swags, ornaments in all varieties at this festive family farm.
The Hosting Company, Ivoryton
Instant decor with these vintage-inspired garlands and paper chain kits.
Mar Floral
The Hosting Company
Holiday Craft and Cooking Classes
DIY your holiday with this list of crafting and cooking classes
Grace & Haven Watercolor Workshop, 12/10 at 6pm - Paint a holiday scene inspired by coastal New England charm.
Mar Floral Centerpiece Workshop at Saybrook Home, 12/16 - Make a tabletop centerpiece made of fresh flowers, greens and other natural elements.
Wreath Making Workshops with Seed & Soil - Create your own holiday wreath with instruction and supplies from the duo behind Seed & Soil. Dates and locations announced on website.
Kitch French Holiday, 11/22 - Learn French classics like Tarte Flambé & Potato Leek Soup plus wine tasting in Mystic.
Grace & Haven Cookie Decorating Workshop, 12/2 with Sweet Pea & Poppy Cooking Co.
Tis the Season at Kitch - Fancy cookie decorating, decorate like a pro - Christmas Edition and ’Tis the Season, Christmas Desserts. Various Dates December 1 - 16.
Madison Beach Hotel Gingerbread Decorating Class, 12/9 & 12/16 - Decorate giant house-made gingerbread cookies. Wine included.
Best Wishes Holiday Cardmaking Workshop at Spectrum Gallery, 12/7 - Craft 6 unique Holiday cards using ink blending, die cutting paper pieces, and more.
Fall Floral Centerpiece and Wreath Workshops, Folklore Flower Co. in MadisonVarious dates in November and December.
Acer Gardens, Deep River, Holiday Container Workshop, 11/29-12/10 - Gather in the warm greenhouse to create your own seasonal container using poinsettia or fresh mixed greens, and much more.
Paper Flowers Studio: Amaryllis Bouquets at Yellow Farmhouse, 12/10 - Learn to transform crepe paper into lifelike amaryllis. Expert instruction and canapés.
Holiday Wreath Workshop Best Buds, 12/2, 12/6 - Make a chunky, lush evergreen wreath with local greenery and everlasting flowers in the barn.
Wreath Making White Gate Farm, East Lyme, 12/7 - Make a lasting wreath using evergreens, winterberries, the best pine cones, ribbons and more.
Weekend Kitchen : Holiday Wine and Small Plates Dinner, 12/13 - A holiday pop-up dinner with curated wine pairings and seasonal small plates.
, Cooking & Decorating Classes at The Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn, RI - Wreath making, ornament workshops, gingerbread houses at The Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn, Various dates.
Holiday Treats: Cookie Baking Workshop at Yellow Farmhouse, 12/6 - Mix, roll, cut, and decorate delectable treats in the historic farmhouse kitchen. All ages welcome!
Wreath Workshops at Outdoor Design & Living, Guilford - Create a festive balsalm wreath for your front door. Various dates.
Mood Music
There’s no better way to celebrate the season than with caroling, chorales and concerts.
Messiah Sing Along at The Kate – Old Saybrook, 12/21at 2pm – The Kate: Participate in the sounds of the season with a Kate holiday tradition. Open to all who want to sing-along, the Messiah Sing combines Cappella Cantorum’s professional soloists with a chorus of talented volunteers. Sit in the back and listen or sit down front and participate. Tickets $19
Yale Whiffenpoofs Sing for Shelter to benefit New London Homeless Hospitality Shelter at the Old Lyme First Congregational Church, 11/30 at 4pm. Reception after concert.
Musical Masterworks – Old Lyme, 12/7 at 5pm & 12/8 at 3pm – Old Lyme Congregational Church: Experience the brilliance of Edgar Meyer live. The legendary bassist-composer joins pianist Amy Yang for an unforgettable journey from classical to modern, spontaneous, masterful, and uniquely Meyer. A must-see performance. Tickets $45/$5 Students
Mystic Chamber Music Series: “A Christmas Carol - A Candle lit Concert””, 12/6 at 5:30pm The Mystic Chamber Music Series returns with another candlelit holiday concert, inspired by Charles Dickens’ beloved tale, A Christmas Carol.
Holiday Extravaganza with New Haven Symphony Orchestra Woolsey Hall, New Haven, 12/21 at 3pm. A holly jolly program of festive favorites, sing-along carols and seasonal surprises for the whole family.
Ireland with Michael: A Celtic Christmas at the Shubert, New Haven. 12/19 at 7pm. Emmy nominee Michael Londra, the Irish singer best known as the voice of Riverdance on Broadway and his hit PBS series “Ireland with Michael,” brings you Christmas from Ireland told in song, dance and the festive stories of his youth.
Winter Cabaret at The O’Neill – Waterford, 12/11 – 11/14: Warm up your winter with unforgettable nights of music and laughter! The O’Neill’s Winter Cabaret Series brings Broadway-caliber talent to the Barn, intimate, inspiring, and absolutely unmissable. Tickets $40+
Con Brio Christmas Concerts – Deep River, 12/12 at 7pm & 12/14 at 3pm – Valley Regional High School: Celebrate the season with a holiday concert featuring the Rutter Magnificat, and many of composer John Rutter’s best-loved carols, as well as traditional carol arrangements including audience participation. Tickets $40/$15 Students
Season’s Swingin’ Greetings at the Side Door Jazz Club – Old Lyme, 12/13: Get into the groove with Benny Benack III and his swinging quartet. This holiday jazz spectacular blends golden-age charm with fiery trumpet flair—one unforgettable night of rhythm and style. Tickets $50/$25 Students
Old Lyme Town Band – Old Saybrook, 12/17 at 7pm – The Kate: Nothing says the holidays like the Old Lyme Town Band playing some festive selections. This local force returns to the Kate to help the community ring in the holiday. Tickets $10
Holiday Hootenanny at the Garde Arts Center – New London, 12/18: Kick up your boots for a holiday hoedown. Old Crow Medicine Show brings bluegrass cheer, Christmas classics, and “Wagon Wheel” magic to the stage for one festive night of toe-tappin’ joy. Tickets $49+.
Interactive Family Concert – Old Lyme, 11/22 at 2:30pm – Old Lyme: Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library: Make some music with Musical Masterworks! This interactive family concert invites kids and adults to play, create, and compose together, exploring rhythm, sound, and gratitude in a joyful holiday celebration.
FREE
Cappella Cantorum – Deep River, 12/7 at 2pm – John Winthrop Middle School: Ring in the holiday season with Cappella Cantorum. Enjoy Bach’s Magnificat and festive favorites, plus a complimentary post-concert reception to celebrate.Tickets $16 – $35/$16 Students.
Savage Pianos Dueling Pianos on Black Friday at Madison Beach Hotel, 11/28 at 7:30. Cash bar and small bites. 21 + event.
Where to Eat Out on Christmas
Local restaurants that will feed you a feast on Christmas Day
Christmas Day Buffet Dinner at Saybrook Point, 12/25, 11am – 4pm: Celebrate Christmas Day with a joyful breakfast buffet at Fresh Salt. Gather with family, enjoy delicious seasonal dishes, and take in the beautiful water views. $119.95 per person/children are $59.95. View menu. Call to book: 860-3881111
The Wharf at Madison Beach Hotel offers a Holiday Dinner on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Menu. Reserve here.
Weekapaug Inn: Feast of the Fishes, 12/24, 5-8pm: A cherished tradition among ItalianAmerican families in our region, the Feast of the Fishes is a beloved Christmas Eve celebration, get ready for a festive experience that is anything but ordinary. Adults: $125, Children aged 4-12: $40. $50 pp deposit required. Reservations and menu here.
Ocean House, 12/24 and 12/25, 5:30-9pm: Celebrate the magic of Christmas with an enchanting evening at COAST. Ocean House’s culinary team has thoughtfully curated an elegant, seasonal menu that captures the warmth and spirit of the holiday. $175 per person. Reserve Christmas Eve here. Reserve Christmas Day here.
Ocean House: Christmas Brunch at the Bistro, 12/25, 8:00am – 3:00pm: Celebrate Christmas Day indulging in a delicious brunch, while listening to live jazz in the lobby, and enjoying unlimited sparkling wine with your buffet. Brunch. Adults: $110, Children aged 4-12: $55, Children under 3 $25, $25 pp deposit required. Reserve here.
Weekapaug Inn Christmas Brunch, 12/25, 9am - 3pm: Feast, laugh, and celebrate with Chef Gerardo’s irresistible family-style brunch, seasonal flavors, and warm holiday vibes. A festive celebration you won’t forget! Adults $85, Children 4-12 $38, children under 3 complimentary. Reservations and menu here,$50 deposit required.
Water’s Edge Dinner: 12/25, Starting at 5pm. Enjoy a decadent Prix Fixe Christmas Dinner at Dattilo Fine Italian. Preview their menu here. $99 per person. Make your reservation.
Holiday Teas
A cozy afternoon sipping tea and nibbling cucumber sandwiches? Yes, please!
Miss Florence Holiday Tea – Old Lyme: 12/2 – 1/4, Tues-Sun, Two seatings per day. Enjoy tea, tasty bites, and sweet delights from Gourmet Galley and admire the wintry charm of the Lieutenant River. Book your tickets. $45 (Members 10% off).
Holiday High Tea at Westbrook Inn Bed & Breakfast – Westbrook: Selected days in December. Sip, savor, and get cozy while enjoying finger sandwiches, sweets, and scones by the fire, a festive escape filled with warmth and charm. Click for dates and to make your reservation. $40
Old Lyme Inn Holiday Tea – Old Lyme: 12/20 and 12/27 at pm. Enjoy a tower of tea sandwiches, petite desserts, scones and more. 12/6 & 12/13, Tea with Santa, Afternoon tea and fireside visit with Santa. Tickets on sale here.
Winter Princess Holiday Tea at Madison Beach Hotel – Madison: 12/21, 2-4pm: Ring in the holiday season with this family friendly children’s tea! Little ones can don taffeta, patent leather Mary Janes, and fancy hats, or come dressed as their favorite princess for a festive, family-friendly experience. Reserve your tickets. $65/$225 Family 4-pack.
