The season of fun has arrived. So here’s a list of upcoming holiday events to get you in the holiday spirit, including Meriden Yulefest, Bright Lights Christmas Festival, and the 2023 Wallingford Community Christmas Dinner.
bright lights christmas festival, December 1st from 5:30pm to 8pm, Southington Town Green: Lighting up the Town Green, a visit from Santa at the American Legion, a children’s train ride on the Polar Express, Mr. Magic and other entertainment on the mobile stage, and more. , enjoy free family activities. Candy cane hunt on the green.
“The Nutcracker,” Bushnell Performance Arts Theatre, 66 Capitol Ave., Hartford, Dec. 1-3 from 7-9 p.m. (sensory-friendly performances Dec. 3 at 11 a.m.): Ballet Theater Company’s popular Enjoy performances of holiday classics.
Holiday Historic Home Tour, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 538 North Main Street, Wallingford: Colonial, Victorian, and Gilded Age historic Wallingford fully decorated for the holiday season. Enjoy 4 beautiful houses. Gingerbread creations will also be on display at the Nehemiah Royce House.
santa brunch, Every Saturday and Sunday from December 2nd to 17th (times vary) at Ryman Orchards Golf Course: Enjoy a meet-and-greet brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
holiday carnival, Dec. 2, noon to 4 p.m., Old Mystic Village in Mystic: Santa meets the pups on the green, Santa’s workshop, village carolers, and a brass band playing holiday favorites. Enjoy a special holiday celebration featuring:
Village Christmas 2023, Main Street Village, South Meriden, Dec. 2 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: South Meriden Festival Inc.’s 25th Anniversary Christmas Featuring Santa Parade, Ugly Sweater Contest, Hanover School Chorus, Tree Lighting Parade, and More Please enjoy at Village. Also featured are Frosty, Rudolph, Santa’s elves and a wandering princess.
Jingle and Mingle Holiday Celebration and Fundraiser; Dec. 3 and 17, 1:00-5:30 p.m., VFW, Wallingford, 23 Prince Street: Enjoy a free holiday celebration while raising money for local charities. The first 50 attendees will receive free vendors, music, photos with Santa and swag bags.
Downtown Holiday Stroll and Luminaria, Dec. 5, 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Historic Downtown Mystic: Decorated streets of Historic Downtown Mystic and carolers who rejoice in the Christmas spirit as Santa visits the Noank Library fireplace on the second floor. Enjoy the sound. In addition, at shops that are open until late at night, you can get an early start to your holiday shopping while enjoying sweets such as mulled cider and cookies. It is free and open to the public.
Meriden Yulefest, December 9th from 3pm to 7pm, December 10th from 11am to 5pm, December 11th from 11am to 3pm, 24 Colony Street, Meriden: Outdoor Family Friendly. Activities, music, local street performers, food trucks, vendors, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus come to town by train.
Candle Festival of Lessons and Carols, Dec. 10, 3 p.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church, 679 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford: Enjoy this long-standing tradition featuring St. John’s adult and youth choirs. Scott Lumlein, choral conductor; and organist Floyd Higgins.
Wallingford Garden Club 35th Annual Holiday Tea and Decor Exhibition; Dec. 12, 1-3 p.m., 200 N. Main St., Wallingford: Enjoy creative holiday decorations and homemade sandwiches and sweets designed by the Wallingford Garden Club.
Wallingford Garden Club 35th Annual Holiday Tea and Decor Exhibition; Dec. 12, 1-3 p.m., 200 N. Main St., Wallingford: Enjoy creative holiday decorations and homemade sandwiches and sweets designed by the Wallingford Garden Club.
2023 Wallingford Community Christmas Dinner, Dec. 25, noon to 2 p.m., First Congregational Church of Wallingford, 23 S. Main St., Wallingford: Celebrate the holidays with a free home-cooked holiday meal with dessert. Meals will be delivered to your home (please order in advance). For pre-orders or questions, please contact us at 203-514-8883 or WallingfordCommunityDinners@gmail.com.
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