Friends and family in town? We’ve rounded up a bunch of festive activities to keep you going through the weekend!

Artistry at the Guilford Art Center , 11/1 – 1/5/25: Over 300 fine American crafters, artisans and jewelers are featured at this celebrated annual sale. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10am-4:00pm and Sunday 12 Noon – 4:00pm.

Stonington Lobster Trap Tree at Stonington Town Dock, 11/23 – 1/5/2025: A visit to the Stonington Lobster Trap tree is a magical experience and provides unique photo opportunities. The artistic and architectural masterpiece on the Stonington town dock, paying homage to the town’s renowned fishing industry. Lit from 4:30pm to 9:30pm through January 4^th and from 4:30pm – 6:00pm on January 5^th.

Holiday Magic at Flo Gris Museum, 11/30 – 1/5/2025: Museum campus lights up for the holidays! Over 250 creative palettes designed by artists from across the country will be on display on magnificent trees. Miss Florence’s historic boardinghouse is decked for a 1910 holiday with opulent mantels and delightful décor in the period rooms. Museum is closed on Friday; sign up for a mindfulness event on 11/30: Forest Bathing Along the Artists’ Trail. $45

The Wizards of Winter at Garde Arts Center, 11/29 at 8pm: Join The Wizards of Winter on a musical journey in search of the meaning of Christmas.  Performing their Holiday Rock Opera “The Christmas Dream”, this ensemble includes members that have performed with The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Rainbow, Def Leppard, Alice Cooper, and other classic rock giants.

A 1940’s Radio Christmas Carol at Granite Theatre, 11/29 – 12/15: Enjoy the long-awaited sequel to the popular The 1940’s Radio Hour. It’s Christmas Eve, 1943, and the Feddington Players are now broadcasting from a hole-in-the-wall studio in Newark, NJ, and set to present their contemporary “take” on Dickens’s A Christmas Carol.

Winter Nights at Stone Acres Farm, 11/29 – 1/1/2025:  Enjoy the 4th season of “Winter Nights,” a holiday-inspired pop-up dinner series inside the historic Manor House at Stone Acres Farm.  The fire will be stoked, the Christmas Trees will be lit to make the house aglow for the holiday season.  The 85^th Day Food Community will present a multicourse menu inspired from the farm.

Tea with Santa at Old Lyme Inn, 11/30 : 11:30am – 2:30pm: Enjoy afternoon tea and a fireside visit with Santa. Reservations required, click on Afternoon Tea with Santa under Experiences.

Madison Beach Hotel Annual Bonfire & Tree Lighting , 11/30 at 4pm: Caroling, complimentary hot cocoa, hot cider and live holiday themed music. Registration encouraged. Stay for dinner after at The Wharf, reservations recommended.

21st Annual Niantic Holiday Stroll, on 11/30 from 12 Noon- 6pm: Enjoy store specials, sales and giveaways while shopping local this Small Business Saturday. Stop by the Food Truck court to warm up with delicious bites.

Holiday Lighted Boat Parade & Santa Arrives by Tugboat in Mystic on 11/30:  Santa Claus is coming to town and so is Mystic’s Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. Thousands gather at the Mystic River Park to watch Santa arrive at 2 pm on a 60’ tugboat.

New London’s Small Business Saturday, 11/30, 11am – 7pm: Check out the eclectic and cool scene of retailers, galleries, artisans, restaurants, and bars in New London.

New Haven Small Business Saturday, 11/30, 12 Noon – 3pm: Head to the Shops at Yale to enjoy free family friendly activities with fresh kettle popcorn & an ice carving demonstration at 1046 Chapel Street, strolling Yuletide Carolers, and more. In partnership with Market New Haven. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be located at B Natural Kitchen from 1:00-3:00pm

Ocean House Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, 11/30, 4:30pm: Ignite the Christmas Spirit at Ocean House’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christmas Village. Get in the sprit of giving and bring an unwrapped toy for their holiday toy drive. Reserve your dinner with Santa following Tree Lighting!

Trees in the Rigging, Essex, 12/1: Starting at Noon inside the CT River Museum, craft projects for kids, and enjoy a holiday fair on the North dock, plus the 31st Annual Train show. At 4:30pm you are invited to celebrate the season by participating in a lantern-lit carol stroll from Essex Town Hall to the Connecticut River Museum to watch the boat parade. Spectators are invited to bring their own lanterns or flashlights.

Harings Tree Lighting Party, Noank, Friday 11/29, 5pm, for the First Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Dock Party. All are welcome to kick off the 2024 holiday season with hot cider, live music and the lighting of the grandest tree in all of Noank! Enjoy dinner before or after!