The E List

An Excruciatingly Opinionated Guide to the Shoreline

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New Haven Restaurant Week

Downtown New Haven New Haven, CT

New Haven’s longest-running foodie event, New Haven Restaurant Week, returns November 5-10, marking the promotion’s 15th anniversary. The fall edition of New Haven Restaurant Week features 25 of the City’s most popular restaurants, representing eight vibrant neighborhoods throughout the city.

$25 – $55

Autumn Afternoon Tea at the Westbrook Inn

Westbrook Inn Bed & Breakfast 976 Boston Post Rd, Westbrook, CT, United States

Celebrate the beautiful Fall season with afternoon tea at Westbrook Inn! Make your reservation to enjoy a choice of three teas, a welcome sparkling cocktail, soup, assorted tea sandwiches, baked goods, macaroons and sweet treats.

$40

Fall Rug Event at Saybrook Home

Saybrook Home 2 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT, United States

Don't miss the Saybrook Home Semi-annual Hand-knotted Rug Event. Shop traditional, Oushak, Serapi, Gabbeh, Artisan and more in all sizes including runners.

Free

Independent Day School Fall Open House

The Independent Day School 115 Laurel Brook Road, Middlefield, CT, United States

Explore the Independent Day School Fall at their Fall Open House Open House in November to learn about the difference an IDS education can make.

Free

Shoreline Arts Trail Open Studios Weekend – by Shoreline Arts Alliance

30 studio locations in Branford, Guilford, and Madison

This November, don't miss Shoreline ArtsTrail Open Studios Weekend hosted by Shoreline Arts Alliance. This amazing weekend happens at various locations along the Connecticut shoreline at more than 30 studio locations in Branford, Guilford, and Madison.

FREE

November Open Trails

I-Park Foundation 428 Hopyard Road, East Haddam, United States

Experience the 40+ art installations on the grounds at iPark. Take a curated walk or follow your sense of adventure with a trusty map. Plus a scavenger hunt for all the kiddos with prizes and hot apple cider on hand!

Annual Chowder Dinner at the Lyme Public Hall

Lyme Public Hall 249 Hamburg Road (Rt. 156), Lyme, CT, United States

It's chowdah time! Enjoy the annual Lyme Public Hall traditional Chowder Dinner featuring hearty homemade clam and corn chowders, sides, homemade apple crisp with Salem Valley Farms ice cream.

$20

Guilford Yacht Club Bridal Show & Open House

Guilford 379 Whitfield Street, Guilford, CT, United States

Getting married? Don't miss the Guilford Yacht Club's first annual bridal show in November featuring curated best-in-industry vendors that can make your wedding what you've always dreamed it to be.

Just Hatched Holiday Shopping Event

Just Hatched 112 State Street, Guilford, United States

Are cute outfits for your kiddos on your shopping list? Join Just Hatched on Thursday, November 16th for their annual in-store holiday shopping event.  They will have extended hours, storewide discounts, tasty treats and MORE.

“Welcome to the Craft” offered by House of the Triple Moon

House of the Triple Moon 1 N Main Street, Unit 4, Essex, CT, United States

House of the Triple Moon in Essex will be offering "Welcome to the Craft" -- a beginner Witchcraft Class for Adult Practitioners & Magick-Curios Folk.

$25.00

Joseph Ribkoff Spring 2024 Trunk Show at the Dressing Room Boutique

The Dressing Room Haus 7 South Elm St, WALLINGFORD, CT, United States

Have a big event coming up in 2024? The Dressing Room Boutique is excited to host the Joseph Ribkoff Spring 2024 Collection at their Wallingford location. Shop for Mother of the Bride (and Groom), showers, rehearsal dinners, vacation, work events and more.

Free

Art After Dark at Lyman Allyn

Lyman Allyn Art Museum 625 Williams Street, New London, CT, United States

Get ready for Lyman Allyn’s Art After Dark event combining art and entertainment on November 17 featuring open galleries with drop-in style art workshops, live DJ, triva hunt, food for purchase and more.

$25

Soul + Cedar Grand Opening!

Soul + Cedar 40 Wall Street, Madison, CT, United States

Celebrate the Grand Opening of Soul + Cedar a women's lifestyle boutique in Madison. Enjoy complimentary cocktails, seasonal wine varietals, exciting giveaways & more!

A Conversation with Peter Trippi at Lyme Academy of Fine Arts

The Lyme Academy of Fine Arts 84 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States

Peter Trippi, Editor-in-Chief of Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine will present an engaging conversation at Lyme Academy of Fine Arts in November followed by an exhibition and preview reception.

$100

ECSO November 18 Concert: Dvořák & Bartók

Garde Arts Center 325 State Street, New London, CT, United States

Get classical with Dvořák and Bartók at the Garde Arts Center featuring the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra on November 18th.

$12 – $65

“Soup for Good TO GO” To Benefit Guilford Art Center and Guilford Food Bank

Guilford Art Center 411 Church Street, Guilford, CT, United States

Help support two important shoreline non-profit organizations at the annual Guilford Art Center Soup for Good TO GO event on Sunday, November 19, 2023. This popular fundraiser, which benefits Guilford Art Center and the Guilford Food Bank, offers a delicious meal to go and the opportunity to choose a handmade bowl created by a GAC

Black Friday at Grace

Grace - Niantic, CT 46 Pennsylvania Ave, Niantic, CT, United States

Gear up for an unforgettable Black Friday at Grace! Enjoy 31% off your entire order, whether you shop with in-store or online. Plus, be one of the first 50 purchases and receive an exciting free gift!

Free

Warm the Children Fundraiser class at Jazzercise in Old Saybrook

Jazzercise 186 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT, United States

On Thanksgiving morning at 8:00 am head to Jazzercise on 186 Main Street in Old Saybrook for their 35th annual Warm the Children Fundraiser class. The one-hour class is free with a monetary donation to Warm the Children! Wear workout clothes and sneakers.

Donation

Small Business Saturday + Borough Sip & Shop

Stonington Borough 20 High Street, Stonington, CT, United States

Stonington Borough is kicking off the holidays on Small Business Saturday, November 25th, with the Find the Buoy Holiday Scavenger Hunt, a holiday market at Cove Ledge, shopping, and of course, lunch.

FREE

Small Business Saturday at Grace

Grace - Niantic, CT 46 Pennsylvania Ave, Niantic, CT, United States

Celebrate Small Business Saturday with at Grace on November 25th!  Enjoy an exclusive 20% off your entire purchase! As an extra treat, stop by during the Niantic Holiday Stroll from 3-7 pm for complimentary hot cider. It's a day to support local and savor the festive spirit at Grace!

Free

Afternoon Tea with Santa at Old Lyme Inn

Old Lyme Inn 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States

Get your Christmas list ready because SANTA IS COMING to the Old Lyme Inn to kick off the Holiday Season. Meet Santa fireside before or after your reservation.

$25 – $40

Connecticut River Museum’s Trees in the Rigging

Downtown Essex Main St, Essex, CT, United States

Trees in the Rigging is back and bigger than ever! Join the Connecticut River Museum for a full day of festive fun! In collaboration with the Essex Historical Society and Safe Harbor Dauntless & Essex Island, the Connecticut River Museum is thrilled that the celebration is expanding!

Cyber Monday at Grace

Grace - Niantic, CT 46 Pennsylvania Ave, Niantic, CT, United States

Elevate your shopping experience from the comfort of your own home and enjoy a fabulous 20% off your entire online order on Cyber Monday, November 27th.

Free

Mahi Gold Sip & Shop

2 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 2 Main Street, Old Saybrook, Connecticut

The Mahi Gold ladies, along with Nikki Estephan, want to help you pick your holiday looks. Join them for a night of fantastic style, seasonal sips and great company on November 29th.

Holiday Sip n’ Shop at Bittersweet Bistro

Bittersweet Bistro 176 Route 81 (Clinton Road) Building Five, Killingworth, CT

Shop from many local vendors, while checking out the new Bittersweet Bistro in Killingworth! Vendors include soap and candles, handmade jewelry, pottery, baked goods, handcrafted salves, lotions, and oils, locally roasted coffee and artisanal teas. Gift boxes and baskets, stocking stuffers, and Bittersweet Farm’s ‘12 Teas of Christmas’ sets.

FREE

Stop the Bleed Class hosted by Lyme/Old Lyme Lions Club

Memorial Town Hall - Old Lyme 52 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT

The Lyme/Old Lyme Lions Club is hosting a FREE STOP THE BLEED® course to help you recognize life-threatening bleeding and intervene effectively. The person next to a bleeding victim may be the one who is most likely to save their life. Take this FREE course and become empowered to make a life or death difference

FREE

Friends of the Guilford Library Holiday Book Sale

Guilford Free Library 67 Park Street, Guilford, CT, United States

Give the Gift of Books! The Friends of the Guilford Free Library will ring in the season with their festive annual Holiday Sale in December. Shop carefully selected choices for readers of all ages as well as stocking stuffers.

FREE

Guilford Garden Club Boutique & Candlelight Walk

St George Church 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford, CT, United States

Select from beautiful handcrafted holiday wreaths, centerpieces, craft items, baked goods, and a raffle of a multitude of baskets at Guilford Garden Club's Holiday Boutique at St. George's Parish Hall. Don't miss taking a walk down Broad Street in Guilford to enjoy viewing wreaths made by members hung on the doors of homeowners.

2023 Mystic Garden Club Greens Sale

Union Baptist Church 119 High Street, Mystic, CT

Get into the holiday spirit -- you can find it all at Mystic Garden Club's Greens Sale. Shop traditional hand-made holiday greens, including wreaths, sprays, tabletop arrangements, and Christmas ornaments.

Holiday Shopping Extravaganza at Chester Meeting House

chester town meeting house 4 Liberty Street, Chester, CT, CT, United States

Don't miss the Fifteenth Annual Holiday Shopping Extravaganza at the charming Historic Chester Meeting House on December 1. Enjoy a festive evening of holiday shopping from over 25 local artisans. You will find something special for everyone on your list.

Free

Annual Stonington Village Stroll and Borough A-Glow

Stonington Borough 20 High Street, Stonington, CT, United States

On December 1st head to Stonington Borough for a tree lighting ceremony in Wadawanuck Square that includes community carol singing and a special visit by Santa!

FREE

TownieSwag Studio Pop-up Shop

Townie Swag Studio 31 Robin Lane, Killingworth, CT

Looking for hometown memories printed on pillows, tea towels, wine bottle bags, aprons, and more? Then don't miss the Second Annual Pop-Up Shop on the front porch of TownieSwag Studio in Killingworth. Close to 150 towns available.

Saybrook Starlight Festival

Main Street and Town Green Old Saybrook Main Street, Old Saybrook, United States

Say Old Saybrook for the holidays! On December 2nd stroll Main Street for horse-drawn wagon rides, the Stocking Walk, carolers, Heroes Tree lighting, extended merchant hours and restaurant specials including live music.

Musical Masterworks December Concerts

First Congregational Church of Old Lyme 4 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States

Beloved familiar and new masterworks and artists will be featured at Musical Masterworks' December concerts when they will welcome four new artists to the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme. The concerts will feature grand works by Dvořák, Bach as well as original works from Thurber and Lark.

$45

I-Park OPEN Studios & Holiday Cheer

I-Park 428 Hopyard Road, East Haddam, CT, United States

I-Park is celebrating the season with Holiday Cheer during the final OPEN Studios of the year on Sunday, December 3rd at 1:00 pm. You'll have a unique opportunity to take a look behind the scenes at this open-air, private studio incubator.

FREE

Cappella Cantorum Winter Concert

Valley Regional High School 256 Kelsey Hill Road, Deep River, CT, United States

Kick off your holiday celebration with festive performances at the Cappella Cantorum Winter Concert on Sunday, December 3 conducted by Simon Holt.

Mistletoe and Martinis to Benefit the Connecticut River Museum

Brushmill by the Waterfall 129 W Main Street, Chester, CT, United States

Celebrating it's 50th anniversary, Connecticut River Museum will host its highly anticipated annual holiday event, Mistletoe and Martinis on Wednesday, December 6th featuring a festive selection of martinis, delectable hors d’oeuvres, music and the chance to win a stunning piece of diamond jewelry from Becker’s Diamonds and Jewelers.

$85

Come Celebrate the Season with Artemisia

Artemisia 23 Lyme St Old Lyme CT 06371 23 Lyme St, Old Lyme, CT, United States

Celebrate the season at Artemisia with a special book signing of 'Connecticut Gardens' with Photographer Caryn B. Davis. Enjoy shopping interiors inspiration and gifts while enjoying holiday spirits and festive bites. 

FREE