November 21, 2008

Get Into The Holiday Spirit With Some Great Connecticut Events This Weekend

With Thanksgiving and Christmas quickly approaching, why not get into the Holiday spirit with a great offering of Connecticut events? Friday, help children who are less fortunate make their Christmas wishes come true by attending the Secret Santa Charity Event at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets in Clinton. Provide gifts for needy Connecticut children using the Dear Santa letters they've written that otherwise might go unanswered. On Sunday don’t miss the UBS Parade Spectacular in Downtown Stamford. One of the largest helium balloon parades in the country, it features everyone’s favorite giant balloon characters, award-winning marching bands and fabulous floats. On Saturday, make your way to Waterbury to enjoy Greek culture and cuisine at the Mini Holiday Greek Food Festival. Join the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church as they celebrate the holidays with music, food, and traditional Greek dancing. Saturday and Sunday make a day out of a trip to the The Magic of Christmas: A Holiday Celebration at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme. Enjoy lavishly decorated trees, the iconic Miss Florence’s Artist Tree and charming decorations in the Griswold House that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.

More Weekend Excitement!

Giant Balloon Inflation Party , Stamford (203) 355-0300
Join in the preparation for the Parade Spectacular (Nov. 23) by inflating giant helium balloons. Get a backstage look at one of the largest helium balloon parades in the country. The party includes food and entertainment and will take place Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m.

Christmas at Hunt Hill Farm, Litchfield Hills (860) 868-0518
Visit Hunt Hill Farm this weekend for some seasonal fun. View the farm’s 26 foot wondrous Christmas tree in the Silo Gallery and enjoy holiday shopping while looking for that special gift for loved ones. The farm offers unique crafts and ornaments, holiday foods, and much more. The Festivities will be happening Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fantasy of Lights , New Haven (203) 777-2000
Be one of the first to drive through an enchanting land of sparkling and spectacular holiday light displays that are sure to delight children and adults of all ages. The great spectacle will be held at Lighthouse Park and will start Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

These highlights represent just a sampling of the many exciting events taking place across Connecticut this weekend. For more information about these and other entertaining activities, click on Specials and/or Events. If you are a Connecticut resident, remember to take advantage of the "Fall into Connecticut" Staycation program. Choose from more than 220 participating attractions, lodgings properties, restaurants and shops offering discounts and special values.

This Weekend in Connecticut
November 21, 2008

BETHEL
November 23 – Holiday Prelude Concert – St. Mary Church, 24 Dodgingtown Road (Rt. 302), Bethel, CT 06801. Time: 3 p.m. Presented by the Connecticut Master Chorale, music with brass ensemble and steal drums, spirituals, gospel, multi-cultural numbers, lullabies and other festive selections. Admission: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Phone: (203) 743-0473

NEW LONDON
November 22 – The Spencers: Theatre of Illusion – Garde Arts Center, 325 State Street, New London, CT 06320. Time: 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. Having earned the reputation as one of the most highly regarded magic acts in the business, Cindy and Kevin Spencer have entertained audiences throughout the United States and around the world with one of the most successful touring illusion shows in the nation. Admission: $15 - $26. Phone: (860) 444-7373

WETHERSFIELD
November 22 – Eighth Annual Wethersfield Antique Show – Pitkin Community Center, 30 Greenfield Street, Wethersfield, CT 06109. Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This show promises to be a great way to start the holiday shopping season. Sponsored by the Wethersfield Historical Society the event showcases 45 dealers offering quality 18th and 19th Century antiques in room settings. Admission: $7. Phone: (860) 529-7656

WESTPORT
November 22 - 23 – Westport Creative Arts Festival – Staples High School, 70 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880. Time: Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 pm., Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Stunning handcrafted items will be offered by a wide variety of artisans. Kids' corner to include Arts and Crafts: Old and New Section. Be a part of this great weekend that will donate net proceeds to charity. Admission: Adult weekend pass $9, seniors $6, children under 12 free. Phone: (203) 222-1388

HARTFORD
November 21 – 23 (Thru Dec. 14) - “Young Americans” - Amistad Center for Arts & Culture at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06106. Time: Fri. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Take a trip to the Amistad Center for Arts & Culture to see artist Sheila Pree Bright’s exhibit on Generation Y. The exhibit consists of photograph images of participants of Generation Y illustrating their perceptions of America and how they see it while posing with the American flag. Admission: Museum Admission. Phone (860) 838-4133