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11/21/2018 07:00 AMFRIDAY, NOV. 23
Santa at the Museum: 10 a.m. to noon; 1 to 3 p.m. Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Includes holiday crafts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: Included with museum admission; free for children 12 and under. For info, call 860-434-5542 or visit www.florencegriswoldmuseum.org.
SATURDAY, NOV. 24
Small Business Saturday: All day. Downtown Madison. Features special sales, music, refreshments, Santa Billy, and special lunch menus at restaurants. For info, visit www.madisonct.com.
Annual Arrival of Santa Claus to the North Haven Shopping Center/Washington Commons: Noon to 3 p.m. 117 Washington Ave. Includes free hayrides, candy canes, and music. For info, call 203-239-4291.
East Haven Tree Lighting: 1 to 5 p.m. East Haven Town Green. Features music and dancing by local groups, district-wide PTO craft areas, s'mores area, bouncy obstacle courses, horse and cart rides, kiddie train ride, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, and raffles. Santa arrives at 2 p.m. by firetruck. For info, call 203-467-4305.
Mystic's Holiday Lighted Boat Parade: Santa arrives by tugboat to Mystic River Park, 28C Cottrell St., at 2 p.m.; Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m.; parade at 6:20 p.m. Boats parade down Mystic River and return to Mystic River Park. For info, visit www.mysticchamber.org.
Annual Tree Lighting & Parade: 6 p.m. Parade starts from Branford High School, followed by tree lighting on Branford Green. Non-perishable food donation benefits Branford Food Council. Rain date: Sunday, Nov. 25. For info, call 203-488-8304 or visit www.branford-ct.gov/parks.
SATURDAY, NOV. 24 AND SUNDAY, NOV. 25
Inaugural Holiday Craft Fair: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. American Legion Post 79, 43 Bradley Rd., Madison. Features handmade items from many artisans, baked goods, raffle baskets, jewelry, and many other items. Visit with Santa on Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon. All proceeds benefit Building Fund for the American Legion and its veterans. For info, contact 203-804-2693 or farrell.donna@gmail.com.
SUNDAY, NOV. 25
Trees in the Rigging Community Carol Sing & Boat Parade: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Lantern-lit carol stroll down Main St. starts at Essex Town Hall, 29 West Ave., at 4:30 p.m. and ends at the Connecticut River Museum. Features Sailing Masters of 1812 Fife and Drum Corps and antique cars. Bring lanterns or flashlights. Santa and his elves will visit with children on the lawn in front of the museum. Free admission. For info, visit www.ctrivermuseum.org.
THURSDAY, NOV. 29
New Haven Tree Lighting: 4 to 8 p.m. New Haven Green. Features petting zoo, rides, Santa, live entertainment, food trucks, Toys for Tots, and more. For info, visit www.infonewhaven.com/holidays.
FRIDAY, NOV. 30
Santa's Workshop & Fair: 4 to 6 p.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. For info, visit www.ci.guilford.ct.us.
Madison's Annual Tree Lighting: 6 p.m. Town Green. Features live entertainment, caroling, Santa Claus, cocoa, and cookies. For info, visit www.madisonct.com.
Guilford Holiday Tree Lighting: 6 to 6:45 p.m. Guilford Green. Cookies available at St. George Church Hall, 33 Whitfield St., after tree lighting. For info, visit www.ci.guilford.ct.us.
SATURDAY, DEC. 1
Ye Olde English Christmas Faire: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. First Congregational Church of Deep River, 1 Church St. Features gifts, baskets, homemade pies, cakes, sweets, knitted and crocheted items, toys and games for children, and photos with Santa. Country Kitchen offers seafood bisque, chili, and fresh-made bread. Reindeer Restaurant offers food. For info, call 860-526-5045 or visit www.deeprivercc.org.
Breakfast with Santa: 9 to 11 a.m. First Congregational Church, 110 Broad St., Guilford. Includes pancakes, sausage, beverages, and a photo with Santa Claus. For info, call 203-453-5249.
Christmas Fair: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. First Baptist Church of Branford, 975 Main St. Features arts and crafts, holiday greens, a cookie walk, baked goods, food gifts, jewelry, household accessories, Christmas room, tag sale, silent auction, door prizes, seasonal music, and Santa. Breakfast sandwiches available from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by hot dogs, chili, soups, and desserts. All proceeds benefit the people of Puerto Rico. For info, call 203-488-9777.
St. Andrew's Holiday Fair: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 232 Durham Rd., Madison. Features holiday decorations, bake sale including homemade chili and soup, cookie walk with gluten-free options, children's toy shop and crafts, food served all day, Santa, Elfie Selfie, novelty salt and pepper shakers, wreaths, attic treasures, books, and jewelry. For info, call 203-928-7483.
Christmas Fair: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Congregational Church in Killingworth, UCC, 273 Rte. 81. Features fresh and artificial wreaths, swags, and arrangements; a silent auction, large assortment of Christmas cookies, free children's Christmas activities, and Santa. Lunch will be served in the Christmas Café. For info, call 860-663-1789 or visit www.killingworthchurch.com.
Christmas Fair: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. First Church of Christ, Clinton, 55 Church Rd. Features craft vendors, children's shopping room, Christmas tag sale room, tea cup auction, homemade cookie booth, homemade soup, sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, beverages, raffle for queensized quilt made by the ladies' guild, Santa, and display of trains for children. Crafters wanted. For info, call 860-669-5735.
Christmas Fair: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Christ and The Epiphany Church, 39 Park Pl., East Haven. Features Santa, Connecticut-made craft items, fresh floral arrangements and wreaths, homemade canned goods, baked goodies, jewelry, books, raffles, and more. Free admission. For info, call 203-467-2310 or visit www.christandtheepiphany.org.
Santa Bruce Story Time: 10:30 a.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Free; registration requested. For info, call 203-245-3959 or visit www.rjjulia.com.
Tree Lighting and Caroling: 3 to 4:30 p.m. Parmelee Farm, 465 Rte. 81, Killingworth. Includes visit from Santa. For info, visit www.parmeleefarm.org.
Annual Tree Lighting: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Water's Edge Resort and Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Includes pictures with Santa, Christmas carolers, cookie decorating, letters to Santa, and complimentary Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee. Free admission. For info, call 860-399-5901 or visit www.watersedgeresortandspa.com.
Ivoryton Illuminations: 5 to 8 p.m. Ivoryton Village. Features carol singing, Santa's Grotto, a Holiday Bazaar, lighting of the states' largest living Christmas tree at 6 p.m., writing letters to Santa and cards to soldiers, Christmas crafts, elf scavenger hunt, activities at iCRV Radio, a petting zoo, music, Stuff-a-Cruiser to support Shoreline Soup Kitchens, and special events. Free parking. Lights on display through Jan. 5 and sync to music on 101.5 FM. For info, visit www.ivorytonalliance.org.
SATURDAY, DEC. 1 TO SUNDAY, DEC. 9
29th Annual Trees of Hope: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Long Wharf Maritime Center, 555 Long Wharf Dr., New Haven. Features more than 145 holiday displays and gifts donated by the community to be raffled off, holiday boutique, live music, and Santa. Free. Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut. For info, visit www.rmh-ct.org.
SUNDAY, DEC. 2
Annual Santa Celebration: Noon to 4 p.m. Downtown Madison. Features letters to Santa, hayrides, visits with Santa from 2 to 4 p.m., caroling, and firetruck tours. Hosted by the Madison Chamber of Commerce. For info, visit www.madisonct.com.
Christmas in Clinton: 1 to 6 p.m. Post Office Square to Liberty Green, East Main St., Clinton. For info, call 860-669-3889 or visit www.clintonct.com.
North Haven Tree Lighting: 2 to 5 p.m. Town Green. Features Minotti Music, Santa's workshop, cookie decorating, refreshments, face painting, and more. For info, visit www.northhaven-ct.gov.
Westbrook Tree Lighting and Parade: 4 to 6 p.m. Town Green. Festivities following parade include ice carving, s'mores bonfire, horsedrawn carriage rides around the green, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, crafts, performances, and refreshments. Free admission. For info, call 860-989-6591.
FRIDAY, DEC. 7
North Branford Annual Tree Lighting: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Augur Property, 290 Forest Rd., Northford. Features hot cocoa, cookies, marshmallow roasting, food trucks, hay rides, musical entertainment by Tabor Arts School, live ice sculpting, a visit from Santa at 7 p.m., petting zoo, and more. Free admission. Rain or shine. For info, call 203-484-6017 or visit www.nbparkrec.com.
SATURDAY, DEC. 8
Pancake Breakfast with Santa: 8 to 11 a.m. St. Mark Church, 222 McVeagh Rd., Westbrook. Features pancakes, sausage, coffee, tea, and juice, as well as photos with Santa for $3 and raffles. Cost: $8 for adults; $5 for children and seniors. Proceeds benefit Westbrook Project Graduation. For info, call 860-989-6591.
Story Time with Mrs. Claus: 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St. Best for children under 7. For info, contact 860-526-6039 or drplchildrensdept@gmail.com.
Christmas at the Bushy Hill Educational Farm: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Bushy Hill Nature Center, 253 Bushy Hill Rd., Ivoryton. Features games, arts and crafts, bonfire, hot coco, Santa, Animal Ambassadors, cookie decorating, raffles, and wine tasting. Cost: Suggested donation of $10 to $20 per family. Proceeds benefit farm. For info, visit www.bushyhill.org.
Holiday Stroll in Deep River: 5 to 8 p.m. Downtown Deep River. Features fire performer, carolers, tree lighting, Santa, and store specials. Free admission. For info, visit www.deepriverct.us.
SUNDAY, DEC. 9
Brunch with Santa: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Water's Edge Resort and Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Visit with Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Features the Connecticut Yuletide Carolers. Cost: $39 for adults; $22 for children under 10. For info, call 860-399-5901 or visit www.watersedgeresortandspa.com.
ONGOING
Holiday Light Fantasia: Runs Nov. 22 to Jan. 1. Open Sunday to Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Goodwin Park, 1130 Maple Ave., Hartford. Visit Santa on Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 5 to 8 p.m. Cost: $15 for cars of up to 10 passengers; $25 for limousines; $50 for mini buses of up to 30 passengers; $100 for full-size buses. For info, visit www.holidaylightfantasia.org.
Letters to Santa: Nov. 23 to Dec. 14. Children can write a letter to Santa and he will write a letter in return. Letters can be dropped off in the North Pole Mailbox at the North Haven Recreation Center with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. For info, visit www.northhaven-ct.gov.
Santa Special: Elf Academy: Runs Nov. 23 to 25; Dec. 1 to 2; Dec. 8 to 9; Dec. 15 to 16; and Dec. 22 to 23. Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, 1 Railroad Ave. Cost: $25 for coach tickets; $40 for first class car. For info, visit www.essexsteamtrain.com/seasonalexcursions/santa-special.
Santa's Trolley Winter Wonderland: First trolley leaves at 11 a.m.; last trolley leaves at 4:30 p.m. Runs weekends Nov. 30 to Dec. 23. Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. Trolleys leave every 20 to 30 minutes. Cost: $10 per person. Tickets available online and at the door. Reservations not accepted. For info, visit www.shorelinetrolley.org/special-events/santas-trolley-winter-wonderland.
Santa's Mailbox: Available Nov. 30 to Dec. 24 in front of Page Hardware & Appliance Co., 9 Boston St., Guilford. Children can mail letters to Santa and may receive a reply. For info, call 203-453-5267 or visit www.pagehardware.com.
Letters to Santa: Deadline is Dec. 10. Fill out children's information at Old Saybrook Parks & Recreation, 308 Main St., to be sent to the North Pole and Santa will write a letter to the child. Cost: $2. For info, visit www.oldsaybrookrec.com.
Calls to Santa: 5 to 6:30 p.m. from Dec. 11 to 13. Free. For info, visit www.branford-ct.gov/parks.
North Pole Hotline: Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Christmas elves will make calls on Wednesday, Dec. 12 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Only first 50 applicants will receive calls. For info, visit www.northhaven-ct.gov.
Write to Santa: Letters due by Dec. 15. Send letters to: General Delivery, c/o Santa Claus, North Pole, Branford, CT 06405. Free. For info, visit www.branford-ct.gov/parks.
Send us your letters to Santa (from children or adults) and it could be published in next year's issue of Holidays on the Shoreline! Send letters to e.shanley@shorepublishing.com.