A Holiday Favorite: Mattatuck Museum Is Preparing 16th Annual Festival Of Trees & Traditions

WATERBURY — The Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center is making preparations for the 16th Annual Festival of Trees and Traditions.

This year’s theme will be Main Street USA. The entire museum will be elaborately decorated with festive displays, decorated trees and wreaths, the Webster Bank Train Depot and more.

The festival will open on Friday, November 24, and will run through Saturday, December 3.

The annual festival has grown into one of the area’s best-loved traditions. Hundreds of school, community groups and volunteers decorate a tree, wreath or gift box to “deck the galleries.” Proceeds go to support community and educational programs at the museum.

The festival culminates with the holiday event of the season: the Festival Gala on Friday, December 1. This year’s theme “Silver Bells in the City,” will pay tribute to Hollywood movie classics from the 1940s and 1950s. the stars will come out for an evening of dancing to the Harold Zinno Jazz Quintet, an elegant sit-down dinner by Bay Leaf Gourmet, a silent auction and more. Tickets are available and cost $110 per person and $100 for museum members. Corporate tables are available at a special rate.

The festival opens on Friday, November 24, from 10 am to 4:45 pm. Festival Tree Trimming and Crafts for families and friends will take place all day in the museum courtyard. Museum visitors can enjoy hot cocoa and refreshments amidst the holiday cheer. Lunch with Santa will be a special day for families on Saturday, November 25, from 11 am to 1 pm. Elac’s Magic will entertain children and families.

A full magic show will also be offered on Monday, November 27, at 10 am.

Admission to the festival includes free entertainment every day.

Community and school groups are invited to tour the festival and enjoy the following fun and educational performances, each starting at 10 am. The Magic of Christopher, on Monday; Airborn Jugglers on Tuesday, who blend their expertise in juggling and comedy with a bit of wacky magic for an overall high-energy, high-impact show; Elac’s Magic on Wednesday; a special “What is Kwanzaa?” program on Thursday, featuring live music by Sounds of Afrika; and then a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk by Nappy’s Puppets on Friday, based on the Appalachian folktale and presented in four parts.

General adult admission is $8 for adults, $7 for members, and $5 for children under 12. Rates for groups of ten or more are available by calling the Education Office at 203-753-03781, extension 13. Festival admission includes access to the museum’s current exhibitions as well.

A special feature of this year’s festival is the opportunity to bring an unwrapped toy or game and receive $1 off admission on Friday, November 24, or Saturday, November 25.

For more information about the 16th Annual Festival of Trees and Traditions, call 203-753-0381, extension 10 or visit www.MattatuckMuseum.org.