Antiques Shows______

Saturdays (through mid-Dec): 39th Season Woodbury’s Famous Antiques & Flea Market, 787 Main St South (Rte 6, near Rte 64), Woodbury, 7 am-1 pm, 150+ vendors each week; 203-263-2841.

Sundays (through Dec): Elephant’s Trunk Country Flea Market, Rte 7, New Milford, 7 am-2:30 pm (early buying 5:45 am, $20), adm $1; 508-896-1975.

Dec 2: Wilton Holiday Antiques Show, Wilton High School Field House, Rte 7, Wilton, 9 am-5 pm (early buying 9 am, $20 adm incl breakfast), adm $10, 120 dealers in room settings, proceeds to benefit John G. Corr Memorial Award Fund; 203-762-3525.

Dec 9: 22nd Annual Antique Stocking Stuffers Show & Sale, Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Rd, Old Greenwich, 10 am-5 pm, adm $7, proceeds to benefit Friends of the Civic Center; 914-273-4667.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Hours: Mon-Thurs 10 am-8 pm, Fri 12-5 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 426-4533.

In Olga Knoepke Meeting Room (lower meeting room) — *(new show) Dec 6-13: “Introduction to Digital Photography,” photos by Abigail Hungaski, Matt Hess, Matt Marini, Kaylee Perrone & Rachel Wiberg, who recently completed a class led by Newtown Flagpole Photographers Club member photographers Anne Eigen & Jim Talarino; Dec 8, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

City Lights Gallery, 37 Markle Court, Bridgeport. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-5:30 pm, Sat 11 am-4 pm. Call 203-334-7748.

Through Jan 5: “Mini Masterpieces III,” small works for gift giving, all priced $200 or less.

Easton Public Library, 691 Morehouse Rd (at corner of Center St), Easton. Hours: Tues-Wed 10 am-8 pm, Thurs 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-3 pm. Call 261-0134.

Through Jan 10: “Reverse Glass Paintings by Milton Bond & Sue Bond,” collection of rare art form by father & daughter who have done commissioned works & have had their pcs shown around the world in major museums & collections.

Fenn Gallery of Contemporary Art, 345 Main Street/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Wed-Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-263-2821.

Through Dec 9: “Russia Revisited,” figurative paintings by Moscow artist Sveta Rumak, whose work is “a rich synthesis of modern visual vocabulary & medieval Russian iconography.”

Good News Café & Gallery, 684 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Mon & Wed-Sat 11:30 am-10 pm, Sun 12-10 pm. Call 203-266-4663.

Through Jan 8: “Wild,” paintings by Ridgefield painter & Newtown ceramic artist Marcia Taylor, who recently realized their artistic paths & materials parallel & complement each other.

Through Jan 8: “Roosters!,” recent works by Simsbury painter Susan Prentice featuring full-figure & profile views of a wide diversity of barnyard royalty.

Gregory James Gallery, 13 Main St (on the green), New Milford. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun & eves by appt. Call 860-354-3436.

Through Jan 13: “Small Treasures & More,” annual group exhibit offers 50+ works by Thomas Adkins, James Coe, Rick Daskam, Ralph Della-Volpe, Robert Ferrucci, Joseph Greico, Sonja Grineva, Woldemar Neufeld, Bill Rice, Dennis Stuart, et al.

Gunn Memorial Library & Museum, 5 Wykeham Rd, Washington Green. Hours: Thurs-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 860-868-7756.

Through Jan 1: “55 Years of Washington Art Association,” photos, documents, words, memories & art examine the history of Washington Art Assn.

Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd, Washington. Call 860-868-0518.

Through Dec 31: “The Venture Smith Site: Home of an 18th Century African Prince, Ex-Captive & Free Black American Merchant-Farmer,” collection of domestic, farming & mariner artifacts from recent excavations of Smith’s homestead (done under direction of IAIS’s Dr Lucienne Lavin) along w/ 3,000 yr old stone tools & pottery from an earlier Native American occupation of same property, offers preview of upcoming, more extensive exhibit being planned to focus on archaeology site & slavery in CT.

Through Dec 31: “Harmony In Play: Games and Toys of Native  toys that brought people of all ages together, taught cooperation, strengthened mind, Bond & spirit, and also served the sacred purpose of sending a message of thanks to the Creator.

Through Dec 31: “All Across America: Adaptation, Ingenuity and Artistry,” cultural items incl pottery, beadwork, textiles & basketry illustrating the adaptation, ingenuity & creativity of North American tribes as they began to embrace new materials of European settlers incl cotton, glass, beads & metal.

Knights of Columbus Museum, 1 State St, New Haven, Wed-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 203-865-0400.

*(new show) Dec 1-31: “Annual Christmas Tree Festival,” trees covered w/ ornaments & decorations all made by local schoolchildren.

Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St, Norwalk. Call 203-852-0700.

Through Jan 21: “Festival of Lighthouses,” sixth annual presentation of 24 model lighthouses decorated for the holidays by local artists & amateurs, visitors invited to vote for Viewers’ Favorite.

Savage Studio, 68 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. Hours: Fri-Sun 12-6 pm. Call 743-3000.

*(new show) Nov 30-Dec 23: “Holiday Show & Sale,” ceramic art of Phyllis Savage incl latest wood fired & glazed work & many selected items perfect for holiday gift giving or keeping.

Sculpture Barn (formerly Boyajian’s Sculpture Barn), 3 Milltown Rd (at Rte 39), New Fairfield. Winter hours: Sat-Sun 11 am-5 pm & by appt. Call 746-6101.

*(new show) Through Dec 23: “Member Artist Winter Show & Sale,” small & contemporary works created on site in steel, stainless steel, bronze & wood, also small collages, pastel prints & other original works on paper.

White Silo Farm & Winery, 32 Rte 37 East, Sherman. Hours: Fri-Sun 11 am-6 pm. Call 860-355-0271.

*(new show) Nov 30-Dec 16: “Quilts for Your Walls,” works by members of The Nutmeg Quilters Guild (incl Robin Thompson of Newtown), also showcase of works by Nutmeg’s sister guild, Kagoshima Quilters Assn in Kagoshima, Japan; Dec 1, opening reception, 1-4 pm.

Wisdom House/Marie Louise Trichet Gallery, 229 East Litchfield Rd, Litchfield. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm. Call 860-567-3163.

Through Dec 29: “The Spirit Within Me,” folk art by Norell Gudaitis of Opelika, Ala., who began painting at age 74.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven. Call 203-787-4284.

Dec 14-15: Non-Equity auditions for Phenomenon of Decline, 7:30-10:30 each night, callbacks Dec 17 7:30-11 pm, walks-ins to be accommodated by appts strongly suggested, bring current resume & headshot, director will be Tyler Green, new play by Joe Tracz has openings for male in late 20s & 4 females (to play ages 18-22, mid-20s, early 30s & early 20s), performances to be April 25-26 & maybe April 27, visit LongWharf.org for addt’l info, contact Meghan Kane (203-787-4284 x299 or Meghan.Kane@LongWharf.org) to make audition appt.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Nov 30: “We Are Still Here!” by The Western Wind Vocal Ensemble, Westover School, 1237 Whittemore Rd/Rte 188, Middlebury, 7:30 pm, free concert by internationally acclaimed vocal sextet will feature powerful program based on Jewish stories & music of the Holocaust, concluding w/ songs of hope & redemption for humanity; 203-577-4535.

Dec 1: NUMC Coffee House, 7:45–10:30 pm, Newtown United Methodist Church’s Rauner Hall, 92 Church Hill Road, adm $3 for those attending earlier pasta dinner (see separate Misc listing), $4 otherwise, live bluegrass & folk music, refreshments, suitable for all ages; 426-9998.

Dec 1: Advent concert by Yale Camerata, Battell Chapel, College at Elm St, New Haven, 8 pm, free performance by Camerata (director & conductor Margeurite Brooks) will incl Dona Nobis Pacem, music of Bach, et al; 203-432-5180.

Dec 1-2: “Tis The Season… a show to celebrate the holidays,” New Milford High School, 388 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, New Milford,  Sat 2 & 6 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $15 adults, $10 students & seniors, TheaterConnection performance in the tradition of Radio City Music Hall Christmas Show will feature 120+ area dancers (incl 40± from Newtown), also appearances by Rudolph, Frosty & Santa; 426-8717, 775-6300.

Dec 2: Festival of Lessons & Carols for Advent, Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 2 pm, free performance by Adult Choir & Trinity Choristers will incl anthems interspersed w/ readings of Advent & songs of the season for caroling, reception to follow; 426-9070.

Dec 2: Newtown Choral Society Winter Holiday Concert, St John’s Episcopal Church, 3 Washington Ave/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, 4 pm, tickets $9 adults, $7 seniors & ages 12 & under, performance of Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata (accompanied by NHS Brass Quintet), also Mozart’s Gloria in Excelsis & gospel songs of the season; 426-3769.

Dec 2: “A Concert of Hanukkah Music,” Walzer Family Jewish Community Campus, 444 Main St North, Southbury, 2 pm, tickets $5 adults, free ages 5 & under, encore performance by San Francisco-based singer Mark Levy will feature holiday songs in Yiddish, Ladino, Hebrew & English, reception to follow; 267-3177 x105, 264-0961.

Dec 2: Danbury Community Orchestra at WCSU’s Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, 3 pm, free performance by DCO under direction of Stephen Michael Smith will incl works of Mussorgsky (Night on Bare Mountain), Respighi (The Pines of Rome), Gabrielli (a Canzon), Beethoven (Egmont Overture), Boyrce (a symphony for strings) & holiday selections for encore; 748-1716.

Dec 2: “A New England Christmas: The 38th Annual Kent Singers Christmas Concert,” St Joseph’s Chapel at Kent School, Rte 341, Kent, 3 pm, tickets $15/adv, $20/door, performance by 20-member group of auditioned singers will incl Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata & other selections; 860-354-2156.

Dec 5: “The Winter Gift: Alamanda Women’s Choir Holiday Concert,” South Britain Congregational Church, Rte 172, South Britain, 7:30 pm, suggested donation $10, choir of women from towns throughout western CT, under direction of Amy Bernon, w/ accompanist Anna Jedd, will perform concert of traditional & new holiday music, reception to follow; 203-232-7857.

Dec 6: First Thursday at The Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, 5:30-7:30 pm, $15 adults ($7 museum members), live music by The Elm City Banjo Society, also socializing, light refreshments, dance instruction & demos by CT Dance Theatre; 203-753-0381.

Dec 7: “Live at the Library: Holiday Jazz by The Eric Mintel Quartet,” Danbury Public Library, 170 Main St, Danbury, 7 pm (library will close at 5, doors to reopen at 6:30), free performance by Philadelphia-based group will feature music of Vince Guaraldi from A Charlie Brown Christmas, also holiday standards, light refreshments; 796-8061.

Dec 7-9: Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet at Danbury High School, Clapboard Ridge Rd/Rte 39, Danbury, Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 6 pm, mat Sun 3 pm, tickets $15-$20, 200+ dancers from greater Danbury area will present fully staged, costumed production featuring live accompaniment by Danbury Symphony Orchestra (Ariel Rudiakov, music director & conductor), production’s artistic director & choreographer is again Arthur Fredric; 748-1716 (Danbury Music Centre).

Dec 8: CT Choral Society’s “Candlelight and Carols Holiday Concert,” Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 8 pm, tickets $20, “Magnificat”-themed program will feature works of Dietrich Buxtehude as first half of program & favorite carols of the season as second half, choir to be accompanied by chamber ensemble (2 violins, cello, harpsichord & organ), program also being offered Dec 9 in Woodbury (see separate listing); 206-7186.

Dec 8: My Dad’s Truck at Roots Music Coffeehouse, Common Ground Annex dance studio (former CityCenter Dance Factory), 345 Main St, Danbury, doors open 7:30 pm, open mic at 8, featured performance at 9, suggested donation $10/adv, $12/door, special holiday performance by band featuring Bill Wisnowski, Susan Lang & Leif Smith w/ special guest Bonnie Wisnowski will incl Christmas singalong along with “free-range acoustic music”; 417-9607.

Dec 9: CT Choral Society’s “Candlelight and Carols Holiday Concert,” North Congregational Church, Rte 6 at Rte 47, Woodbury, 3 pm, tickets $20, “Magnificat”-themed program will feature works of Dietrich Buxtehude as first half of program & favorite carols of the season as second half, choir to be accompanied by chamber ensemble (2 violins, cello, harpsichord & organ) reception w/ performers to follow; 206-7186.

Dec 9: Afternoons at the Arbor: Ali Ryerson & Friends, Brookfield Library, 182 Whisconier Rd/Rte 25, Brookfield Center, 3 pm, free performance by jazz flutist Ali Ryerson w/ guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Jeff Fuler & vocalist Darryl Tookes will feature variety of musical styles incl holiday favorites, reception to follow; 775-6241 x104.

Dec 9: “Hung By The Chimney: The CGMC Holiday Show,” Western CT State Univ White Hall, 181 White St/Rte 6 (WCSU midtown campus), Danbury, 4 pm, tickets $30 & $35, holiday show by CT Gay Men’s Chorus will continue it holiday tradition of combining traditional songs w/ very contemporary humor, performances also scheduled for Dec 15 in New Haven & Dec 16 in Hartford; 800-644-2462.

Greater Bridgeport Symphony, Klein Memorial Auditorium, 910 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-0263.

Performances 8 pm, tickets $22-$54 w/ student & group discounts: Dec 8, “Holiday Jubilee Pops!” program to incl classical favorites incl “Jubilee” & “Noel” from Chadwick’s Symphonic Sketches, also Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (w/ guest pianist Joel A. Martin), “Winter” from Vivaldi’s Four Seaons, jazz compositions by Mr Martin (Winter Suite for piano & orchestra & Hanukkah Song: 8 Bright Candles, plus traditional holiday tunes (also 7 pm pre-concert performance by student ensemble).

Ives Concert Hall at Western CT State University, White Hall, Fifth Ave & White St, Danbury. Call 837-8350.

Free concerts, 8 pm unless noted: Dec 2, Danbury Community Orchestra, 3 pm, performance by DCO under direction of Stephen Michael Smith will incl works of Mussorgsky (Night on Bare Mountain), Respighi (The Pines of Rome), Gabrielli (a Canzon), Beethoven (Egmont Overture), Boyrce (a symphony for strings) & holiday selections for encore (call 748-1716, Danbury Music Centre, for details); Dec 6, WCSU New Music Ensemble, group features students & faculty artists; Dec 7, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, $15 adults, $10 non-WCSU students, seniors & ages 12 & under.

Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield Univ, 1073 North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Call 203-254-4010, 877-ARTS-396 (877-278-7396).

Performances 8 pm unless noted: Nov 30-Dec 1, “A Night of Wonder,” annual holiday concert by Fairfield Univ Glee Club, Fri 8 pm, Sat 2 pm, tickets $10 adults, $6 students & children.

Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies & Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-5795.

Performances 8 pm unless noted: Dec 2, Sha Na Na Rockin’ Christmas Show, $55, with special guests The Retrotones; Dec 7, Tim Reynolds (solo acoustic), $30; Dec 8, The Blind Boys of Alabama Holiday Show, $68; Dec 12, Wishbone Ash, $40.

Films _________________

Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm & most Monday holidays (call ahead). Call 203-372-3521.

Planetarium shows: One Small Step and Larry – Cat in Space, call museum for screenings schedule.

Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-2475.

Dec 1-6: The Bourne Ultimatum (PG-13), Sat 7 & 9:05 pm, Sun-Thurs 7 pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Tues 1 pm.

Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St, Norwalk. Call 203-852-0700.

Through Jan 17: The Alps, Mon-Fri 11 am, 1 & 3 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am, 1, 3 & 4 pm; The Polar Express, call for show times; Tropical Rainforest, daily 12 & 2 pm.

Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel St, New Haven. Call 203-432-8842.

The Harder They Come – The Modern Caribbean Experience, free screenings, 2 pm: Dec 14, Marcus Garvey: Look for Me in the Whirlwind (2001).

For Kids & Families _________

Through Dec 30: Auntie Claus, Downtown Cabaret Theatre, 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport, curtain Sat-Sun 12 & 2:30 pm, tickets $14, performance by DCT Children’s Theatre follows Christmas w/ the Kringle family as little Sophie takes a holiday adventure while following her eccentric aunt to “the most magical place of all”; 203-576-1636.

Nov 24-Dec 23: Santa on the Trolley, Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St, East Haven, Sat-Sun 10:30 am-5 pm, $8 adults, $6 seniors, $4 agtes 2-15, visitors invited to ride cozy, heated trolleys to visit Santa & see model train layouts, each child receives a gift, refreshments, unlimited rides; 203-467-6927.

Dec 1-2: “Tis The Season… a show to celebrate the holidays,” New Milford High School, 388 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, New Milford,  Sat 2 & 6 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $15 adults, $10 students & seniors, TheaterConnection performance in the tradition of Radio City Music Hall Christmas Show will feature 120+ area dancers (incl 40± from Newtown), also appearances by Rudolph, Frosty & Santa; 426-8717,  775-6300.

Dec 1-8: 40th Annual Gingerbread Village & Bazaar, St George’s Episcopal Church, Rte 188 at Tucker Hill Rd, Middlebury, Sat 10 am-7 pm (craft fair/boutique first Sat only, 10 am-7 pm w/ handmade crafts, pewter tree ornaments, decorations & more), Sun 12-9 pm, Mon-Fri 2-4 & 7-9 pm, Sat (Dec 8, final day) 10 am-4 pm, free adm, huge village of gingerbread creations, all created & decorated by hand, all available for purchase (but cannot be removed until end of event); 203-758-9864.

Dec 7-9: Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet at Danbury High School, Clapboard Ridge Rd/Rte 39, Danbury, Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 6 pm, mat Sun 3 pm, tickets $15-$20, 200+ dancers from greater Danbury area will present fully staged, costumed production featuring live accompaniment by Danbury Symphony Orchestra (Ariel Rudiakov, music director & conductor), production’s artistic director & choreographer is again Arthur Fredric; 748-1716 (Danbury Music Centre).

Dec 8-22: Santa Trains, Danbury Railway Museum, 180 White St, Danbury, Sat-Sun 12-4 pm, $9 adults, $7 ages 2-13, take vintage train rides to Santa’s special coach to meet Santa, Mrs Claus & some of their elves, small gift for each child, children’s activities, gift shop; 778-8337.

Dec 9: Litchfield Historical Society Open House & Ornament Workshops, Litchfield History Museum, 7 South St, Litchfield, 2-4 pm, free (donations accepted, will benefit historical society), children invited to visit Santa & have digital photos taken, ongoing ornament making workshop will focus on natural materials used throughout American history, also holiday cookies & hot cider; 860-567-4501.

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-4533 (children’s dept 426-3851).

Children’s programs, free unless specified: Dec 8, Holiday Sing-Along with Francine Wheeler, 11 am, children of all ages invited to join professional singer-songwriter for fun program.

Young Adult programs, free unless specified: Dec 9, 5th Annual Young Writers’ Salon, 3 pm (rehearsal for participants 1 pm; snow date Dec 16), writers in grades 1-10 will read their original poetry, stories & other works in coffeehouse atmosphere.

Danbury Public Library, 170 Main St, Danbury. Call 797-4505 (Junior Dept, 797-4528).

Free programs: Dec 2, “How Santa Got His Job: a puppet show,” 2 pm, performance by Jim Napolitano & Nappy’s Puppets, suitable for ages 3 & up, registration not needed; Dec 11, program w/ Daisy the Pot-Bellied Pig & Farmer Minor, 6:30 pm, one-hour program for ages 4-11 will incl stories from & about Daisy.

Miscellaneous ___________

Through Dec 1: Monroe Historical Society Annual Christmas Fair, One Room Schoolhouse, 315 Wheeler Rd (at Old Tannery Rd), Monroe, Thurs 3-5:30 pm, Fri 3-7 pm,  Sat 9 am-3 pm, free adm, new & vintage ornaments, Grandma’s Attic (sm vintage collectibles, baked goods, Monroe Historical Society collectibles, coverlets & other unique items, event continues Dec 6-7 (3-5:30 pm) & Dec 8 (9 am-1 pm), largest fundraiser of the year for historical society; 268-5511, 261-8554.

Nov 30: Girls Night Out, Ethan Allen Inn, Lake Ave, Danbury, 4:30-8:30 pm, adm $5, interactive non-stop party/shopping experience will offer vendors, games, contests, blue light specials, prizes, dance demos, private massages, spiritual readings, wine tastings & specialty desserts, also raffle; 746-4348.

Dec 1-16: CT Clay Artists Holiday Sale, 3 Sugar Hollow Rd (the former Ruben’s Store, between Marcus Dairy & Pier 1), Danbury, Sat-Sun 10 am-4 pm, work by 12 professional artists who work in clay incl wheel thrown & handbuilt, functional & decorative stoneware, earthenware, raku & porcelain.

Dec 1: Newtown Rotary Club 47th Annual Pancake Day, Edmond Town Hall Alexandria Room, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 8 am-1 pm, $7 adults, $3 ages 10 & under, all you-can-eat breakfast of pancakes, sausage, apple sauce & beverages.

Dec 1: Garden Club of Newtown Annual Greens Sale, Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 9 am-2 pm, sale of wreaths, swags & table arrangements decorated by garden club members, also sales of club’s new cookbook, signed Sydney Eddison books & color wheels (Ms Eddison will not be at event), pins by Barbara Glass/Cinderella’s Closet; 270-1108.

Dec 1: NUMC Monthly Pasta Dinner, Newtown United Methodist Church’s Rauner Hall, 92 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook, 5-7:30 pm, adm $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3.50 children, full spaghetti dinner incl salad, desserts, and soft drinks/coffee raises funds each month for church, all welcome, coffee house/musical event follows (see separate Concerts listing); 426-9998.

Dec 1: Christmas Fair & Café, United Methodist Church, 3 Church St, Woodbury, 9 am-1 pm, free adm, hand painted canvas bags, handmade jewelry, dried floral arrangements, American Doll clothing & more, also face painting, also baked goods (started at 10), plus Christmas Café (starting at 11) w/ homemade soups, quiches, chicken salad sandwiches, children’s selections & more; 263-4775.

Dec 1: Christmas Fair, Harmony Grange #92, Rte 110 at Rte 111, Monroe, 9 am-3 pm, free adm, handmade items, baked goods, jewelry & Grandma’s Attic, also refreshments & lunch, info about grange also available; 268-3480.

Dec 1: Open House & Holiday Festival, Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 9 am-5 pm, complimentary yoga class (9 am), family yoga time (1:30), mini yoga sessions, chanting & meditations (call for times if interested), chai & luncheon (reservations requested), chair massages, handcrafted silver jewelry, holiday decorations, silk scarves, organic clothing & scarves & more; 263-2254.

Dec 1: Annual Christmas Fair, St Jude Parish Center, Rte 111, Monroe, 10 am-4 pm (snow date Dec 2, 1-5 pm), free adm, featuring artisans & crafters in vendors area, also Chinese auction, quilt raffle, Elf’s Corner (shopping area for children), children’s crafts & games area, Boy Scouts will have wreaths for purchase, baked goods & lunch; 261-6404.

Dec 1-2: Christmas Festival at Saint Joseph School, Rte 25 at Rte 133, Brookfield Center, Sat 9 am-4 pm, Sun 8:30 am-2 pm (snow dates Dec 9-10), free adm, 30+ crafts vendors, Santa, children’s games & prizes, food, raffles & more; 775-2774.

Dec 1-2: 27th Annual Craft Fair Holiday Boutique, at Company A Firehouse, Rte 39, New Fairfield, Sat 9 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-2 pm, free adm, designer wreaths (also undecorated wreaths), theme decorated tabletop trees, lighted pinecone baskets, collectible Bearington Bears, gift baskets, boutique quality ornaments & more, also raffle, gifts for pets, proceeds to benefit New Fairfield animal shelter; 877-551-4829.

Dec 1-2: Christmas Town Festival, town green & surrounding area, Rte 61 at Rte 132, Bethlehem, Sat 5-10 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, free adm, an old-fashioned Christmas celebration featuring tree lighting ceremony & arrival of Santa Claus, candlelight procession, hay rides, live music, arts & crafts & opportunity to mail Christmas cards from Post Office w/ special stamp; 203-266-5557.

Dec 2: Christmas Organic Craft Fair, St John’s Episcopal Church, 3 Washington Ave/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, 11 am-3 pm, special event will feature some of the vendors, & some new faces, from summer organic event at church.

Dec 2: 22nd Annual Holiday Festival, Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 11 am-5 pm, presale tickets $23 adults, $18 seniors & children, day of sales $25 adults, $20 seniors & children, tours of historic Newtown & Sandy Hook homes, gingerbread house content (11 am-4 pm), Festival of Trees (11 am-4:30 pm), Victorian Tea (closes 4 pm), Nutcracker Ballet performances (12:30 & 2 pm, $5 for ballet only), adaptation of A Christmas Carol (4 pm, $5 for performance only), Advent Lessons & Carols (2 pm), Newtown Choral Society Winter Holiday Concert (4 pm, $9 – not incl in Festival Ticket); 426-4874 x22.

Dec 2: Newtown Historical Society Holiday Open House, Matthew Curtiss House, 44 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, free, 12-4 pm, historical society’s headquarters, decorated for the holidays, will be open for visits & tours by costumed docents, light refreshments available; 426-5937.

Dec 4-8: Christmas Boutique & Luncheon, Cass Gilbert Garden House & Keeler Tavern Museum, 132 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, boutique 10:30 am-3:30 pm daily (free adm to shopping in extended gift shop), seatings for lunch 11:30 & 1 pm ($23/person, reservations requested); 203-438-5485.

Dec 6: First Thursday: A Contemporary Cocktail Hour, Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 6:30-8:30 pm, adm $15, exhibition-themed cocktail party w/ drinks, snacks & exhibition tours; 203-438-4519.

Dec 6-8: Monroe Historical Society Annual Christmas Fair, Ole Room Schoolhouse, Wheeler at Old Tannery Rd, Monroe, Thurs-Fri 3-5:30 pm, Sat 9 am-1 pm, free adm, new & vintage ornaments, Grandma’s Attic (sm vintage collectibles, baked goods, Monroe Historical Society collectibles, coverlets & other unique items, largest fundraiser of the year for historical society; 268-5511, 261-8554.

Dec 7: Cookies & Stories with Santa, Rochambeau Middle School, 100 Peter Rd, Southbury, 6-8 pm, adm $5, meet w/ & have photos taken w/ Santa ($3 donation or BYO camera), refreshments, sing-alongs, holiday crafts, also silent auction of decorated wreaths, presented by Southbury Jr Women’s Club, proceeds will benefit Region 15 Perpetual Fund; 264-7778.

Dec 7-8: 27th annual Christmas Town Festival, town green & surrounding area, Rte 61 at Rte 132, Bethlehem, Fri 5-10 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm, free adm, an old-fashioned Christmas celebration featuring tree lighting ceremony & arrival of Santa Claus, candlelight procession, hay rides, live music, arts & crafts, limited edition Christmas Town 2007 ornament & opportunity to mail Christmas cards from Post Office w/ special stamp; 203-266-5557.

Dec 8: HomeSpun Christmas Bazaar, St Andrew’s Church, Rte 202, Marble Dale (at blinking light), 9 am-2 pm, free adm, handmade craft items, baked goods, books, luncheon (11:30-1), free surprise for first 48 visitors; 860-868-2275.

Dec 8: Easton Annual Holiday House Tour, pick up tickets and maps at Easton Public Library, 691 Morehouse Rd (at corner Center Rd), Easton, 10:30 am-3 pm, tickets $30, opportunity to visit 7 private homes decorated for the holidays, optional catered lunch at library ($10), advance ticket purchase/reservations requested, proceeds to benefit library; 261-0134.

Dec 8: Housatonic Valley Waldorf School Open House, 40 Dodgingtown Rd/Rte 302, Newtown, 10 am, reservations requested, meet faculty & tour facility; 364-1133.

Dec 8: Waldorf School Winter Sale, Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, 40 Dodgingtown Rd/Rte 302, Newtown, begins 11 am, local vendors & school store will offer materials for play, art & academics featuring all natural, hand crafted items, lunch also available; 364-1133.

Dec 9: Litchfield Historical Society Open House, at Litchfield History Museum, 7 South St, Litchfield, 2-4 pm, ongoing children’s workshop, also light refreshments; 860-567-4501.

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-4533.

Programs free unless noted: Dec 4, Nonfiction Book Club meeting, 1 pm, discussion of Barbara Tuchman’s The Guns of August, newcomers always welcome; Dec 9, Author Program: Justin Scott, 3 pm, Newtown author will celebrate release of his latest Ben Abbott mystery, Mausoleum; Dec 10, Daytime Book Discussion, 1 pm, discussion of Henry James’s Daisy Miller, newcomers/drop-ins always welcome.

Newtown Hikers. Call 788-1398 (Ester Nichols), 270-4340 (Newtown Parks & Rec).

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 9 am, free, all welcome (children must be accompanied), bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders (in parentheses) as follows: Dec 1, Fahnestock State Park, Carmel, N.Y. (Roe Sembler, 267-5567); Dec 8, short hike led by Tim Hanbury, to be followed by winter hike scheduling and pot luck lunch (call Maureen for food coordination, 203-888-3113).

Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall (lower level), 45 Main Street, Newtown. Call 270-4377.

Shop is open every Wed 12-3 pm & Sat 9 am-noon, access is from town hall’s back parking lot, shop carries discounted items from local businesses & private donors incl clothing, sm home accessories & more.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-6224.

Non-profit weight loss support group meets every Mon 6-8 pm (weigh-ins 6-6:45, meetings 7-8), meetings $2/week, membership $24/year.

Treehouse Comedy Productions.

Shows at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25: Nov 30, Andrew Kennedy, 8:30 pm, tickets $19.50 & $25, stand-up performance by Sandy Hook resident will also have two openers.

Shows at The New Sorrento, 32 Newtown Rd, Danbury (call 744-5575), shows 9:30 & tickets $15 unless noted: Dec 1, Mike Yard headlining, opening sets by Steve Lazafrus & Mike Yard; Dec 8, Quentin Heggs headlining, opening sets by Steven Strauss & Bill McCarty, tickets $15; Dec 15, Quentin Heggs headlining, opening sets by Bill Keller & Nick Cobb, tickets $15.

Shows at Ocean Grille, 464 Boston Post Rd, Orange (call 203-795-4588), show at 10 pm unless noted: Nov 30, Johnny Rizzo & two addt’l comedians TBA, $17.50.

Theatre ______________

Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, Brookfield Playhouse, 182 Whisconier Rd (Rte 25, behind library), Brookfield Center. Call 775-0023.

Golden Cabaret... celebrating 50 years of musical theater, Nov 30-Dec 8, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, tickets $20 (show only) & $50 (dinner & show package w/ dinner at Bailey’s Backyard, reservations through box office).

Hartford Stage, 50 Church St, Hartford. Call 860-527-5151.

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas, through Dec 29, curtain Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm, also Tues-Wed 7:30 pm, plus special Christmas Eve mat 2 pm, tickets $27-$64, discounts for ages 12 & under.

Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven. Call 203-787-4282.

Black Nativity, Dec 7-16, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm, mat Sat 3 pm, tickets $47-$62.

On Stage II: The Santaland Diaries, Dec 4-23, curtain Tues-Wed & Sun 7 pm, Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 3 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $32-$62, group rates available; Dec 6, Backstage With… , 7 pm, pre-show program, artistic director Gordon Edelstein will interview a member of the artistic team; Dec 8, Pre-Play Introduction, 2 pm, Long Wharf’s artistic staff will share secrets & challenges of the creative process of Santaland Diaries.

Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin La, Ridgefield. Call 203-431-9850.

Lucky Stiff, through Dec 15, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (Nov 25 & Dec 2), tickets $24 adults, $20 students & seniors.

TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford. Call 860-350-6863.

The Philadelphia Story, Nov 30-Dec 29, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (Dec 9 & 16) 2 pm, tickets $20; Dec 1, private function–no public tickets available; (Thurs) Dec 6, Pay What You Want Night, curtain 8 pm, name your ticket price.

Town Players of Newtown, at The Little Theatre, Orchard Hill Rd, Newtown. Call 270-9144.

“Love, Marriage & More: An Evening of One-Acts,” through Dec 1, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, tickets $18, closing production of 2008 season will feature Sure Thing by David Ives, Barry, Betty and Bill by Renee Taylor & Joseph Bologna, Miss You by David Auburn, Wanda’s Visit by Christopher Durang & I’m Herbert by Robert Anderson.

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Events that appear by date have Newtown items listed first, with additional events listed by their start time. At the time of printing, the information here is accurate as presented; a call ahead is always a good idea to be safe.

DEADLINE INFORMATION

Press releases for the Enjoy calendar of events or the Enjoy section must be received by MONDAY NOON for publication in that week’s edition of The Newtown Bee. Send to the attention of Shannon Hicks, Associate Editor, Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470, or to shannon@thebee.com. Photos are welcome and can be black & white or color, but must be in sharp focus. Please call for specs if you plan to email digital photo files.