Antiques Shows______

Dec 2-4: 48th Annual Antiquarius Antiques Show, Greenwich Civic Center, Old Greenwich, Fri-Sat 11 am-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm, adm $10, proceeds to benefit The Historical Society of The Town of Greenwich; 203-869-6899 x14.

Dec 3-4: Holiday Fair at All Saints Catholic School, 139 West Rocks Rd, Norwalk, Sat 10 am-4 pm (early birds 9 am), Sun 11 am-4 pm, regional dealers will fill booths w/ fresh holiday merchandise; 203-222-2259.

Dec 4: Wilton Holiday Antiques Show, Wilton High School Field House, Rte 7, Wilton, 10 am-5 pm (early buying 9 am, $20), adm $9, 130+ dealers in room settings; 203-762-3525.

Dec 10-11: Pottery, Porcelain & Ceramics Expo: antique to unique, Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Rd, Old Greenwich, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, adm $6, free ages 13 & under, approx 25 vendors, also “Fakes, Repros & Knockoffs” display by American Art Pottery Assn, “Collecting & Enjoying Art Pottery” lecture by Paul Katrich, professional restoration service; 914-273-4667.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

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

On library’s main floor —*(new show) Through Dec 31: “Al’s Trail,” collection of paintings by Newtown resident Pat Barkman that depict scenes along the 10-mile hiking trail that stretches from Pond Brook to Reed Intermediate School.

Boyajian Sculpture Barn, Milltown Rd, New Fairfield. Call 746-6101.

*(new show) Through Dec 24: “Primitive Icons,” series of small scale, one-of-a-kind cast bronze sculptures of mythical, biblical & Darwinian motifs, also previous works from ’04-05 season.

Brookfield Craft Center, 286 Whisconier Rd (Rte 25), Brookfield. Call 775-4526.

Through Dec 31: 30th Annual Holiday Exhibition & Sale, annual event offers unique designer quality hand crafted gifts incl scarves, jewelry & jewelry boxes, hats & gloves, ornaments, glassware, ceramics, kitchen items, clocks, turned wood, frames & much more, inventory replenished constantly, proceeds to benefit American craft artists & craft center’s classes & workshops.

Fenn Gallery of Contemporary Art, 345 Main Street/Rte 6, Woodbury. Call 203-263-2821.

Through Dec 4: “2 Artists from Russia,” first anniversary exhibition for gallery features modernist paintings by Zufar Bikbov & Svetlana Rumak.

*(new show) Dec 8-Jan 29: “Simple and Complex,” contemporary still life paintings in pastel & oil by Peter Seltzer, figurative sculpture “w/ a touch of whimsy” by Michael McLaughlin; Dec 10, artists’ reception (public invited), 4-6 pm.

FrameWorks, South Main Marketplace, 97 South Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 270-1887.

*(new show) Through Dec 31: historic photographs from The Newtown Historical Images Archive (project of Newtown Historical Society), incl 10 images on view for first time.

Gregory James Gallery, 13 Main St (new location), New Milford. Call 860-354-3436.

Through Dec 31: “Holiday Show,” grand reopening in gallery’s latest location offers works by Rick Daskam, Robert Ferrucci, Joseph Grieco, Roger Kastel, Christopher Magadini, Edward Martinez, Alain Picard, Bill Rice, Anda Styler, John Swatsley, Danielle Wexler & Scott Zuckerman.

Gunn Memorial Library Stairway Gallery, 5 Wykeham Rd, Washington Green. Call 860-868-7756.

*(new show) Through Jan 8: “No Batteries Required: Toys that Whizz, Buzz, Click & Pop,” toys loaned by area residents that move in some way incl wheeled toys, horse-drawn wagons, spring-wound toys/toys w/ clockwork mechanism, sand toys, optical toys, marionettes, jack in the box, cast iron toys & more; Dec 3, opening reception, 3-5 pm.

Miller Studio & Gallery, 495 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Call 203-263-3939.

Through Jan 12: “Second Annual Black Tie: Little Works of Art Dressed in Exquisite Frames,” second annual exhibit showcasing select group of little paintings all dressed up for the holidays in Miller Studio’s handmade frames, incl works by Thomas C. Adkins, Pete Bergeron, Joy Bristol, Ella Crampton Knot, Robert Holden & Tom Yost; Dec 2, opening reception, 7-9 pm – non-formal dress.

Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby. Hours: Thurs-Sun only 10 am-4 pm. Call 734-2513.

Through Dec 18: “Winter Celebrations Around the World,” holiday decorations of Holland, China & 8 other countries, interspersed w/ floral arrangements by local garden clubs; Dec 2, Twilight Tour, 4-6:30 pm (ongoing); Dec 9, Twilight Tours, 4-6:30 pm (ongoing); Dec 16, Twilight Tours, 4-6:30 pm (ongoing).

River Glen Fine Arts Gallery, 3 Washington Ave/Rte 34, Sandy Hook. Hours: Tues 12-4 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am-4 pm. Call 270-1199.

Through Dec 4: “Artists’ Choice,” presentation of 42 painting selections from 12 award-winning artists – Melody Asbury, Rainie Crawford, Betty Christensen, Ron DeFelice, Loretta Dillman, Daniel Duffy, Frank Federico, Dick McEvoy, Leslie Lillien Levy, Ruth Newquist, Ralph Schwartz & Peter Seltzer.

Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Rd, Wilton. Call 203-834-1896.

Through Dec 31: “Sperry Andrews: Works Circa 1939-1990,” approx 30 drawings, watercolors & oil paintings by Andrews illustrate the late artist’s contribution to 20th Century art.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Connecticut Master Chorale, at South Britain Congregational Church, Rte 172, South Britain. Call 775-2602.

Openings for alto, tenor & bass voices for spring concert season, rehearsals begin in Jan, March program will incl works of Horatio Parker & Mozart, May concert (“Cinema Choral Classics”) will feature music written for motion pictures, rehearsals in South Britain, concerts at St Rose of Lima in Newtown, visit CMChorale.org for info, contact director Tina Johns Heidrich (phone # above) to schedule audition.

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

Dec 5-6: Auditions for Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years, 7-9 pm, director Susan Pettibone needs 1 man & 1 woman for musical that covers a 5-year relationship & marriage, be prepared w/ selection from the show (available at TheatreWorks.us) or best 16 bars to show range, power & confidence, accompanist provided, rehearsals begin early Jan, show to run weekends Feb 17-March 18.

Wilton Playhouse, Lovers Lane, Wilton. Call 203-378-2487.

Dec 4-5: Auditions for Donald Margulies’ Dinner With Friends, Sun 7 pm, Mon 7:30 pm, director Richard Mancini seeks 2 men & 2 women in their 40s, those auditioning will read from script (read before auditions if possible), contact Mr Mancini at phone # above or visit WiltonPlayshop.org.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Dec 2: CT Choral Society Chamber Singers & Naugatuck Valley Community College Gospel Choir at North Congregational Church, 11 Main St North/Rte 6, Woodbury, 7:30 pm, freewill offering, a cappella performances by 2 choruses will incl arrangements of traditional Christmas carols, holiday music familiar & unusual, familiar carols sung in gospel style & more, reception w/ musicians to follow performance; 203-263-2410.

Dec 3: Vietnamese Concert & Lecture, WCSU Student Center Theater, 181 White St/Rte 6, Danbury, 7 pm, free performance by Vietnamese musician Pham Duc Thanh, who will demo & discuss Dan Bau (monochord), Dan Nhi (Vietnamese 2-stringed fiddle) & Dan Nguyet (long-necked flute), part of university’s Vietnam Week; 837-8565.

Dec 3: The Sanctuary Choir Holiday Concert, First Congregational Church of Bethel, 7:30 pm, free concert by choir & brass ensemble will perform Martin’s holiday cantata A World of Christmas & other Christmas music (follows Yankee pot roast dinner open to public that will run 6-7:30, call church for details); 748-6112.

Dec 3: Elves Gone Wild! at Western CT State University’s Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, 8 pm, tickets $25-$35, CT Gay Men’s Chorus’s holiday offering is “a humorous romp through the mad world of little men who live for toys”; 800-644-2462.

Dec 3-4: The Nutcracker, Westover School, Rte 188, Middlebury, curtain Sat 7 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $20 adults, $15 seniors & children ages 12 & under, 100+ dancers from Waterbury’s Brass City ballet & 15 students of Westover School will offer full production; 203-573-9419.

Dec 3-4: Hat City Holiday Pops, at St James Church, 25 West St, Danbury, Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 5 pm, tickets $10/adv, $15/door, holiday performance by recently-formed Candlewood Symphony Orchestra will incl conducting debut of Mayor Mark Boughton, guest soprano Culver Casson & program of holiday musical favorites, David Katz’s Hat City Singers, holiday readings & more; 746-2694.

Dec 4: Newtown Choral Society Holiday Concert, Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 3:30 pm, tickets $9 adults, $7 seniors and ages 12 & under, performance of Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, also O Holy Night, collection of sacred carols, plus Christmas hymns arranged by Rutter; 426-3769.

Dec 4: “B Is For…” by Danbury Community Orchestra, at WCSU Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, 3 pm, free concert will feature works of Bartok, Beethoven, Bizet & Borodin; 748-1716.

Dec 7: Brookfield High School Special Chorus Annual Holiday Concert, at Brookfield Historical Society Museum, Rte 133 at Rte 25, Brookfield Center, 7:30 pm, free performance by chorus directed by Karl Harminot will incl contemporary, traditional & classical holiday music; 740-8140.

Dec 8: Sandy Hook School Chorus Winter Concert, at Newtown High School, 12 Berkshire Rd/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, 7 pm (snow date Dec 13); 426-7646.

Dec 9-10: GianCarlo Menotti’s Amahl and The Night Visitors by WCSU Opera, at Western CT State University’s Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, curtain 8 pm each night, tickets $10 adults, $5 seniors & children (ages 12 & under), 11th annual production of holiday classic will be directed by music professor Dr Margaret Astrup; 837-8350.

Dec 9-11: Danbury Music Centre’s The Nutcracker, at Danbury High School, 43 Clapboard Ridge Rd/Rte 39, Danbury, curtain Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 6 pm, Sun 3 pm, tickets $15-$20; 748-1716.

Dec 10: “Deck The Halls: A Holiday Musical Program,” C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 3 pm, free performance by CT Opera will incl songs of the season, traditional carols & Hanukkah songs; 426-4533.

Dec 10: CT Choral Society Holiday Concert, Trinity Episcopal Church, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 8 pm, tickets $18/adv, $20/door, performance of Handel’s Messiah (Part I), commissioned work by Benjamin Broening (Wit Wonders: Midwinter Mystery) & carols of the season, CCS will be joined by soloists Julie DeVaere, Michelle McBride, Boyd Schlaefer & Scott Williams, also The Bethlehem Bells (handbell chorus); 800-555-5250.

Dec 10-11: The Nutcracker presented by Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, at Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and The Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield, Sat 2 & 7 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $25 adults, $20 students & seniors ($15 students for Sat matinee) a magical journey told through beauty of dance w/ dancers from Ridgefield Conservatory, also guest dancers from Hartt School, holiday favorite suitable for entire family; 203-438-5795.

Dec 10-11: 17th Annual Nutcracker by Main Street Theater, at Pomperaug High School, 234 Judd Rd, Southbury, curtain Sat 7 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $20 adults, $16 seniors & children ages 18 & under, students of Woodbury-based ballet company will be joined by guest artist (& MSB resident instructor) Todd Hall; 264-4364.

Ives Concert Hall at WCSU, White Hall, Fifth Ave & White St, Danbury. Call 837-8350.

Dec 2, Jazz Concert, 8 pm, $10 adults, $5 seniors & students, WCSU Jazz Combos w/ special guest drummer & composer Carl Allen; Dec 5, Percussion Concert, 8 pm, free performance conducted by Music Prof David Smith will be largest percussion ensemble (21 percussionists) ever assembled at WCSU for performance, program to incl Lepak’s “Crescendo,” Gillingham’s “Stained Glass,” Cage’s “Living Room Music” & Long’s “Synopsis”; Dec 9-10, Amahl and The Night Visitors by WCSU Opera, 8 pm, tickets $10 adults, $5 seniors & ages 12 & under, 11th annual production of holiday classic being directed by music prof Dr Margaret Astrup.

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

Performances 8 pm unless noted: Dec 10-11, Nutcracker presented by Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, Sat 2 & 7 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $25 adults, $20 students & seniors ($15 students for Sat matinee), a magical journey told through beauty of dance w/ dancers from Ridgefield Conservatory, also guest dancers from Hartt School, holiday favorite suitable for entire family.

Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra. Call 203-438-3889.

Concerts at Ridgefield High School, 700 North Salem Rd/Rte 116, Ridgefield, 8 pm, tickets $15-$50: Dec 3, “Elevating Winter Spirits,” program to incl Beethoven’s Leonore Overture III, Dvorak’s Serenade, Op. 44 & Brahms’ Symphony #2.

St Steven’s Episcopal Church, 315 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-3789.

Performance 4 pm, sugg donation $10: Dec 4, St Stephen’s Concert Choir & Orchestra Christmas Concert, 50+ voice ensemble & orchestra will offer celebratory program of Christmas music incl choral works of Bach, carols & chorales.

Films _________________

Danbury Library, 170 Main St (at West), Danbury. Call 797-4533.

Independent Film Series, free, screenings at 2 pm: Dec 4, Le Grand Voyage.

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

Dec 2-8: The Constant Gardener (R), Fri-Sat 7 & 9:15 pm, Sun-Thurs 7 pm, mat Sat 1 & 4 pm, Tues 1 pm.

For Kids & Families _________

Dec 3: Breakfast, Santa, Magic & Cookies, at Danbury United Methodist Church, 5 Clapboard Ridge Rd/Rte 39, Danbury, 9 am-noon, $5 adutls, $3 children, pancakes & eggs breakfast w/ Santa, Kids’ Crafts Corner, homemade cookies to benefit local non-profits & more; 743-1503.

Dec 3: Family Art Adventures, Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 12-5 pm, free, families invited to enjoy drop-in activities during first Sat of each month, explore galleries through docent-led tours & then visit Education Center for hands-on activities based on topics, methods & materials addressed in current exhibitions; 203-438-4519.

Dec 3: “Edible Architecture” workshop, CT Historical Society Museum, One Elizabeth St (at Asylum Ave), Hartford, 1-3 pm, $3 (regular child’s museum adm, $6 adults ), celebrate Dec by creating a take-home, delectable holiday dwelling; 860-236-5621 x238.

Dec 3: Home For the Holidays, David F. Klune Center for the Arts, 396 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, Wilton, 8 pm, general adm $20 (also Sponsor $40, Patron $60 & Benefactor $80), Wilton Kiwanis’s annual variety show w/ many local group participating w/ music of the holidays; 203-834-0308.

Dec 3-10: 38th Annual Gingerbread Village & Christmas Bazaar, St George’s Church, Tucker Hill Rd, Middlebury, Dec 3 (10 am-7 pm), Sun 12-9 pm, Mon-Fri 2-4 & 7-9 pm, Dec 10 (10 am-4 pm), village of 50-60 gingerbread houses, people, animals & scenes, all edible, all handmade & all open to silent auction bidding; 203-758-9557, 203-758-2165.

Dec 3-18: Santa’s Special Train Rides, Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury, Sat-Sun 12-4:30 pm, call for ticket prices, in-yard rides on restored RR cars to visit Santa’s Car for photos & gifts, meet Santa & Mrs Claus, few elves & Frosty, last ride departs at 4:30, displays & refreshments inside museum special shopping area for children; 778-8337.

Dec 4: “A Children’s Christmas,” Klein Auditorium, 910 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, 3 pm, adm $10-$15, award-winning Fairfield County Children’s Choir will perform classical, spiritual, folk & traditional holiday favorites; 203-414-4292.

Dec 7: “The Magic of Dan Bowen: A Holiday Show for Preschool Children,” Danbury Library, 170 Main St (at West), Danbury, 10:30-11:15 pm, free show for preschoolers, sm prizes for all; 797-4528.

Dec 8: “Making Merry: An After School Program,” Danbury Library, 170 Main St (at West), Danbury, 4-5 pm, free program (registration required) for children in grades 1 & 2 will offer stories, craft times & sing-alongs, also Dec 13 (different topics); 797-4528.

Dec 10-11: Holiday Tidings, WCSU’s Berkshire Hall, Osborne St (midtown campus), Danbury, 2 pm, adm $7.50, family holiday musical by WCSU theater arts dept w/ LaMar Productions, children welcome to join arts & crafts session; 778-3344.

Miscellaneous ___________

Dec 2: “The Strange Intersection of American and Vietnamese History,” WCSU Alumni Hall (midtown campus), James Roach Ave (next to elementary school), Danbury, 7 pm, free lecture by Dr Keith Taylor (chairman, Cornell University Asian Studies & professor of Vietnamese cultural studies); 837-8565.

Dec 2-3: 25th Annual Bethlehem Christmas Town Festival, Rte 61 at Rte 132, Bethlehem, Fri 5-10 pm (opens w/ lighting of Christmas Tree), Sat 10 am-4 pm, strolling carolers, 75+ art & crafts exhibitors in 7 buildings on Village Green, hay rides, entertainment, food concessions, special postmarks from USPO, Annual Pewter Christmas Town Ornament, photos w/ Santa & more; 203-266-5557.

Dec 2-3: Fourth Annual Festival of Trees, at Gunn Memorial Library & Museum, Rte 47 at Wykeham Rd, Washington Green, Fri (opening cocktail party 5-7 pm, adm $10/person, $15/couple, will incl raffles, live music, sale of decorated trees, cocktails & hors d’oeuvres), Sat 10 am-2 pm, display of decorated theme trees; 860-868-7756.

Dec 2-3: Holiday Program at Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, 9 Main St/Rte 61, Bethlehem, Fri 6-9 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm, adm $2 adults (or donation of 2 canned goods for local food bank), children free, historic museum will be decorated for holidays w/ handmade ornaments by Bethlehem school students & items from museum’s collection, guided tours, hot cider, holiday shopping, activities for children incl ornament making & scavenger hunt; 203-266-7596.

Dec 2-4: 21st Annual Woodbury Christmas Festival, along Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury, town-wide festival will offer 80+ craft exhibitors (at middle school 9 am-4:30 pm Dec 3-4), tree lighting Fri, Santa (1-3 pm), Holiday House Tour at Glebe House & Hurd House, more; 203-266-9228.

Dec 3: 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); 426-0617.

Dec 3: Saint Andrew’s Holiday Bazaar: A Country Christmas, St Andrew’s Church, Rte 202 at Wheaton Rd, Marble Dale, 9 am-1 pm, door prozes, crafts, paperback books, baked goods, luncheon, “Christmas Past” & more; 860-868-2275, 860-868-9545.

Dec 3: St Jude Parish Annual Christmas Fair, at church’s Parish Center, Rte 111, Monroe, 10 am-4 pm (snow date Dec 4, 1-5 pm only), artisans & crafters, Chinese auction, quilt raffle, wreaths, Elf’s Corner (shopping area for children), also children’s crafts & games area, lunch & bake sale items; 261-6404.

Dec 3: St Peter’s Holly Fair, Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, 175 Old Tannery Rd/Rte 111 (opposite Monroe Green), Monroe, 10 am-4 pm, baked goods & refreshments, crafters, cookie walk, Chinese Auction, Grandma’s Attic, live holly & more; 264-4265.

Dec 3: Christmas Coffee House, Woodbury United Methodist Church, 3 Church St (at Main St/Rte 6), Woodbury, 11 am-3 pm, craft activities for children, silent auction, lunch ($7 adults, $4 children), baked goods, gift boutique & more; 203-263-4775.

Dec 3: Christmas Festival at The Hurd House, Hollow Rd, Woodbury, 1-4 pm, circa 1680 house will celebrate the holiday w/ decorations, costumed docents will serve refreshments; 203-263-2446.

Dec 3: Christmas Trailside Open House, Flanders Nature Center, Flanders Rd at Church Hill Rd, Woodbury, 10 am am-4:30 pm, free adm, mulled cider & hot chocolate, Christmas caroling, tractor rides, photos w/ one of Santa’s elves, Flanders Store (proceeds too benefit nature center & land trust), all welcome; 203-263-3711.

Dec 3: December Winter Walk, Putnam Park, Rtes 58 & 107, Redding, 11 am-1 pm, free, Newtown Town Historian Dan Cruson will lead history tour of 1778 Revolutionary War winter encampment w/ commentary, re-enactments by troops from 5th CT Continental Regiment, Park Museum tours, visits & refreshments in new visitors’ center; 203-938-0581, 203-938-3171.

Dec 3: Dramatic reading of  Dickens’ A Christmas Carol by William Kinsolving, Gunn Memorial Library & Museum, Rte 47 at Wykeham Rd, Washington Green, 3 pm, free reading of holiday classic by celebrated writer & performer will precede opening of library’s holiday exhibit “No Batteries Required: Toys that Whizz, Buzz, Click & Pop,” reservations requested but not required; 860-868-7586.

Dec 3: Planetarium Show & Telescope Viewing, WCSU Observatory (westside campus), University Blvd (off Lake Avenue Ext), Danbury, free, planetarium show at 5 pm, telescope viewing of Pleiades star cluster, Orion constellation & Mars follows 6-8 pm; 837-8672.

Dec 3: Annual Yankee Pot Roast Dinner, First Congregational Church of Bethel, 6-7:30 pm, adm $15 adults, $7.50 ages 6-12, free ages 5 & under, full dinner w/ pot roast & gravy, salad, vegetables, dessert & soft drinks will be followed at 7:30 by free holiday concert of The Sanctuary Choir & brass ensemble; 748-6112.

Dec 3-4: Brookfield Historical Society Annual Holiday Fair, BHS Museum, Rte 25 at 133, Brookfield Center, Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 11 am-3 pm, free adm, holiday gifts & decorations incl live wreaths, poinsettias, handmade ornaments, refreshments, pottery, books, maps, etc; 740-8140.

Dec 3-4: For Art Sake Holiday Show & Sale, Barn Hill Studios, Rte 110, Monroe, Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 12-6 pm, art by recently-formed group of artists whose focus is to promote & support art & artists in Fairfield County, also refreshments, stamping, craft table for kids, storytelling, caroling & more; 261-5578.

Dec 3-10: 38th Annual Gingerbread Village & Christmas Bazaar, St George’s Church, Tucker Hill Rd, Middlebury, Dec 3 (10 am-7 pm), Sun 12-9 pm, Mon-Fri 2-4 & 7-9 pm, Dec 10 (10 am-4 pm), village of 50-60 gingerbread houses, people, animals & scenes, all edible, all handmade & all open to silent auction bidding; 203-758-9557, 203-758-2165.

Dec 3-18: Santa’s Special Train Rides, Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury, Sat-Sun 12-4:30 pm, call for ticket prices, in-yard rides on restored RR cars to visit Santa’s Car for photos & gifts, last ride departs at 4:30, displays & refreshments inside museum; 778-8337.

Dec 4: 20th Annual Newtown Holiday Festival, on & immediately around Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 11 am-5 pm, tickets $23 adults/adv, $25 adults/day of, $20 seniors & children, events at Edmond Town Hall, Booth Library, Newtown Meeting House, Trinity Church, etc to incl walking tour of historic homes, Festival of Trees, ballet performances & live music, antiques show (begins at 10), family workshop & more, sponsored by & major fundraiser for Family Counseling Center; 426-8103.

Dec 4: Friends of Booth Library Book Emporium, C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 11 am-5 pm, upscale books, Booth Library book bags, bookmarks, Sarah Booth cookbooks, stocking stuffers & more, proceeds will benefit the library; 426-4533.

Dec 4: Newtown Historical Society Author Book Signing & Artist Print Signings, Matthew Curtiss House, 44 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 11 am-5 pm, authors Mary Mitchell & Andrea Zimmermann (until 1 only), photographer Jill Baimel (also until 1) will sign their recent books & posters, Town Historian Dan Cruson will sign copies of his publications, house also open for self-guided tours; 426-5937.

Dec 4: Baseball Card & Sport Memorabilia Show, Ramada Inn, 225 Lordship Blvd, Stratford, 9:30 am-2:30 pm, adm $3 adults, 99¢ ages 10 & under, special appearance by 1978 World Series MVP Bucky Dent (12-1 pm only), also dealers from 5 states; 364-1209.

Dec 4: Holiday Boutique, Ridgefield Community Center (The Lounsbury House), 316 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 10 am-4 pm, vendors, refreshments & more, sponsored by Temple Shearith Israel; 203-438-6589.

Dec 5: BookTalk, Southbury Public Library, 561 Main St South, Southbury, 1 pm, Dr Charles Atkins will lead discussion about his newest release, The Cadaver’s Ball; 264-1716, 262-6123.

Dec 7: Holiday Bazaar at Pomperaug Woods, 80 Heritage Rd, Southbury, 10 am-2 pm, 25+ vendors, complimentary gift wrapping, raffle, refreshments; 262-6555.

Dec 7: “Wor(l)ds of Poetry,” WCSU Alumni Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, 7 pm, students from Western CT State University’s department of world languages & literature will host & share reading of favorite poems & songs in a celebration of youth; 837-8485.

Dec 7: Pearl Harbor program, Brookfield Museum & Historical Society headquarters, Rte 25 at 133, Brookfield Center, 7 pm, free program by retired engineer & research writer Bob Purssel will offer scenarios of what might have happened had the Japanese not bombed Pearl Harbor & present conclusions about WWII & its aftermath; 740-8140.

Dec 8: Planetarium Show & Telescope Viewing, WCSU Observatory (westside campus), University Blvd (off Lake Avenue Ext), Danbury, free, planetarium show at 5 pm, telescope viewing of first quarter moon, Venus & Mars follows 6-8 pm; 837-8672.

Dec 9: CT ConTacts Singles Dance Party, Fireside Inn, 123 Main St South/Rte 25, Newtown, 8 pm-1 am, adm $17, dinner buffet, coffee & dessert, dancing to DJ selections (Top 40, soft rock, recent oldies & requests), no bluejeans; 203-468-1144.

Dec 9: 2nd Annual WCSU Psychology Day, WCSU Alumni Hall, (midtown campus), James Roach Ave (next to elementary school), Danbury, 9 am-noon, free, psychological research conducted by students will be presented; 837-8471.

Dec 9: Skating in Toyland, Danbury Ice Arena, One Independence Way, Danbury, 6:30 pm, adm is one new unwrapped toy, show by local skaters will benefit Toys for Tots; 794-1704.

Dec 9: Second Annual “Art from The Heart,” ESCAPE To The Arts/Center for Arts & Humanities, 293 Main St, Danbury, starts 7 pm, tickets $50, catered party will offer unique works by 65 professional artists & students of ESCAPE incl sculpture, wall art, jewelry, ceramics, tapestry & fine woodworking; 794-1413.

Dec 9-12: Charity Scholastic Book Fair, Sylvan Learning Center, 20 Federal Rd/Rte 7, Brookfield, Fri 8:30 am-5 pm, Sat 9 am-noon, Sun 12-5 pm, Mon 8:30 am-7:30 pm, specially priced books & educational products incl recent releases, award-winning titles, children’s classics, interactive software & more, all proceeds to benefit Danbury Hospital Pediatric Children’s Center; 775-9611.

Dec 10: Indoor Flea Market, Church of The Good Shepherd, 680 Racebrook Rd, Orange, 8 am-2 pm; 203-934-4446.

Dec 10: “Calling All Cookie Monsters: St Thomas’ Ninth Annual Cookie Event,” St Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 95 Greenwood Ave/Rte 302, Bethel, 9:30 am-noon, all cookies $7/pound, shoppers invited to mix & match from thousands of cookies, also homemade fudge, gift-wrapping available; 743-1494.

Dec 10: 11th Annual Holiday House Tour, purchase tickets & start from Woodbury Middle School, 67 Washington Ave, Woodbury, 10 am-4 pm, tickets $15/adv, $20/day of, visit sev homes (historic & new) decorated for holidays, enjoy coffee, tea & refreshments at middle school (where maps will also be available); 262-8747.

Dec 10-11: Brookfield Historical Society Annual Holiday Bazaar, at Brookfield Historical Society Museum, 165 Whisconier Rd (Rte 25 at Rte 133), Brookfield Center, Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 11 am-2 pm, plants, baked goods, wreaths, handmade ornaments, gift items & items from Grandma’s Attic, proceeds will support historical society; 740-8140.

Dec 10-11: Christmas Festival Weekend at Shrine of Lourdes Grotto, Lourdes Shrine, Rte 118, Litchfield, make gingerbread Nativity scenes (Sat 12 am-noon, in Pilgrim Hall; reservations required), candlelight Christmas caroling 7 pm, also Living Nativity (Sun 3-5 pm); 860-567-1041.

Dec 11: Newtown Holiday Craft Festival, Edmond Town Hall gymnasium, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 11 am-5pm, free adm, door prizes; 261-2414.

Newtown Hikers. Call 426-2897 or 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 as follows: Dec 3, Sherwood Island State Park Beach Walk, Westport (Jacob Baker, 748-5907); Dec 10, End-Of-Year Pot Luck Luncheon & Short Hike hosted by Maureen Markelon (203-888-3113, call her for directions & food coordination).

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 $20/year.

Wednesday Night Poetry, NEW LOCATION: at Molten Java, 102 Greenwood Ave, 5 Depot Place (in former railroad station), Bethel. Call 426-3388 (Faith Vicinanza), 739-0313 (Molten Java).

Series presented ev Wed 7:30-10 pm (featured poets 8:30 pm, poetry workshop 9:15 pm), adm $1 ($3 requested if out-of-state or major guest poet), guest/featured poets as follows: Dec 7, Brian Clements; Dec 14, Bruce Weber, also year-end celebration (final reading of 2005, bring poems ot endings & beginnings, celebration or any other poems)

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Theatre ______________

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

A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to The Forum, through Dec 10, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, tickets $22 adults, $18 seniors & students.

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

Ghost of A Chance (original holiday production is sequel to Christmas Carol), Dec 2-Jan 7, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (Dec 11 & 18 only) 2 pm, tickets $17.50; (Thurs) Dec 8, Pay-What-You-Want Night, 8 pm, name your ticket price; Dec 31, New Year’s Eve Gala, 8 pm, tickets $35, hors d’oeuvres & open bar.

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

Tiny Tim, Pickwick and All: Dickens in December, Dec 9-11, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets $10 adults, $5 children, play not be appropriate for very young children.

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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, Arts Editor, Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown 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.