Antiques Shows______

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.

Jan 5-6: 53rd Papermania Plus, Hartford Civic Center, Asylum St, Hartford, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, adm $7, 160 exhibitors, free appraisals (Sun 11-2); 860-563-9975.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

The Barn Gallery, 82 Route 37 (Creative Corners), New Fairfield. Hours: Tues-Sat. Call 746-4502.

Through Dec 29: “Small Works, Smaller Works & Miniatures,” holiday gift show & sale featuring works by Paula Renee, known for multi-media works in sizes ranging from 1 sq ft to nearly 100 sq ft, will present pcs of 3x4 inches to 12x14 inches in acrylic on paper & masonite, painted & dimensionally sculpted, plus collage, tapestries & woven paintings.

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) — Through Dec 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.

Bruce Museum of Arts & Sciences, One Museum Dr, Greenwich. Call 203-869-0376.

*(new show) Dec 8-March 22: “Navajo Textiles from the Bruce Museum,” 10 examples from Transitional period to Rug period, exploring important period in the history of Navajo artistic when technological advances & growth of commercial interest in Navajo craft replaced traditional methods of weaving.

Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury. Call 778-8337.

Permanent exhibitions on railroad history (museum is along old New Haven RR line & housed in former Danbury station & railyard), also original & restored rolling stock incl a New Haven RR Mack FCD railbus, Alco RS-1 diesel locomotive, fully operating turntable, etc.

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.”

*(new show) Dec 13-Jan 27: works by abstract painter Susan Monserud & collage artist Erica Harris; Dec 15, opening reception, 4-6 pm.

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.

Morrison Gallery, Kent Village Barns, 8 Old Barn Rd (near Rte 7 at Rte 341), Kent. Hours: Wed-Sat 10:30 am-5:30 pm, Sun 1-4 pm. Call 860-927-4501.

Through Dec 30: recent works by landscape painter Wolf Kahn, including recent additions to exhibition as dates of show extended.

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

Through 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.

Through 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.

Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, Wilton. Hours:  Mon-Thurs 10 am-4 pm, Sun 1-4. Call 762-7257.

*(new show) Dec 9-Feb 3: “Toys and Trains at Wilton Heritage Museum,” presentation of multiple working train exhibits.

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  _____

Kent Film Festival, PO Box 846, Kent CT 06757. Visit KentFilmFestival.org.

Jan 15: Deadline for entries for consideration for 3rd Annual Kent Film Festival, narrative, documentary, animated short or feature films accepted, festival to run March 27-30, entries must be in DVD format & labeled (3 copies of each entry needed; see website for label details) & accompanied by entry form, clearances must be done by filmmaker, all work original, non-refundable entry fee $25 for shorts, $35 features, student rates $18 & $28, no films returned, accepted filmmakers notified by end of Jan, visit website for full details.

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 ____

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 8: Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, at Ridgefield High School, 700 North Salem Rd/Rte 116, Ridgefield, 8 pm, tickets $15-$50: Dec 8, “Russian Rejoicing,” program to incl works of Glink (Overture to Russlan & Ludmilla) & Rachmaninoff (Piano Concerto No 2 in C minor) will feature guest conductor Gerald Steichen & guest pianist Joyce Lang joining RSO for Tchaikovsky’s Symphony #5 in E minor; 203-438-3889.

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 Fuller & 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.

Dec 14: Performance of Messiah by Danbury Concert Chorus & Danbury Chamber Orchestra, at St Peter Church, 104 Main St, Danbury, 7:30 pm, free (doors open 6:30, popular event fills early) performance of Handel’s oratorio will also feature guests Maxim Vladimiroff on continuo & Stephan Roberts on Great Organ; 748-1716.

Dec 15: A Very Victorian Christmas, at Naugatuck Historical Society Museum, 195 Water St, Naugatuck, 7 pm, $2 (free for museum members), performance by Pinebrook Ringers & Ambassadors of Christ Choir will incl traditional holiday carols w/ singers in Victorian costumes, refreshments to follow; 203-729-9039.

Dec 15: Doug Hartline & Friends: A Benefit Concert, Danbury Music Centre, 256 Main St, Danbury, 7:30 pm, tickets $12, Christmas concert will feature acoustic & electric guitarist Doug Hartline w/ keyboardist Nick Bariluk, flute & sax player Gary Blu, bassist Wayne Zito, drummer/percussionist & special guest dancer Diane Fried, proceeds & donated non-perishable goods to benefit Community Action Committee of Danbury (CACD) food pantry; 744-2337.

Dec 15-16: The Nutcracker, at Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield, curtain 8 pm, tickets $15-$25, holiday classic presented by Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance will feature Miami City Ballet dancer Alexander Dutko; 203-438-5795.

Dec 16: 18th annual Cantata Choir Christmas Concert, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 25 Great Hill Rd, Oxford, 2 pm, free adm (freewill donations accepted), performance by 50-voice adult & children’s choir will incl Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah w/ solos & choruses, also songs of the season, reception to follow; 203-888-4713.

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 7, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, $15 adults, $10 non-WCSU students, seniors & ages 12 & under; Dec 10, WCSU Percussion Ensemble; Dec 14-15, 13th annual production of GianCarlo Menotti’s Amahl and The Night Visitors by WCSU Opera, Fri 8 pm, Sat 3 pm, tickets $12 adults, $8 seniors, non-WCSU students & children ages 12 & under; Dec 16, Annual WCSU Holiday Jazz Concert, performance 3 pm.

Portuguese Cultural Center, 65 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury. Call 268-8570.

Weekly Ballroom Dancing, Wed 7-11 pm, adm $15 (incl buffet), music provided by DJ, free dance lesson (7:15-7:45 pm), cash bar, door prizes, singles, couples & beginners all welcome.

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

Performances 8 pm unless noted: Dec 7, Tim Reynolds (solo acoustic), $30; Dec 8, The Blind Boys of Alabama Holiday Show, $68; Dec 12, Wishbone Ash, $40; Dec 15-16, The Nutcracker, Sat 2 & 6 pm, Sun 2 pm, performance by Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance will feature Alexander Dutko (Miami City Ballet), tickets $25, $12 ages 12 & under.

Ridgefield Symphony Youth Orchestra, at East Ridge Middle School, 10 East Ridge Rd, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-3889.

Sandy Hook Village Summer Festival, Sandy Hook Bandstand, 5 Glen Rd, Sandy Hook. Call 426-2427.

2007 Music by the River series, free adm, performances 7 pm:

Sherman Chamber Ensemble. Call 860-355-6155.

Fri performances 8 pm @St Andrew’s Church, North Main St, Kent; Sat performances @Lake Mauweehoo Clubhouse, Rte 37 at Leach Hollow Rd, Sherman, tickets $20 adults, $15 students & seniors ($10 lawn seats available for Sat performances, free lawn seating for age 12 & under), series tickets $45:

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

2005-06 Sunday Afternoon Concert Series, performances 4 pm, sugg donation $10:

Waterbury Symphony Orchestra. Call 203-574-4283.

Concerts at Naugatuck Valley College Fine Arts Center, 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, 3 pm, tickets: $15-$40 adults, $5 students:

Concerts at The Palace Theater, 100 East Main St, Waterbury, tickets $25-$75:

Wednesday Carillon Concert Series, St James Episcopal Church, 25 West St, Danbury. Call 748-3561.

2007 series, Wed 12:30-1 pm, bring seating & lunch, cool beverages served, performers as follows:

Yale University Guild of Carillonneurs, Harkness Tower in Saybrook College courtyard, Elm at High St, New Haven. Call 203-432-2309.

Summer Carillon Concert Series, 7 pm, free performances, picnics welcome (but no dogs), indoor listening space available if rain, guest performers as follows:

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 8-13: Martian Child (PG), Sat 7 & 9 pm, Sun-Thurs 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 & 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 8: 40th Annual Gingerbread Village & Bazaar, St George’s Episcopal Church, Rte 188 at Tucker Hill Rd, Middlebury, Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 12-9 pm, Mon-Fri 2-4 & 7-9 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.

Through 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.

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.

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 8-16: Winter Festival at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, Sat-Sun 12-3 pm, adm (incl visits inside zoo) $9 adults, $7 ages 3-11 & seniors, free ages 3 & under & zoo members, visit animals while they’re more active & crowds tend to be smaller, also crafts programs, special talks & other surprises, gift shopping; 203-394-6565.

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 8: Breakfast with Santa, Newtown Middle School, Queen St, Newtown, 9-10:30 am, free, children of all ages invited to have breakfast w/ & meet Mr & Mrs Claus, also Mad Science Fire & Ice performance.

Dec 8: Performance of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Shepaug School auditorium, School St, Washington, 2 pm, free adm, performance by After School Arts Program (ASAP) students, who were involved in all aspects of putting production together (except writing, of course…); 860-868-0740.

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.

Dec 15: Family Drop-In Hours, Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 12-4:30 pm, $7 adults, $4 seniors & college students, free age 18 & under, ongoing self-guided hands-on activities (children must be accompanied) will extend understanding of current exhibitions; 203-438-4519.

Dec 15: “The Snow Story: A Patty’s Place Extravaganza,” performance by CT Family Theatre at Sacred Heart University’s Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts, 5151 Park Ave, Fairfield, 2 pm (performance also scheduled for Dec 22, same time), tickets $18 adults, $12 students, $10 ages 10 & under, group discounts available, monthly series will continue w/ performance of interactive holiday adventure for families & children that tells story of misadventures of Stage Door Pops, Milton Mushworth & Dancin’ Danny as they try to find the holiday spirit; 203-371-7908.

Dec 16: Santa & Mrs Claus at The Golden Age of Trucking Museum, 1101 Southford Rd/Rte 188, Middbury, 1-3 pm, adm $8 adults, $7 senior citizens, $5 ages 2-16, $20 max/family, free for members, visit w/ Santa & Mrs Claus (who will arrive at 1 in their antique trick), photos & goodies for each child, also holiday crafts, live piano music & Dimples the Clown; 203-577-2181.

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; Dec 15, Gingerbread House Workshop, 3 pm, $3 materials fee due at sign-up (must be done in person, in the children’s dept), decorate your own already-made graham cracker house for the holidays.

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 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 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.

Through Dec 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.

Through Dec 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.

Through Dec 31: Annual Fantasy of Lights, Lighthouse Park, Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, Sun-Thurs 5-9 pm, Fri-Sat 5-10 pm, $10 vehicles, $25 mini-bus, $50 bus, drive through an enchanting land of sparkling lights & holiday light displays, a treat for children of all ages; 203-777-2000.

Through Jan 16: Annual Festival of Lighthouses, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 N Water St, Norwalk, daily 10 am-5 pm, adm $11 adults, $10 seniors, $9 ages 2-12 (incl admission to full aquarium), 6th annual presentation of illuminated & decorated miniature lighthouses built by regional artists & crafters who use all manner of materials incl wood, medal, stone, wire, plastic, glass, paper, string, clay, candy, gingerbread & more; 203-852-0700.

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.

Dec 12: The Genealogy Club of Newtown meeting, C.H. Booth Library meeting room, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7 pm, round table discussion will highlight this month’s meeting, open to anyone interested in family history; 426-1840.C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-4533.

Programs free unless noted: 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.

Danbury BNI Trailblazers, meetings at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Clapboard Ridge Rd, Danbury. Call 797-1122.

Group meets Wednesdays, 8-9:30 am, members network & help build businesses, all visitors welcome, contact Mark Vendetti at above phone # for details.

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 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 The New Sorrento, 32 Newtown Rd, Danbury (call 744-5575), shows 9 pm & tickets $15 unless noted: 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.

Shows at Ocean Grille, 464 Boston Post Rd, Orange (call 203-795-4588), show at 10 pm & tickets $15 unless noted: Dec 7, Quentin Heggs, Bill McCarty & Dave Sheehan; Dec 14, Lord Carrett, Bill Keller & Johnny Benson.

Theatre ______________

Dec 8: Performance of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Shepaug School auditorium, School St, Washington, 2 pm, free adm, performance by After School Arts Program (ASAP) students, who were involved in all aspects of putting production together (except writing, of course…); 860-868-0740.

Dec 12 & 14: Staged reading of Korczak’s Children, Naugatuck Valley Community College Playbox Theatre, 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, Wed & Fri 7 pm, sugg donation $5, special collaboration between NVCC New Zenith Theatre & Waterbury Arts Magnet School will offer 25 actors presenting playwright Jeffrey Hatcher’s work based on true historical events & characters from circa WWII Warsaw orphanage Jewish Ghetto, suitable for ages 11 & up; 203-575-8038.

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, through 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 (Dec 11-26, no shows Dec 25), also Thurs 7:30 (Dec 20 & 27), 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, through Dec 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 8, Pre-Play Introduction, 2 pm, Long Wharf’s artistic staff will share secrets & challenges of the creative process of Santaland Diaries; Dec 11, Audience Exchange, post-performance program w/ members of acting company & artistic staff; Dec 18, Audience Exchange, post-performance program w/ members of acting company

& artistic staff.

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, through Dec 29, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (Dec 9 & 16) 2 pm, tickets $20; Dec 31, Gala New Year’s Eve performance, tickets $35, hors d’oeuvres & open bar (beer, wine & soft drinks).

Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court (off Rte 1), Westport. Call 203-227-4177.

A Christmas Carol, through Dec 29, curtain Wed-Fri 7 pm, Sat-Sun 5:30 pm, mat Thurs 2 pm, Sat-Sun 1 pm, tickets $25-$48, group discounts available; Dec 24, special Christmas Eve performance, 11 am.

 

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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.

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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.