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.

Sundays  (through fall): 8th season Clinton Village Antiques & Collectibles Flea Market, 327 East Main St/ Rte 1, Clinton; 860-669-3839.

Jan 1: Antiques & Collectibles Gala New Year’s Show, Glastonbury High School, Hubbard St, Glastonbury, 9 am-4:30 pm, adm $7, 130 dealers from New England & NY, antique lighting restoration available; 860-342-2540.

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.

Jan 27: 42nd annual Tolland Antiques Show, Tolland High School, Old Cathole Rd, Tolland, 10 am-4 pm (early buying 8:30 am, adm $15), regular donation/adm $5, 65 exhibitors, presented by & benefit for Tolland Historical Society; 860-870-9599.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St, Ridgefield. Hours: Tues-Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-438-4519.

Through Feb 24: “2007 Emerging Artist Award Exhibition: Marti Cormand,” paintings & drawings that focus on tightly-rendered landscapes which explore the nature of representation in the digital age.

Through May 26: “Charlotte Schulz: An Insufficiency in Our Screens,” first solo museum exhibition by artist who participated in Aldrich’s 2003 Radius program features 2- & 3-dimension charcoal drawings that “invite the viewer to explore strange composite architectural spaces in which dreams blend w/ memory & reality.”

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.

Barn Hill Studio & Gallery, Rte 110, Monroe. Hours: Fri-Sat 12-6. Call 268-4225.

Through Jan 5: “Through The Generations,” celebration of artistic family lineages – works by Julia Provey of Newtown plus her mother Lucy Sikes & grandfather Ben Durand, also works by Linda Dohanos of Monroe, her mother Florence Dohanos & her grandfather Stevan Dohanos.

The Barnum Museum, 820 Main St, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-4:30 pm, Sun 12-4:30 pm. Call 203-331-1104.

Through Dec 31: “Celebrate The Season,” chronicle of evolution of the Christmas celebration during 19th Century incl how Christmas tree came to be part of developing “tradition” in American households & how Industrial Revolution impacted festivities of the holiday.

Permanent exhibitions: “Come One Come All: The Barnum Festival,” exhibit highlighting the history & significance of the festival as an event & an organization in constant operation since 1949 incl ballgowns, portraits of past Ringmasters, pins, posters & props, photos & other paraphernalia to reflect upon as symbols of community spirit & historical significance the festival has given to city of Bridgeport. “Grand Adventure: A Celebration of the American Spirit in Bridgeport,” permanent exhibit on museum’s 2nd floor provides in-depth exploration of Bridgeport’s 19th Century industrialization & urbanization w/ emphasis on P.T. Barnum’s role in the city’s growth; “P.T. Barnum: Bethel To Broadway To Bridgeport,” artifacts incl reproduction of Barnum’s Fejee Mermaid, souvenir pc of cake from Tom Thumb’s 1863 wedding & personal items from Barnum family; re-creation of library from Barnum’s first Bridgeport mansion Iranistan; “Baby Bridgeport,” preserved 6’8” 700-lb elephant, 2nd elephant born in captivity & 1st to be preserved; re-creation of drawing room from Harral-Wheeler mansion, considered one of most outstanding examples of Gothic Revival in America, ca 1847; and  much more!

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

Through Jan 6: “Contemporary and Cutting Edge: Pleasures of Collecting, Part III,” work from 1960 to present offers approx 40 works by major artists of late 20th & 21st centuries, each representative of & important to the artist’s oeuvre incl Twombly, Ruscha, Dine, Beecroft, Day, Mueck, et al.

Through Feb 24: “A Taste For Chocolate,” the natural & artistic history of chocolate, which has been consumed worldwide as confection & beverage but also traded as currency, given yearly as token of enduring love, & inspires passion bordering on obsession & addiction.

Through 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.

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.

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 Jan 27: works by abstract painter Susan Monserud & collage artist Erica Harris.

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.

Through Dec 31: “Annual Christmas Tree Festival,” trees covered w/ ornaments & decorations all made by local schoolchildren.

Through Feb 3: “A Christmas Journey Around Italy,” 17 Italian crèches, ranging from 2 ft wide to more than 13 ft wide by 11½ ft deep, from through Italy (incl Rome, Venice, Naples, Sicily & the Alps), from a region w/ reputation as creating finest Nativity scenes in Italy.

Through Feb 3: “The Swiss Guard: Celebrating 500 Years of Papal Service,” armor, weaponry, uniforms & documents of the world’s oldest security force.

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.

Ongoing: “Frogs!” new permanent exhibition brings visitors nose-to-nose w/ range of amazing amphibians. Also “Adventure Under the Sea,” special exhibit allows visitors to meet some of the real undersea animals like sponges, crabs & sea stars that inspired SpongeBob SquarePants characters & learn about their amazing adaptations incl yellow boring sea sponge, king crabs, brittle stars, et al.

Mark Twain House & Museum Center, 351 Farmington Ave, Hartford. Call 860-247-0998.

Permanent exhibition: “Twain, Tiffany & Other Treasures: Highlights from the Collection,” 100+ objects incl some of most important pcs in museum’s collection, many never before presented publicly, arranged in 4 thematic sections – “The Work of Louis Comfort Tiffany,” “The Clemens Family in Hartford,” “Sam Clemens/Mark Twain” & “Victoriana.”

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.

Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven. Call 203-432-5050.

Through Dec 31: “Dinosaurs, Mammals & Forests Primeval: Celebrating the Great Zallinger Murals at Yale,” memorabilia related to the monumental murals at Peabody museum – 110-ft long “The Age of Reptiles” (created in 1947) & “The Age of Mammals” (1967) – created by Rudolph F. Zallinger, incl first dinosaur toys & other products reproducing vivid images of ancient animals, preliminary drawings & paintings for murals, archival memorabilia, photos of Mr Zallinger at work & much more.

Through Feb 24: “Seeing Wonders: The Nature of Fly Fishing,” comprehensive overview of the history & techniques of fly fishing & fly tying, also displays of historic & celebrity rods, reels & entomology, supplemented w/ specimens from museum’s vertebrate zoology collections.

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.

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.

Silvermine Guild Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan. Hours: Tues-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-966-9700.

Through Dec 22: “Artrageous Gifts Holiday Show & Sale,” works created by students & faculty of Silvermine School of Art incl ceramics, paintings, prints, sculpture, photography & wearable art incl jewelry, scarves, felt hats & handbags.

Through Dec 22: “Director’s Choice: Miggs Burroughs – Signs of Life,” works by New Yorker cartoonist Burroughs, who uses lenticular imagery to convey the illusion of 3D and/or motion.

Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Rd, Wilton. Burlingham Visitor Center Hours: Jan-Feb center is closed, March-April open Thurs-Sun 10 am-4 pm, May-Oct open Wed-Sun 9 am-5 pm, Nov-Dec open Thurs-Sun 10 am-4 pm. **Grounds are always open dawn through dusk. Call 203-761-9945, 203-834-1896.

Through Dec 31: “On Sight: Watercolors by Truman Seymour,” rare presentation of work by master watercolor artist (who married Julian Alden Weir’s half-sister Louisa) who produced major body of work during retirement in Europe.

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

Through 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.

Yale Center For British Art, 1080 Chapel St (at High St), New Haven. Call 203-432-2800.

Through Dec 30: “Art & Emancipation in Jamaica: Isaac Mandes Belisario and His Worlds,” commemoration of bicentenary of abolition of British slave trade offers works depicting life on Jamaican sugar plantations, slavery & the Jamaican landscape from start of British rule in 1655 to aftermath of emancipation in 1840s, special feature incl “Sketches of Character” lithograph series by Isaac Mendes Belisario depicting Afro-Jamaican masquerade performed by slaves during Christmas & New Year; Dec 30, exhibition tour, noon.

Through Dec 30: “Jem Southam: Upton Pyne,” chronicle of six years of life of an unprepossessing pond near the Exeter, Devon, home of photographer Jem Southan through 21 large format images; Dec 29, exhibition tour, noon.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

 

Connecticut Master Chorale, rehearsals at South Britain Congregational Church parish hall, Rte 172 at East Flat Hill Rd, South Britain. Call 775-2602.

Jan 8: Rehearsals begin for new season, appointments for auditions being made now, openings in alto & bass sections, chorale has 2008 concerts planned for March 9 & May 17, both at St Rose of Lima in Newtown, director is Tina Johns, visit CMChorale.org for details or contact Ms Johns at phone # above for audition appt.

Goodspeed Musicals, 6 Main St, East Haddam. Call 860-873-8664.

Jan 26-27: Local Equity auditions for 2008 season, 10 am-5 pm, by appt only, appointments may be made starting Jan 14, non-Equity actors will be seen as appts permit, seeking male & female actors ages 12-18 & adult, bring resume, photo & sheet music, be prepared to sing 1 uptempo song & 1 ballad, music must be legible & in proper key (no lead sheets), accompanist provided, call Company Management at above phone # for appt, details.

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.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Dec 22-23: 19th annual Main Street Theater Nutcracker, at Pomperaug High School, 234 Judd Rd, Southbury, Sat 7 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $25 adults, $20 senior citizens & ages 18 & under, full production will feature former Boston Ballet dancer Todd Hall as Cavalier, et al; 264-4364.

Dec 28: Seventh Annual Holiday Concert by Concert Society Chamber Orchestra, Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 8 pm, tickets $30 (must be purchased or reserved in advance), Richard Serbagi will conduct orchestra w/ guest soprano Maria Ferrante, pianist Graciela Arguedas, also Newtown High School Singers, reception to follow; 426-6470.

Dec 28: Kathleen Kruze & Friends at The Bridge, 5D Shelter Rock Rd, Danbury, 8-10 pm, sugg donation $10, performance of original jazz & blues compositions by Ms Kruze, w/ special guest Ali Ryerson on jazz flute, et al, will double as CD release celebration for Ms Kruze’s new album; 702-7011.

Dec 30: Third Annual Community Messiah Sing, Roxbury Congregational Church, 24 Church St, Roxbury, 4 pm, free, community chorus directed by Christopher Shay will be accompanied by string quartet, trumpet, organ & soloists, for Christmas section of Handel’s masterpiece, singers & choral groups invited to participate, Schirmer scores will be available at door; 860-355-1978.

Jan 12: Arlon Bennett at Roots Music Coffeehouse, 345 Main St (in Common Ground Annex dance studio, former CityCenter Dance Factory), Danbury, doors en 7:30 pm, open mic at 8, featured act at 9, suggested donation $10/adv, $12/door, performance by award-winning songsmith will highlight songs from latest CD (Summer’s End); 417-9607.

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.

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:

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

Performances 8 pm unless noted: Dec 21, The Alternate Routes, $30; Jan 9, Richie Havens Orchestra, $50 & $55; Jan 26, Jorma Kaukonen, $47.50; Jan 27, Richard Thompson’s 1,000 Years of Popular Music, $45.

Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra. Call 203-438-3889.

Concerts at Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge: Jan 5, “Marvelous Mozart VII,” guest conductor James Sadewhite will direct RSO in program of Serenade No. 6 in D, Serenata notturna; K. 239; Concerto for Clarinet in A Major, K. 622 (w/ guest clarinetist Igor Begelman on basset clarinet) & Symphony No. 41 in C, Jupiter, K. 551.

Films _________________

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

Searching For Shakespeare, screenings 2 pm: Dec 26, 10 Things I Hate About You; Dec 27, She’s the Man; Dec 28, Shakespeare in Love.

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

Teen Movie Night: Dec 28, special screening of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for students in grades 6-12, 7 pm, free but adv reservations & permission slips required (call teen librarian, 797-4528).

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 21-23: Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory (PG), Fri-Sun 7 & 9 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 & 4 pm, special screenings of 1971 film starring Gene Wilder & Jack Albertson.

Dec 26-28: The Game Plan (PG), Wed-Fri 7 & 9 pm, mat Wed-Fri 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.

For Kids & Families _________

Through Dec 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.

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 22: “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, 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.

Jan 12: “Saturdays at The Museum: New Year’s Resolutions,” Naugatuck Historical Society Museum, 195 Water St, Naugatuck, 11 am, free program for ages 7 & up will have children learning something now: crocheting chain stitch or making yarn pom-pom (their choice), registration required by Jan 11; 203-729-9039.

Jan 15: “Adventure Time with Dora,” YMCA of Western CT Greenknoll branch, 2 Huckleberry Hilll Rd, Brookfield, 5:30-6:30 pm, $12 non-members ($10 YMCA members), registration required, participants will receive map, go through obstacles & solve puzzles to help Dora find something she lost, also visits w/ Dora; 775-4444.

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

Free programs: Dec 28, Teen Movie Night, 7 pm, special screening of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for students in grades 6-12, adv reservations & permission slips required (call teen librarian, 797-4528).

Miscellaneous ___________

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.

Dec 22: Christmas Singles Dance Party, Colonial Tavern, off Rte 67, Oxford, 8 pm-12:30 am, adm $20 incl buffet dinner & dessert buffet, also dancing (mix of Top 40, soft rock, recent oldies & requests to DJ), “dress to impress,” no jeans; 203-468-1144.

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 29: Saturday Morning Bird Walk, Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby, 9 am, free walk for all levels of birders, join volunteer Maria Stockmal for relaxing walk in search of local birds, sharpen bird ID skills or just enjoy walk through grounds of center; 734-2513.

Dec 31: First Night Danbury, CityCenter, area of White St, Patriot Dr & Ives St (near city green), Danbury, 5 pm-midnight, music, dancing, children’s entertainment & more; 792-1711.

Dec 31: Best Night 2007, Burroughs & Saden Memorial Public Library (Broad St), City Lights Gallery (Markle Court) & Barnum Museum (820 Main St), Bridgeport, adm $4 adults, $2 ages 4-17, free ages 3 & under, ongoing events 4-8 pm incl story telling (4 & 4:45 pm at library), children’s activities (5 pm at library), puppet show (5 pm at gallery), also demo of puppets & make-your-own sock puppet workshop (following performance), helicopter hats workshop (ongoing at museum), oil drum painting (ongoing at museum), visits w/ BB the Bluefish & Storm the Sound Tiger (4-6:30 at museum), face painting (5-8 at museum), balloon animals (also ongoing at museum), performances by The Coastal Chordsmen (museum, ongoing), performance by Nisan the Magic Genie (7 pm at museum), countdown finale & balloon drop promptly at 8 pm at museum;  203-331-1104 x106.

Dec 31: First Night Bridgeport, downtown Bridgeport, 4 pm-midnight, $7 adults, $1 ages 12 & under, New Year’s celebration of the arts w/ dozens of performances at multiple locations, many choices & fun for entire family; 203-522-0224.

Jan 13: “Military Archaeology and Why The Revolutionary War is Important to 21st Century Americans,” Institute of American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd, Washington, 6:30 pm, adm $5, lecture sponsored by Litchfield Hills Archaeology Club by Dr Laurie Weinstein (professor of anthropology & chairman of social sciences, Western CT State Univ) will detail her archaeological excavations at former Revolutionary War encampment in Redding, the lessons learned from the Redding encampment incl American democracy; 860-868-0518.

Jan 16: “Salem Bridge Clocks” lecture, Naugatuck Historical Society Museum, 195 Water St, Naugatuck, $5 (free for historical society members), lecture by historian & Salem Bridge expert Mary Jane Dapkus will cover museum’s collection & other historic clocks, will follow general meeting; 203-729-9039.

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

Programs free unless noted: Jan 14, Daytime Book Discussion, 1 pm, discussion of John Steinbeck’s Tortilla Flat, 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, 10 am (winter start), free, all welcome (children must be accompanied), bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders (in parentheses) as follows: Jan 5, #4 Lakes Trails, Oxford (Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025); Jan 12, White Memorial (Len Patti, 426-3632); Jan 19, Compo Beach, Westport (Diane Pielcuski, 203-240-2061).

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.

Shepaug Eagle Observation Area, Shepaug Housatonic Hydroelectric Station, River Rd, Southbury. Call (Tues-Fri 9 am-3 pm) 800-368-8954.

Seasonal: Observation area open Dec 26 to March 12 only, Wed, Sat-Sun 9 am-1 pm, free adm but reservations absolutely required (reservations line now open).

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 Fairfield Theatre Company, 70 Sanford St, Fairfield (call 203-259-1036), tickets $22 ($17 FTC members) unless noted, showtime 8:30: Dec 29, Rich Ramirez, Moody McCarthy & Johnny Rizzo.

Shows at Marisa’s Ristorante, 6540 Main St, Trumbull (call 459-4225), tickets $10 unless noted, comedy shows start 10 pm, live music starts at 6 (unless noted; no cover charge unless stated):

Shows at The New Sorrento, 32 Newtown Rd, Danbury (call 744-5575), shows 9 pm & tickets $15 unless noted: Dec 22, Greg Vaccarello headlining, Leighanne Lord & Matt Christmas opening; Dec 27, evening w/ Bob Nelson, showtime 7 pm, tickets $19.50; Dec 31, Laugh-In 2008 featuring RC Smith & Coach Tom Whitely, dinner seatings available (8, 8:15 & 8:30 pm), tickets (call for prices) incl show at 10 pm, midnight champagne toast & balloon drop, dancing to follow.

Shows at Ocean Grille, 464 Boston Post Rd, Orange (call 203-795-4588), show at 10 pm & tickets $15 unless noted: Dec 21, Greg Vaccarello, Leighanne Lord & Matt Christmas; Dec 27, Bob Nelson, showtime 9 pm, tickets $19.50.

Theatre ______________

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 (through Dec 26, no shows Dec 25), also Thurs 7:30 (Dec 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.

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 22, Pre-Play Introduction, 2 pm, Long Wharf’s artistic staff will share secrets & challenges of the creative process of Santaland Diaries.

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

The Philadelphia Story, through Dec 29, curtain Fri-Sat 8 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.

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.