Antiques Shows______

Sundays (through Dec 19): Elephant’s Trunk Country Flea Market, Rte 7, New Milford, 7 am-2:30 pm (early buying 5:45 am, $20), adm $1.

Dec 19: 19th Annual Antique Stocking Stuffers Show & Sale, Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Rd, Old Greenwich, 10 am-5 pm, adm $6; 914-273-4667, (show phone) 203-637-4583.

Jan 1: Glastonbury Antiques & Collectibles Gala New Year’s Show, Glastonbury High School, Hubbard St, Glastonbury, 9 am-4:30 pm, adm $6, 130 dealers from New England, NY & RI; 860-342-2540.

Jan 8-9: 47th Papermania Plus, Hartford Civic Center, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, adm $6 (seniors half price on Sun), 160 exhibitors, appraisals (Sun 10 am-2 pm, free); 860-563-9975.

Jan 8-9: Stamford Vintage Clothing, Jewelry & Textile Show & Sale, Sheraton Hotel, 2701 Summer St, Stamford, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, adm $8, 80+ booths; 914-248-4646.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St, Ridgefield. Hours: Tues-Thurs & Sat-Sun 1-5 pm, Fri 12-8 pm. Call 203-438-4519.

Through Jan 5: “David Opdyke: 2004 Aldrich Emerging Artist Award Exhibition,” new work loaded w/ satire by this year’s winner of museum’s largest single award.

Through Jan 5: “Shahzia Sikander: Nemesis,” new digital work incl recent animations, drawings & a site-specific installation by the Pakistani artist.

Through Jan 5: “Aldrich at The Movies,” short video works by Robert Arnold, Marco Brambillo, Jeanne Dunning, Jenny Perlin, Shannon Plumb & Shahzia Sikander, the videos were first screened prior to features at Bethel Cinema & Garden Cinema (in Norwalk) while the Aldrich was closed last year & earlier this year for renovation & expansion.

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 Jan 2: “Victorian Christmas Traditions,” special exhibition educates about early American trees that were decorated w/ fruit, nut, candles, cookies & small handmade trinkets given as gifts on Christmas morning; Dec 16, “Celebrate the Season” gallery talk, 12:15 pm, 45-min talk will be offered by museum curator Kathleen Maher (talkalso offered Dec 18); Dec 18, “Celebrate the Season” gallery talk, 10:30 am, 45-min talk will be offered by museum curator Kathleen Maher.

Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place, Bethel. Hours: Wed 7:30 pm (opens for weekly poetry program), Thurs-Sat 12-9 pm, Sun 11-4 pm. Call 798-2193 or 740-7351.

Through Jan 8: “Winter Magic,” fine arts and crafts by area artists.

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 12-5 pm. Call 426-4533.

In Children’s Dept — Through Dec 31: Santa dolls/figures dressed in costumes of different countries & regional areas of US by Newtown resident Irene Thacker, who recently donated her dolls to library’s permanent collection.

In first floor display cases (near Children’s Dept) — Through Dec 31, New England Specialties Folk Art Santas, hand carved, distressed, antiqued, signed & dated Santa figures from the Newtown workshop of Sandra & Frank Navone.

In Olga Knoepke Meeting Room — Through Dec 29: “Images of Alaska,” photographs of Alaskan animals & landscapes by Mary Hayes-Siegrist.

City Lights Gallery, 37 Markle Court, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues 12-5 pm, Wed-Fri 11 am-6 pm, Sat 11 am-2 pm & by appt. Call 203-334-7748.

Through Dec 24, works by Stephanie Adam (of Newtown), Janet DiGuardi, Robert Everding, Suzanne Katchmar, Laurel Lobovits, Toby Michaels, Rab Thornton, Jill Vaughn & Linda Wingerter.

Cosmic Hippo, 41 North Main St/Rte 7 (on Kent Green), Kent. Holiday Hours: Daily 10 am-5 pm through Dec 25. Call 860-927-3069.

Through Dec 31: “Home for the Holidays,” holiday cards by Karin & Cathy Sebetic, hand-felted Santas by Rose Garbien, fused glass stars & pins by Linda Banks, ornaments by Françoise Morgan, stained glass ornaments & suncatchers by Heidi Kelly, winter watercolors by Linda Doyle, and watercolor snip paintings by Marian Meigs.

Easton Public Library, 691 Morehouse Rd (at corner of Center St), Easton. Hours: Mon & Fri 10 am-5 pm, Tues & Wed 10 am-8 pm, Thurs 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-3 pm. Call 261-0134.

Through Jan 18: wood carvings by Newtown residents Wayne Smith & Carol Keyt Smith.

Fenn Gallery of Contemporary Art, 345 Main Street/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Thurs-Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 203-263-2821.

Through Jan 16: “Anna Held Audette: Painter of Ruins of Our Time,” also recent scupture by David Burt.

Fine Line Art Gallery, 586 Main St South/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Thurs-Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 203-266-0110.

Through Dec 23, “Deck The Walls,” art show & sale featuring paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor & pastel by gallery artists, also handcrafted pottery & jewelry, special holiday hours (through Dec 23, 11 am-5 pm; Dec 24, 11 am-2 pm).

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

Through Feb 7, “Paintings & Etchings,” works by the CT artist Richard Carleton offering “a visual epiphany” of diverse images by an artist who likes his works to look like they have been done by a number of different people (rather than following a structured identifying style).

Through Feb 7, glassware by the Vermont craftsman Michael Egan, who offers selections w/ distinctive artistic design on platters, pitchers, bowls & vases (encore presentation of Mr Egan’s holiday 2003 show).

Housatonic Museum of Art/Burt Chernow Galleries at Housatonic Community College, 90 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport. Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri 8:30 am-5:30 pm (Thurs until 7 pm), Sat 9 am-3 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 203-332-5000.

Through Jan 14: “Michael Hafftka, A Retrospective: Large Oils, 1985-2003,” large-scale works that are seen as both references to a tortured world of suffering & also to the experience of harmony & beauty.

Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd, Washington. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 860-868-0518.

Through Dec 31: “From Artifact To Art: Paintings of The IAIS Collection by Arvale Rogers,” works by the renowned artist showing ethnographic items in museum’s collection.

Through Dec 31: “Northern Hunters & Fishermen: Indigenous Peoples of The Arctic, Sub-Arctic and Northwest Coast,” objects & art reflecting the lives & survival of Native American peoples – incl Tinuit, Tlingit, Haida, Makah, Hupe & Cree – who live in some of the coldest & most inhospitable environments on Earth.

Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby. Hours: Tues-Sat 9 am-4:30pm. Call 734-2513.

Through Dec 30: “Art from Connecticut Forests,” unique display of works created from a single white oak tree, done to illustrate the diversity of products provided by the natural resource, done as part of Centennial Celebration of Forestry.

Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St, Norwalk. Hours: daily 10 am-5 pm. Call 203-852-0700.

Through Jan 18: “2004 Holiday Lighthouse Display,” fun & imaginative lighthouse models by regional artists & crafters, with visitors invited to cast votes on their favorites.

Mark Twain House & Museum Center, 351 Farmington Ave, Hartford. Hours: 9:30 am-5:30 pm (open to 8 pm first Thurs/month). Call 860-247-0998.

Through Jan 10: “Victorian Holiday Traditions Celebrated at The Mark Twain House,” 19-room mansion has been decorated in Victorian style, as it would have been for Twain family holiday celebrations ca 1874-1981, when author, wife & family lived in the house.

Through Jan 30: “Writers Unbound: The Photography of Jill Krementz,” black & white photos of more than 60 famed authors at work incl Updike, Williams, King, Tan, Morrisson, Dr Seuss, E.B. White, et al, by one of the country’s most celebrated portrait photographers.

Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-753-0381.

*(new show) Dec 17-Jan 16: “Magic and Spirit,” short-term exhibit will offer glimpse into works of 3 “exciting & colorful artists” who have lived or worked in CT recently – Lois Livingston McMillen, Imna Arroyo and Carey McDougall; Dec 17, opening reception, 5:30-7:30 pm; Dec 29, gallery talk featuring Ms Arroyo & Ms McDougall, 1 pm; Dec 29, “Current Issues Affecting Contemporary Artists,” 7 pm, lecture by Ms Arroyo & Ms McDougall.

Miller Studio & Gallery/Beaux Arts Gallery, 495 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Sun 12-4:30 pm. Call 203-263-3939.

Through Jan 15: “Black Tie: Exquisite Small Works,” 18 original small-scale paintings by well-known area artists incl Robert Crawford, Joy Bristol, Thomas Adkins, Judith Andrew, Tom Yost, Helene Brier, Robert Holden, Ella Knox, John Schieffer, Katrina Schmidt-Rinke, David Heskes & Mary Whyte, with each work coupled w/ custom frame designed & built by gallery owner P.H. Miller.

Minor Memorial Library, 23 South St, Roxbury. Hours: Sat 10 am-2 pm, Mon & Wed 10 am-7 pm, Thurs-Fri 10 am-5 pm. Call 860-350-2181.

Through Jan 12: “Black, White & Gray,” photography by Judith Patrovich incl many of state’s landscapes, portrait sculpture by Philip Grausman.

New Haven Colony Historical Society, 114 Whitney Ave, New Haven. Hours: Tues-Fri 10 am-5 pm, Sat 12-5 pm (museum library open Wed-Fri 10-5 only). Call 203-562-4183.

Through Jan 15: “Substance & Style: Margaret Fitch Brewster and The Emergence of The Modern Society Woman,” celebration of a New Haven society woman (1884-1963) who found inspiration & influence in many charitable organizations & cultural movements that she participated in & helped establish during her lifetime.

Potter & Slack Fine Art, Rte 202, Marbledale. Hours: Sat-Sun 11 am-5 pm & by appt. Call 860-868-3245.

Through Dec 31: “Holiday Exhibition: Small Format,” paintings & sculpture by 4 generations of New England artists incl paintings by Bertram Bruestle featuring CT landscapes & barns, VT scenes by Rosemary Ladd, local landscapes by Curt Hanson & Frank Metz, plus sculpture by Paul Suttman & Stanley Bleifeld.

Ridgefield Guild of Artists (RGA) Gallery, Halpin La, Ridgefield. Hours: Thurs-Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-438-8863.

Through Dec 19: “Holiday Market,” RGA’s annual sale of fine art & artisanry, all priced for gift-giving.

River Glen Fine Arts Gallery (formerly Grey Horse Gallery), 3 Washington Ave/Rte 34, Sandy Hook. Hours: Tues 12-4 pm, Thurs 7-9 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am-4 pm. Call 270-1199.

Paintings by Rainie Crawford, Frank Federico, Leslie Lillien Levy, Dick McEvoy, Alain J. Picard & Peter Seltzer, sculpture by Sterett-Gittings Kelsey.

Silvermine Guild Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan. Hours: Tues-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-966-5617.

Through Dec 22: “Spectra 2004, The National Photography Triennial Competition,” 114 photographic examples by photographers from across the country as selected by juror Barbara Hitchcock (curator & cultural affairs director, The Polaroid Corporation).

Through Dec 22: “Director’s Choice: Icons of 20th Century Photography,” images by classic masters incl Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Alfred Stieglitz, et al, curated by Helen Kessler During.

Through Dec 22: “An Enchanted Forest of Artist Ornaments,” handmade holiday ornaments created by Silvermine Guild members in variety of media, all available for purchase (galleries open late Dec 22 for final shopping opportunities).

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main St, Hartford. Hours: Wed-Fri 11 am-5 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am-5 pm. Hours. Call 860-278-2670.

Through Jan 2: “Ballets Russes To Balanchine: Dance at The Wadsworth Atheneum,” tribute to centennial of the great ballet choreographer offers 80+ works of art, nearly 25 costumes, plus archival material & photographs reasserts thrilling originality & brilliance of Balanchine’s theatrical productions.

Through March 6: “Traditions/Transitions: The Changing World of Fiber Art,” exploration of techniques of fiber art (weaving, knotting, stitching & dyeing) incl newly acquired works by Lenore Tawney & Norma Minkowitz.

Washington Art Association, Bryant Plaza, Rte 47, Washington Depot. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 860-868-2878.

Through Dec 24: Washington Art Association’s Annual Holiday Gift Sale, WAA Gallery, 4 Bryan Plaza, Rte 47, Washington Depot, Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm, sale of crafts & small works of art made by 100+ area fine artists & craftspeople, suitable for holiday giving, incl soaps & body scrubs, beaded necklaces, patchwork quilts, functional & decorative pottery, ornaments, dried floral wreaths & more; 860-868-2878.

In Upstairs Gallery: Through Dec 31, regional landscapes in gouache by South Kent artist Mary Miner depicting scenes in Kent, Washington & New Preston.

Wilton Art Gallery & Framing, 379 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, Wilton. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat 9:30 am-5 pm, Sun by appt. Call 203-762-8311.

Through Jan 31: “Into The Light,” stained glass works by Carol Engelson & paintings by Diana Wege.

Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd/Rte 7, Wilton. Hours: Mon & Fri 10 am-6 pm, Tues-Thurs 10 am-7 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-762-3950.

Through Dec 29: “A Father-Daughter Collaboration,” watercolors by Ed MacEwen, box art pcs, ceramics & photography by Newtown resident Bonnie MacEwen Sailer, and a set of murals produced by the father & daughter artists.

Woodbury Public Library, 269 Main St South/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Tues & Thurs 10 am-9 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-263-3502.

Through Dec 30: “From Bloomsbury to Bethlehem,” modernist acrylic paintings by Ruth Cargill, who grew up in Bloomsbury, London, was influenced by African designs in costumes & props of her father’s work & moved to US 20 years ago.

Wooster Community Art Center, 73 Miry Brook Rd, Danbury. Gallery hours: M-F 9:30 am-6:30 pm. Call 744-4825.

Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St at York, New Haven. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-6 pm. Masterpiece Tours of Permanent Collection every Sat 1:30 pm, Sun 3 pm. Call 203-432-0600.

Through June 2005: “Selections from the Permanent Collection: British Paintings and Sculpture to 1900,” rotating selection of chosen groups from the collections of African, ancient American, Asian, early American, & modern & contemporary art incl acknowledged masterpieces & works of importance in the teaching of the history of art.

Through June 5, 2005: “Livable Modernism: Interior Decorating and Design During the Great Depression,” carefully edited installation looks at the ways modernism was introduced into the American home, how certain American designers combined steamlines simplicity of modernism w/ middle class desire for comfort & familiarity during economic & social disruption.

Through June 2005: “Taste And Beauty In Three Dimensions: Paul Mellon and British Sculpture,” YCBA’s honor of founder Paul Mellon offers demonstration of strength & breadth of the collection assembled by Mr Mellon for his own enjoyment & ultimately for Yale community.

Through June 2005: “Revisiting Traditions: Painting & Sculpture in The 20th Century,” installation of works from permanent collection demonstrates persistence of tradition in British art & the remarkable ability of modern British artists to revise & transform it.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Dec 17: New Haven Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert, Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield Univ, 1073 North Benson Rd, Fairfield, 7:30 pm, tickets $30 & $35, Associate Conductor Gerald Steichen will lead NHSO through fun-filled & delightful concert of holiday favorites incl traditional carols & classic selections; 203-254-4010, 877-ARTS-396 (877-278-7396).

Dec 17-19: Clara & The Nutcracker, Taft School’s Bingham auditorium, 110 Woodbury Rd, Waterbury, Fri-Sat 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets $20 orchestra, $15 general, full performance by students of CT Dance Theatre w/ narration by WATR radio personality Barbara Davitt & Waterbury teacher & dancer Bret Poulter in role of Dr Drosselmeyer, optional pre-performance brunch w/ Sugar Plum Fairy & few others characters will precede matinees (free, call for details & reservations); 860-274-0004.

Dec 18: 10th Annual “Christmas Angelicus” concerts by Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus, St John’s Episcopal Church, 16 Church St, Waterbury, 5 pm, adm $20 general seating, $30 adult priority seating, $20 student priority, $10 student general, performance of traditional & classic carols by choir of children & adults in candle-lit settings selected for their architecture & acoustics, accompanied by readings & recitations by the actor John McDonough; 888-788-8882.

Dec 18-19: The Nutcracker, Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and The Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield, Sat 2 & 7 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $20 & $25, performance by guest dancers & students of Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance in its entirety to Tchaikovsky’s melodious music, performers will incl Cory Stearms of American Ballet Theater Studio Co (as Cavalier) & Mark Gillis (formerly w/ Festival Ballet of Rhode Island & Louisville Ballet) as Drosselmeier, plus tenor William Joyney & Ridgefield Town Selectman Di Masters as Mr & Mrs Stahlbaum (party’s hosts); 203-438-5795.

Dec 19: “One Incredible Moment: The Christmas Cantata” by The Cantata Choir of Immanuel Lutheran Church, at Immanuel Lutheran, 25 Great Hill Rd, Oxford, 2 pm, free adm (freewill donations accepted), performance of Fettke & Lucado’s cantata will highlight holiday concert by 50-voice ecumenical music group, also fresh arrangements of seasonal favorites; 203-888-4713.

Dec 19: New Milford School of Performing Arts’ Double Bill: The Nutcracker Ballet & A Christmas Opera, at Shepaug Valley High School, Washington, Nutcracker performances at 2 & 6:30 pm, Christmas Opera: Amahl & The Night Visitors at 5 pm, tickets for single shows $12 adults, $8 seniors & students, double-bill tickets $18 adults, $12 students & seniors, performances will feature SOPA students & guest dancers Adam Battelstein & Kerry Gallagher, guest opera singers Wesley Garrison, Jayne Skoog & Tom Protenic; 860-210-1444.

Dec 19: St Theresa Christmas Concert, St Theresa Church, 5301 Main St, Trumbull, 4 pm, free offering (suggested donation $10), celebrate the spirit of Christmas w/ performance by choirs of church accompanied by Dr John Michniewicz, directed by Carolina Flores; 261-3676.

Dec 19: Handel’s Messiah by Danbury Concert Chorus & Danbury Baroque Chamber Orchestra, at St Peter’s Church, 104 Main St, Danbury, 7:30 pm (doors open at 6:30, early arrival suggested), free performance of full oratorio by 100-voice choral group w/guest soprano Karen Morse, mezzo-soprano Laura Vlasak Nolen, tenor Sean Fallen & bass Rodney Davis; 748-1716.

Jan 7: 4th Annual Holiday Concert, Trinity Episcopal Church, 30 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 8 pm, tickets $30 (must be purchased in advance, no tickets will be sold at door), Newtown resident Richard Serbagi will conduct The Concert Society of Putnam & Northern Westchester, guests incl soprano Maria Ferrante, violinist Eric Lewis, oboist John Hanulik, program will incl Vivaldi’s Four Seasons; 426-4533.

Hartford Symphony Orchestra, The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave, Hartford. Call 860-246-6807.

Dec 31, “Salute To Vienna,” 7:30 pm, tickets $25-$75 for concert only (optional post-performance New Year’s Jazz w/ prime concert seating, dinner by Max, more music by HSO Jazz Quartet, dancing & champagne toast, $195), guest conductor Sascha Goetzel will lead HSO through Strauss overtures, polkas, marches & ballet waltzes (featuring members of Hungarian Nat’l Ballet), also selections from operettas Giuditta, The Gypsy Princess, Countess Maritza, et al, feat soprano Ingrid Mankhof & tenor Thomas Piffka.

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: Dec 17, New Haven Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert, 7:30 pm, tickets $30 & $35, Associate Conductor Gerald Steichen will lead NHSO through fun-filled & delightful concert of holiday favorites incl traditional carols & classic selections.

Films _________________

Bethel Cinema, 269 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. Call 778-2100.

Dec 17-23: Finding Neverland (PG), daily 7:10 & 9:25 pm, mat Fri 4:30 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 2:15 & 4:30 pm; Sideways (R), daily 6:40 & 9:15 pm, mat Fri 3:50 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1 & 3:50 pm.

Dec 17-21: Enduring Love (R), daily 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm; Kinsey (R), daily 6:50 & 9:35 pm, mat Fri 4:20 pm, Sat-Sun 1:50 & 4:20 pm; Ray (PG-13), daily 9:05 pm, mat Sat-Sun 4 pm.

Dec 22-23: A Very Long Engagement (R), daily 6:50 & 9:35 pm, mat Wed 1:10 & 4 pm; Bad Education (NC-17, Spanish w/ subtitles), daily 7 & 9:45 pm, mat Wed 1:30 & 4:15 pm.

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

Dec 17-23: Miracle on 34th Street (the original! from 1947; rated G), Fri-Sun & 9 pm, Mon-Thurs 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 & 4 pm (Sat, meet 2 of Santa’s reindeer, 12:30-4:30, in ETH’s front courtyard), Tues 1 pm.

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

Through Jan 13: Forces of Nature, Mon-Fri 1, 2 & 3 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am, noon, 1, 2 3 & 4 pm.

Through Jan 13: Forces of Nature and Flight of the Aquanaut double feature, Fri-Sun 7 pm.

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

Lost & Found Film Series, 7:30 pm screenings followed by guest speakers for Q&A, tickets $15: Dec 17, A Walk on The Moon, guest actor & director Tony Goldwyn.

For Kids & Families _________

Dec 17-19: Clara & The Nutcracker, Taft School’s Bingham auditorium, 110 Woodbury Rd, Waterbury, Fri-Sat 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets $20 orchestra, $15 general, full performance by students of CT Dance Theatre w/ narration by WATR radio personality Barbara Davitt & Waterbury teacher & dancer Bret Poulter in role of Dr Drosselmeyer, optional pre-performance brunch w/ Sugar Plum Fairy & few others characters will precede matinees (free, call for details & reservations); 860-274-0004.

Dec 18-31: Annual Hands-On Train Display, New Milford Train Station, Railroad St, New Milford, daily 12-4 pm, free display of model trains, villages & tiny figures dressed in winter finery set up on 2 tables& featuring nearly 100 ft of track, also hands-on opportunities to control some of the trains; 860-354-6080.

Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-4519.

For Young Adults: Dec 18-19, Family Drop-In Days, 12-4:30 pm, free w/museum adm, families invited to visit museum’s Education Center for hands-on activities based on current exhibitions.

Bethel Public Library, 189 Greenwood Ave/Rte 302, Bethel. Call 794-8756.

Dec 27, Scrapbooking for Teens, 2:30-4 pm, students in grades 6-12 welcome to join workshop to learn scrapbooking hints, bring 8-10 photos to work with (nothing valuable – make sure originals & negatives are available at home; no Polaroids), anyone w/ scrapbook materials is welcome to bring their own to share.

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 18, Holiday Craft Workshop, 1-2 pm, $3 (due at registration), ages 6 & up invited to join Marie Walker for workshop; Dec 18, Meet The Author: Karen Pierce, 2-4 pm, Newtown resident Karen Pierce will talk about her new release, Yoga Bear, demonstrate poses & answer questions about yoga, book signings will follow.

Downtown Cabaret Children’s Theatre Co., 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-1636.

The Littlest Christmas Tree, through Dec 26, curtain Sat-Sun 12 & 2:30 pm, tickets $12.50.

Miscellaneous ___________

Through Dec 19: “Songs of The Season: Sights & Sounds of The Holiday Season,” Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave (off Rte 34), Derby, Thurs-Sun 10 am-4 pm, free adm, each room of museum will be decorated to reflect a different holiday sound by members of regional garden clubs, tours available from museum guides, Twilight Tours also available Dec 10 & 17; 734-2513.

Through Dec 19: Vintage Train Rides to Visit Santa, Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury, Sat-Sun 12-5 pm, $7 (ages 3 & up), visitors will ride on fully-restored 1953 New Haven Railroad Rail Diesel Car (RDC) through museum’s railyard en route to Santa’s railcar, where they will be greeted by Mrs Claus & elves, small gifts for each child; 778-8337.

Through Dec 22: “An Enchanted Forest of Artist Ornaments,” Silvermine Guild Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan, Tues-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm, handmade holiday ornaments created by Silvermine Guild members in variety of media, all available for purchase, gallery will be open late Dec 22 for final shopping opportunities; 203-966-5617.

Through Dec 24: Washington Art Association’s Annual Holiday Gift Sale, WAA Gallery, 4 Bryan Plaza, Rte 47, Washington Depot, Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm, sale of crafts & small works of art made by 100+ area fine artists & craftspeople, suitable for holiday giving, incl soaps & body scrubs, beaded necklaces, patchwork quilts, functional & decorative pottery, ornaments, dried floral wreaths & more; 860-868-2878.

Through Dec 31: 29th Annual Brookfield Craft Center Holiday Exhibition & Sale, BCC campus, 286 Whisconier Rd/Rte 25, Brookfield, Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm, handcrafter work by more than 200 American artists in jewelry, pottery, glassware, wearables plus functional & decorative craftwork for home & office; 775-4526.

Dec 17: Holiday Twilight Tour at Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave (immediately off Rte 34), Derby, 4-6:30 pm, free adm, self-guided tours through museum where each room has been decorated by regional garden club members to reflect Christmas songs, decorated museum open for regular visits w/ guided tours to Dec 19 (Thurs-Sun 10 am-4 pm, group tours available – call for appt); 734-2513.

Dec 18: Alliance Française Café Conversation, Southbury Public Library, 561 Main St South/Rte 6, Southbury, 10 am-noon, free, join members of Alliance Française of Northwestern CT for conversations in French on various topics, speakers of all levels welcome, topics vary from simple chit-chat to discussions focused on French culture, history or news, call if weather questionable; 262-0626.

Dec 18: WUMC Holiday Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner, Woodbury United Methodist Church, Main St at Church St, Woodbury, 4:45-7 pm, $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3.50 ages 12 & under (meatballs addt’l 50¢ each), spaghetti dinner w/ salad, garlic bread, soft drinks/coffee & dessert; 203-263-4775.

Dec 18-31: Annual Hands-On Train Display, New Milford Train Station, Railroad St, New Milford, daily 12-4 pm, free display of model trains, villages & tiny figures dressed in winter finery set up on 2 tables& featuring nearly 100 ft of track, also hands-on opportunities to control some of the trains; 860-354-6080.

Dec 29: Bethel Library/Molten Java Café Book Discussion, at Molten Java Café, 102 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, 9:30-11 am, monthly series will focus this month on When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka, all welcome; 794-8756 x4.

Dec 31: 16th Annual First Night Danbury, CityCenter Danbury, 5 pm-midnight, $10 adults, $7 ages 12 & under& seniors, 20+ venues will offer drug & alcohol-free events & activities for all ages incl skating at Danbury Ice Arena, live music, refreshments, much more; 792-1711.

Dec 31: “Stand Up & Count Down: 9th Annual New Year’s Eve Comedy Event,” Seven Angels Theatre, Hamilton Park, Plank Rd, Waterbury, shows at 6:30 (tickets $40) & 9:30 (tickets $60 & incl midnight champagne toast & catered buffet), Peter Fogel will headline performances by Fran Capo, Judy Cianciotto & Denis Donohue; 203-757-4676.

Jan 1: CT ConTacts New Year’s Eve Singles Party, Colonial Tavern, Hawley Rd (off Rte 67), Oxford, 8 pm-1 am, adm $15 incl dancing to DJ selections (Top 40, soft rock, recent oldies & requests), dinner & dessert buffets, no jeans, presented by Connecticut ConTacts; 203-468-1144.

Jan 1: CT ConTacts New Year’s Day Singles Party, Fireside Inn, 123 Main St South/Rte 25, Newtown, 8 pm-1 am, adm $15 incl dancing to DJ selections (Top 40, soft rock, recent oldies & requests), dinner & dessert buffets, casual dress OK for this event, presented by Connecticut ConTacts; 203-468-1144.

Jan 7: Newtown Singles “Meet & Mingle,” Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7-9 pm, free & open to area singles, group meets monthly; 261-4210.

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

Programs free unless noted: Dec 29, blood pressure screenings, 10 am-noon, conducted by licensed RN; Jan 8, Basic Computing, 9 am-noon, free hands-on class led by staff member from Newtown Computer Training Center w/ focus on keyboards, shortcuts & function keys, mouse skills, getting started on Internet, registration required.

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

Wednesday Lecture Series, around 7:45 pm (follows brief general meeting), free, guest speakers & topics follow: Dec 22, historic slides by Peter McLachlan; Dec 29, historic slides by Bob Gambling; Jan 5, “Dr Zhivago: Steam in the Snow” by J.W. Swanberg.

Newtown Singles, meetings at Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 261-4210.

Monthly “Meet & Mingle” events, 7-9 pm: next program/meeting Jan 7.

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.

Sacred Grounds/Trinity Productions workshops, 24 Alpine Circle, Sandy Hook, or Brookfield Commons, 246 Federal Rd, Suite C-23A, Brookfield (call for location), or by appt, or in-home by appt. Call 426-9448.

Dec 18, Holiday Celebration in Newtown, begins 7 pm, bring favorite dish to share (optional: bring toy for annual fund drive), directions w/ reservations.

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.

Tarrywile Park, 70 Southern Blvd, Danbury. Call 744-3130.

Guided hikes, free, cancelled if heavy rain, wear rugged, sturdy shoes, bring water, bug spray & light snack, pre-registration requested: Dec 18, 3-hour hike, starts at 9 am.

Wednesday Night Poetry, Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place (in former railroad station), Bethel. Call 426-3388 (Faith Vicinanza), 270-6202 (Michael Seri), 748-2828 (BAJ).

Series presented ev Wed 7:30-10 pm (featured poets 8:30 pm, poetry workshop 9:15 pm), adm $1 ($3 if out-of-state or major guest poet), guest/featured poets as follows: Dec 22 & 29, no readings/holiday break; Jan 7, one-hour writing workshop & welcome back open mic.

Theatre ______________

Downtown Cabaret Theatre, 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-1636.

Sugar Babies: The Burlesque Musical, through Feb 6, curtain Fri 8 pm, Sat 5:30 & 8:30 pm, Sun 5:30 pm, tickets $37.50-$45.50.

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

Black Nativity, Dec 16-18, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, tickets $25-$35 adults, $10 ages 12 & under.

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

Pageant, through Dec 18, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, tickets $18 adults, $15 seniors & students; cabaret seating, audience welcome to bring in refreshments (picnic dinners also available), doors open one hour before show.

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

Anthony Neilson’s The Night Before Christmas, through Dec 19 & 31, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (Dec 12 & 19) 2 pm, tickets $15, show is not appropriate for children; Dec 31, New Year’s Eve Gala, 8 pm, tickets $30 & incl hors d’oeuvres & open bar.

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Events that appear by date have Newtown events 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.