November and December are such busy (and fun) months. Here are some events in our area (and some a bit beyond) that are sure to get you in the spirit!!
Santa Storytime at Yale Bookstore
Winter Wonderland, Festival of Lights and Tree Lighting
November 23, 5:00-7:30-Tree lighting at 6:30
Milford Bank Lot and Milford Green
Lincoln Lights
Lincoln Road, Orange
Usually kicks off Thanksgiving weekend, checkout their Facebook page for more details!!
Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting
December 2nd 3pm-6pm
Orange Town Green
The Town of Orange invites you to attend the Annual Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting on Sunday, December 2, 2018. Festivities on and around the Orange Town Green will begin at 3:00 p.m.
Visitors may tour the Stone-Otis House to learn what a Victorian Christmas was like. The Academy Building and the antique shop will be open and invites you to view the Historical Society’s antique collections and Emily Prudden Watercolors, as well as the New Haven to Derby line model railroad in the lower level from 3:00 — 5:00 p.m.
The Orange Congregational Church will hold a cookie sale, hand bell concert and carol sing in the church sanctuary from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The Case Memorial Library will be splendidly decorated, and will host a performance from Al deCant of Half Moon Music who will perform a children’s musical program in the library meeting room from 3:30 — 4:00 p.m. Guess how many candies in the jar at the library and win a prize, write a letter to Santa Claus and make a craft in the craft room. The Library will be open from 3:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m.
The Annual Gingerbread Contest will be featured in the Clark Building. Friends of all ages are invited to enter a gingerbread creation. Entries must be dropped off at the Clark Building from 2:00 — 3:00 p.m. on December 2nd and must be picked up between 5:30 —6:00 p.m. Prizes will be given to the winner of the contest.
An ice carving demonstration will take place in front of the Clark Building from 3:00 —5:00 p.m.
A Lighter Tractor Parade will take place down Orange Center Road at 4:30 p.m. Santa Claus will arrive at the conclusion of the Lighted Tractor Parade. The Tree Lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Children can visit with Santa on the Town Green. The Holiday Festival will end at 6:00 p.m.
Christmas in the Mansion
December 1- 2, 2018
Lauralton Hall, 200 High Street, Milford, Connecticut
Come Share in “All that glitters…”
At Christmas in the Mansion 2018, you can stroll Lauralton’s decorated halls, tour our historic Victorian Gothic mansion, shop for holiday gifts from a wide range of artisans and specialty boutiques, and visit Santa’s Workshop for hot chocolate and goodies. You’ll also have the chance to win raffle items including gourmet baskets, handcrafted goods, and Christmas trees decorated by our students, faculty, and staff. This year’s theme, “All that glitters…”, promises to transform Lauralton’s historic campus into a spectacular Showcase of the Season.
Preview Party, Saturday, December 1, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Join us for this reservation-only preview of Christmas in the Mansion. Wear your festive attire and shop our specialty vendors before we open to the community on Sunday. The event features hors d’oeuvres, a light buffet, wine and beer, raffles, Christmas music performed by our Lauralton vocal ensembles, and more. Fare provided by Fitzgerald’s Fine Catering.
Standard contribution is $50 per person to reserve. Or, join our Christmas in the Mansion Choir of Angels with a contribution of $75 to $200. Reserve online or download the registration form. This event sells out quickly — reserve today!*
Christmas in the Mansion, Sunday, December 2, noon – 5:00 p.m.
Share in the Christmas Spirit as our doors open to the community! Admission is $10 per person at the door. Children age 12 and younger are admitted free.
Proceeds support the Lauralton Hall Annual Fund. Click here to make a donation.
Santa Cares
Sun, December 9, 2018
8:30 AM – 10:30 AM EST
Connecticut Post
Children within every spectrum of special needs and their families are invited to a private photo session, to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa Claus during dedicated hours. Please reserve your complimentary ticket on Eventbrite – ONE TICKET per group/family, please.
Visits with Santa are free. Photo packages that capture holiday memories will be available for purchase at the event, pricing varies by location.
North Pole Express at the Essex Steam Train (Early November thru end of December)
Board the North Pole Express locomotive-powered sleigh…for a magical nighttime journey to the North Pole. Every coach becomes a stage for a LIVE, musical performance of The Night Before Christmas. Celebrate the spirit of the season with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sing-a-longs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies.
Each child will receive a small gift from Santa. Children are invited to wear their favorite PAJAMAS. Make sure those PJs are warm and cozy…it’s cold up at the North Pole!
Ride length is approximately 90 minutes. Departures are at 5:00 pm / 5:30 pm / 7:00 pm / 7:30 pm (all operating dates) plus 3:00 pm & 3:30 pm (Saturdays & Sundays and Friday November 24). Tickets go on sale September 5th at 9am. Click here for more information.
Santa Special and Reindeer Breakfast
Dream, Believe, Discover…All aboard the Santa Special for a one-of-a-kind, daytime holiday experience. Make sure you’re camera-ready for that “special moment” when Santa and Mrs. Claus visit each child! Enjoy the spirit of the season as you relax with family and friends aboard festive railway cars adorned with vintage decorations. Rudolph and Pablo the Penguin will be on board to spread holiday cheer. Plus, each child will receive a small holiday gift from Santa’s Elves! Tickets will be available the week of Sept. 19th. Click here for more information.
Reindeer Breakfast is available to First Class passengers at an additional cost. Relax and enjoy a festive family meal in River Valley Junction before your 10:30 am Santa Special departure, prepared by the team that brings you the Essex Clipper Dinner Train and caters our Events and Functions.
On the Menu: Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, biscuits & gravy, bagels, muffins, cut fruit, cereal, coffee, tea, and juice.
Serving Time: 9:00 – 10:00 am, 10:15 am boarding