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.

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.

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.

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

*(new show) Nov 23-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; Nov 23, opening reception; Nov 29, gallery talk, 11 am, program by Barnum executive director & curator Kathleen Maher; Dec 2, slide presentation & gallery talk, 11 am, program by Barnum executive director & curator Kathleen Maher.

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 Nov 30: “A collection of Spirit Dolls by Paula Brinkman,” 40+ unique handmade dolls, each approx 7” tall, by Newtown native who began creating the dolls while still living in Key West.

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

Through Dec 2: “Eye Candy: Two Centuries of Chocolate Advertising,” complement to “A Taste of Chocolate” offers vintage posters & notable advertisements touting chocolate incl approx 20 examples from Wilbur Chocolate Candy Americana Museum in Penn., The International Poster Gallery of Boston & private lenders.

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.

Chase Collegiate School/St Margaret’s Hall, 565 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury. Call 203-236-9591.

Through Nov 21: group exhibit of works by teaching artists will feature mixed media & acrylics on panel by Chase School faculty chair Rusty Brockmann, oils on canvas by Andrea Carter & mixed media photography by professional photographer & artist Lincoln Turner.

City Lights Gallery, 37 Markle Court, Bridgeport. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-5:30 pm, Sat 11 am-4 pm. Call 203-334-7748.

*(new show) Nov 23-Jan 5: “Mini Masterpieces III,” small works for gift giving, all priced $200 or less; Nov 23, opening reception., 5:30-8 pm.

Fairfield Arts Council, 70 Sanford St, Fairfield. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-4 pm, Sat 1-4 pm. Call 203-319-1419.

Through Dec 19: “Transported,” photographs by David Lubarsky & E. Fitz Smith.

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

Through Dec 21: “Lineal Investigations,” works by Bridgeport artist Paul Kaiser, Manchester artist David Borawski, Susan Shutan of Hamden, Jane Miller of Guilford & Glenn LaVertu, all pushing the boundaries of drawing.

Knights of Columbus Museum, 1 State St, New Haven, Wed-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 203-865-0400.

*(new show) Dec 1-31: “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.

Sherman Library, 1 Sherman Center, Sherman. Hours: Tues-Fri 11 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm. Call 860-354-2455.

Through Nov 30: “Scenes of New England,” landscapes primarily in oil by painter & printmaker Sheila Tintera, who has exhibited her work extensively & has won numerous awards & whose appreciation for land & rural life show in the landscapes & elements within her works.

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

*(new show) Nov 23-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; Dec 1-2, Open House Holiday Weekend, (extended hours) Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 12-5 pm.

*(new show) Nov 23-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; Dec 2, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

White Silo Farm & Winery, 32 Rte 37 East, Sherman. Hours: Fri-Sun 11 am-6 pm. Call 860-355-0271.

*(new show) Nov 30-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; Dec 1, opening reception, 1-4 pm.

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  _____

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.

St Joseph School, 5 Obtuse Hill Rd, Brookfield. Call 860-355-8585.

Dec 1-2: Vendors sought for annual craft fair & bazaar, fair will run Sat 9 am-4 pm, Sun 8:30 am-2 pm, contact Nancy Guydan for details.

St Peter’s Holly Fair, at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, 175 Old Tannery Rd, Monroe. Call 268-4265.

Dec 1: Artists & craftspeople invited to participate in annual fair, will run 10 am-4 pm in church hall, $35, contact Judy Hamilton in church office for application & info.

Woodbury United Methodist Church, 3 Church St (at Main St/Rte 6), Woodbury. Call 203-267-7676.

Dec 1: Openings available for WUMC Christmas Luncheon & Crafts Show, 11 am-3 pm, classroom space $35 (larger classrooms will be shared by 2 or more vendors), BYO tables & signs (latter cannot be larger than 11x17), contact Regina Barcello for details.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Nov 30: “We Are Still Here!” by The Western Wind Vocal Ensemble, Westover School, 1237 Whittemore Rd/Rte 188, Middlebury, 7:30 pm, free concert by internationally acclaimed vocal sextet will feature powerful program based on Jewish stories & music of the Holocaust, concluding w/ songs of hope & redemption for humanity; 203-577-4535.

Dec 1: NUMC Coffee House, 7:45–10:30 pm, Newtown United Methodist Church’s Rauner Hall, 92 Church Hill Road, adm $3 for those attending earlier pasta dinner (see separate Misc listing), $4 otherwise, live bluegrass & folk music, refreshments, suitable for all ages; 426-9998.

Dec 1: Advent concert by Yale Camerata, Battell Chapel, College at Elm St, New Haven, 8 pm, free performance by Camerata (director & conductor Margeurite Brooks) will incl Dona Nobis Pacem, music of Bach, et al; 203-432-5180.

Dec 2: Festival of Lessons & Carols for Advent, Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 2 pm, free performance by Adult Choir & Trinity Choristers will incl anthems interspersed w/ readings of Advent & songs of the season for caroling, reception to follow; 426-9070.

Dec 2: Newtown Choral Society Winter Holiday Concert, St John’s Episcopal Church, 3 Washington Ave/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, 4 pm, tickets $7 adults, $5 seniors & ages 12 & under, performance of Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata (accompanied by NHS Brass Quintet), also Mozart’s Gloria in Excelsis & gospel songs of the season; 426-3769.

Dec 2: Danbury Community Orchestra at WCSU’s Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, 3 pm, free performance by DCO under direction of Stephen Michael Smith will incl works of Mussorgsky (Night on Bare Mountain), Respighi (The Pines of Rome), Gabrielli (a Canzon), Beethoven (Egmont Overture), Boyrce (a symphony for strings) & holiday selections for encore; 748-1716.

Dec 6: First Thursday at The Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, 5:30-7:30 pm, $15 adults ($7 museum members), live music by The Elm City Banjo Society, also socializing, light refreshments, dance instruction & demos by CT Dance Theatre; 203-753-0381.

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.

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.

Nov 23-29: Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix (PG-13), Fri-Sun 7:30 pm, Mon-Thurs 7 pm, mat Fri-Sun 1 & 4 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 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.

Nov 24-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.

Dec 1-8: 40th Annual Gingerbread Village & Bazaar, St George’s Episcopal Church, Rte 188 at Tucker Hill Rd, Middlebury, Sat 10 am-7 pm (craft fair/boutique first Sat only, 10 am-7 pm w/ handmade crafts, pewter tree ornaments, decorations & more), Sun 12-9 pm, Mon-Fri 2-4 & 7-9 pm, Sat (Dec 8, final day) 10 am-4 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.

Miscellaneous ___________

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.

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.

Nov 24: “Decorate Your Own Wreath” workshop, Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Rd, Derby, begins 10 am, $25/wreath & bows, ribbons & other decorative items, BYO work gloves & any special decorations, reservations requested; 734-2513.

Nov 24-25: Monroe Historical Society Annual Christmas Fair, One Room Schoolhouse, Wheeler at Old Tannery Rd, Monroe, Sat 9 am-3 pm, Sun 10 am-2 pm, free adm, new & vintage ornaments, Grandma’s Attic (sm vintage collectibles, baked goods, Monroe Historical Society collectibles, coverlets & other unique items, event continues Nov 29 (3-5:30 pm ), Nov 30 (3-7 pm), Dec 1 (9 am-3 pm), Dec 6-7 (3-5:30 pm) & Dec 8 (9 am-1 pm), largest fundraiser of the year for historical society; 268-5511, 261-8554.

Nov 25: Holiday Spectacular Arts & Crafts Showcase, Ethan Allen Hotel, 21 Lake Ave, Danbury, 11 am-5 pm, free adm, featuring area crafters (presented by Artisans Alliance); 261-2414.

Nov 29: Holiday Open House & Auction, Regency at Newtown, Oakview Rd, Sandy Hook, 5-9 pm, free open house & auction of items will raise funds for Canine Advocates of Newtown Building Fund; 364-1122.

Nov 29-Dec 1: Monroe Historical Society Annual Christmas Fair, One Room Schoolhouse, 315 Wheeler Rd (at Old Tannery Rd), Monroe, Thurs 3-5:30 pm, Fri 3-7 pm,  Sat 9 am-3 pm, free adm, new & vintage ornaments, Grandma’s Attic (sm vintage collectibles, baked goods, Monroe Historical Society collectibles, coverlets & other unique items, event continues Dec 6-7 (3-5:30 pm) & Dec 8 (9 am-1 pm), largest fundraiser of the year for historical society; 268-5511, 261-8554.

Nov 30-Dec 2: 26th annual Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival: “A Season of Promise,” Burr Homestead Mansion, 739 Old Post Rd, Fairfield, Fri 10 am-8 pm, Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, adm $7 adults, $5 seniors, $3 children, every room of mansion decorated & transformed into Holiday Showcase of vignettes, each filled w/ wreathes, garland & unique decorations for purchase, also Holiday Boutique, “Fourteen Angels” quilt raffle, photos in Santa’s Workshop, matinees of Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (Sat 1 & 4 pm, reservations required), Victorian Tea (Sun 1-3 pm, $30 reservations), festival proceeds to benefit Giant Steps CT School; 203-336-7364.

Dec 1: Newtown Rotary Club 47th Annual Pancake Day, Edmond Town Hall Alexandria Room, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 8 am-1 pm, $7 adults, $3 ages 10 & under, all you-can-eat breakfast of pancakes, sausage, apple sauce & beverages.

Dec 1: Garden Club of Newtown Annual Greens Sale, Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 9 am-2 pm, sale of wreaths, swags & table arrangements decorated by garden club members, also sales of club’s new cookbook, signed Sydney Eddison books & color wheels (Ms Eddison will not be at event), pins by Barbara Glass/Cinderella’s Closet; 270-1108.

Dec 1: NUMC Monthly Pasta Dinner, Newtown United Methodist Church’s Rauner Hall, 92 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook, 5-7:30 pm, adm $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3.50 children, full spaghetti dinner incl salad, desserts, and soft drinks/coffee raises funds each month for church, all welcome, coffee house/musical event follows (see separate Concerts listing); 426-9998.

Dec 1: Christmas Fair & Café, United Methodist Church, 3 Church St, Woodbury, 9 am-1 pm, free adm, hand painted canvas bags, handmade jewelry, dried floral arrangements, American Doll clothing & more, also face painting, also baked goods (started at 10), plus Christmas Café (starting at 11) w/ homemade soups, quiches, chicken salad sandwiches, children’s selections & more; 263-4775.

Dec 1: Christmas Fair, Harmony Grange #92, Rte 110 at Rte 111, Monroe, 9 am-3 pm, free adm, handmade items, baked goods, jewelry & Grandma’s Attic, also refreshments & lunch, info about grange also available; 268-3480.

Dec 1: Open House & Holiday Festival, Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 9 am-5 pm, complimentary yoga class (9 am), family yoga time (1:30), mini yoga sessions, chanting & meditations (call for times if interested), chai & luncheon (reservations requested), chair massages, handcrafted silver jewelry, holiday decorations, silk scarves, organic clothing & scarves & more; 263-2254.

Dec 1: Annual Christmas Fair, St Jude Parish Center, Rte 111, Monroe, 10 am-4 pm (snow date Dec 2, 1-5 pm), free adm, featuring artisans & crafters in vendors area, also Chinese auction, quilt raffle, Elf’s Corner (shopping area for children), children’s crafts & games area, Boy Scouts will have wreaths for purchase, baked goods & lunch; 261-6404.

Dec 1-2: Christmas Festival at Saint Joseph School, Rte 25 at Rte 133, Brookfield Center, Sat 9 am-4 pm, Sun 8:30 am-2 pm (snow dates Dec 9-10), free adm, 30+ crafts vendors, Santa, children’s games & prizes, food, raffles & more; 775-2774.

Dec 1-2: 27th Annual Craft Fair Holiday Boutique, at Company A Firehouse, Rte 39, New Fairfield, Sat 9 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-2 pm, free adm, designer wreaths (also undecorated wreaths), theme decorated tabletop trees, lighted pinecone baskets, collectible Bearington Bears, gift baskets, boutique quality ornaments & more, also raffle, gifts for pets, proceeds to benefit New Fairfield animal shelter; 877-551-4829.

Dec 1-2: Christmas Town Festival, town green & surrounding area, Rte 61 at Rte 132, Bethlehem, Sat 5-10 pm, Sun 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 & opportunity to mail Christmas cards from Post Office w/ special stamp; 203-266-5557.

Dec 1-9: 34th Annual Festival of Trees & Traditions: A Celebration of Families, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main St, Hartford, 10 am-5 pm Tues-Sun (closed Mon, but open until 9 pm Thurs), adm (incl museum’s exhibitions) $13 adults, $11 seniors, $8 students, $3 ages 2-12 & museum members, fanciful, fabulous & romantic decorated theme trees, wreaths & more, also special display featuring period mantels decorated by leading interior designers, also live entertainment daily (extensive programming, visit WadsworthAtheneum.org), special family activities each Sat, special holiday gift shopping; 860-278-2670.

Dec 2: 22nd Annual Holiday Festival, Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 11 am-5 pm, presale tickets $23 adults, $18 seniors & children, day of sales $25 adults, $20 seniors & children, tours of historic Newtown & Sandy Hook homes, gingerbread house content (11 am-4 pm), Festival of Trees (11 am-4:30 pm), Victorian Tea (closes 4 pm), Nutcracker Ballet performances (12:30 & 2 pm, $5 for ballet only), adaptation of A Christmas Carol (4 pm, $5 for performance only), Advent Lessons & Carols (2 pm), Newtown Choral Society Winter Holiday Concert (4 pm, $9 – not incl in Festival Ticket); 426-4874 x22.

Dec 2: Newtown Historical Society Holiday Open House, Matthew Curtiss House, 44 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, free, 12-4 pm, historical society’s headquarters, decorated for the holidays, will be open for visits & tours by costumed docents, light refreshments available; 426-5937.

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

Programs free unless noted: Nov 28, Author Program: Dan Cruson, 7 pm, Town Historian will unveil, discuss & sign copies of his brand-new new book, The Cyrenius H. Booth Library & Earlier Reading Institutions: A History (paperback, $12); Dec 4, Nonfiction Book Club meeting, 1 pm, discussion of Barbara Tuchman’s The Guns of August, newcomers always welcome.

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 1, Fahnestock State Park, Carmel, N.Y. (Roe Sembler, 267-5567).

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.

Society of Creative Arts of Newtown, Inc. (SCAN), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-6654.

Programs 4th Wed/month, 1:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: Nov 28, pastel demo by Clayton Buchanan.

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 Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25: Nov 30, Andrew Kennedy, 8:30 pm, tickets $19.50 & $25, stand-up performance by Sandy Hook resident will also have two openers.

Shows at The New Sorrento, 32 Newtown Rd, Danbury (call 744-5575), shows 9:30 & tickets $15 unless noted: Nov 24, Joe Matarese headlining, opening sets by Maria Walsh & Marc Unger, tickets $15; Dec 1, Mike Yard headlining, opening sets by Steve Lazafrus & Mike Yard.

Shows at Ocean Grille, 464 Boston Post Rd, Orange (call 203-795-4588), show at 10 pm unless noted: Nov 23, Joe Matarese, Marc Unger & Maria Walsh, $15; Nov 30, Johnny Rizzo & two addt’l comedians TBA, $17.50.

Theatre ______________

Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, Brookfield Playhouse, 182 Whisconier Rd (Rte 25, behind library), Brookfield Center. Call 775-0023.

Hartford Stage, 50 Church St, Hartford. Call 860-527-5151.

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas, Nov 23-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.

On Stage II: The Santaland Diaries, Dec 4-23, curtain Tues-Wed & Sun 7 pm, Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 3 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $32-$62, group rates available.

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.

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

“Love, Marriage & More: An Evening of One-Acts,”, through Dec 1, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (Nov 25) 2 pm, tickets $18 evenings, $15 mats, closing production of 2008 season will feature Sure Thing by David Ives, Barry, Betty and Bill by Renee Taylor & Joseph Bologna, Miss You by David Auburn, Wanda’s Visit by Christopher Durang & I’m Herbert by Robert Anderson.

*******************

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.