Antiques Shows______

Dec 21: 18th Annual Antique Stocking Stuffers Show & Show, Greenwich Civic Center, Harding Rd, Old Greenwich, 10 am-5 pm, adm $6, antiques & collectibles no larger than 6” by 6”, proceeds to benefit Friends of the Civic Center; 914-273-4667, (show phone) 203-637-4583.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

550 Gallery, BCM Building, 550 Main St/Rte 61, Bethlehem. Hours: Mon-Fri 12-4 pm. Call 203-266-6995.

Through Jan 15, “Angels Over Bethlehem III: The Spirit of Giving – A Woodland Enchantment with St Nicholas,” traveling exhibit of an angel and figures of St Nicholas in vintage costumes.

Beaux Arts Gallery, 495 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: M-F 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Sat 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Sun by appt. Call 203-263-3939.

Through Jan 15, “Annual Small Works Show,” juried exhibition of new & exciting artists from across country incl contemporary & traditional art from established artists w/ watercolors, pastels & other paintings, collages, photos & original prints, all works available for purchase & can be taken home the day of purchase.

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 11, “Fine Art & Handcrafts,” works by gallery members.

Bruce Museum of Arts & Sciences, One Museum Dr, Greenwich. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-869-0376.

Through Jan 11, “JFK and Art,” first exhibition to examine how American & European artists help shape the Kennedy legend & legacy offers 40+ paintings, sculptures, drawings & photos from public & private collections around the world, show investigates JFK’s myth & mystique in relation to the art of its time.

Through Feb 1, “The Jewels of Louis Comfort Tiffany,” exploration of LCT’s role as proponent of Art Nouveau movement in America through his use of exotic gemstones & innovative techniques, show incl 50 examples of LCT’s jewelry designs organized into 5 themes.

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

Through Dec 28, “Trudy McCron Cox: One Artist,” original pastels by the Bantam artist who continues to be inspired by the beauty of New England scenery & farm life.

Through Jan 25, “Deck The Walls,” annual holiday show features gallery’s artists; Dec 12, opening reception, 12-5 pm.

Gregory James Gallery, Bank Street Plaza, 27 Main St, New Milford. Hours: Tues-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-4 pm. *note: this is gallery’s new location & hours.  Call 860-354-3436.

Through Jan 17, “3rd Annual Small Treasures & More,” group holiday exhibition w/ 50+ works by regular & new gallery artists incl Deborah Chabrian, Mel Crawford, Joseph Grieco, Christopher Magadini, Edward Martinez, Robert Myers, Alain Picard, Edgar Reims, Bill Rice, Anda Styler & John Swatsley.

Grey Horse Gallery, 3 Washington Ave/Rte 34 (in old Masonic Temple, 1st floor; behind St John’s Episcopal Church), Sandy Hook. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-4 pm. Call 270-1199.

Permanent display of oils & pastels by Dick McEvoy.

Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd, Washington. Call 860-868-0518.

Through Dec 31, “Clothing & Textiles: A Celebration of The Ingenuity and Creativity of The Indigenous Peoples of North America,” clothing & textiles showing various techniques used by Native Americans across the continent incl woven wearing blankets, plains-style dresses, beaded & woven moccasins, & beaded & quill worked accessories.

Through Dec 31, “Progression Of Indigenous People’s Weaponry: Technology and Mythology,” bows, arrows, coup sticks & clubs (condensed version of exhibition previously on view).

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

Through Dec 14, “RGA’s Annual Holiday Market of Ridgefield Guild of Artists,” show & sale of work by new & returning artists & artisans offers smaller, affordable, unique art incl paintings, drawings, prints, photos, sculpture, pottery, ornaments, toys, greeting cards, more.

Sadelier, 69 West Wooster St, Danbury. Hours: Tues-Thurs, Sat 11 am-5 pm, Fri 11 am-6 pm, Mon by appt. Call 743-4830.

Through Dec 29, “Life-Journey Photography – A Moment in Time,” hand-colored photos by the celebrated Brookfield photographer Laurie Klein.

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, “Silvermine Guild Holiday Show & Sale,” works by guild members & “The Enchanted Forest” – unique artist-designed ornaments & artwork.

Through Dec 22, “Director’s Choice: Gemini G.E.L.,” works by modern master printers, all members of Gemini Grapic Editions Limited, incl David Hockney, Jasper Johns, Ellsworth Kelly, Roy Lichtenstein, James Rosenquist, Jasper Johns, Richard Serra, Frank Stella, et al.

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, “WAA Annual Holiday Gift Sale,” show & sale of crafts & small works of art by area artists suitable for gift giving.

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.

*(new show) Dec 12-Jan 15, “Heartfelt Thoughts,” new giclees by Dave Cutler for his new children’s book When I Wished I Was Alone; Dec 13, opening reception, 5-7 pm.

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 30, “A Visual Journey,” 40+ recent local landscapes & other locations by Ridgefield artist Ann Kromer.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Bel Canto Chorus, First United Methodist Church, 250 Country Club Rd, Waterbury. Call 203-241-1888.

Through Dec 31: Auditions for new chorus of women’s voices, Sun evenings, seeks experienced singers, conductor & artistic director is Leslie Eckstein, repertoire to incl all styles & types ca 10th-21st C, call for audition appt or additional info, rehearsals will also be Sun pm (or visit www.BelCantoChorus.tripod.com).

Connecticut Poetry Society, PO Box 4053, Waterbury CT 06704-0053. Call 203-584-2857.

Dec 31: Deadline to receive entries for 2003 Wallace W. Winchell Poetry Contest, send SASE for full guidelines.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Dec 12: The Jeff McGill Duo at The Homesteads at Newtown, 166 Mt Pleasant Rd/Rte 6, Newtown, 7 pm, free performance featuring jazzy arrangements of traditional Christmas songs by pianist Jeff McGill & bassist Lou Pappas; 426-8118.

Dec 12: CT Choral Society Holiday Concert, St Peter Church, 104 Main St, Danbury (note new location), 8 pm, tickets $18/advance, $20/door, performance by 80-member chorus directed by John Liepold will feature Mozart’s Vespers Solennes De Confessors & Finzi’s In Terra Pax, Opus 39, also pre-concert talk (7:30 pm) by CCS assoc conductor Dr Scott Williams concerning the works to be performed (concert repeats Sun in Woodbury, see details); 800-555-5250.

Dec 12: St John’s Chorale Annual Christmas Candlelight Concert, St John’s Church, Rte 47, Washington, 8 pm, tickets $15 adults, $8 students, chorale directed by Mark R. Scholtz will by accompanied by 7-pc chamber orchestra for program of 2 J.S. Bach cantatas, also works of Proulx, John Amner & Richard Lloyd (performance repeats Dec 14); 860-868-2527.

Dec 12: “Welcome All Wonders,” Naugatuck Valley Community College Mainstage Theatre, 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, 8 pm, suggested donation $10, choral and brass performance of seasonal music by NVCC Chorus will include works of DeFerrari, Dirkson, Bass, Rutter and John Carter (will also be performed Dec 14 in Newtown); 203-575-8039.

Dec 12-14: Nutcracker Ballet at Danbury High School, Clapboard Ridge Rd/Rte 39, Danbury, Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 6 pm, Sun 3 pm, tickets $10 & $15, 36th annual Danbury production sponsored by Danbury Music Centre will feature 220 community dancers (selected by audition), music by 50-pc Danbury Symphony Orchestra & 25-pc Danbury Symphony Youth Orchestra, full staged w/ costumes, scenery & lighting; 748-1716.

Dec 13: Youthful Praise at Playhouse on the Green, 177 State St, Bridgeport, 7 pm, tickets $15; 203-696-0031.

Dec 13: Brundibar by Ridgefield Opera Company, at Temple Shearith, 46 Peaceable St, Ridgefield, 7:30 pm, tickets $10, ROC performance by local children as singers & in string quartet will present story of good children overcoming an evil organ grinder named Brundibar; 203-438-6589.

Dec 13: “Queer Eye for The Magi: Annual CGMC Holiday Concert,” Shubert Theatre, 249 College St, New Haven, 8 pm, tickets $25 & $30, performance by CT Gay Men’s Chorus will offer traditional holiday harmony & madcap yuletide comedy “joining together on a journey to a surprising makeover”; 800-644-2462.

Dec 13: “A Venetian Christmas – Music from The Cathedral of San Marco” by The Waterbury Chorale, St John’s Episcopal Church, 16 Church St (at north end of Waterbury Green), Waterbury, 8 pm, tickets $18/adv adults, $20/door adults, $12 children, Jonathan Babbitt will lead works of Andrea & Giovanni Gabrielli, Claudio Monteverdi & Giovanni Bassano, accompanied by Waterbury Chorale Festival Brass & Joseph Jacovino on organ; 264-7120, 203-755-2561.

Dec 13-14: Amahl and The Night Visitors by WCSU Opera Club & Opera Ensemble, Ives Concert Hall, White St, Danbury, 8 pm, call for ticket prices; 837-8350.

Dec 14: “Welcome All Wonders,” Trinity Episcopal Church, 30 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 4 pm, suggested donation $10, choral and brass performance of seasonal music by Naugatuck Valley Community College Chorus will include works of DeFerrari, Dirkson, Bass, Rutter and John Carter; 203-575-8039.

Dec 14: CT Choral Society Winter Candlelight Holiday Concert, North Congregational Church, Main St North/Rte 6, Woodbury, 4 pm, tickets $18/advance, $20/door, performance by 80-member chorus directed by John Liepold will feature Mozart’s Vespers Solennes De Confessors & Finzi’s In Terra Pax, Opus 39, also pre-concert talk (3:30 pm) by CCS assoc conductor Dr Scott Williams concerning the works to be performed 800-555-5250.

Dec 14: St John’s Chorale Annual Christmas Candlelight Concert, St John’s Church, Rte 47, Washington, 4 pm, tickets $15 adults, $8 students, chorale directed by Mark R. Scholtz will by accompanied by 7-pc chamber orchestra for program of 2 J.S. Bach cantatas, also works of Proulx, John Amner & Richard Lloyd; 860-868-2527.

Dec 14: Ridgefield Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO) at Veteran’s Park Elementary School, 2 Governor St, Ridgefield, 4 pm, tickets $15 adults, $10 children,  203-438-3889.

Dec 16: Hanukkah & Christmas Concert at The Homesteads of Newtown, 166 Mt Pleasant Rd/Rte 6, Newtown, 8 pm, free performance by Community Wind Ensemble of Western CT; 426-8118.

Dec 17: Preservation Hall Jazz Band at Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, 7 pm, tickets $35 & $45, Creole Christmas & traditional jazz; 203-438-5795.

Dec 18: Master pianist & composer Jerry Traunig at The Homesteads at Newtown, 166 Mt Pleasant Rd/Rte 6, Newtown, 5:30-8:30 pm, free, Mr Traurig’s performance will coincide w/ silent auction event “2nd Annual Wonderland of Trees Silent Auction” (bidding closes 8 pm), also wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres; 426-8118.

Dec 19: Hanukkah Concert at The Homesteads at Newtown, 166 Mt Pleasant Rd/Rte 6, Newtown, 8 pm, free performance by Music from The Heart led by Ethel Kaufman; 426-8118.

Dec 19-20: Paul King’s Big Band at Playhouse on the Green, 177 State St, Bridgeport, 8 pm, tickets $20, favorites of yesteryear; 203-696-0031.

Dec 20: “Queer Eye for The Magi: Annual CGMC Holiday Concert,” The Bushnell’s Belding Theater, 166 Capitol Ave, Hartford, 8 pm, tickets $25 & $30, performance by CT Gay Men’s Chorus will offer traditional holiday harmony & madcap yuletide comedy “joining together on a journey to a surprising makeover”; 800-644-2462.

Dec 20-21: Nutcracker by Main Street Ballet, at Pomperaug High School, Judd Rd, Southbury, tickets $20 adults, $16 seniors & ages 18 & under, Sat 2 & 7 pm, Sun 2 pm, 15th anniv performance of holiday production will feature guest artist Jonathan Collins of The Joffrey Ballet; 267-6829.

Dec 20-21: Nutcracker Fantasy: Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, Sat 7 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $15, fresh version of beloved classic will incorporate best of traditional ballet (Tchaikovsky’s classical Nutcracker) w/ surprises (incl Duke Ellington’s jazz arrangement for the score); 203-438-5795.

Dec 21: “Christmas Angelicus,” at St Joseph’s chapel at Kent School, 1 Macedonia Rd, Kent, 5 pm, $20 adult general seating, $30 adult priority seating, $10 students, holiday performance by regional children’s choir Chorus Angelicus, adult chamber choir Gaudeamus & actor/narrator John McDonough will incl carols old & new, poetry & closing singalong of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”; 888-788-8882.

Dec 21: Messiah performed by Danbury Concert Chorus & Danbury Baroque Chamber Ensemble, at St Peter Church, 104 Main St, Danbury, free adm (donations welcomed), 7:30 pm (doors opening at 6:30), performance by 110-voice chorus & accompanying ensemble will be directed & conducted for 2nd year by Richard Price; 748-1716.

Dec 30: 3rd Annual Holiday Concert featuring The Concert Socieyt of Putnam & Northern Westchester, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 30 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7:30 pm, tickets $30 & must be purchased in adv (no ticket sales at door), Richard Serbagi will again direct performance, this year’s guest soloists are soprano Maria Ferrante, violinist Fernando Medina Caceres & violist Midhat Serbagi, gala reception will follow performance, proceeds benefit Newtown Scholarship Assn; 426-2500.

Ives Concert Hall at WCSU, White Hall, Fifth Ave & White St, Danbury. Call 837-8350.

Dec 14, WCSU Holiday Jazz Concert, 7 pm, free.

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 19, New Haven Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert, performance begins 7:30 pm, $30-$35, traditional carols & classical selections from wide variety of cultural & ethnic sources; Dec 21, “St Luke’s Chamber Ensemble: Baroque and Before,” performance begins 3 pm, guest harpist Siobhan Armstrong & tenor John Elwes will join for program considering Celtic traditions (preceded by “Art To Heart” discussion w/ New York Daily News chief drama critic Howard Kissel, 2 pm).

Films _________________

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

Dec 12-18: Love Actually (R), daily 7:05 & 9:40 pm, mat Fri 4:10 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:20 & 4:10 pm; Master & Commander (PG-13), daily 6:40 & 9:20 pm, mat Fri 3:45 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1 & 3:45 pm; Shattered Glass (PG-13), daily 7:30 & 9:50 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:30, 3:30 & 5:30 pm; Something’s Gotta Give (PG-13), daily 6:50 & 9:30 pm, mat Fri 4 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:10 & 4 pm.

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

Through Dec 18: Seabiscuit (PG-13), 9 pm nightly (except Dec 13-14, at 8 pm), mat Sat 1 & 4:30 pm.

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

Now showing: Coral Reef Adventure, daily 11 am, 12:10, 2:10 & 3:20 pm; Dolphins, Sat-Sun 2 & 4 pm; Mysteries of Egypt, daily 11 am; Pulse: A STOMP Odyssey, Mon-Fri 1 pm, Fri-Sun also 6:30 & 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 5 pm.

Dec 13-21: To Fly!, daily at noon.

For Kids & Families _________

Dec 13: Housatonic Valley Waldorf School Open House, 40 Dodgingtown Rd/Rte 302, Newtown, 10 am-noon, parents & friends invited to meet teachers, learn about Waldorf education & view classrooms, reservations requested; 364-1113.

Dec 13: Holiday Stories, Playhouse on The Green, 177 State St, Bridgeport, performances 10 am & noon, tickets $12 each (group discounts available), performance by The Mythmakers will take audience on musical & story-filled trip led by master actor-storytellers, multi-cultural performance offers music & audience participation; 203-696-0031.

Dec 13: Santa Lucia Day at Wisdom Books, 93 Dodgingtown Rd/Rte 302, Bethel, 11 am-2 pm, baked goods, icon making workshop for children, face painting & special performance (1 pm) of puppet show The Star Pennies; 791-9994.

Dec 13: Staged reading of Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales, Yale Center for British Art lecture hall, 1080 Chapel St (at High St), New Haven, 2 pm, free staged reading directed by & featuring members of Yale School of Drama, also featuring original soundscape by Yale drama student; 203-432-2800.

Dec 13: Dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol, Gunn Memorial Library & Museum, 5 Wykeham Rd (at Rte 47, on the green), Washington Green, 3 pm, free reading by writer & performer William Kinsolving will be followed by refreshments/reception w/ Mr Kinsolving & open house for library’s new exhibition “Under The Big Top”; 860-868-7586.

Dec 13: Brundibar by Ridgefield Opera Company, at Temple Shearith, 46 Peaceable St, Ridgefield, 7:30 pm, tickets $10, ROC performance by local children as singers & in string quartet will present story of good children overcoming an evil organ grinder named Brundibar; 203-438-6589.

Dec 13-14: Holiday Enchantment at WCSU’s Berkshire Theatre, White St, Danbury, 2 pm, tickets available at door (call for price), 60-min holiday musical suitable for all ages, visits w/ Santa after show; 778-3344.

Dec 14: Ridgefield Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO) at Veteran’s Park Elementary School, 2 Governor St, Ridgefield, 4 pm, tickets $15 adults, $10 children, works of Beethoven, Haydn, Charles Ives & Copeland; 203-438-3889.

Dec 15: The Singing Rabbi at Monroe Public Library, 7 Fan Hill Rd (opposite green), Monroe, 4 pm, free & open to children in grades K-3, Rabbi Shaul Praver (Congregational Adath Israel, Newtown), will lead singing, lighting of Hanukkah candles, refreshments, program will be presented in ecumenical spirit & emphasizing themes of freedom & light; 452-5459.

Dec 20: Winter Solstice Celebration, Monroe Public Library, 7 Fan Hill Rd (opposite green), Monroe, 2 pm (registration necessary), free program for ages 8 & above & families by environmental educator Susan Quincy (Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby) will concern celestial reasons for solstice & origins of holiday celebrations, hear stories of Native Americans & ancient cultures incl Vikings & Druids; 452-5459.

Dec 20-21: Amahl and The Night Visitors and The Nutcracker, The Canterbury School, Aspetuck Ave, New Milford, Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm, tickets $15 adults, $10 seniors, students & children (group rates available), performance by students of School of Performing Arts of New Milford & guest artists, audience invited to post-performance reception w/ performers; 860-210-1444.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Danbury Square, 15 Backus Ave, Danbury. Call 730-2733.

Free public programs: Dec 18, Kwanzaa Storytime, readings about the African-American holiday will incl Karen Katz’s My First Kwanzaa.

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-4533 (children’s dept 426-3851).

Free programs (unless specified): Dec 13, Gingerbread Workshop, 3 pm, $3 materials fee due upon registration (in-person only; no phone registrations); Dec 14, The Return of Rabbi Praver, 3 pm, one-hour program for ages 4-7 & their parents will welcome Rabbi Praver w/ Israeli & American folk music; Dec 20, Everyman by C.H. Booth Players, 11 am, free performance in library’s meeting room suitable for ages 6 & up, 12th C morality play is set in a modern-day circus & has a message appropriate for the season.

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

Rudolph! through Dec 28, curtain Sat-Sun 12 & 2:30 pm, tickets $12.50, group discounts available.

Playhouse on The Green (formerly Polka Dot Playhouse), 177 State St, Bridgeport. Call 203-333-3666.

Polka Dot Kids Theatre Series, monthly series w/ guest performers, shows at 10 am & noon, tickets $12, series tickets & group discounts available: Dec 13, Holiday Stories by The Mythmakers; Dec 21, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, 2 pm, tickets $12, performance by The Regional Center for the Performing Arts & post-performance visits w/ Santa (rescheduled from Dec 7, original tickets will be honored).

Quick Center for the Arts/Fairfield Univ, 1073 North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Call 203-254-4010.

Young Audience series, performances 1 & 3 pm, tickets $12 adults, $10 children: Dec 14, Beatrix Potter’s Tale of Gloucester, for grades K-5.

Miscellaneous ___________

Through Dec 13: 36th Annual Gingerbread Village & Christmas Bazaar, St George’s Church, Tucker Hill Rd (at Rte 188), Middlebury, Fri 2-4 & 7-9 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm, free adm, full village of buildings created from gingerbread, frosting & candies, building is handicapped accessible; 203-758-9557.

Through Dec 20: “Decking The Halls,” Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave (watch for signs from Rte 34), Derby, Thurs-Sun 10 am-4 pm, free adm (donation accepted & will be used for museum upkeep & programs), public invited to visit homestead museum decorated w/ dozens of Christmas trees, bows, wreaths & other season decorations as prepared by local garden clubs, Twilight Tours offered Dec 12 & 19 (call for time & other details); 734-2513.

Dec 12: Twilight Tour of Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby, 4-6:30 pm, free (donated accepted, will benefit museum maintenance & programs), self-tours to experience the glow of holiday lights & decorations created & coordinated by local garden clubs following “The Nutcracker Theme,” tours also Dec 19, groups welcome w/ reservations; 734-2513.

Dec 12: Holiday in the Depot, on the green, Rte 47, Washington Depot, 6 pm, celebrate the lighting of town’s Christmas Tree & arrival of Santa, then enjoy holiday cheer, wagon rides & special events w/ local merchants.

Dec 12-14: Christmas Crafts Expo II, Connecticut Expo Center, 265 Rev Moody Overpass, Hartford, Fri 12-9 pm, Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 10 am-5 pm, adm $7 adults, $6 seniors, free ages 14 & under w/ adults, handmade American crafts, fine art, music boxes, stained glass, wooden toys, gourmet food, pottery, more, also live entertainment, refreshments; 860-653-6671.

Dec 13: SNAN Holiday Fair, Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 9 am-2 pm (rescheduled from Dec 6), crafts, jewelry, food court & baked goods, books, decorations, tag sale items, raffles, book signings by Bernie Ryan (latest book is Tyler’s Titanic, 10 am-noon only), sponsored by & benefit for Spay & Neuter Assn of Newtown.

Dec 13: Housatonic Valley Waldorf School Open House, 40 Dodgingtown Rd/Rte 302, Newtown, 10 am-noon, parents & friends invited to meet teachers, learn about Waldorf education & view classrooms, reservations requested; 364-1113.

Dec 13: Housatonic Valley Waldorf School Holiday Gift Sale, at Dodgingtown Firehouse, Rte 302 at Jacklin Rd, Dodgingtown, 10 am-3 pm, free adm, books, toys & handmade gifts w/ emphasis on high quality workmanship & natural materials; 364-1113.

Dec 13: St Thomas’ Seventh Annual Cookie Event, St Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 95 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, 9:30 am-noon, all cookies $6/pound, dozens of homemade cookies, also homemade fudge, to choose from; 743-1494.

Dec 13: Annual Monroe Historical Society Christmas Fair continues (opened weekend of Dec 5-6), The Old Schoolhouse, Wheeler Rd, Monroe, 10 am-3 pm, free adm, vintage ornaments sale, Jones Tree Farm tree raffle & silent auction for Glimpse of Old Monroe, also pottery, wood, traditional ornaments, do-it-yourself decorating supplies, baked goods, Grandma’s Attic (small vintage collectibles), more, proceeds benefit historical society; 268-5511, 261-8554.

Dec 13: “Spirits of The Season: A Red Cross Celebration,” Lee Farm Corporate Park, 83 Wooster Heights Rd, Danbury, 7:30-10:30 pm (rescheduled from Dec 6, initial tickets honored & new tickets still available), $35/person, $60/couple, wine tastings, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, gourmet coffee, live music, art show & sale, silent auction, door prizes & more, fundraiser for American Red Cross of Western CT; 792-8200.

Dec 14: Holiday Festival Arts & Crafts Show, Newtown High School cafeteria, 12 Berkshire Rd/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, 10 am-5 pm, free adm, 50 juried fine artisans & crafters, raffle, proceeds to benefit Family Counseling Center (show rescheduled from December 7); 270-9460.

Dec 14: “Opening To Love Universal and Personal: Seeing It In Its Pure Form Through Yoga and Meditation,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free program by guest speaker Vincent D’Alessio will be followed by group meditation & tea reception; 203-263-2254.

Dec 17: Housatonic Valley Paddlers Club meeting, CL&P Service Center, Barnabas Rd, Newtown, 7 pm, nonmembers welcome to join members for recap of year’s activities; 203-263-3281.

Dec 17: Candlewood Valley Knitting Guild meeting, Brookfield Community Center, Pocono Rd, Brookfield, 7 pm, potluck dinner (call for food coordination), optional gift exchange, all levels of knitters invited to meet new friends, share skills & learn new techniques; 748-1094, 743-3701.

Dec 18: 2nd Annual Wonderland of Trees Festival, The Homesteads at Newtown, 166 Mt Pleasant Rd/Rte 6, Newtown, 10:30 am-8:30 pm, free & open to the public, day-long arts & crafts festival, ongoing silent auction for decorated trees & wreaths (bidding closes 8 pm, winners announced shortly after), music & caroling, refreshments, performance at 5:30 by master pianist Jerry Traunig; 426-8118.

Dec 19: Twilight Tour of Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby, 4-6:30 pm, free (donated accepted, will benefit museum maintenance & programs), self-tours to experience the glow of holiday lights & decorations created & coordinated by local garden clubs following “The Nutcracker Theme,” groups welcome w/ reservations; 734-2513.

Dec 20: Lillinonah Audubon Society Winter Walk, Audubon Center at Bent of the River, 185 East Flat Hill Rd (off Rte 172), South Britain, 9 am, reservations requested, free, be dressed/prepared to spend up to 2 hours outdoor searching for signs of the natural world during dead of winter; 798-0477.

Dec 31: 15th Annual Danbury First Night, CityCenter/downtown area, Danbury, 5 pm-midnight, tickets $10 adults, $7 seniors & children age 12 & under, 28 performers & activities at 20 venues incl musicians, comedians, jugglers, ice skating, dancing, karaoke, children’s entertainment, People’s Procession, refreshments, more; 792-1711.

Audubon Center at Bent of the River, 185 East Flat Hill Rd, Southbury. Call 264-5098.

Free programs unless noted, reservations requested, call if weather is questionable, leave pets home: Dec 17, adult nature walk, 9 am, sugg donation $5, Audubon Center naturalist will lead leisurely hike focusing on center’s natural history, bring binoculars if poss; Dec 20, Winter Walk, 9 am, meet at parking area & be dressed/prepared to walk for as long as 2 hour outdoors, sponsored by Lillinonah Audubon Scty.

Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd, Washington. Call 860-868-0518.

Dec 21, Winter Solstice Drum Making workshop, 1-4 pm, $135, create a unique 15-inch single-face hand drum of native cedar & elk hide, adv registration & deposit required.

Newtown Hikers. Call 426-2897, 270-4340.

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 9 am, free, all welcome, bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders as follows: Dec 13, short hike followed by end of season potluck luncheon, call to coordinate food (Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025).

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 (separate door for thrift shop), shop carries discounted items from local businesses & private donors incl clothing & sm home accessories, etc.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meetings, 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.

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 17, Marianela Medrano; Dec 24, no poetry program; Dec 31, no poetry program.

Theatre ______________

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

La Cage Aux Folles: 20th Anniversary, through Feb 8, curtain Fri 8 pm, Sat 5:30 & 8:30 pm, Sun 5:30 pm, tickets $37.50-$45.50.

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

A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas, through Dec 28, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun-Thurs 7:30 pm, call for mat schedule (selected Wed, Sat & Sun).

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

*dates of performance changed: Fraulein Else, through Dec 21, curtain Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun & Tues 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets $38-$55; Dec 16, Talkback Tuesday, post-performance discussion.

On Stage II: A New War, through Jan 18 (previews to Dec 16, opening night Dec 17), curtain Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun & Tues 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets ($30-$40 during previews) $38-$55.

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

A Taffeta Christmas, Dec 12-Jan 4, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm, tickets $18 adults, $15 students & seniors, cabaret seating, theater opens one hour before performance.

Seven Angels Theatre, Hamilton Park Pavilion, Plank Rd, Waterbury. Call 203-757-4676.

Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical, Dec 12-28, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm, tickets $22-$25; also (Thurs) Dec 18, 8 pm & (Sat) Dec 27, 2 pm.

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

 Dirty Blonde, through Jan 3, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun (Dec 21 only) 2 pm, tickets $15; also Dec 31, New Year’s Eve Gala Performance, 8 pm, tickets $30, full production also 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. Photos are welcome and can be black & white or color prints; please call for details concerning photo files to be emailed.