Fairfield

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Connecticut

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Tue, 12/04/2018 - 9:00am

Generally speaking, the streets of Connecticut empty out for the Christmas holiday, with most restaurants and shops staying closed for the day, but in case you're looking for a home cooked meal alternative or just an excuse to get out of the house for a few hours (did I say that?), we've rounded up some of our favorite Christmas Day meals in Fairfield County. And we've listed restaurants open in the Hartford area as well as Litchfield County.

You'll want to make reservations soon, particularly if you have a large group, and take note that not all prix fixe menus offer a lower-priced children's alternative. And maybe after dinner, plan to check out the Christmas lights in one of these areas.

Bon appetit!

Connecticut's Christmas Light Displays

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Thu, 11/22/2018 - 11:17am

There is something magical about a holiday light display. Generation after generation have made a ritual of going to see the displays each season. I have so many fun memories of bundling up in the backseat and driving around town searching for the best Christmas lights in town. New Haven has its Fantasy of Lights, Fairfield has several houses that make the holidays special, and Hartford has a huge list of special places to visit.

Free Holiday and Christmas Events for Connecticut Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 11/16/2018 - 10:18am

Christmas lights and festive holiday fun are popping up everywhere you look in Connecticut. And along with it, many families feel a strain in their wallets as they dole out the gifts (and seasonal tips). Read on for kid-friendly events and activities in Connecticut that won't cost you a cent, from lights festivals to arts and crafts to holiday light shows, and more. Join in on the jolly spirit at one of these free holiday events.

10 Family Ski Resorts In and Near Connecticut: The Lowdown

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sat, 11/10/2018 - 5:57am

If your winter does not allow for snowy escapes to Vermont or New Hampshire, fear not. Connecticut ski resorts - though obviously not as vertically exhilarating - offer plenty of thrills for easier-to-manage day trips, and let's face it: the coldest season is much more fun if you stay active and enjoy the outdoors. The Mommy Poppins Winter Fun Guide highlights plenty of ways to help you do just that! Below is an overview of some of the area's best family-friendly ski resorts, whether you love zooming down slopes on skis or in the comfort of a snow tube. Tip: if you want to avoid lines, head to any of these mountains early in the morning and be pleasantly surprised. Going on a weekday always helps, too. If cross-country skiing is more your thing, check out these recommendations in Hartford and Fairfield counties. For even more skiing and snow sports ideas, browse our Ski and Snow Sports Guide.

Best Nutcrackers and Holiday Shows for Connecticut Kids

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sun, 11/04/2018 - 10:40am

From The Nutcracker to Charlie Brown Christmas, holiday musicals are some of our most beloved traditions this time of year. While we love the classic holiday shows, there are some pretty spectacular new performances happening across the state from the Cabaret Theater in Bridgeport to Warner Theater in Torrington. If you have a budding ballerina in your midst and Clara's story is on your "must see" list, don't worry: we also have you covered for performances of The Nutcracker. For more holiday traditions, check out the Mommy Poppins Holiday Guide for more suggestions for your family this holiday season, including some of the best places to visit with Santa.

Thanksgiving Dinner Out, Fairfield County Restaurants

Submitted by Brandee Gilmore on Sun, 10/21/2018 - 6:52am

If you find yourself sans extended family this Thanksgiving in Fairfield County, maybe you're miserable, maybe you're counting your blessings. Either way, you've no doubt realized that cooking a feast for a family of four seems somewhat ludicrous. Perhaps going to a restaurant seems even more ludicrous, but hear us out... Some of the best chefs in the state are keeping their doors open, and are probably already prepping for the pumpkin soup, butternut squash ravioli, pecan nut tarts, and eggnog creme brulees they have planned -- not to mention a perfect slice of turkey and NO MESS to clean up. We've also listed restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Hartford County and Litchfield County.

Halloween Trunk-or-Treat Locations in Fairfield County

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Mon, 10/15/2018 - 8:20am

Do you live in a part of Fairfield County where the roads are windy and you don't have any sidewalks or streetlights? There is a simpler and safer alternative to trick-or-treating called Trunk-or-Treat. Haven't heard of it? It's like a Halloween tailgate, where families gather in a church or community parking lot and children trick-or-treat from car to decorated car. These popular events confine the confections to a safe, central spot and many of them aim to keep the mayhem to a minimum. Trunk-or-Treats tend to start early, so you don't have to deal with any spooky meltdowns in the dark. Better yet, these events usually add more fun to the mix with food, activities, games, and even campfires. In our round up, we've included Trunk-or-Treat events as well as similarly structured events that provide a centralized trick-or-treating experience.

Best Halloween Parades and Spooky Kid Events in Fairfield County

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Sun, 10/14/2018 - 3:32pm

Halloween seems to get bigger and better every year--and I'm not just talking about the size of the candy bars. Back in the day, we were happy just to trick or treat in our neighborhood, but these days, you can start celebrating at the beginning of October and continue celebrating all month long! Even if you don't live for Halloween, we've got a lot of great ideas for ways to get out there and enjoy (both spooky and non-spooky) in our Connecticut Halloween and Fall Fun Guide.

Here in Fairfield County we have a huge variety of activities and events from Halloween parades to hayrides to pumpkin patches and more. We've collected some of our favorite Halloween happenings here, but don't forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletters and keep tabs on our event calendar so that you won't miss any Halloween fun!

Great Pumpkin Patches Abound in Fairfield County

Submitted by Brandee Gilmore on Sun, 09/16/2018 - 3:00pm

New England's most beautiful season has arrived once again, and that means pumpkins on the porch, in our pies and muffins, and for us, diehard fans, even in our coffees. Picking a pumpkin is an autumnal ritual for many, and the perfect excuse to get outside on a crisp afternoon. Fairfield County has more than a few great spots to seek out your orange beauty, and most places offer activities like corn mazes and hayrides, as well as mouth-watering cider donuts and other goodies. Check out our Halloween and Fall Fun Guide for lots of other great information. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and don't miss out on any seasonal fun.

Not Scary Halloween Fun in Fairfield County

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 09/14/2018 - 9:35am

There is a little something for everyone in Fairfield County this October. From trick-o-treating on a farm, to getting up-close and personal with real life creepy crawlies, these family friendly activities will leave you with a little more treats than tricks. My three year old daughter loves almost everything about Halloween except that she is absolutely terrified of things that go bump in the night. Now that the haunting season is upon us, check out the following activities around Fairfield County that are best suited for a younger crowd.