All Weekend 

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and Youth Chorus Concert in Willimantic (Eastern CT) 
This fun holiday event features the Youth Chorus Concert singing seasonal favorites along with the play, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." Before the show and during intermission, you can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and take photos with the contribution of a non-perishable food item. Wonderful for all ages. 
$11-$18.

Holiday Express Train Show (Fairfield County) 
This exhibit runs through New Year's Eve and will delight children of all ages. Model trains run through a winter wonderland and gorgeous holiday scenery. Don't miss it! 
Adults - $5; Ages 6-22 - $3; Ages 5 and under - free

A Billion Bricks: LEGO T-Rex, Turtles and Trains at Stamford Museum and Nature Center (Fairfield County) 
This exciting exhibition opens Saturday and runs through March 2. An amazing LEGO landscape of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles world and a pre-historic park. Subways, trains, roller coasters and other forms of transportation create this stunning display made completely of LEGO bricks.  
Members - free; Non-members - Adults $10; children - $5; 3 and under - free. 

Santa's Workshop at Wickham Park in Manchester (Hartford County) 
Come meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and busy elves at this festive holiday cabin at Wickham Park. You'll enjoy treats while you watch the elves do their thing at Santa's workshop. This is a wonderful event. However, the line can be long, and often snakes outside, so dress appropriately. Runs daily through December 23. 
Free. 

Trees of Hope (New Haven County) 
The Maritime Center in New Haven comes alive with hundreds of decorated trees, wreaths and baskets in this free, festive event for all ages. The items will be raffled off, and tickets are just one dollar each. This is a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House of CT, who provides a "home away from home" for families of children being treated at nearby hospitals and medical centers. You'll also enjoy live music performances and visits from Ronald himself and Santa. Runs through December 15. 
Free.

Saturday, December 14 

Killingworth Lights Spectacular (Central CT)
For the 9th year now, the Gorski family opens their home and allows you to stroll their yard and enjoy the fantastic light display. They will also have a special visit from Santa, where he'll provide each child with a small gift. Sip hot cocoa or soup and play mini golf at the Reindeer 3-hole course. Proceeds benefit Killingworth Helping Hands and Youth and Family Services. 
$8 per family.

Breakfast with Santa at the Mystic Aquarium (Eastern CT) 
Bring your camera, enjoy a fantastic buffet breakfast and meet the big guy in the aquarium. Registration is required, so please sign up ahead of time. 
$12 per person; does not include aquarium admission.

Family Day at the Bellarmine Museum of Art (Fairfield County) 
Family days are held nine times a year at the Bellarmine, on the campus of Fairfield University. The theme for this day is Renaissance Costume and Culture. There will be drop-in crafts, child-friendly gallery talks and story time. 
Free. 

Children's Winterfest at the Greenwich Library (Fairfield County) 
This laid-back, drop-in event takes place from 11a-3p. All ages will enjoy making winter-themed crafts, watching short films and having some holiday treats. 
Free. 

Second Saturdays at the Wadsworth Atheneum: Lights! (Hartford County) 
If you haven't visited the Wadsworth, now is a great time. During their annual Festival of Trees and Traditions,  the museum is decorated with trees and wreaths created by local artists and organizations. This Second Saturday event focuses on world holiday traditions including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice and more. 
Free. 

Wreath Making, Craft Fair and Bake Sale at Common Ground (New Haven County) 
Common Ground is an environmental/education center and urban farm in New Haven. They have several family programs that teach the importance of nature and green living. Saturday you can get creative with wreath making! All supplies are straight from the farm and forest, and they'll even provide instruction. Also stop by the craft fair and bake sale provided by local vendors. 
$8 for wreath materials. 

Children's Slumber Party and Parents' Night Out at the JCC in Woodbridge (New Haven County) 
Who couldn't use a date night? The JCC of Greater New Haven is offering a drop off program that provides dinner and a movie. Wear your pajamas and make it a super fun night out, while your parents are enjoying some adult time.
$25-$35.

Sunday, December 15

Sing-a-long Messiah at the Kate in Old Saybrook (Eastern CT) 
This interactive event has become a holiday tradition at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. Professional soloists and choral members will perform, and you are welcome to listen or participate! 
$10 per person.

Caring Claus Sunday for Families with Autism/Sensory Disorders 
Buckland Hills in Manchester (Hartford County) 
Brass Mill Center in Waterbury (New Haven County) 
This is a sensory-friendly Santa Claus experience. The mall music will be turned off and families can come and enjoy a shorter line and trained staff. The Santa Set will be closed to the general public during this time. The holidays can be very overwhelming, so this is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the spirit in a controlled atmosphere. You may bring your own cameras or purchase photos. 
Free. Photo packages available for cost. 

Christmas Village in Greenwich (Fairfield County)
Second Congregational Church transforms their parking lot into a festive Christmas village that has something for all ages. Enjoy carols, crafts, horse and carriage rides, live music, Santa and Mrs. Claus and much more. Reservations are recommended. 
Free.

Bethlehem Experience in Trumbull (Fairfield County) 
Crossroads Community Church is hosting this hands-on, interactive day about Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Your family will love visiting the little town of Bethlehem. There will be a live nativity, donkeys to ride, games, crafts, live animals and more. 
Free. 

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Have a wonderful weekend!