All Weekend 

A Billion Bricks 2: LEGO Trains, Planes, and Rocket Ships (Fairfield County)
LEGO returns to the Stamford Museum & Nature Center with trains, planes, and rocket ships. A must for LEGO fans of all ages, this exhibit will speed through the Stamford Museum galleries throughout the holiday season. Included with museum admission ($10 adults; $5 for children 4-17; free for children 3 and under). Through January 25th. (If you visit on Sunday, this combines nicely with the Winter Solstice Celebration described below). Included with museum admission ($10 adults; $5 for children 4-17; free for children 3 and under). Through January 25th.

The Nutcracker at the Palace Theatre (Fairfield County)
Catch the Connecticut Ballet’s annual holiday blockbuster in downtown Stamford. This "feast for the eyes" from Brett Raphael features a cast of 60 dancers and guest stars from American Ballet Theatre. The show is recommended for children age 3 and up. $35 and up. Saturday and Sunday

Connecticut State Police Toy Drive-In (3 locations in Hartford County)
For the past 17 years, troopers from Troop H of the Connecticut State Police have been as busy as Santa’s elves carrying out their annual December Toy Drive. This year, approximately 40 troopers from the Hartford barracks, along with personnel from the ambulance services, will take their posts at three area Toys “R” Us stores in Manchester, Newington, and West Hartford to uphold what has become an annual holiday tradition and one of the most visible community service programs in the state. Free. Thursday to Sunday. (For more toy donation events in Connecticut, click here.)

A Christmas Carol at the Hartford Stage (Hartford County)
The magic of Dickens’ heart-warming classic like you’ve never seen it before! Michael Wilson returns to collaborate with Director Maxwell Williams as we freshen up the show for the 50th Anniversary Season. Select redesigned costumes, enhanced special effects and dazzling new lighting will bring new life to the holiday classic that has thrilled more than 250,000 families for the past 15 years. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Tickets start at $25. Until December 28th.

Saturday, December 20

Family Art Experiences at the Aldrich (Fairfield County)
From 10 am to 12 noon, children aged two to five are invited to play in the galleries, followed by storytime and art-making. From 1 to 3 pm, children aged six to ten are invited to engage in gallery games and hands-on art projects. All children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Free with Museum Admission ($10 adults, Children under 18 free).

Santa's Farm Workshop at Indian Rock Nature Preserve (Hartford County)
Visit Santa’s farm friends! Then take a hayride to the rustic Pebble House and join Santa by a crackling fire! Have your picture taken with Santa, and engage in Christmas crafts. There will also be stocking stuffers and tasty treats for sale as well as a Great Hall of Decorated Trees, an indoor waterfall, a post office for letters to Santa, gingerbread decorating, and more! $5 per person (children 1 and under are free).

Chanukah Family Fun Night at Valley Sports Center (New Haven County)
Head over to the Valley Sports Center for games in the gym, Chanukah stories, crafts, the menorah lighting, and Chanukah cookies decorating. $15 per family. Pre-registration required.

Sunday, December 21

Community Carol Sing at Mystic Seaport (New London County)
Lift your voice in song and join us for the 58th annual Community Carol Sing at Mystic Seaport. Visitors from near and far return year after year to participate in this popular holiday carol sing, which is led by former Ledyard High School choral director, Jamie Spillane, and backed by the Museum carolers and a brass quartet. The Mystic Seaport carolers will perform a holiday concert in the Greenmanville Church at 2 p.m. and the carol sing will commence in Anchor Circle at 3 p.m. Free with donation of a non-perishable canned good item.

Messiah Sing-A-Long (MIddlesex County)
This sing-a-long at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Center is open to all. Professional soloists will be performing the Christmas Section. Bring your Messiah scores if you have them or they will be provided. The call time for rehearsal is 3:30 PM, and the performance begins at 4:00 PM. The listening audience is invited to sit in the back. $10 per person.

Winter Solstice Celebration at Stamford Nature Center (Fairfield County)
Celebrate the shortest day of the year and nature in winter! Discover how animals prepare and survive in the winter, explore the winter sky in our planetarium, make your own snow, have an indoor "snowball" fight, and take a winter tour of Heckscher Farm. End your day with a chance to roast a tasty treat over the campfire! Included with gate admission.

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Have a wonderful weekend!