🕯️ Lights, Laughs & Holiday Magic This Weekend in CT

December 19, 2025

Hey there, Connecticut explorers!

The weekend is looking fantastic, and we’ve pulled together some of the best happenings around the state — from food festivals and outdoor adventures to live music and family-friendly fun.

You can click on any event below to get more details, and if you're looking for even more ideas, check out our full Weekend Guide for a complete list of things to do across Connecticut.

Why More Seafood (and Less Red Meat) Might Be the Wellness Shift You’ve Been Looking For

 If you’re thinking about cutting back on red meat for better health, wild-caught seafood could be your secret weapon. Science shows that eating fish 1-2 times a week can support healthy heart and brain function, help reduce inflammation, and even may give your metabolism a little boost.

Here’s what wild-caught seafood delivers: essential n‑3 polyunsaturated fats (specifically, the marine-based omega-3 fatty acids that nutritionists love so much!), lean and digestible protein, and a smorgasbord of nutrients. Compare that to conventional red meat, which often comes with higher saturated fat, an unhealthy balance of omega‑6 fatty acids, and a limited range of nutrients.

Switching to seafood as your go-to protein is not just a shift away from a red meat rut. It’s a shift toward higher-quality nutrients and a more diversified diet for well-rounded health.

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ALL WEEKEND LONG

FRIDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT

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SATURDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT

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SUNDAY EVENTS ACROSS CONNECTICUT

TODAY IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

When a Valley Became a Reservoir — and a Community Disappeared

In the early 20th century, Connecticut’s rapid population growth forced state leaders to confront a pressing problem: water. To secure Hartford’s future supply, lawmakers approved an ambitious plan to create a massive new reservoir in the hills of Barkhamsted — one capable of holding an unprecedented 30 billion gallons of water.

What made the plan controversial was not its scale, but its location. The chosen river valley was home to more than a thousand residents, along with farms, homes, churches, cemeteries, and winding rural roads. Over the course of the 1930s, state officials quietly bought out properties, condemned others, and gradually emptied the valley. By 1936, Barkhamsted Hollow — once a living, working community — had been completely cleared.

The transformation went far beyond relocation. Entire buildings were demolished, forests stripped, and more than 20 miles of roadway rerouted. Even the dead were moved: four cemeteries were relocated, with roughly 1,300 bodies carefully exhumed and reburied elsewhere. When construction of the Saville Dam was completed in 1940, the valley was slowly flooded, erasing the physical traces of the community that once stood there.

When water from the new Barkhamsted Reservoir finally flowed into Hartford’s system in the mid-1940s, it marked a triumph of engineering and long-term planning. The reservoir remains a critical source of drinking water today — a quiet reminder that some of Connecticut’s most essential infrastructure came at a profound human cost.

A festive, family-friendly holiday experience at Rentschler Field

Magic of Lights at Pratt & Whitney Stadium transforms East Hartford’s iconic stadium into a glowing winter wonderland you can enjoy from the comfort of your own car. This popular drive-through attraction features more than a mile of dazzling LED displays and animated scenes that bring the holiday season to life.

As you cruise through the route, you’ll pass towering light tunnels, classic Christmas imagery, and playful larger-than-life displays — from Santa’s sleigh and sparkling snowflakes to unexpected favorites like Holiday Barbie™, Prehistoric Christmas dinosaurs, and the massive Bigfoot® Monster Truck. It’s colorful, whimsical, and designed to delight kids and adults alike.

The best part? It’s one carload, one price — making it an easy and budget-friendly outing for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking for a cozy holiday night out without braving the cold. With flexible evening hours and dates running through early January, it’s also a great option for busy schedules or last-minute festive plans.

Whether you’re starting a new tradition or keeping a favorite one alive, Magic of Lights delivers a joyful, low-stress way to soak up the season — no bundling up required.

Thanks!

Thanks for spending part of your planning time with us! We hope this roundup inspires you to try something new and make the most of your weekend. If you know someone who loves discovering great local events, feel free to forward this along and spread the fun.

Have a fantastic weekend!

P.S. Looking to partner with Connecticut Lifestyles? Just reply to this email or click here to learn how we can promote your brand to thousands of interested locals!