🌟 Big Lake Compounce News, ArtTrail & More CT Events

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Hey there! Ready to shake up your weekend plans? From sparkling holiday lights to local art and outdoor adventures, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to explore Connecticut this week. Here’s what’s inside:

✨ Last chance to see this festive wonderland with huge savings on tickets
🎨 Meet local artists and find unique holiday gifts
🦆 A guided birding adventure at Barn Island, perfect for all skill levels
📗 This Month in CT History: The First Harvard-Yale Football Uniforms
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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✨ LIGHT UP YOUR HOLIDAY ONE LAST TIME AT LAKE COMPOUNCE

Twinkling lights, festive rides, and holiday cheer await

The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce in Bristol. New England’s oldest amusement park transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland, complete with millions of lights, synchronized shows, and a towering 100-foot Christmas tree.

Here’s the big news: This year marks the final season of this beloved event, making it a must-see for families and holiday lovers. That’s right, 2025 is your last chance to enjoy Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce. It won’t be back in 2026.

Visitors can stroll through sparkling displays, meet Santa, craft ornaments, enjoy seasonal treats like s’mores and hot cocoa, and take a spin on family-friendly rides. Special events are sprinkled throughout the season, creating lasting memories for all ages.

Right now, tickets are up to 64% off with a limited-time deal on Groupon—making it easier than ever to experience the magic without breaking the bank. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the holidays at Lake Compounce this year.

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🎨 EXPLORE, MEET, AND SHOP AT SHORELINE ARTSTRAIL 2025

Discover unique art and support local creators

Celebrate the 25th annual Shoreline ArtsTrail Open Studios Weekend on November 15–16 across Branford, Guilford, and Madison. Over 30 studio locations showcase the work of award-winning local artists in painting, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, glass, pottery, and more.

Take this chance to visit artists’ studios, learn about their creative process, and shop one-of-a-kind handmade gifts just in time for the holidays. Free admission makes it easy to explore at your own pace, enjoy the scenic shoreline, and support Connecticut’s thriving arts community.

🦆 SPOT WINTER WATERFOWL AT BARN ISLAND

Join a guided birding adventure this Saturday

Join the Duck and Waterfowl Walk at Barn Island Wildlife Management Area on November 15, 1:00–2:30 PM. This guided birding adventure is perfect for beginners and seasoned birders alike, offering the chance to spot wintering shorebirds, ducks, and raptors along the scenic Stonington shoreline.

Pre-registration is required, and participants are encouraged to bring binoculars for the best viewing experience. Admission is $17 for members and $20 for non-members.

👉 Book your spot now

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Connecticut Lifestyles readers can take advantage of 75% off installation plus an additional $200 off. That's significant savings on a system backed by a lifetime no-clog guarantee and 25+ years of proven performance.

Get Your Free Home Assessment

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🎄 SING ALONG WITH CHRIS YOUNG THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

An intimate acoustic Christmas concert at Toyota Oakdale Theatre

Kick off your holiday celebrations with It Must Be Christmas – An Acoustic Evening with Chris Young on December 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford. This special show blends heartfelt Christmas classics with Chris Young’s signature country sound, all in an intimate acoustic setting that promises a cozy and memorable holiday experience.

Thanks to a limited-time Groupon deal, tickets start at just $35, a 34% discount off regular prices. Seating is available in select rows, and groups can sit together if purchased in the same transaction. Doors open at 6 p.m., giving you plenty of time to soak in the festive atmosphere before the show begins.

Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, family, or that special someone, this concert is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. With tickets selling fast and the season approaching, now’s the time to grab your spot.

Click here to get your discounted tickets and secure your seat for an unforgettable holiday night.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

• Bert Kreischer: Permission to Party at XL Center (Hartford) - Join renowned comedian Bert Kreischer for a night of laughter.

• Adam and Eyal – Politically Incorrect at Hartford Funny Bone (Hartford) - Comedy duo tackling big topics with humor.

• Gov’t Mule – Back In The Saddle at College Street Music Hall (New Haven) - Live performance from a renowned jam band.

• Sketching in the Galleries: Nusantara at Yale University Art Gallery (New Haven) - Evening of guided sketching in the textile exhibition.

• Steve-O: The Crash and Burn Tour at College Street Music Hall (New Haven) - Experience Steve-O's outrageous multimedia comedy show.

• Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at Garde Arts Center (New London) - Enjoy high-energy music from this renowned jazz-funk ensemble.

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HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

The First Harvard-Yale Football Uniforms

Back in 1875, Yale and Harvard took to the field wearing the first team uniforms in an American intercollegiate football game.

Before then, players often showed up in mismatched gear, so this step brought a sense of identity and professionalism to the young sport, which was still a mix of soccer and rugby rules. Yale wore dark pants, blue jerseys, and yellow hats, while Harvard sported crimson knee breeches, shirts, and stockings—setting a visual standard for years to come.

The game took place at Hamilton Park in New Haven and was the first clash in what would become the legendary Harvard-Yale rivalry. Yale guaranteed Harvard $75 to play, and with tickets priced at 50¢ each, about 2,000 spectators packed the park. Playing under modified rugby rules, each team fielded 15 players. Harvard won the match 4-0 amid lively debates over the rules, but the excitement helped lay the groundwork for the Intercollegiate Football Association, founded the following year by Princeton, Harvard, Yale, and Columbia.

This historic matchup not only introduced team uniforms to the game but also marked the start of one of college football’s most storied rivalries, influencing the sport’s rules, traditions, and fan culture across the country.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

🍰 Iconic Canton Bakery Bids Farewell
Cake Gypsy, known for its award-winning cupcakes, will close this weekend as owner Deanna Damen retires. Fans can use remaining “Cupcake of the Month” cards through Nov. 8 or get reimbursed.

🏪 Ridgefield Business Wraps Up 25+ Years
Ed and Sue Karvosky are closing Bissell Pharmacy & The Loft at Bissell’s to focus on family. The beloved Ridgefield spot will reopen briefly for the holiday season on Nov. 10.

🎄 Old Saybrook Christmas Tree Store’s Last Season
Scott’s Farm Store will operate one final season this year before the property changes hands. Visitors can still grab a tree or handmade wreath at 356 Middlesex Turnpike.

🛍️ Fairfield’s 13th Annual Holiday Shop & Stroll
Local shops will extend hours and serve seasonal treats on Dec. 11 from 6–9 p.m. Enjoy live carolers, student musicians, and a festive shopping experience.

🤝 Connecticut Ranked a Top Charitable State
A new study shows Connecticut is the 13th most charitable state in the U.S. and second in New England, thanks to high volunteerism and generous giving.

Thanks!

Thanks for checking out today’s newsletter! We hope it inspired you to get out, explore, and enjoy all the great experiences Connecticut has to offer this week.

If you enjoyed this email, share it with a friend and help them discover the best things happening around the state too!

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!