🌟Live Reindeer, Dazzling Lights & a Clever Holiday Whodunit in CT

December 18, 2025

Good morning! If your holiday plans are starting to fill up, today’s picks lean all the way into seasonal magic — from live reindeer and glowing light gardens to a clever theatrical twist on a Christmas classic. Whether you’re planning a family outing or a festive night out, these are the kinds of experiences that feel like December done right.

Inside today’s email:

🦌 Holiday tradition with Santa and live reindeer in Greenwich
✨ A million twinkling lights and a festive market in Hartford
🕵️‍♂️ Smart, playful holiday play that blends mystery and magic
đź“— This Month in CT History: The Murder Case That Brought Claims of Demonic Possession into a Connecticut Courtroom
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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A cherished holiday tradition returns to Sam Bridge Nursery

The Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop is back for its 17th year, transforming Sam Bridge Nursery into a full North Pole experience just minutes from downtown Greenwich. Families can meet Santa, see his three live reindeer up close, and capture classic holiday photos in a setting that’s become a must-do tradition for thousands across Connecticut.

While waiting for photos, kids can color, write letters to Santa, and explore Santa’s Workshop, making the experience feel interactive and unrushed. The event is also pet-friendly — dogs on leashes are welcome for photos with Santa, and weekday visits even come with special doggy gift bags.

A portion of all Santa photo proceeds supports Kids In Crisis, adding a meaningful community impact to the festive fun. With free parking, flexible hours, and plenty of space to explore, it’s easy to see why families return year after year.


✨ STEP INTO A MILLION LIGHTS AT GLOW HARTFORD

An immersive holiday light festival inside the Connecticut Convention Center

Glow Hartford turns the Connecticut Convention Center into a sparkling winter escape filled with illuminated gardens, glowing structures, and interactive displays. From the moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by color, music, and movement — making it a perfect outing for families, couples, or anyone looking to soak up holiday energy.

Beyond the lights, guests can browse a festive holiday market, enjoy seasonal food and drinks, and catch live entertainment throughout the space. Kids will love the trackless Glow-comotive train ride, and everyone can enjoy a free photo with Santa.

With dates running through late December and varied ticket options, Glow Hartford is an easy way to add a little wow-factor to your holiday calendar.

🕵️‍♂️ A SHERLOCK CAROL BRINGS A TWIST TO THE HOLIDAYS

A clever mashup of Dickens, Doyle, and holiday heart

If you love your holiday traditions with a side of mystery, A Sherlock Carol delivers something refreshingly different. This inventive production imagines a grown-up Tiny Tim teaming up with Sherlock Holmes to investigate the mysterious death of Ebenezer Scrooge — blending classic Christmas themes with sharp wit and suspense.

A New York Times Critic’s Pick and international favorite, the show returns to Westport Country Playhouse with members of the original off-Broadway cast. The result is a performance that’s smart, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt, appealing to both theater lovers and holiday crowds alike.

Running for a limited December engagement, it’s a great choice for a festive night out that still feels a little unexpected.

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A twisted holiday experience with haunted houses, speed passes, and spooky surprises

If traditional holiday lights and carols aren’t doing it for you this year, Bayville Haunted Christmas offers a festive experience with a dark edge. This limited-time event flips the script on the season, blending classic Christmas cheer with full-on haunted house thrills — and yes, it’s exactly as wild as it sounds.

With this Groupon deal, visitors get Speed Pass access to three haunted attractions, meaning you’ll skip the longest lines and dive straight into the scares. Expect creepy holiday décor, intense walkthroughs, and that adrenaline rush that makes you laugh and scream at the same time. It’s fast-paced, immersive, and definitely not your average December outing.

What really sets Bayville apart is how customizable the night can be. Beyond the haunted houses, guests can add extras like axe throwing, ice skating, fire pit s’mores, festive cocktails, or even dinner and drinks at the Shipwreck Holiday Tavern. Whether you’re going all-in on the scares or mixing thrills with chill moments, it’s easy to build the kind of night you want.

This experience is best for thrill-seekers, groups of friends, or anyone looking to break out of the usual holiday routine. Dates are limited and the Speed Pass makes a noticeable difference — especially on busy nights — so planning ahead is key.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

The Murder Case That Brought Claims of Demonic Possession into a Connecticut Courtroom

In the early 1980s, a criminal case out of western Connecticut captured national attention for its sheer strangeness. The trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson became infamous as the only U.S. murder case in which the defense attempted to argue that the accused was not responsible for his actions due to demonic possession.

The case stemmed from a violent incident in Brookfield involving Johnson, his girlfriend Debbie Glatzel, and their landlord, Alan Bono. After a night of heavy drinking and escalating tension, Johnson fatally stabbed Bono, marking the first homicide in the town’s long history. Johnson was arrested and charged, but his defense team took an unprecedented approach, claiming supernatural forces were to blame.

Johnson’s attorney sought to introduce evidence tied to a prior exorcism involving Glatzel’s younger brother, alleging that Johnson had invited the spirits into himself during the ritual. The story drew intense media interest, fueled further by the involvement of well-known paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Newspapers and television crews descended on Danbury, turning the trial into a national spectacle.

The courtroom drama took a sharp turn when the presiding judge rejected all supernatural claims, ruling that demonic possession was not a legally admissible defense. With that decision, the sensational aspect of the case collapsed. Johnson was ultimately convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to prison, though he served only a fraction of his term.

While the defense itself never made it before a jury, the case left a lasting mark on Connecticut history and pop culture. It inspired books, documentaries, and a made-for-television film, cementing its place as one of the state’s most unusual and widely discussed criminal trials.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Connecticut Erases $63 Million in Medical Debt for Thousands

Nearly 40,000 Connecticut residents are receiving letters confirming that some or all of their medical debt has been wiped out as part of the state’s Medical Debt Erasure Initiative. The latest round eliminates more than $63 million in bills, bringing the total erased since 2024 to nearly $200 million. The program works automatically, purchasing qualifying debt through a nonprofit partner, with no application required.

Hallmark Fans Flock to Connecticut’s Holiday Movie Towns

Connecticut’s small towns are getting their moment in the spotlight as fans of Hallmark-style holiday movies travel to filming locations across the state. With more than 20 Christmas films shot locally, themed tours and the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail are drawing visitors eager to see familiar scenes in person. Local businesses are benefiting from the seasonal boost in tourism and movie-inspired buzz.

Access Health CT Reports Technical Issues Ahead of Enrollment Deadline

With the health insurance enrollment deadline approaching, Access Health CT says heavy traffic is causing issues with its website and call center. Officials are urging residents to try again later or use the call-in option if they’re unable to complete enrollment online. The agency says it’s working to resolve the problems as quickly as possible.

State Steps In to Offset Federal Cuts to Homelessness Services

After federal reductions to homelessness funding, Connecticut announced plans to use $5.2 million in state contingency funds to help fill the gap. The money will temporarily support housing and services for thousands of residents who rely on the Continuum of Care program. State leaders say the move is critical to preventing a surge in homelessness while longer-term funding solutions are explored.

Thanks!

Thanks for spending some time with us today! We hope this roundup sparked a few ideas for getting out, exploring, and making the most of what Connecticut has to offer this week.

Enjoyed the read? Share it with a friend and help spread the word about all the great things happening around the state.

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!