❄️ Big Disney Magic, Rare Aircraft Access & A Spring Arts Preview

January 13, 2026

Good morning and happy Tuesday! If you’re looking ahead to the rest of the week and hoping to pencil in something memorable, you’re in the right place. From big, family-friendly spectacles to behind-the-scenes aviation experiences and a major arts season reveal, today’s picks mix wonder, curiosity, and culture in all the right ways.

Inside today’s email:

❄️ A magical ice show featuring beloved Disney stories
✈️ A rare chance to explore the cockpit of a historic aircraft
🎭 A first look at an exciting new spring arts season
📗 This Month in CT History: Yale Body Snatching Sparks Riots in New Haven
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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A sing-along spectacular packed with skating, story, and magic

Disney On Ice brings two fan-favorite films to life as Frozen and Encanto take over the ice in a dazzling live production. Audiences are transported into the worlds of Arendelle and the Madrigal family through world-class figure skating, colorful costumes, aerial acrobatics, and all the songs kids (and parents) know by heart.

Running over multiple showtimes from January 15–18, this high-energy performance is designed for families and Disney fans of all ages. It’s a big, joyful experience that blends storytelling with jaw-dropping athleticism — and one of those events that feels like a core winter memory in the making at PeoplesBank Arena.

Step inside a legendary flying boat

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 10 AM–2 PM, the New England Air Museum invites visitors to climb aboard the historic VS-44 flying boat during its special Open Cockpit Day. This rare experience allows guests to step directly into the cockpit and explore the aircraft up close.

Tickets include general museum admission along with a timed cockpit entry, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s a hands-on event that’s especially appealing to aviation fans, history lovers, and curious minds of all ages.

A first look at what’s coming next in performance and art

The Yale Schwarzman Center will unveil its Spring 2026 lineup on January 12, 2026, beginning at 9 AM, with a digital season launch shared across its website and social platforms. The announcement introduces a bold slate of performances spanning dance, music, opera, and multimedia art.

Featuring world premieres and intimate appearances by internationally acclaimed artists, the upcoming season highlights the Center’s role as a creative hub at the heart of Yale University and Connecticut’s arts community.

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An easy, affordable ice-skating outing for friends or the whole family

Looking for a classic winter activity that actually delivers? This Public Skate Session with Skate Rental deal at Stamford Twin Rinks makes it simple (and budget-friendly) to hit the ice. With options for one to four people and rentals included, it’s a no-stress way to plan an afternoon or weekend outing without owning a single piece of gear.

The rink offers a lively, welcoming atmosphere that works just as well for first-timers clinging to the boards as it does for confident skaters cruising laps. Sessions are available on weekdays and weekends, giving you flexibility to fit skating into your schedule. Plus, with on-site spots like Iceview Tavern and Leo’s Cafe, you can warm up and refuel without leaving the building.

With thousands already snagging this deal and limited-time savings in play, it’s one of those “grab it now, plan later” experiences that actually pays off.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

Gerard Way Concert GIF by My Chemical Romance

There’s no shortage of live music happening all around the state. Check out the upcoming show calendar below:

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

Yale Body Snatching Sparks Riots in New Haven

In the early 19th century, Yale’s young medical school became the focus of public outrage after the grave of 19-year-old Bathsheba Smith of West Haven was discovered disturbed and her body missing. At the time, medical schools had no legal way to obtain cadavers, and grave robbing, though widely condemned, was an open secret tied to anatomical study. When Smith’s body was found hidden beneath the Yale Medical College, suspicion hardened into fury.

News of the discovery ignited days of unrest in New Haven and West Haven. Crowds followed the body’s return to Smith’s hometown, and anger soon turned violent. For more than a week, residents besieged Yale’s medical buildings, smashing every window and forcing students to barricade themselves inside as nightly protests escalated. The militia was eventually called in to help restore order.

The riots ended after a medical student was arrested, convicted, and sentenced, a move many viewed as necessary to calm tensions rather than a clear resolution of guilt. In the aftermath, Connecticut lawmakers moved quickly to close the legal gap that had fueled the crisis, passing new laws that criminalized grave robbing while also creating a lawful path for medical schools to obtain bodies for study—reshaping medical education in the state for years to come.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

M&T Bank to Close 10 In-Store Branches at Stop & Shop Locations

M&T Bank announced plans to shutter 10 branches located inside Stop & Shop stores across Connecticut this spring as part of a broader shift toward digital banking. While the closures won’t result in layoffs and ATMs will remain, they mark another step in the steady decline of in-store bank branches statewide.

Somers Power Outage Knocks Out Electricity, Closes Road

An electrical issue left more than 880 residents in Somers without power Saturday night and forced the temporary closure of a local road. Crews responded to restore service and address safety concerns as the outage disrupted the area.

Connecticut’s Minimum Wage Ticks Up Again

Connecticut’s minimum wage has increased to $16.94 per hour under the state’s automatic annual adjustment, giving full-time workers about $24 more per week. State officials welcomed the bump while acknowledging it still falls short of a true living wage.

Fairfield Restaurant Shuts Its Doors After 12 Years

Local Craft Kitchen & Bar in Fairfield’s SportsPlex development has abruptly closed after more than a decade in business. The owners thanked the community for its support, noting that gift cards can still be used at their sister restaurant in Milford.

Thanks!

Thanks for spending part of your week with us! We hope today’s newsletter sparked a few ideas to get out, explore, and make the most of everything Connecticut has to offer.

If you enjoyed it, feel free to pass this along to 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!