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- 🎄 Christmas Festival, Art Trail, Sweeney Todd, & More CT Fun
🎄 Christmas Festival, Art Trail, Sweeney Todd, & More CT Fun
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Good morning, Connecticut! 🌞 The week is packed with art, theatre, and holiday magic — and we’ve rounded up a few can’t-miss highlights to help you plan ahead. Whether you’re getting into the Christmas spirit, diving into local art, or craving a dark musical classic, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s what’s inside:
🎨 Citywide celebration of creativity
🎄 Shop, eat, and get festive at Mohegan Sun
🔪 A chilling masterpiece hits the Cheney Hall stage
đź“— This Month in CT History: Joshua Hempstead Ends a Lifetime of Connecticut History
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed
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Meet the artists, tour their studios, and experience the heartbeat of Bridgeport’s art scene.
The Bridgeport Art Trail returns for its 17th year, transforming the city into an open studio celebration from November 6–9. Discover how creativity has revitalised industrial spaces across Bridgeport through art exhibits, live music, performances, workshops, and more.
From the Thursday night kickoff at City Lights Gallery to the weekend-long open studios, this four-day event brings together over nine studio buildings, local galleries, and hands-on activities — including clay workshops, scavenger hunts, and public art walks.
Highlights include the “Connections” exhibit at the University of Bridgeport, a large-scale showcase featuring works from across the region, plus the Becoming Plastic environmental art show and the World Is on Fire installation at the Arcade Mall.
đź“Ť City of Bridgeport
🗓️ November 6–9, 2025
🎟️ Free and open to the public
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Shop handcrafted gifts, enjoy festive treats, and soak up the spirit of the season
The New England Christmas Festival returns to Mohegan Sun Arena from November 7–9, bringing three days of holiday cheer under one roof.
Browse hundreds of artisans offering unique gifts, gourmet foods, and dazzling seasonal décor — all perfect for jumpstarting your holiday shopping. From charming ornaments to locally made goods (even for your pets!), it’s a celebration for all ages.
đź“Ť Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville
🗓️ November 7–9, 2025
🎟️ $17 single-day | $22 multi-day | Kids 14 & under free
A dark, thrilling musical masterpiece filled with vengeance, wit, and unforgettable music
Step into Victorian London with Sweeney Todd, the chilling Tony Award–winning musical by Stephen Sondheim, running November 7–23 at Cheney Hall in Manchester.
Follow the tale of a vengeful barber and his macabre partnership with Mrs. Lovett as they serve up justice — and something far more sinister. Featuring a brilliant score and razor-sharp storytelling, Sweeney Todd is a must-see for musical theatre fans.
đź“Ť Cheney Hall, Manchester
🗓️ November 7–23, 2025
🎟️ Tickets: $22–$40 | Discounts available
👉 Book tickets now
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A magical light experience for the whole family — from glowing gardens to Santa’s sleigh adventure
Step into a world of sparkle and wonder as Glow Hartford transforms the Connecticut Convention Center into a glowing holiday paradise from November 21 to December 19.
Laugh, stroll, and play beneath a million twinkling lights as you explore interactive light gardens, towering displays, and transportation-themed exhibits featuring giant trains, cars, and planes. Families can join Santa’s Sleigh Adventure to help find his missing reindeer, enjoy the new GlowQuest interactive wand game, and even ride Glen the Glow-comotive — a trackless train that runs every 30 minutes.
Kids under 5 get in free, and every ticket includes a photo with Santa and access to festive activities, live entertainment, and a holiday market filled with local artisan gifts and treats.
✨ Selling fast — save 20% now on Groupon!
🎟️ From $24 per ticket | Runs November 21–December 19
đź“Ť Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford
👉 Grab the deal here
TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
Hamilton at Bushnell (Hartford) - Experience the revolutionary story of Alexander Hamilton through a blend of musical styles.
Victorian Afternoon Tea at (Westbrook) - Enjoy a delightful two-hour tea service with gourmet treats while reminiscing in a Victorian setting.
Community Sewing Project at Yale University Art Gallery (New Haven) - Participate in a quilt-inspired community sewing project to meet new people and practice traditional patchwork.
Beyond Britain | “America, a Prophecy” at Yale Center for British Art (New Haven) - Explore themes of oppression and resistance in William Blake’s work with Elizabeth Mann.
Bluegrass Jam at the Museum at Shore Line Trolley Museum (East Haven) - Celebrate bluegrass music in a vibrant setting at the museum's monthly jam session.
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HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?
There’s no shortage of live music happening all around the state. Check out the upcoming show calendar below:
THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY
Joshua Hempstead Ends a Lifetime of Connecticut History
In 1758, New London resident Joshua Hempstead made his final entry in a diary he had kept for nearly half a century — a meticulous record that would become one of Connecticut’s greatest historical treasures.
Born in 1678, Hempstead lived a modest but active life as a carpenter, surveyor, lawyer, and farmer. He served his community as a selectman, militia officer, and delegate to the General Assembly — all while raising nine children after the early death of his wife. His writings, however, are what cemented his legacy.
Spanning more than 700 pages and 47 years, Hempstead’s diary chronicles everyday colonial life with striking detail — from weather and work to politics, family struggles, and the lives of the enslaved people in his household. His final words, written as illness overtook him, reflect both his unflinching honesty and his enduring sense of duty as a chronicler of his time.
Today, the Joshua Hempstead House in New London stands as a museum, preserving the story of an ordinary man whose steady hand captured an extraordinary piece of Connecticut’s past.
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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE
Fire Destroys Waterbury Restaurant
A three-alarm fire tore through Bailey’s Bar and Grille on Store Avenue Friday morning, causing the roof to collapse and leaving the restaurant heavily damaged. Firefighters safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. A Halloween event planned for that evening was cancelled.
Willington Student Sparks 3D Printing Project
E.O. Smith High School senior Abdurahman Pelletier is leading a fundraiser to bring a 3D printer to the Willington Public Library. The project aims to create a community hub for creativity and hands-on learning, with workshops and training planned once the printer is installed.
Manchester Bids Farewell to Farr’s After 80 Years
A beloved local staple, Farr’s Sporting Goods, has officially closed after serving Manchester residents for eight decades. Known for the slogan “Farr’s has to have it,” the family-run shop was a go-to for outdoor gear, skateboards, and hard-to-find items.
MilkShake Factory Makes Sweet Connecticut Debut
MilkShake Factory, the popular dessert chain from Pittsburgh, opens its first Connecticut location in Stamford on Nov. 1. The grand opening at High Ridge Center will feature giveaways, live music, and buy-one-get-one-free shakes — plus free T-shirts for the first 100 guests.
Thanks!
Thanks for checking out today’s newsletter! We hope it inspired you to get out, explore, and enjoy all the great things happening across Connecticut this week.
If you enjoyed today’s email, share it with a friend and help them uncover the best events and activities 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!