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- ❄️ Essex Film Fest, Holiday Markets & Winter Wonders
❄️ Essex Film Fest, Holiday Markets & Winter Wonders
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Hey there, Connecticut friends! 👋 Tuesday’s here and we’ve rounded up some amazing events to keep your week fun, festive, and full of adventure. Here’s what’s inside this week’s lineup:
🎬 Dive into indie cinema with exclusive Q&As and behind-the-scenes experiences
🎁 Discover unique artisan gifts and support local makers
❄️ Step into a sparkling, magical wonderland
📗 This Month in CT History: Keeping Veterans Day True
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed
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Experience indie cinema like never before with exclusive screenings and insider access
Step into the world of indie cinema at the Essex Film Fest, a curated festival in a charming historic river town. Highlights include a showcase of deeper-cut works from distinguished filmmaker and producer Mike S. Ryan, a Saturday screening of Let’s Scare Jessica to Death at the library with a Q&A by director John Hancock, and a special tour of the original Jessica filming house.
Whether you’re a die-hard cinephile or just looking for a unique weekend outing, this festival offers something special for everyone.
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Find the perfect handmade gifts while supporting small local businesses
Get ahead on your holiday shopping while supporting local artisans! The sixth annual Noah Webster House Holiday Market features over 20 vendors offering handmade jewelry, candles, pottery, notecards, fiber arts, and more. Pop by on either weekend or catch the Friday evening session in December. Entry is by $5 donation, which goes toward museum educational initiatives. Don’t miss the launch of the limited-edition West Hartford collectible ornament.
Glide, explore, and marvel at a magical family-friendly experience
Bring the whole family to a dazzling wonderland at the Connecticut Science Center. Glide on the sock skating rink, explore the Holiday Forest of Illusions, meet Santa on select weekends, and enjoy hands-on workshops and science demonstrations—all included with general admission. Perfect for creating new family traditions and soaking in the holiday magic.
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Step into a spectacular world of acrobatics, music, and magic this holiday season
Experience the wonder and excitement of Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford! This family-friendly spectacular combines acrobatics, dazzling costumes, festive music, and jaw-dropping performances that will leave you amazed. Perfect for kicking off your holiday season in style, the show features a mix of high-flying stunts, whimsical storytelling, and classic holiday cheer.
Choose from multiple showtimes:
Friday, November 28 at 4 PM
Saturday, November 29 at 1 PM & 5 PM
Seats are limited, and groups can sit together if purchased in the same transaction. G-Passes are mobile-only, making entry smooth and hassle-free.
Tickets start at $35 (34% off!) — with over 340 already bought, this deal is flying fast!
TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
The Artful Evening Series at Fairfield University (Fairfield) - Get creative during an interactive art evening.
Meditation and Mindfulness in the Museum Series at Fairfield University (Fairfield) - Participate in mindfulness practices in the museum galleries.
4D Film: Animal Kingdom 4D: The Wild Awaits at The Maritime Aquarium (Norwalk) - An action-packed journey through diverse animal habitats in stunning 4D effects.
The Importance of Being Earnest at Westport Country Playhouse (Westport) - Oscar Wilde’s beloved comedy of manners comes to life this fall at the Westport Country Playhouse with The Importance of Being Earnest.
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HAVE YOU BEEN HERE 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
Connecticut’s Stand Against Commercialization
Veterans Day didn’t always fall on November 11. Originally known as Armistice Day, it commemorated the end of World War I in 1918 and became a national holiday in 1938. By 1954, it evolved into Veterans Day to honor service members from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.
In 1968, a federal law moved Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October to create more three-day weekends. Many in Connecticut saw this as a push toward commercialization, with businesses open while schools and offices closed. Some towns tried celebrating in October, but many, including Brookfield, insisted on keeping November 11. Hartford even hosted a massive November ceremony in 1972 with jets and helicopters flying overhead.
Connecticut’s strong resistance reflected a broader sentiment: honoring veterans mattered more than conforming to convenience or commerce. By 1975, Congress reversed course, officially restoring Veterans Day to November 11 nationwide, validating the state’s dedication to tradition and remembrance.
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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE
🍔 Glastonbury McDonald’s Owner Hits Milestone
Juliana Lepore highlights a local McDonald’s owner-operator who started as a crew member and now runs eight locations, including several in Connecticut and Massachusetts. He celebrates four decades with the chain, noting pride in never quitting, selling, or passing on the business, with his children now involved.
🦴 Naugatuck Residents Mistake Goose Deterrent for a Dead Dog
A “dead dog” spotted on a local baseball field sparked numerous calls to police, but it turned out to be a plastic animal used to deter geese. Wind had knocked it over, leading to confusion among residents.
💰 Connecticut Mega Millions Ticket Wins $20,000
A Mega Millions player matched four numbers plus the Mega Ball to take home $20,000. With no jackpot winner that night, the estimated prize for the next drawing is a staggering $900 million.
🎅 Spirit Christmas Pop-Up Stores Open in CT
Spirit Christmas has brought two festive pop-up stores to Connecticut, in Manchester and Milford. Visitors can meet Santa, browse decorations, gift wrap, and enjoy a full holiday shopping experience at these temporary locations.
📉 Connecticut Ranked Among Worst States to Retire
A new Retirement Living report ranks Connecticut seventh worst overall for retirees, factoring in cost of living, economic strength, and quality of life. The state trails behind only Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey in this survey.
Thanks!
Thanks for spending a little time with us today! We hope these stories and events inspire you to get out, explore, and enjoy all that Connecticut has to offer this week.
Loved what you read? Share this email with a friend and let them in on the best things happening around the state too!
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