🎄 Fantasy of Lights, Stamford Parade & Jay Leno in CT

November 18, 2025

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Happy Tuesday! The holiday season is officially kicking off, and we’ve rounded up some exciting events happening this week in Connecticut. From dazzling lights to parades and laughter-filled nights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s what’s inside:

Want to get a jump on your holiday shopping? Black Friday has come early at Groupon, and right now, you can save even more on gifts for everyone.

If you’re looking for deals on things to do around Connecticut, you can use code ADVENTURE right now to get extra savings on everything from tickets to concerts to wine tours to massages and so much more.

Why wait for the big day? Groupon’s Black Friday Came Early sale is live now with massive savings right now on beauty deals. We’re talking mani/pedis, facials, Botox, hair coloring, and more —all at unbeatable prices.

⏳ But hurry…these deals won’t last long!

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Step into a world of sparkling holiday wonder

The Fantasy of Lights is back and brighter than ever! Featuring over 100,000 dazzling lights and 60 animated and stationary displays, this festive tradition has been lighting up families’ holidays for decades. Explore stunning scenes, snap unforgettable photos, and feel the holiday spirit come alive at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven.

📅 Dates: November 21 – December 31, 2025
🕔 Hours: Sun–Thu 5:00 PM–9:00 PM | Fri–Sat 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
💰 Admission: $10 per passenger vehicle, $25 per mini van (15+ people), $50 per full bus
📍 Location: Lighthouse Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT 06512

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Kick off the holiday season in style

Be part of one of the largest and most exciting parades in the country! Enjoy giant helium balloons, award-winning marching bands, dynamic dance groups, and this year’s special entertainment: Flippenout Extreme Trampoline Show. Fun for the whole family and completely free!

📅 Date: Sunday, November 23, 2025
🕛 Time: Noon
💰 Admission: Free!
📍 Location: Downtown Stamford, Stamford, CT 06902

An evening of clean, smart, nonstop laughs

The legendary Jay Leno brings his iconic stand-up comedy to Torrington for one night only! Known for his work on The Tonight Show and performing over 100 shows a year worldwide, Leno delivers a hilarious act that’s perfect for all ages—no politics, no lectures, just pure comedy. Don’t miss this chance to see a comedy legend live!

📅 Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
🕢 Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Oneglia Auditorium, 68 Main St, Torrington, CT 06790

Basketball, college football, the NFL, and all your favorite shows—without cable.

DIRECTV is offering a 5-day free trial of their popular streaming service, just in time for fall sports and primetime TV. Watch FOX Sports 1, RedZone, CNN, HGTV, SEC Network, and more, all from your smart TV or device.

🔁 After the trial, plans start as low as $49.99/month (with savings up to $40 off your first month). Cancel anytime.

📺 Whether you’re tuning in for the next big game or catching up on shows you love, DIRECTV gives you instant access to top-tier channels—no satellite required.

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Unleash your inner detective, explorer, or master thief

Looking for an adrenaline-packed way to challenge your brain and bond with friends or family? Escapism Escape Rooms in Southington, Connecticut, is calling your name! With this Groupon deal, you and up to five teammates can choose from three thrilling rooms—The Tomb, The Score, or Do Not Disturb—and tackle 60 minutes of immersive puzzles, riddles, and hands-on challenges.

📅 Availability: Tuesday–Friday
🕔 Hours: Tues–Thurs 6 PM–9 PM | Fri 3 PM–10 PM
📍 Location: 168 Center Street, Southington, CT
💰 Deal Price: $126.40 with code SAVEMORE (originally $210)

🎟️ Grab Your Groupon & Book Your Escape

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

concert GIF

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

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

The Colt Family Mystery

Connecticut’s past is full of intrigue, and few stories are as shocking as the case of John Colt. Born in Hartford, Colt found himself convicted of murdering a New York printer over a debt dispute in 1841. In a desperate attempt to hide his crime, he packed the victim’s body into a shipping crate bound for Louisiana—but fate, a nosy neighbor, and a storm revealed the grim secret.

Even more sensational, John Colt married his mistress hours before he was to be executed—only to take his own life moments later in prison, leaving the public stunned. His brother, famed arms maker Samuel Colt, supported him throughout the trial and cared for the child left behind, weaving a legacy of intrigue, loyalty, and contested fortunes that lingered for decades.

This dramatic episode highlights how ambition, secrecy, and family ties once collided in Connecticut’s history, creating a story that’s equal parts tragedy and mystery.

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Each service includes up to 5 quarts of premium Valvoline oil, a new filter, and a full maintenance check — all performed by ASE-certified technicians while you stay in your car.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

✈️ Help Stuff a Plane for Toys for Tots
Drop off new, unwrapped toys at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks now through December 13 for the Marine Toys for Tots Drive. Bring a toy on Saturday, November 22, and enjoy 50% off youth admission. Let’s fill that aircraft with holiday cheer!

🎄 47th Annual Holly Berry Festival Returns
Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden hosts its 47th juried craft fair on November 21–22. Shop over 50 booths featuring holiday décor, jewelry, apparel, and sweet treats. Family-friendly activities include photos with Santa, face painting, and kids’ crafts. Admission and parking are free.

⚡ Eversource Winter Rates Expected to Rise
Eversource has announced a projected 13% increase in winter supply rates starting January 1, 2026, mainly due to higher demand and limited natural gas supply. The average customer can expect about a $10 monthly increase, with options to compare rates through EnergizeCT.com.

❄️ First Responders Raise $130K with Icy Plunge
Channel 3’s Renee DiNino and local first responders jumped into freezing water hourly for 24 hours to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut, raising more than $130,000 for the organization.

🚨 Middletown Adds 2 New School Zone Speed Cameras
Two new speed cameras are now active near Spencer and Moody Elementary Schools to enforce safer driving. Citations begin December 22, with first-time fines of $50 for speeding over the limit, aimed at protecting students and pedestrians.

Thanks!

Thanks for checking out today’s newsletter! We hope it inspired you to get out, explore, and make the most of everything Connecticut has to offer this week.

If you enjoyed it, share it with a friend so they can discover all the best events and activities 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!