🎄 Star Hill, Buoys by the Bay & Gioia’s Holiday Rooftop in CT!

November 25, 2025

Good morning! Hope your Tuesday’s off to a smooth start. We pulled together some of the most magical, creative, and downright fun happenings across Connecticut this season — all in one place so you can plan your week without the scroll struggle. Here’s what you’ll find inside:

🎄 A cozy Christmas farm experience with wagon rides and Santa
🎨 A glowing forest of hand-painted buoys by the bay
❄️ A festive Italian rooftop wonderland decked out for the holidays
📗 This Month in CT History: Connecticut’s First Black Civil War Regiment
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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 BLACKFRIDAY 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!

This is an advertisement. 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!

A cozy tradition returns for the season

Looking for something that feels straight out of a Christmas movie? The Family Christmas Experience at Star Hill Family Farm is back, filling Portland with twinkling lights, warm treats, and festive activities that families return for year after year. From November 22 to December 21, the farm transforms into a holiday haven packed with seasonal charm.

And then there’s the showstopper: a horse-drawn wagon ride through the scenic hillside, complete with a fireside stop. Rides run every half hour and tend to sell out fast, so booking ahead is definitely the move.

Want the full rundown or ready to reserve your spot?

A community art display with heart

The shoreline is glowing again. The 3rd Annual Buoys by the Bay kicks off November 21 and runs through January 15 — a cheerful, creative display of more than 150 hand-decorated buoys hanging from a forest of trees at Scheer Park in Niantic.

Each buoy is purchased and decorated by a community supporter, with proceeds benefiting two local nonprofits that pour those funds right back into town events and programs. This year, kids from the Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut even painted small fish to join the display — an adorable new addition.

Curious what the display looks like or want full event details?

A festive, fully-heated holiday escape

If you’re craving a holiday outing that mixes sparkle with seriously good food, Gioia’s “Joy-ah for the Holidays! A Winter Wonderland” rooftop activation is calling your name. From November 7 through December 28, their enclosed, heated rooftop transforms into a playful Christmas dreamscape packed with lights, trees, garland, ornaments, and festive touches everywhere.

The seasonal menu is just as fun: White Christmas Mojitos, Peppermintinis, Santa’s Cookie Old Fashioneds, plus winter-comfort dishes like Chicken & Dumplings, Ossobuco Milanese, and gooey Mac & Cheese. It’s cozy, stylish, and the perfect pick for a holiday date night, girls’ night, or post-shopping treat.

Want to peek at the menu or plan your visit? Click here to learn more.

The wait is over — MERIT’s Only Sale of the Year is here! From Nov 24–Dec 1, enjoy 20% off sitewide plus a free gift with purchase.

Discover effortless, impossible-to-mess-up essentials that fit seamlessly into your routine. From clean, skin-loving formulas to multi-use favorites like our Five Minute Morning Set — now $140.80 (value $206, 32% off) — everything is designed to help you look polished in minutes.

Clean, vegan, cruelty-free — and only on sale once a year.

This is an advertisement.

A dazzling holiday spectacle comes to Wallingford this November

Step into a world of wonder and festive excitement with Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre! This spectacular show, performing on Friday, November 28, and Saturday, November 29, blends acrobatics, theatrical storytelling, music, and holiday cheer into an unforgettable experience for the whole family. From gravity-defying stunts to dazzling costumes and captivating performances, it’s a holiday tradition that promises awe and delight for all ages.

Don’t miss your chance to make this holiday season sparkle! Grab your tickets now

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THIS YET?

live music rock GIF by The Revivalists

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 First Black Civil War Regiment

Connecticut made history with the creation of the 29th Regiment of Connecticut Infantry, the state’s first African-American Civil War regiment. Established after months of debate and overcoming widespread opposition, the regiment drew hundreds of volunteers eager to serve their country and fight for freedom. By January 1864, so many men had enlisted that a second regiment, the 30th Connecticut Infantry, was formed to accommodate the demand.

These pioneering soldiers quickly proved their courage and dedication, serving with distinction in key battles including the Siege of Petersburg and the Battle of Fair Oaks. Their service culminated in one of the first Union regiments to march into Richmond following its capture in 1865. Today, the 29th Regiment is commemorated with a monument in New Haven’s Criscuolo Park, marking Connecticut’s first memorial honoring African-American soldiers and standing as a lasting tribute to their role in the fight for liberty.

What if a single test could unlock everything you need to know about your health? With TruDiagnostic, it can. From identifying your biological age to tracking key markers like inflammation, vitamins, and metabolic health, their reports are fully customized to you.
You’ll receive actionable steps based on your results, giving you the clarity and confidence to make impactful changes. One finger prick of blood, one life-changing report.

This is an advertisement.

HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

🦃 Turkey Drive Brings Holiday Cheer to West Hartford
Connecticut Foodshare and the Miale Team joined the City of West Hartford for their third annual turkey drive. Volunteers collected frozen turkeys and donations to help ensure families across the state enjoy a warm Thanksgiving, alongside family-friendly activities and local vendor booths.

🔥 Coffee Shop Evacuated After Duct Fire
Willoughby's Coffee & Tea in Branford was quickly evacuated Friday morning after a ductwork fire near the roasting equipment. Firefighters contained the blaze with no injuries reported, and the coffee shop is set to reopen soon.

🎄 Greenwich Eatery Transformed Into Holiday Wonderland
Constantino's Pasta Bowls is spreading holiday magic with twinkling lights, garlands, ornaments, and a fully decorated Christmas tree. The festive makeover invites locals and visitors alike to soak in the Christmas spirit while enjoying signature pasta bowls and other menu delights.

🥪 Danbury Deli Closes After Five Years
Capers Too Deli & Catering has closed after more than five years in business. Owner Débora Dïvidino expressed gratitude to loyal customers and hinted at a “next adventure” as she plans to move forward with new opportunities.

Thanks!

Thanks for spending a little time with us today! We hope this newsletter sparked some fun ideas for getting out, exploring, and enjoying all that Connecticut has to offer this week.

If you enjoyed today’s email, share it with a friend — and let them in on the best events and happenings 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!