- Connecticut Lifestyles
- Posts
- 🎁 Dudley Farm Market, The Nutcracker & Mark Twain Art Show
🎁 Dudley Farm Market, The Nutcracker & Mark Twain Art Show
Good morning and happy Tuesday! 🎉
We’ve rounded up some of the most festive, creative, and family-friendly events happening across Connecticut this week. From holiday markets to magical performances and inspiring art shows, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a quick look at what’s inside:
✨ Holiday Market
🎄 The Nutcracker at The Nutmeg Conservatory
🎨 Mark Twain Library Art Show
📗 This Month in CT History: The Great East Thompson Train Wreck
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

Veterinarians nationwide reported that corporate managers pushed clinics to focus on profit, with vets often paid based on revenue. This encouraged them to see more pets, order more tests, and upsell services, creating a growing burden for uninsured pet owners. Pet insurance could help you offset some of these rising costs, with some providing up to 90% reimbursement.

🎁 HOLIDAY MARKET AT DUDLEY FARM
Shop Local & Get Crafty
Step into the Munger Barn in Guilford for a festive shopping experience full of handcrafted and homemade treasures. From seasonal greenery to delicious treats, support over thirty local artisans and complete your holiday shopping in just an afternoon. After browsing the market, explore the Quinnipiac Dawnland Museum and the historic Farmhouse Museum, handmake Victorian Christmas paper ornaments, and enjoy small treats courtesy of the Farmhouse docents.

🎄 THE NUTMEG CONSERVATORY FOR THE ARTS PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER
Magical Holiday Performance for the Whole Family
Kick off the holiday season with a timeless celebration of wonder and joy! The Nutmeg Ballet returns to the Oneglia Auditorium in Torrington with its magical production of The Nutcracker, perfect for first-time viewers and cherished family traditions alike.

🎨 53RD ANNUAL MARK TWAIN LIBRARY ART SHOW
Discover & Support Local Artists
Explore works from over 175 local and world-renowned artists in the charming, festive setting of the Mark Twain Library in Redding. Pieces are available both onsite and online, with proceeds supporting vital library programs. This year’s show honors celebrated artist Jimmy Grashow, whose long-time support has been as unwavering as the Library’s founder, Samuel Clemens.


High yield used to mean locking up your money for years. With Percent, accredited investors can access private credit deals that pay monthly - with average durations under 10 months and potential yields up to 20%.
In volatile markets, control matters. Percent empowers accredited investors to take the reins, allowing you to browse curated offerings and choose deals that match your yield goals, time horizon, and risk appetite. Take charge of your portfolio’s risk-return profile.
Connecticut Lifestyles readers who sign up can get up to a $500 bonus on their first investment.
This is an advertisement.

Hands-On Fun for the Whole Family

Step into the Process ART Studio in North Haven for a vibrant 60-minute adventure where imagination and color collide! Begin with a 45-minute splatter paint session on your very own 8x10 canvas using neon paints, all while your favorite tunes set the perfect creative vibe. Afterward, dive into a 15-minute slime-making activity, mixing liquid watercolors, glitter, and charming add-ins to craft gooey, tactile masterpieces.
Perfect for families, friends, or as a unique gift, this experience blends art, laughter, and lasting memories in a fun, mess-friendly environment. Don’t miss your chance to unleash your inner artist and create something unforgettable!

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
Fireside Holiday Tea (Westbrook) - Enjoy a festive Holiday Afternoon Tea by the fire featuring gourmet teas and sweet treats.
Spamalot (Hartford) - Experience the Tony Award-winning musical comedy Monty Python’s SPAMALOT making its return!
Lunch and Learn – New Netherland’s Guide to Accepting the Banished (Hartford) - Join a virtual presentation discussing why New Netherland accepted expelled New England settlers.
THE SIX LOVES OF JAMES I with Gareth Russell (Virtual) - Explore the private relationships of King James I and their influence on his time.
Lunch and Learn – Living on the Edge in New England, New Netherland, and New Sweden (Hartford) - Discover the historical context behind territorial disputes in North America during a virtual presentation.
Steve Cryan’s 32nd Annual Train Show at Connecticut River Museum (Essex): The holiday season comes to life once again at the Connecticut River Museum with Steve Cryan’s 32nd Annual Train Show.
Want to have your event listed above? Click here to learn how we can promote your event to thousands of interested locals!

HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

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

Take control of your health with the most comprehensive at-home blood test available. TruDiagnostic analyzes over 185 biomarkers from a single finger prick of blood, providing personalized recommendations for the most impactful changes you can make today.
Discover your biological age, understand the pace at which you’re aging, and get a detailed action plan tailored to your body. All from the comfort of home.
Connecticut Lifestyles readers get 20% off with code NEWSLETTERS20
This is an advertisement.

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY
JIM MORRISON ARRESTED IN NEW HAVEN
In December 1967, Jim Morrison, the iconic frontman of The Doors, made history when he was arrested during a live performance at the New Haven Arena. A confrontation with a police officer before the show escalated onstage, leading to Morrison being taken into custody in front of the audience—a first for a rock star.
The arrest sparked a riot among fans, and Morrison faced charges of obscenity and incitement to riot, though he was quickly released. The incident left a lasting mark on music history, later inspiring The Doors’ song “Peace Frog”.
Though the New Haven Arena was eventually replaced by the New Haven Coliseum in 1972, the chaotic energy of that night remains a vivid moment in Connecticut’s rock-and-roll legacy.

HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE
OPERATION ROBOCALL PHASE 2 LAUNCHED
Connecticut AG William Tong announced the next stage of Operation Robocall, targeting four major voice providers—Inteliquent, Bandwidth, Lumen, and Peerless—for allegedly transmitting illegal robocalls. The effort aims to block millions of nuisance calls and protect consumers from potential scams.
JEWELRY THEFT AT WATERBURY MALL
Police are investigating after suspects stole roughly $10,000 worth of jewelry from a store inside a Waterbury mall. Authorities are searching for the masked thieves who fled the scene.
DAREDEVIL SANTA LIGHTS UP STAMFORD
Santa, Mrs. Claus, and friends rappelled 22 stories down Landmark Square during Stamford’s annual Heights & Lights event. The spectacle concluded with holiday music and the lighting of the city’s festive tree.
PLANS FOR 70-UNIT RIVERSIDE HOUSING PROJECT IN NEW HAVEN
Developers unveiled Oyster Harbor Village, a 70-unit residential project along the Quinnipiac River, including retail spaces and 29,000 sq. ft. of green space. The initiative will use state remediation grants to transform a formerly industrial site into a vibrant, mixed-use community.

Thanks!
Thanks for catching up with today’s newsletter! We hope it inspired you to get out, explore, and make the most of everything Connecticut has going on this week.
If you enjoyed today’s highlights, share it with a friend — and let them in on the best events and experiences across 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!


