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- ✨Final Glow at Lake Compounce, Coastal Cheer & DIY Snow Globes
✨Final Glow at Lake Compounce, Coastal Cheer & DIY Snow Globes
Good morning! The holidays are officially in full swing, and today’s lineup is all about soaking up the season in memorable ways. Whether you’re chasing twinkling lights, unique local traditions, or a hands-on creative moment, these picks are perfect for slowing down and enjoying what makes this time of year special.
Inside today’s email:
🎄 Final chance to experience a beloved holiday tradition
🦞 One-of-a-kind coastal Christmas display you won’t see anywhere else
❄️ A cozy, creative workshop to make a winter keepsake of your own
📗 This Month in CT History: A Philanthropist’s Legacy and A Tragic End in Bridgeport
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed
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A final chance to experience this beloved holiday tradition
Holiday Lights ’25 returns to Lake Compounce for one final season, making this year extra special. After 2025, this fan-favorite holiday event officially retires — so if it’s been on your list, now’s the time.
On select nights from late November through December, the park transforms into a glowing winter wonderland filled with more than half a million twinkling lights. Families can stroll through festive displays, enjoy classic holiday treats, and hop on select rides while soaking up the seasonal atmosphere. Connecticut’s tallest Christmas tree stands proudly at the center of it all, adding a true wow moment to the experience.
A uniquely Connecticut twist on Christmas cheer
Stonington’s Lobster Trap Tree is back for its fifth year, proving that holiday traditions don’t always come wrapped in tinsel. Built entirely from stacked lobster traps and illuminated along the waterfront, this display has become a must-see seasonal stop along the Connecticut shoreline.
Located at the Stonington Town Docks, the tree celebrates the area’s deep maritime roots while offering a festive gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. The unveiling kicks off the season, followed by weeks of free nightly viewing through early January — making it an easy add to any winter evening plans.
A hands-on holiday activity for all ages
If you’re looking for a cozy, creative way to spend Christmas Eve afternoon, the Snow Globe Workshop at Village Center for the Arts offers something truly special. During this guided session, participants design and build their own personalized snow globe using miniature figures, clay, and glitter.
With an instructor walking you through each step, the experience is relaxed, welcoming, and perfect for beginners. The end result is a one-of-a-kind winter keepsake you can display year after year — or gift to someone special.
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One final season of twinkling lights, festive rides, and holiday magic
This is it — Holiday Lights ’25 marks the final season of one of Connecticut’s most beloved winter traditions, and now there’s an extra reason to go. With this limited-time Groupon deal, families can experience the full magic of Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce for up to 64% off regular admission.
On select nights from late November through December, the park transforms into a glowing holiday wonderland filled with more than half a million sparkling lights. Guests can stroll through festive displays, admire Connecticut’s tallest Christmas tree, enjoy seasonal treats, and hop on select rides — all while soaking up the cozy, nostalgic atmosphere that makes this event such a fan favorite.
TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
Fireside Holiday Tea at The Westbrook Inn (Westbrook) - Enjoy a festive Holiday Afternoon Tea featuring sandwiches, sweet treats, and soothing teas by the fire.
Feud Night at 1741 Pub & Grill (Middlefield) - Join every Tuesday for Feud Night, a fun blend of trivia and games with prizes, free to participate!
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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
A Philanthropist’s Legacy and A Tragic End in Bridgeport
James Walker Beardsley was born in 1812 to a well-established farming family in Monroe, Connecticut, and spent much of his life balancing agricultural work with savvy financial ventures. Through farming and cattle trading, he built a considerable fortune and eventually split his time between his Monroe farm and a home in the growing city of Bridgeport.
After retiring in the late 1870s, Beardsley made a decision that would permanently shape Bridgeport’s landscape. He donated a large stretch of land along the Pequonnock River to the city, with the firm requirement that it remain public parkland forever. That gift became Beardsley Park, designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Beardsley continued to personally fund improvements and maintenance, earning widespread admiration for his civic generosity.
That public goodwill also made him a target. In late 1892, two intruders broke into Beardsley’s Bridgeport home, assuming his wealth would be easily accessible. When they found little of value, the situation turned violent. Beardsley, then in his late seventies, was brutally beaten before the attackers fled. He succumbed to his injuries days later.
Despite an extensive search, those responsible were never identified. Bridgeport later honored Beardsley’s lasting contributions with a life-sized statue at the entrance of the park that bears his name — a lasting reminder of a man whose generosity transformed the city, even as his life ended in tragedy.
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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE
Power Restored for Most After Powerful Windstorms
After a weekend of intense winds and rain, utility crews restored electricity to the vast majority of affected Connecticut residents. By Sunday night, only a small number of outages remained as crews wrapped up repairs caused largely by fallen trees and limbs.
Hartford Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck by Two Vehicles
A man in his 50s died after being hit by two separate cars Saturday night on Albany Avenue in Hartford. Police say one driver remained at the scene while the other initially left but was later located as the investigation continues.
Brown University Shooting Suspect Had Connecticut Ties, Officials Say
Authorities revealed that the suspect connected to the Brown University shooting and the killing of an MIT professor may have planned to travel through Connecticut. State police assisted in following leads linked to Bradley International Airport, though officials later determined the airport connection was unfounded.
Paid Leave Benefits Available for Caregivers of ‘Solo Agers’
Connecticut’s Paid Leave program is reminding residents that caregivers of adults over 50 who are aging alone may qualify for partial income replacement. As the number of seniors living independently continues to rise, state officials say the program can be a critical support for caregivers balancing work and care responsibilities.
Thanks!
Thanks for spending a little of your day with us! We hope this roundup inspired you to get out, explore, and enjoy all the great things happening around Connecticut this week.
If you enjoyed today’s email, feel free to pass it along to a friend and help them stay in the loop on the best events 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!