🎄 Winterfair, Native Art, & A Christmas Carol

December 10, 2025

Good morning! Get ready to fill your weekends with holiday cheer, creative shopping, and magical experiences across Connecticut! From festive markets to enchanting performances, there’s something special waiting for you and your family to enjoy this season.

❄️ A festive shopping event
🪶 A market celebrating artistry, culture, and handmade creations.
đź‘» An immersive holiday performance
đź“— This Month in CT History: Horace Wells and the Dawn of Pain-Free Dentistry
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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✨ Dive Into the Magic of Winterfair New Haven 2025

Holiday Shopping & Festive Fun

Get into the holiday spirit at Winterfair, coming to New Haven's Union Station for the first time this season! Every Saturday and Sunday from November 29 through December 21 (except December 7), the station transforms into a festive wonderland featuring dozens of small boutique businesses.

Browse handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and unique holiday décor while supporting local entrepreneurs. Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, snap a photo with Santa, and enjoy live holiday music as you explore the market. It’s the perfect outing for families, friends, or a solo holiday adventure.

🎄 Explore Unique Treasures at IAIS’ Annual Holiday Market!

Unique Art & Cultural Experiences

Celebrate the season while supporting local and indigenous artists at the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, CT. The market runs on December 13 & 14, from 11 a.m.–4 p.m., offering a curated selection of handmade crafts, artwork, and jewelry.

Meet the artists behind each creation and learn about contemporary Native American culture while finding unique gifts for your loved ones. With family-friendly activities and an immersive cultural experience, this market is more than just shopping—it’s a festive journey into creativity and tradition.

🎭 Experience the Enchantment of A Christmas Carol Live!

Magical Holiday Performance

Step into a magical holiday world with the East Haddam Stage Company’s production of A Christmas Carol, performed in the historic Reading Room of Russell Library. Saturdays and Sundays at 7 p.m., witness Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation in a hauntingly immersive adaptation designed specifically for this Gothic-style space.

Actors move among the audience, using the balconies, ramps, and multiple entry points—so you never know where a ghost might appear! The performance combines Dickens’ classic story with the architecture’s soaring ceilings and intimate corners, creating a uniquely enchanting holiday experience.

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A Dazzling Holiday Drive-Through Experience for the Whole Family

Step into a sparkling winter wonderland without leaving your car! Rhinebeck’s Wonderland of Lights, hosted at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, turns the holiday season into a magical journey with millions of twinkling lights, shimmering tunnels, and breathtaking illuminated sculptures. From November through December, families can enjoy an immersive drive-through spectacle that brings the joy and warmth of the holidays to life.

This enchanting experience is perfect for up to eight people per vehicle, making it ideal for family outings, date nights, or a festive drive with friends. Cruise through colorful light tunnels, admire artfully designed sculptures that tell heartwarming stories, and create unforgettable holiday memories—all from the comfort of your car. Every turn of the route delivers awe-inspiring sights that captivate both young and old, ensuring laughter, excitement, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

DID YOU KNOW?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

Horace Wells and the Dawn of Pain-Free Dentistry

In Hartford during the mid-1800s, a curious dentist named Horace Wells witnessed a demonstration of nitrous oxide—also known as “laughing gas”—and noticed something remarkable: a volunteer who had stumbled under its effects felt no pain. Inspired, Wells immediately saw the potential for dentistry, where tooth extractions were notoriously painful.

The very next day, Wells tested nitrous oxide on himself during a wisdom tooth extraction and experienced minimal discomfort, marking the first successful use of medical anesthesia. He went on to incorporate the gas in his dental practice, believing that relief from pain should be accessible to all.

Despite his groundbreaking work, Wells faced professional setbacks, including a failed public demonstration in Boston that damaged his reputation. Personal struggles later in life led to his untimely death, yet his contributions endured. Today, Wells is honored as a pioneer of modern anesthesia, with memorials in Hartford celebrating his vision that pain-free treatment could be a reality for millions.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

I-95 Overhaul in Stamford Could Include Extra Lanes
The Connecticut DOT is exploring options to reduce congestion on one of the state’s busiest stretches of highway. Plans under consideration include widening I-95, adding a parallel collector road, or improving exits and shoulders. While some drivers and businesses support expansion, critics say extra lanes offer only temporary relief and advocate for public transit solutions.

New Lights Shine on Old Saybrook Breakwater
A Labor Day boat accident in 2024 that claimed three lives inspired a new lighting project at the Saybrook breakwater. The installation, led by the victims’ families, aims to honor those lost and improve safety for future boaters.

Trader Joe’s Plans New Connecticut Location
The popular grocery chain is expanding in Connecticut, bringing its unique selection of affordable and specialty products to a new store soon.

Goo Goo Dolls Announce 2026 Tour Stop in Connecticut
Fans can catch the band with special guest Neon Trees at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 6, 2026. Tickets go on sale December 12.

Long Island Sound Sees Lowest Hypoxia Levels in Decades
State officials report a significant improvement in water quality, with the Sound’s oxygen-starved areas shrinking to a 40-year low, boosting conditions for marine life and coastal communities.

Thanks!

Thanks for catching up with today’s newsletter! We hope it inspired you to get out, explore, and enjoy all the amazing experiences Connecticut has to offer this week.

Loved what you read? Share it with a friend and help them discover the best things 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!