Holiday Fun at the Connecticut Trolley Museum
The Connecticut Trolley Museum is located at 58 North Road (Rte. 140), in East Windsor. Please call 860-627-6540 or visit ct-trolley.org for more information about any event.
Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights
Experience the magic every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night through Dec. 22, with extended hours during school vacation. This family-friendly holiday tradition runs from 5 to 9 p.m. and promises to immerse visitors in festive cheer with over 10,000 lights illuminating both the museum’s interior and exterior. Admission ranges from $16 to $21 per person, and all tickets must be purchased in advance through the museum’s website. Museum members enjoy half off admission.
Breakfast with Santa
Kick off the holiday season with a magical morning at Breakfast with Santa on Dec 7. This unforgettable experience includes a delicious breakfast, a festive trolley ride, and access to the beautifully decorated Visitor Center—all while Santa himself makes a special appearance to spread holiday cheer. Admission is $25 per person and $20 for museum members.
Storytime Trolley with Santa and Elf
Storytime Trolley with Santa and his elf will run on Saturdays, Dec. 7 and 14. Enjoy a ride in a decorated vintage trolley car where Santa will visit with each child. Also, Santa’s elf will read a holiday story and each child will complete a craft. The cost is $25 for any age, half off for members; ticket sales must be made in advance.
Elf on the Elgin
All aboard the elegant Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Railroad #303 for some old-fashioned holiday fun on Sundays, Dec. 8 and 15. Passengers enjoy a festive journey filled with hot chocolate in a souvenir cup, a cookie and a candy cane—all served with holiday cheer by two friendly elves. Kids will have the chance to write letters to Santa, to be delivered straight to Santa’s mailbox in the visitor center. The cost is $30 for any age, half off for members; ticket sales must be made in advance.
Old Saint Andrew’s Christmas Bazaar
The annual Christmas Bazaar at Old St. Andrew’s Church in Bloomfield is a beloved tradition for area residents. Held on Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the bazaar has free parking and free admission. The location is 59 Tariffville Road in Bloomfield.
Arts and crafts including jewelry will be for sale, plus cookies by the pound and a raffle. Sepe Farm is one of the farm vendors attending this year.
Minimize stress and disease
Up to 90 percent of all visits to doctors’ offices are stress-related, according to Harvard. Stress can be considered as much a risk factor for disease as smoking.
Why can two people be in the same situation and respond to stress in different ways?
Can changing the way we carry stress be a learnable skill?
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6:30–7:30 p.m., the Simsbury Public Library offers a free program, open to all surrounding towns, to learn the difference between good and bad stress, increase awareness of how stress impacts the body and hear about the emerging pattern matching specific symptoms and diseases with specific stresses.
Everyone will learn a technique to minimize stress and maximize vitality. A graduate of Yale University School of Medicine, Dr. Wendy Hurwitz is a nationally recognized expert on stress. A former medical researcher for ABC News, Hurwitz is an expert in two fields: mind/body medicine and energy medicine. She has a forthcoming book on stress.
The program will be held at Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury. For more information or to register, please call the library at 860-658-7663 or visit simsbury.librarycalendar.com/event/stress-disease-w-wendy-hurwitz-48612
Holiday events for kids at Auerfarm
This holiday season, Auerfarm is thrilled to host a variety of festive events for all ages, from family visits with Santa to creative workshops and camps for kids. Here’s a look at what’s coming up on our 120-acre farm located at 158 Auer Farm Road in Bloomfield.
Santa on The Farm: Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. A magical time for families to visit Auerfarm and meet Santa. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, arts and crafts, and even pick out a Christmas tree for sale! While this event is free, we welcome donations to support future events and programs.
Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop: Thursday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m. Tap into your creativity at our Wreath Making Class, where participants will craft personalized wreaths using fresh greenery and seasonal embellishments. This hands-on workshop is open to all skill levels, and all materials are included.
Twelve Days of Cookie Decorating: Thursday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m. Hosted in our cozy farm-based kitchen, this event invites participants of all ages to join us for a night of cookie decorating, holiday cheer, and fun family bonding.
Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m. Start the day with a farm-fresh pancake breakfast including sausage, bacon, maple syrup and homemade honey butter. Warm beverages and a cozy holiday atmosphere make it a special morning to remember!
Holiday Vacation Camp: Date: Dec. 23 and 24, 26 and 27, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. (special hours on Dec. 24). Auercamp’s Holiday Vacation Camp offers kids aged 5–12 a week of exploration, interaction with farm animals and wintertime farm activities. It’s a great way to stay engaged and connected to nature over the holiday break!
For more information or to register, please visit auerfarm.org
Farmington Valley Chorale announces concert, invites new members
Spreading the Flame: Come join with Farmington Valley Chorale for an afternoon of readings and song to celebrate the season on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. at the Barn-Covenant Presbyterian Church, Celebration Hall, 124 Old Farms Road in Simsbury. Tickets are $10 per person, students and children are free. Tickets available at the door or by visiting the chorale website at farmingtonvalleychorale.org
Farmington Valley Chorale welcomes new members for its spring season. FVC is a non-audition chorale of approximately 80 members, under the artistic leadership of Ellen Gilson Voth. We meet every Sunday, 7-9 p.m. at Simsbury United Methodist Church, 799 Hopmeadow Street beginning on Jan. 19. Please email the membership chair at info@farmingtonvalleychorale.org for further information and to indicate your interest. Kindly indicate your name, address, phone number and voice part.