Think Christmas and Hanukkah this weekend as traditional and not-so-traditional events unfold in town. There’s holiday music, of course, along with the traditional Stony Creek pageant in which the village relives seven Biblical Christmas scenes. In Short Beach Santa will be on hand for a photo-op with your pet.
Friday, Dec 12
Winter Fest Holiday Party
Sponsored by: Food Allergy Education Network
Crafts, Games, Music, Raffle, Pictures and Story time with Santa, Ages 0 – 12. This is a food-free party sponsored by Food Allergy Education Network, a local not-for-profit supporting children and families with food allergies. Donations of raffle items are accepted. Please call 203 – 415-5613 for more information. Branford Community House, 46 Church St., 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Santa Poses with Pets and People
Want a Santa photo-op with your pet? Come to the Short Beach Union Church Fundraiser at 14 Pentecost St. From 10 a.m. to noon, Santa will pose with pets, kids and adults in whatever order you want. And from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Santa will pose with people only. One 5 x 7 photo is $15.
Scavenger Hunt
Fortunate People Giving Gifts (FPGG )arrive at the Green to hold a Scavenger Hunt and Toy Drive to benefit Branford Counseling Center’s families in need of gifts for their kids. The Toy Drive begins at 10 a.m. and the Scavenger Hunt starts at 1 p.m. and runs to 4 p.m. The event is put on by three BHS alums, who started it in 2012.
Creative HOLIDAYS at the Luckey + Merrill Studio
Who says shopping and chocolate don’t go together? Celebrate HOLIDAYS 2014 at the Luckey + Merrill Studio and meet local artists Owen Sea Luckey and Kristin Merrill, who are joined by painter Hannah Baldwin and writer Jen Payne. The Open House event takes places at 181 Main St. ( back entrance) from noon to 4 p.m. Free.
Pancakes with Santa
The North Madison Congregational Church will sponsor a pancake breakfast with Santa at the church,1271 Durham Road, at 11 a.m. Fee at the door is $6 for adults ($3 for kids).
Holiday Cheer at the Dudley Farm Museum
The Dudley Farm Museum and farmers’ market invites the public to a holiday Open House. The Munger Barn also will be open for the 19th annual holiday market. Tour the farmhouse decorated for the holidays and enjoy complimentary mulled cider and cookies served in the dining room. The farmhouse will also feature its annual cookie bake sale. The Dudley Farm Museum is located on the northeast corner of Routes 77 and 80 at 2351 Durham Road, Guilford. Event starts at 9 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m.
Stony Creek Pageant Returns
Hundreds of people are expected to attend this special event, one that depicts seven Biblical scenes set along a route in Stony Creek, including the popular manger scene. At 6 p.m. The Stony Creek Fife & Drum Corps opens the evening activities as villagers from near and far pay witness to the event. The Royal Court Singers will perform at The Legacy Theatre and the Stony Creek Museum will be open during the event. Free.
Klezmer Music at Hanukkah Concert
The First Congregational Church on the Branford Green hosts a special Hanukkah concert and dance party with internationally renowned Klezmer musician and composer Pete Rushefsky and his Ternovka Ensemble. Hanukkah begins Dec. 16 and ends on Dec. 24.
In addition, Branford Folk’s own renowned dance leader (and president) Willa Horowitz will teach dance steps at the end of the concert, turning the event into a rollicking party. Concert begins at 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 14
The Music Makers from Branford High School (see top photo) conducted by Cathyann Roding will perform a selection of holiday classics, including traditional carols, music from the European Renaissance and modern selections. Performance begins at 2 p.m. at the Blackstone Memorial Library. Free.
Wednesday, Dec. 17
The Magic of Christmas with Martha Link Walsh
Martha Link Walsh will share some of her international Christmas stories and show paper cut images that represent them. Event begins at 7 p.m. the Blackstone Memorial Library. Free. Click this link to register.
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