The countdown begins. Is your tree up? Shopping done? (Remember, shop local – Branford has many wonderful stores decked out for the holiday.) Take some time to get into the spirit of the season by attending the community performance of Handel’s Messiah on Sunday – it’s sure to do the trick!
Friday, Dec. 18
The Nutcracker 2015
New Haven Ballet will present the Christmas classic at the Shubert Theater, 247 College St., New Haven. Performances continue on Saturday and Sunday.
For details, go to” http://www.shubert.com/presentations/current-season/the-nutcracker
Saturday, Dec. 19
Santa at the Shoreline Trolley Museum
From 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., take a ride into the past at The Shore Line Trolley Museum and have your children visit with Santa! Inspect our antique trolleys decorated for the holidays. Enjoy a complimentary cookie and hot chocolate. Check out our model train layout. Bring the whole family and the camera! All children receive a small gift from Santa. You don’t want to miss getting a picture of your little ones on Santa’s lap.
In the evening the museum transforms itself into a wonderland of festive holiday lights. Many of the trolleys, buildings and sites in the yard area have been decorated for the holidays adding a wonderful soft glow reminding you of Christmas’ past. Start a new tradition your family will never forget!
Admission is $10; seniors (62+), $8; children 2 to 15, $6, and children under 2, free. Continues through Sunday.
Holiday Open House
The Luckey + Merrill Studio will have its open house from noon to 4 p.m. at 181 Main St.
For more information, call 203 – 589-0831 or visit www.luckeyandmerrillstudio.com.
Holiday Open Dance Party
Dance In Rhythm’s Holiday Open House Party will take place from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the studio, 9 South Main St., 2nd floor, featuring dancing, music, and refreshments. Admission is $15.
For more information, call 203 – 481-1333 or visit danceinrhythm.com.
Sunday, Dec. 20
Annual Holiday “Messiah”
For the 28th year, the holiday performance of Handel’s Messiah will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 1009 Main St.
The performance is under the direction of Roy Wiseman, Wesleyan University professor, who has conducted various well-known venues, and will include soloists, more than 50 community singers and a 14-piece orchestra.
This year’s performance will honor Ettie Minor Luckey, founder and artistic director, who died this spring.
The performance is free and a free-will offering will be collected.
Cookie and Traditional Carols
Get into the spirit of the holidays with cookies and traditional carols at the Stony Creek Museum at 7:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 21
Contradance
A contradance will be held at the Branford Community House, 46 Church St., beginning at 7:30 p.m. Beginners are welcome, with or without partners. Admission is $12, $5 for students with ID.
For more information, call 203 – 980-0389 or email [email protected].
Tuesday, Dec. 22
Longest Night: A Blue Christmas Service
This special service will take place at Trinity Church, 1109 Main St. Christmas isn’t joyous for those who are grieving, depressed, ill, alone, or feeling blue. The service recognizes their struggles and they are invited to share this special service with others who feel the same, and receive the true gift of Christmas – hope. Please invite anyone you know who might benefit from this service. Best of all, accompany them. Refreshments will follow the service in the Parish Hall.
Friday, Dec. 25
Christmas Feast
The Community Dining Room’s Christmas Feast will take place at from noon to 1 p.m. at 30 Harrison Ave.
For more information, call 203 – 488-0447.
Wednesday, Dec. 29
New Year’s Glow in the Dark Dance Party as the Countdown to New Year’s Eve Begins
The Branford Recreation Department wants kids to put on their best Glow in the Dark outfit – florescent shirts, pants, white T‑shirt, or anything that glows for a night of fun with your friends. Grades 1 through 4 will meet from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and grades 5 through 8 will gather from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Community House, 46 Church St. Admission is $10; refreshments will be served.
Friday, Jan. 1
Annual New Year’s Day Walk: Short Beach Preserve
The Branford Land Trust invites you to walk the Short Beach Preserve at 1 p.m. This walk, led by Meg Kilgore, is open to all ages and free of charge. Meet at the end of Midwood Road, which runs off of Shore Drive in Short Beach. The walk begins at the cul-de-sac at the end of the road.
Expect moderate terrain, some sloping trails and inclines, rocky underfooting. Participants should wear appropriate dress and comfortable, supportive walking shoes. Bring water. Walking sticks welcome. For questions, call 203 – 415-1571 or visit www.branfordlandtrust.org.
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