Cool Events This Weekend, Here & Beyond

If you were otherwise busy and missed the Stony Creek Pageant and the Branford Chorale Concert, never fear! They’ve both been rescheduled due to last week’s storm. There’s still time to take part in some great holiday events – who doesn’t love a ride on the trolley and the Shore Line Trolley Museum’s Winter Wonderland event makes it all the more special. On Sunday, light the fireplace and pop some popcorn: Branford scenes will be featured on the small screen in a Hallmark movie. Got a cool event? Email [email protected] by Wednesday noon.

Friday, Dec. 15

Trinity Choir Christmas Concert

iTrinity Church on the Green presents its annual Christmas Concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 at the church, 230 Temple St. (corner of Chapel) in downtown New Haven.

The event will feature performances by the Trinity Choirs of Men & Boys and Men & Girls under the direction of Trinity Music Director R. Walden Moore. The groups will be accompanied by Trinity Senior Organ Scholar Nicholas Quardokus and organ scholar and violinist David von Behren. Guest artists the Constitution Brass Quintet and baritone Edward Vogel will also perform.

The program will feature seasonal favorites including carols for all to sing as well as anthems accompanied by brass, tympani and organ with works by composers including Pietro Yon, John Rutter and Carl Rutti.

Suggested donation $15 per person. Call 203 – 776-2616 or visit trinitynewhaven.org to learn more.

Saturday, Dec. 16

Stony Creek Pageant

Stony Creek’s annual Christmas Pageant takes place Saturday, Dec. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. (postponed from last weekend due to snow). Luminaries will light the way, which features different live nativity scenes. Local children and live animals are part of the pageant.

Almost 100 people are involved in preparations, assembling the structures, baking cookies, lighting the luminaria, and setting up the props.

Included in the evening will be caroling near the Legacy Theater, performance by the Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps, the Allegro Performing Arts Academy and singers from the Walsh Intermediate School, and cookies and cocoa at the Congregational Church’s Fellowship Hall.

Uncover Branford

Branford continues to be uncovered Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Residents have been meeting to share their favorite places through group outings, the documenting them with a write-up and photos.

At this meeting, the group will be sharing its first Uncover Branford booklets with their photos and stories submitted as part of the project. To RSVP, call 203 – 488-1441.

Evidence of Flossing: Book Signing

Learn the real meaning behind the book ​“Evidence of Flossing: What We Leave Behind” at a book signing with local writer and naturalist Jen Payne, hosted by Rock Garden, 17 S. Main St., on Saturday, Dec. 16, from noon to 3 p.m.

The book follows on the heels of Payne’s 2014 well-received book ​“LOOK UP! Musings on the Nature of Mindfulness,” and continues a dialogue about our innate connection with nature.

Both books will be available at the event, which is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For more information and to purchase copies of the book, please visit www.3chairspublishing.com.

Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17

Santa’s Trolley Winter Wonderland

The Shore Line Trolley Museum, River Street, East Haven, offers rides on their antique trolleys and a visit with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 16, and Sunday, Dec. 17. The first trolley to Santa’s Wonderland leaves at 10:30 a.m. and the last trolley leaves at 7 p.m.

Antique trolleys are decorated for the season and the museum is transformed into a wonderland of festive holiday lights with buildings and the yard decorated for the holiday. There are cookies and hot chocolate, a model train layout, and photos with Santa along with a small gift.

Santa Special

Essex Steam Train’s Santa Special continues Dec. 16, 17, and 23. Rudolph and Pablo the Penguin will be on board to spread holiday cheer and each child receives a small holiday gift from Santa’s Elves. Various events also take place at River Valley Junction, including a special Christmas performance by Sunny Train (9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 1 p.m.), family pictures in Santa’s Sleigh, the chance write letters to Santa and make cards, and enjoy fresh baked goods.

Prices for coach are $24 and $40 for first class.

The Essex Steam Train is located on Railroad Avenue off Route 9. For more information and to buy tickets, go to http://essexsteamtrain.com/

Sunday, Dec. 17

‘Romance at Reindeer Lodge’

The Hallmark channel movie filmed partly in Branford will premier Sunday, Dec. 17, at 9 p.m. (Channel 123 on Comcast, 133 on Frontier, 187 on DSH, and 565 on DirectTV).

For background on the filming, here’s the link to our story.

Here is a preview of the film

Wednesday, Dec. 20

Books ​‘n’ Brews

Each month, Books ​‘n’ Brews offers two titles to choose from, each with its own discussion group to take part in. On Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. ​“All Our Wrong Todays” by Elan Mastai and ​“Perfect Little World” by Kevin Wilson will be discussed. The group meets at Thimble Island Brewery, 16 Business Park Drive.

Borrow a copy from from the library or purchase your own copy. New members welcome.

Bring your own snacks. Thimble Islands offers a selection of craft beers (must be 21+ to drink alcoholic beverages), wine, soda, and water. No purchase necessary to take part in the book club. For more information, call 203 – 488-1441.

Friday, Dec. 22

Holiday Concert (and Call for Singers)

Branford Messiah, now in its 31st year, will perform Part I of Handel’s Messiah on Friday, Dec. 22, at 7:30 p.m. in the First Congregational Church on the Branford Green. 

Community singers are invited to join the chorus at rehearsals and for the concert. All voice ranges are welcome. Rehearsals are Sunday Dec. 17, from 2 to 4:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, Dec. 20, 7 to 9:30 p.m. All rehearsals take place in the Meetinghouse at the First Congregational Church in Branford. The chorus will rehearse with the orchestra on Friday, Dec. 22, at 5:30 p.m., prior to the start of the concert at 7:30 p.m.

Well-known conductor Roy Wiseman, a professional chamber orchestra, and soloists join over 50 community singers to share the joy of the season in a beautiful and festive space. Soloist are Lielle Berman-soprano, Rebecca Ringle Kamarei-mezzo soprano, Edward Hull-tenor and Jorell Williams-baritone. The Branford Messiah will also be celebrating and honoring Edward Hull of Branford who has performed as the tenor soloist for 30 years. The musical experience was launched in 1986 by Ettie Minor Luckey,

For more information or to sign-up to sing email [email protected] or visit branfordmessiah.org.

Saturday, Dec. 30

Branford Chorale Concert (rescheduled)

Winter Reflections, the Branford Chorale Winter concert, takes place on Saturday, Dec. 30, at 7:30 p.m. at Tabor Lutheran Church, 45 Tabor Drive. The concert was rescheduled from Dec. 9 due to snow.

The chorale will be singing many holiday and seasonal favorites and will perform a special tribute to some of the great musicians who recently died. Reserve tickets ($15 adult, $13 seniors 60 and older and children 12 and under) by emailing Maggie Bruno, [email protected], at this e‑mail or Andrew Woods, [email protected]. Tickets will be available at the door.

The New Year Approaches.

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