Christmas by the Sea – Mystic, CT
Now through January 1, 2012
As you go aboard Mystic Seaport’s historic vessels, hear stories directly from sailors' journals about Christmas on board a ship, look up to find the tree on the main mast, a sign that this vessel will be in port on Christmas. Step into the Buckingham-Hall House and smell a winter meal cooking on the open hearth while you try your hand at candle dipping. Stop by the Mystic Press to print your own 19th-century Christmas card. Sit by the fire in Schaefer's Spouter Tavern and listen to music and stories. In the week between Christmas and New Year's there will be a spectacular Magic Show by magician E.A. Davis, in the 19th-century style. Location: Mystic Seaport, Greenmanville Avenue. Dates: All day, Thursdays through Sundays. Information: www.mysticseaport.org/

Mystic Seaport’s Community Carol Sing – Mystic, CT
December 18, 2011
The Mystic Seaport carolers will perform a holiday concert in the Greenmanville Church at 2 p.m. The Carol Sing will commence in Anchor Circle at 3 p.m., backed by Museum carolers and a brass quartet. The Treworgy Planetarium will present "The Star of Bethlehem" at noon, 1 and 2 p.m. The free program explores the winter skies, merging science, mythology, religious observance, winter traditions and music. Location: Mystic Seaport, Greenmanville Avenue. Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: www.mysticseaport.org/

Children's Christmas Spectacular -- Bethel, CT
December 10, 2011
This 2-act play centers around a spoiled little rich kid who doesn't understand the true meaning of Christmas, that is, until he meets a child less fortunate than him. Soon his Grinch-like heart begins to soften and the Christmas spirit is shared with all. Ticket price includes a Christmas craft, lunch, soda, dessert and a visit from Santa! Photos with Santa available for an additional fee. Location: 42 Vail Road. Time: 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Cost: Adults, $35; children age 12 and younger, $25. Lunch is a choice of the following: Information: www.ultravioletpuppets.com or call 203-826-7194.

Teen Santa! -- New Haven, CT
December 15, 2011 to December 18, 2011
Teen Santa! is a new pop musical perfect for the entire family. It's about a 17-year-old boy who uses his super-hero powers to save Christmas and the world.Location: The Off-Broadway Theatre at Yale, 41 Broadway (Behind Toad's Place) in New Haven.Time: Thursday ad Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, noon, 2:30 and 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon and 2:30 p.m. Cost: All seats $15. Information: www.teensanta.com.

Afternoon Tea at the Bee & Thistle Inn – Old Lyme, CT
Now through December 31, 2011
Reserve your cup of tea at the Bee & Thistle Inn and Spa. Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea, with sweet and savory fare, and music by harpist Faith Leitner. Seating is limited. Dates: Thursdays through Saturdays. Time: Noon-3 p.m. Location: Bee & Thistle Inn, 100 Lyme Street. Information and reservations: 860-434-1667 or visit www.BeeandThistle.com

Holiday House Tour -- Essex, CT
December 10, 2011
Seven historical village homes will be featured for this holiday tour. A Christmas boutique will be open 9:30 a.m.to 6 p.m. at the Essex Town Hall. Tickets are on sale at the Griswold Inn Store in Essex, Gather in Ivoryton, Stoneware in Essex, Saybrook Country Barn, The Bowerbird in Old Lyme, Celebrations in Deep River, Ceramica in Chester and Walker & Loden in Madison. Street Address: Seven historic Essex Village homes, all within walking distance of the Essex Town Hall. Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $25 on advance; $30 day of the event. Information: childandfamily@cfpress.org

Magic of Christmas at Florence Griswold Museum -- Old Lyme, CT
Now through January 8, 2012
Elaborate Fantasy Trees evoke the theme of the current exhibition, The Exacting Eye of Walker Evans. Artists and designers work their magic by taking an intriguing theme to dynamic heights. In the historic rooms of the Florence Griswold House, visitors can see how families celebrated Christmas in 1910, as historically accurate decorations reveal homespun creativity and the use of surprising materials. Location: 96 Lyme Street. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. Information: 860-434-5542 or visit www.flogris.org
Miss Florence’s Artist Tree is back for its eighth year. This year’s additions bring the count to over 120 painted palettes by artists from across the country. The 12-foot tree has become a holiday icon for the region.
The Woodland Cinderella Puppet Show will perform the day after Thanksgiving, November 25, at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. In this award-winning puppet version of the classic story, Cinderella is a fairy living with her step family in a tree in the forest. Geared for families with children ages 3-10.
Christmastime Music with the Co-Co Beaux on December 4, 2-4 p.m. Come enjoy the exuberant voices of the Co-Co Beaux, Connecticut College´s famous all-male a cappella ensemble.
Information:  www.florencegriswoldmuseum.org/exhibitions_11Magic.php

Fantasy of Lights – New Haven, CT
Now through January 7, 2012
The Fantasy of Lights has become a holiday tradition for thousands of families. Now in its 17th year, this dazzling nighttime event – a drive-though holiday light display – is a wonderful evening activity. Location: Lighthouse Point Park, end of Lighthouse Road. Time: Sunday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5-10 p.m. Admission: car of family van, $10; mini-bus, $25. Information: http://www.eastersealsgoodwill.org/fantasyoflights

Holiday Light Fantasia – Hartford, CT
Now through January 6, 2012
Over two miles of 200 holiday light displays of whimsical holiday scenes, familiar characters, and lighted animations. Location: 1130 Maple Avenue. Time: Sunday-Thursday, 6-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6-10 p.m. Cost: $10 per car. Information: 860-742-2267 or visit www.holidaylightfantasia.org

Festival of Silver Lights – Meriden, CT
Now through January 6, 2012
The annual lighting display draws thousands to the park each year, and boasts more than 500,000 individual lights on more than 300 lighted figures in the form of deer, swans, dolphins and even crocodiles. Location: Meriden's Hubbard Park, Peak Drive.

Lights On Lovley -- Plantsville, CT
Now through January 2, 2012
Lights on Lovley is a computerized Christmas light display, set to a number of seasonal songs, located in the Plantsville section of Southington, CT. To view the show just drive up and tune your radio to 96.1FM – you can stay warm in your car while enjoying this synchronized light spectacular of 30,000 dancing lights. Location: 14 Lovley Drive. Time: 5-11 p.m. Cost: Free, donations of non-perishable food items accepted for the Southington Food Pantry Information: www.lightsonlovley.com

Killingworth Lights Spectacular -- Killingworth, CT
December 10, 2011
Bring your family to a wonderful relaxed holiday experience. Walk through the amazing lights and handmade wooden decorations, visit Santa with gifts for kids, play reindeer mini-golf, enjoy cocoa and cookies, and listen to live music. Inclement weather day will be Decembeer 11. No reservations required. Location: Gorski household, 18 Wolf Hollow Lane. Time: 4-7 p.m. Cost: $7 per family donation or new unwrapped toy. Information: www.kwoct.org  or call 860-663-2176

Fantasy of Lights – New Haven, CT
Now through January 7, 2012
The Fantasy of Lights has become a holiday tradition for thousands of families. Now in its 17th year, this dazzling nighttime event – a drive-though holiday light display – is a wonderful evening activity. Location: Lighthouse Point Park, end of Lighthouse Road. Time: Sunday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5-10 p.m. Admission: car of family van, $10; mini-bus, $25. Information: http://www.eastersealsgoodwill.org/fantasyoflights

Holiday Light Fantasia – Hartford, CT
Now through January 6, 2012
Over two miles of 200 holiday light displays of whimsical holiday scenes, familiar characters, and lighted animations. Location: 1130 Maple Avenue. Time: Sunday-Thursday, 6-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6-10 p.m. Cost: $10 per car. Information: 860-742-2267 or visit www.holidaylightfantasia.org

Festival of Silver Lights – Meriden, CT
Now through January 6, 2012
The annual lighting display draws thousands to the park each year, and boasts more than 500,000 individual lights on more than 300 lighted figures in the form of deer, swans, dolphins and even crocodiles. Location: Meriden's Hubbard Park, Peak Drive.

Lights On Lovley -- Plantsville, CT
Now through January 2, 2012
Lights on Lovley is a computerized Christmas light display, set to a number of seasonal songs, located in the Plantsville section of Southington, CT. To view the show just drive up and tune your radio to 96.1FM – you can stay warm in your car while enjoying this synchronized light spectacular of 30,000 dancing lights. Location: 14 Lovley Drive. Time: 5-11 p.m. Cost: Free, donations of non-perishable food items accepted for the Southington Food Pantry Information: www.lightsonlovley.com

Killingworth Lights Spectacular -- Killingworth, CT
December 10, 2011
Bring your family to a wonderful relaxed holiday experience. Walk through the amazing lights and handmade wooden decorations, visit Santa with gifts for kids, play reindeer mini-golf, enjoy cocoa and cookies, and listen to live music. Inclement weather day will be Decembeer 11. No reservations required. Location: Gorski household, 18 Wolf Hollow Lane. Time: 4-7 p.m. Cost: $7 per family donation or new unwrapped toy. Information: www.kwoct.org   or call 860-663-2176