This Weekend: Lamplight Stroll, Holiday Fairs and Santa

Whether you're in search of something fun to do with the kids or you have a babysitter and are planning a night out, look no further because Patch editors have picked a variety of events taking place today and tomorrow to help you make the most of your weekend. Click on the headline of each for more information.

Milford: Lamplight Stroll

Where: Downtown Milford

When: Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Description: Friendly, festive holiday shopping and activities are all in store for visitors to Downtown Milford.

Monroe: Plunge at the Park

Where: Great Hollow Lake, 454 Purdy Hill Road, Monroe

When: Sunday, check in at 11 a.m., Plunge at 1 p.m.

Description: The Monroe Police Department is teaming up with Special Olympics CT in a fundraiser benefitting the Special Olympics' athletes. People who collected donations from sponsors will run into the chilly lake. Those who want to make a minumum donation of $50, but not brave the water, will receive an "I'm a Chicken Shirt".

Monroe: Historical Society Christmas Fair

Where: 311 Wheeler Road, Monroe

When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Description: All your Christmas needs from cards to tags and wrapping paper to bags. A wide variety of home decorations and ornaments. There will be a huge selection of gifts and holiday favorites: English Muffin Bread and homemade jams and jellies.

By popular demand the fair taking pre-orders for our English Muffin Bread. Call Kathy at (203) 268-3516 or send an email to jeffandkathyb@charter.net. Visit the website, monroehistoricsociety.org for more information.

Trumbull: Historical Society Holiday House Tour

When: Saturday, Dec. 8, 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Where: Trumbull, Trumbull Historical Society

Cost: You can purchase a ticket at the Town Clerk’s office, Past and Presents Shop, Flourishes Gift Shop, City Line Florist or through the museum. Tickets are $20. Tickets are available the day of the tour for $25 beginning at 10:30AM at the Historical Society.

Greenwich: The Amazing Kreskin

When: Saturday, Dec. 8, 8 p.m.

Where: Arch Teen Center, 100 Arch St.

Cost: $25 students; $40 adults; $50 for a post-performance meeting w/Kreskin.

Fairfield: A Visit to Santa's House

When: Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: The Burr Homestead, 739 Old Post Road

Cost: $7

Description: "Please join us for entertainment, cookies with Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts, model trains, a bake sale, raffles, and much more -- and of course a picture with Santa! All proceeds will go to the Thomas Merton Center in Bridgeport and the Fairfield Storm Sandy Relief Fund."

Fairfield: Connecticut Dance School's "The Nutcracker"

When: Sunday, Dec. 9. Performances at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Where: Regina A. Quick Center for the Performing Arts, 1073 North Benson Road

Cost: $40 adults/$25 for seniors, students, and children

Description: Come and see the classic Christmas-themed ballet. More than 170 students ranging in ages from 6 to 17 and representing many Connecticut communities will dance in this "extravagantly costumed production."

Norwalk Symphony's Holiday Extravaganza

Where: Norwalk Concert Hall, 125 East Ave.

When: Saturday, 5 p.m.

Cost: $20

Description: Join the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, Maestro Jonathan Yates, members of the youth choir of the Seabury Academy of St. Paul's on the Green and the Men's Gospel Choir of Pivot Ministries as we share the joy of the holiday through music and song.

On the program are Mozart's Exsultate, Jubilate with Soprano Amelia Watkins, Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, Rutter's Colors of Christmas, Healey's Three Chanukah Songs and a sing-along!

Seymour: Breakfast with Santa

When: Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 -11:30 a.m.

Where: Kokopelli School of Music and Arts, 30d Progress Ave, Seymour

Cost: FREE

Description: Join Santa for donuts, pastries, juice, and coffee this Saturday for a family fun event. Bring your camera!

Hamden: Bikes & Beers - Toys for Tots Ride

When: Saturday, Dec. 8, 1-6 p.m.

Where: The Outer Space 295 Treadwell St, Hamden, CT 06514

Cost: FREE

Description: The weather outside is frightful, but a bike ride would be so delightful! The CT Beer Trail is teaming up with Devil's Gear Bike Shop, The Outer Space craft beer bar in Hamden, CT, and Luck and Levity home brew shop for this special holiday edition of Bikes & Beers. What makes this event so special is that it will support  the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.  We're asking those participating to bring in a toy to donate to the cause, we'll have a toy collection area at The Outer Space.  Anyone donating a gift will receive a bracelet, which will give them access to discounts at The Outer Space for the after party. Participants are encouraged to dress for the holiday! How many Santa Clauses can we get on bikes on the 8th?

Darien: Candlelight Christmas Concert

When: 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 9

Where: First Congregational Church of Darien, 14 Brookside Rd, Darien, CT | Get Directions

Cost: Free

Description: Get in the Christmas spirit at the beloved annual Candlelight Concert at The First Congregational Church of Darien on Sunday, December 9, at 7:00 p.m. The evening will feature performances by The Darien High School Tudor Singers under the direction of Chris Andrade, the church’s Senior Choir soloists, world-class pianist Max Pakhomov, and a carol sing-along. Dan Hague, First Congregational’s Music Director, has also promised “a few surprises.”

Southbury: Nutcracker Presentation

When: Saturday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.
Where: Pomperaug High School
Cost: $20
Description: Don't miss Southbury's longest running production of this great holiday classic. Spectacular sets and costumes and great fun for the whole family.

Naugatuck: Every Christmas Story Ever Told 

When: Play starts at 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Phoenix Stage Co., 686 Rubber Ave., Naugatuck

Cost: $18

Description: Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas Story Ever Told -- plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season!

Woodbridge: Yoga With Your Youngster at Woodbridge Bodyworks

When: 2 p.m. Sunday, December 9

Where: 1768 Litchfield Tpke, Woodbridge, CT

Cost: Free

Description: Join owner and certified yoga instructor Rebecca Smith DeFelice, Woodbridge Bodyworks, on the yoga mat, with or without your youngster!  This program is sponsored by Ezra Academy, a K-8 Jewish day school located in Woodbridge.

When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8

Where:

Cost: Powerhouse Performing Arts Center, 681 South Ave, New Canaan,

Description: The Town Players are all set to open their annual Family Holiday Show, Little Red Riding Hood, A Panto, Tina and Robert Burbidge’s light hearted, happy go lucky spoof, filled with music, dancing, and colorful, sometimes ridiculous costumes. Performances will take place on Friday, December 14 at 8 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday, December 8, 9, 15 & 16 at 2:30 p.m. at the Powerhouse Theatre in Waveny Park.

Wilton: Stämbandet Jul Concert

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8

Where: 68 Westport Rd, Wilton, CT

Cost: Free

Description: Join us for a Scandinavian celebration of holiday joy and light! Lucia wears her crown of candles, bringing light into the darkest month of the year. Enjoy some of the most beloved holiday music of Sweden this season! For reservations, e-mail unitedpastor@att.net or call 203-834-0644.

Weston: Opera Series at Cobb's Mill Inn

When: 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9

Where: 12 Old Mill Rd, Weston, CT

Cost: Dinner and Opera Program, $35

Description: “Diva” Laura Papallo will present the series, singing selections highlighting great moments of opera history. On December 9th, “Classic
Movie Favorites” will plunge you into a world of nostalgia as you listen to the “classiest” classics of the silver-screen.

Weston: Weston Women's League Gingerbread Holiday Brunch

When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8

Where: La Roue Elayne at Cobb's Mill Inn, 12 Old Mill Rd, Weston, CT

Cost: Free admission. 

Description: Tickets to complete three holiday crafts will be available for only $10. Raffle tickets will be sold for various items. This event raises funds for the Weston Warm-up Fund and will include a light continental breakfast and live music.

Woodbury: Flanders Artisan Marketplace

When: Noon Sunday, Dec. 9

Where: Flanders Nature Center

Cost: Free admission

Description: This holiday season, stop by Flanders and see what quality creations local crafters have created. There is a variety to choose from: beeswax candles, hand crafted quilts, hand knitted gloves, scarves and more, using Flanders' very own wool, handmade wreathes, honey, jewelry,
needle felted kits and creatures, pottery, wood building kits and more. Celebrate the season this year, keeping it handmade and local!