ATTENTION:
Santa’s Workshop at Mountain Laurel Floral Designs
December 16th | 10 AM - 4 PM

Mountain Laurel Floral Designs is excited to announce a festive, family-friendly event as the shop is transformed into Santa’s Workshop for a special holiday celebration on December 16th! Guests are invited to drop in any time between 10am and 4pm to create a variety of handcrafted ornaments. This event is open to all ages, and pricing is based on the ornament selected.

Ornaments & Activities Include:

Join us for a day of creativity, holiday cheer, and hands-on fun. Bring the whole family and take home a keepsake (or several!) to brighten your tree.

Mountain Laurel Floral Designs will also be hosting several other events throughout the month of December, including:

View the full event calendar here. 

Conn-opoly is finally on the table and it is Connecticut from corner to corner. The board runs through first settlements, old schools, forts, and little Nutmeg State landmarks you will recognize right away.

We only printed 500 games in this first batch and shipping is free, so it is a perfect grab for Christmas gifts or winter family game nights. Every box also comes with a free digital Conn-opoly Field Guide so you can pick up extra CT history while you play.

We have been throwing a lot of stuff at the internet, so we decided to keep it simple and build one main Instagram home base: @connecticut_buzz. That is where you will find the good stuff in one scroll, from nonprofits and people doing cool things in CT, to live music, top events, free happenings, and quick-hit history reels about the weird and wonderful Nutmeg State. We are sitting at 950+ followers and really trying to push this thing, so if you can follow, like a post or two, and share it with a friend, it is a tiny lift that helps us a ridiculous amount.

Here are a couple of Windham County light spots to cruise if you need a little extra sparkle this season. If you swing through Sterling or Dayville and catch any other crazy good displays, drop them in the comments so we can add your favorites to the list.

Molodich Farm Christmas Lights | 535 Ekonk Hill Rd, Sterling
Roll the windows down and cruise this free drive-through farm display packed with glowing trees, inflatables, and fields of lights most nights in December.

Amarante's Winter Wonderland | 8 Pratt Rd, Dayville
Park the car and wander through a backyard turned full blown Christmas theme park, with tunnels, mega trees, and over the top yard displays lighting up the neighborhood all season long.

SUNDAY 12/14

Dayville | Holiday Adoption Event | 9am-12pm - I’m biased in this, because I absolutely love dogs. Petco (1086 Killingly Commons Dr) is holding an adoption event featuring dogs from Paws Rescue League. Pups of all ages, sizes, and breeds, will be available to bring home. Make sure to get pre-approved on the Paws website, so you can bring your new family member home, same-day!

Brooklyn | Puzzle Palooza | 6-7:30pm $ - Brooklyn Parks & Rec (31 Tiffany St) is holding their winter puzzle competition. First team to win takes home a gift card to Baker’s Dozen. Sign up

Willimantic | Melted Snowman Craft | 6pm - Bring the little ones to learn how to make a melted snowman, using glue and shaving cream at the Willimantic Public Library (905 Main St).

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Simon Silvia | 7-10pm

Danielson | Xmas Cookie Decorating Class | 6-9pm $ - Leona’s Baking Co and Chubby Dog Coffee (144 Main St) are teaming up for an evening of sugar cookie decorating and maybe a cocktail or two. Register

Dayville | Paint Your Own Ceramic LED Tree | 6-8pm $ - Almost everyone I know that celebrates Christmas had one of these light-up trees in their house. Now it’s time to paint your own at Black Pond Brews (1001 Hartford Pike), led by Tunk City Revival. Tix

Thompson | Psychic Medium | 6-8pm $ - Psychic Medium Patricia Griffin is heading back to Triple Raven Brewing (27 Main St) for an evening of communicating with the other side. Your first drink is included in the price (if you try the raspberry stout, let me know how it is). Tix

TRIVIA

Woodstock Tavern - Woodstock | 6:30-8:30pm
Hank’s - Brooklyn | 6:30pm
Stomping Ground - Putnam | 7pm
Bear Hands Brewing - Putnam | 6pm
Mill Town Grill - Thompson | 6:30pm

Danielson | Paint Night | 5-7:30pm $ - NewYork PIZZA CO. (8 Furnace St) is hosting a paint night, for your choice of a plug-in tree or truck. You can find more details and links for payment here.

Putnam | Craft & Craft Fundraiser | 6-8pm $ - Bear Hands Brewing (75 Main St) and Parent’s Corner and teaming up so you can enjoy some delicious food and drinks (their beers are fantastic), while your kids are engaged in crafts, games, and activities with licensed childcare workers. Everybody wins. Tix

Willimantic | Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus | 7:30-9:30pm $ - This is the last weekend this production by the Windham Theater Guild (779 Main St) will be running. Check the link for all the showtimes.

Woodstock | Seasonal Needle Felting Workshop | 6pm $ - Turn a pile of fluffy wool into legit keepsake ornaments at Taylor Brooke Brewery (818 CT-171) with Easy Acres Gnomestead walking you through every poke of the needle. Tix

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Straight Up Jazz Series | 5:30-7:30pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Shawn Taylor | 8-11pm

TRIVIA

Trolley Pub - Willimantic | 7:30pm
Midway Restaurant - Ashford | 7pm

Chaplin | A Christmas Carol | 6-7:30pm - Chaplin Public Library (130 Chaplin St) is putting on a one-man-show of the Dickens classic, performed by Professor Kenneth Noll. This is a shortened version of the story, with a 10-minute intermission.

Danielson | Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer | 7-9pm $ - Enjoy a little culture, with a performance of the holiday favorite at The Little Theatre on Broad St (185 Broad St). Make sure to check out all the showtimes this weekend (including a sensory-friendly show on 12/13). Tix

East Killingly | Holiday Shopping at the Farm | 5-9pm - Double Trouble Acres (110 Bear Hill Rd) is opening their doors for some holiday shopping. Homemade goat cheese, caramels, and other special goodies await.

Putnam | Ebenezer | 7:30pm $ - The Bradley Playhouse (30 Front St) has their musical version of A Christmas Carol this weekend. Make sure to check out the multiple showtimes. Tix

Putnam | Midget with Attitude Wrestling | 9pm $ - Listen, it’s their words, not mine, so don’t get mad about the “M” word. If you want to check out a truly unique wrestling show, head the Charlee Bravos (9 Grove St). Tix

Thompson | Comedy Night | 8pm $ - The American Legion (17 Thompson Hill Rd) is hosting a comedy night. Grab a drink or two and enjoy some laughs. Call Steve (401) 603-7633 for more info/tix.

Willimantic | A Midsummer Night’s Dream | 7-8:30pm $ - Some might say it’s out of season, but I say, we could use a little warmth right now, so check out the Arts at the Capitol Theater’s (896 Main St) performance of the Shakespeare classic.

Willimantic | Danny Draher Trio | 7:30pm $ - Lovers of blues music won’t want to miss this intimate performance at The River Room (50 Riverside Dr). Tix

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ American Cafe - Plainfield | Partyoke | 9-11:55pm
⬢ Music Lady Cafe - Central Village | Partyoke | 9-11:45pm
⬢ Black Dog - Putnam | Bruce Jacques | 8pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Muddy Ruckus | 8-11pm

TRIVIA

Music Lady Cafe - Central Village | 7pm
Taylor Brooke - Woodstock | 6:30pm

Ashford | “Gingerbread House” | 10am-12pm - Babcock Library is putting on a gingerbread house decorating day at Knowlton Memorial Hall (33 Pompey Hollow Rd). Registration is a must by calling (860) 487-4420.

Brooklyn | Cookie Sale & Basket Raffle | 9am-1pm $ - Our Lady of LaSalette (25 Providence Rd) will be holding its annual cookie sale (sold by the pound) and basket raffle (over 40 different ones to put your hat in the ring for!). There’s a reason this popular event comes back year after year!

Danielson | Pizza w/The Grinch | 1-6pm $ - Neighbors Against Cancer are giving you a chance to have some slices with the green curmudgeon, take a few photos, and decorate cupcakes at the South Killingly Fire Dept (803 Providence Pike). Call Kate at (860) 753-1059 to buy tickets. $10/children under 10, $15/children 11 and up.

Plainfield | Volunteer for a Day | 9am-12pm - It is the season of giving, so give a little of your time and effort to help Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue (169 Black Hill Rd) stay in tip top shape. If you want to help out this great cause, you can sign up here.

Plainfield | Pop Up Shop | 10am-3pm - Crystal Visions (40 Railroad Ave) is hosting Rachael from Hag Stoned with a pop-up shop. If you know someone who is into crystals/whimsical stuff, you might want to mention this to them.

Pomfret | Kid’s Winter Market | 10:30am-1:30pm - Check out wares from kid entrepreneurs ages 17 and under at Pomfret Public Library (449 Pomfret St). Help be a spark that keeps kids being creative!

Putnam | Holiday Splash Party | 12-4pm - The Hale YMCA (9 Technology Park Dr) is opening its doors tot he community for a splashing good time. Registration is required, so give them a call, or stop in to book your spot.

Thompson | Holiday Gift Shop | 10am-4pm - The Thompson Historical Society’s (2 Chase Rd) holiday gift shop is open! Check out a bunch of items from local artists and crafters, all while supporting a good cause.

Willimantic | Annual Holiday Bazaar/Tag Sale | 10am-2pm - St. Mary’s Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (70 Oak St) is holding their annual Holiday Bazaar. Find some treasures!

Willimantic | Latin Dance Social | 7:30-10pm $ - Strap on your dancing shoes and get ready to move those hips at The River Room (50 Riverside Dr). Accompanied by a live band (Bentetú), Latin & Salsa instructor Oswaldo Tirano will be there helping dancers of all experience-levels get comfortable on the floor. Complimentary refreshments (BYOB if you want something with a kick). Tix

Windham | Karaoke Night/Toy Drive | 7pm - Bring a toy to donate (new, in box) and get ready to sing your heart out at the Franco American Civic and Social Club (116 Club Rd). Sounds like a good night to me.

Woodstock | 5th Annual Roseland Park Christmas Run | 9am $ - Lace up at Roseland Park (205 Roseland Park Rd) for a chilly, feel-good combo of 5K, 5 miler, and kids fun run that burns off cookie season, shows off the lake views, and kicks off Woodstock’s Winter Festival with full jingle-bell energy. Register

Woodstock | Sip & Shop for the Holidays | 12p - Bounce between Taylor Brooke Winery and Brewery (818 CT-171) while you knock out your gift list with local makers like Off The Slab, Sheldons’ Sawmill, Red Tail Farm, and more, glass in hand, pretending you totally had your holiday shopping under control this whole time. Also running on 12/14.

Woodstock | Woodstock Winter Festival 2025 | 12pm - Spend Saturday bouncing around Woodstock for games, treats, farm fun, and handmade gifts, then roll up to The Mansion at Bald Hill for music, a vendor fair, prize drawings, and a tree lighting that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie. Full Schedule

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Triple Raven Brewing - Thompson | Julie William’s Band Acoustic Open Mic | 6-9pm
⬢ 4G’s - Dayville | Brian Malone | 5-8pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | The Island Farm Ceilie Band | 1-4pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Mike Wood Group | 8-11pm
⬢ Taylor Brooke - Woodstock | Rich Polseno & Chris Quiray | 2-5pm
⬢ Broken Crust - Putnam | John Rodgers | 5:30pm

Canterbury | Xmas Centerpiece Workshop | 12pm $ - Create a festive centerpiece using fresh cut balsam, cedar, boxwood, and other natural supplies at Our Kids Farm (357 Barstow Rd). Swing by the farm or give them a call for more details. (860) 208-2024.

Danielson | Live Animal Nativity Scene | 6:15pm - Westfield Church (210 Main St) will have a live-animal nativity scene going on before their Victorian Christmas service (candle-lit, along with people in period dress).

Danielson | Keeping Well in Winter | 1:30-3pm $ - The Wholistic Collective (136 Main St) is hosting a “How to Keep Well In Winter” session, utilizing essential oils. Whether you believe it, or not, you can bet it will smell great there! There’s a $20 suggested donation to attend.

East Killingly | Pictures With Santa | 12pm - Bring the little ones to get their picture taken with Santa at the East Killingly Fire Dept (1395 Hartford Pike).

Plainfield | Pancake Brekky Toy Drive | 8am-12pm $ - The Plainfield Lions are holding a toy drive/pancake breakfast at the Plainfield Rec/Senior Center (482 Norwich Rd). Drop off new, unwrapped toys, and treat yourself to a stack or to or pancakes. $5/seniors, $5/children 12 and under, $10/adults + kids 13 and up.

Pomfret | Caroling on the Commons | 5pm - Get in the Christmas spirit with caroling, followed by soup, bread, and dessert at First Congregational Church of Pomfret (13 Church Rd). Open to everyone!

Putnam | Winter Maker’s Market | 10am-2pm - Enjoy a maker’s market at Montana Nights (50 Providence Pike). Bakers, artisans, and crafters will have almost everything you need to fill out your shopping list (you’ll still need to get Conn-opoly from us).

Willimantic | Dicken’s Xmas Dinner Theater | 4:30pm $ - Feast on a three-course English dinner while listening to a dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol at WilliBrew (967 Main St). There will be two seatings, $65/adult and $30/children under 12. Give them a call to book your seats (860) 423-6777.

Willimantic | Hot Flashes Christmas Show | 4pm $ - The hilariously-named Hot Flashes, will be preforming at The Bread Box (220 Valley St). Don’t miss this fun holiday show! Tix

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Open Mic | 7-11:30pm
⬢ Taylor Brooke - Woodstock | Turas | 2-5pm

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Music Lady Cafe - Central Village | Brandt Taylor | 5:30-7:30pm