Final call to lock in a night that actually slows December down instead of speeding it up.

On Friday, December 6, award-winning Celtic harpist Áine is bringing her Celtic holiday magic back to historic St. Paul’s Church in Windham Center. Her playing has that “close your eyes, this might be what heaven sounds like” vibe — the kind of calm you’re going to wish you’d booked once the holiday chaos hits.

And it’s more than just a concert:

Seats are limited and this is our last reminder before show week.
If you’ve been meaning to go, this is the moment - grab your tickets below before they’re gone.

People jumped on this faster than I expected, and seats are already getting scooped up for December 10th.

If you’ve been hovering on the fence thinking, “That sounds cool, I’ll get to it later,” this is your nudge. Once we fill these tables, that’s it for the first dinner – no overflow list, no secret extra room, just one night with a curated mix of locals swapping real stories over good food.

Reminder of the vibe:

📍 Hartford
🗓 Tuesday, December 10th
⏰ 7:00 PM

If you’ve been craving deeper conversations and want to be part of the first-ever CT Buzz Dinner Club night, grab your spot now before the last seats disappear.

P.S If you can’t make this one, sign up and we’ll keep you posted on future dinners. We will try rolling this out closer to your area if the first one goes well.

If you’re trying to keep your Christmas shopping local this year, this little crew of spots has you covered - from handmade pottery and witchy curios to farm honey, spirits, plants, and history-soaked mill merch. It’s the kind of list where you can knock out a chunk of your gift list and feel good knowing your money’s staying in Windham County instead of disappearing into the algorithm.

Swift Waters Artisans’ Cooperative | 866 Main St, Willimantic | Member-owned artisan co-op packed with pottery, jewelry, prints, and art all made by local creatives.

MIMBY Farm | 49 Pomfret Rd, Brooklyn | A flower farm + apiary where you can snag local honey, blooms, and “made in my backyard” gifts that feel very Quiet Corner.

Westford Hill Distillers | 196 Chatey Rd, Ashford | New England’s first craft distillery, turning local fruit and grains into small-batch brandies, gin, and spirits straight from the Ashford hills.

Two Gold Moons | 112 Main St, Putnam, CT 06260 | Plant shop + curiosity boutique loaded with houseplants, bones, bugs, and witchy gifts you definitely won’t find at the mall. Keep an eye out for their classes, they always sell out quick!

Sawmill Pottery | 112 Main St, Ste 14, Putnam | Working pottery studio and gallery where you can gift handmade mugs, bowls, and ceramics fired right in downtown Putnam.

Shops at Black Walnut Farm | 218 Route 169, Woodstock | Farmhouse-chic carriage-barn shop with ever-changing displays of art, décor, and gifts for everyone from new babies to Grandma.

Mill Museum Online Gift Shop | 411 Main St, Willimantic | Textile-nerd heaven with books, fiber-inspired gifts, and history-soaked merch tied to Willimantic’s mill past.

Logee’s | 141 North St, Danielson | Legendary tropical greenhouses where your “shop local” gift can be a citrus tree, rare houseplant, or jungle-y vine.

TM Shenanigans Thrift & Gift | 26 Main St, Moosup | Thrift-meets-gift mashup full of antiques, handmade pieces, and quirky finds right on Main Street.

Abby’s Quiet Corner Gift Shed | 91 Chase Rd, Thompson | Tiny Thompson gift shed overflowing with custom-embroidered CT swag, baby and wedding gifts, and one-of-a-kind “only-here” treasures.

FRIDAY 12/5

Danielson | Frosty’s Big Night Out | 5:15pm - Frosty and Rudolph are making their triumphant return to Davis Park (250 Main St). The evening kicks off with caroling with the Killingly High School Concert Choral, followed by an appearance by Frosty and Rudolph, along with a certain jolly ole somebody. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided, and kids are encouraged to bring letters to Santa (make sure they have a return address on them!). Not a bad way to kick off the holiday season, and a great way to take advantage of an amazing community!

Willimantic | Sea Glass Trees/Wreath | 6-8pm $ - Create a beautiful lit sea glass wreath or tree at WilliBrew (967 Main St). Tix - if cancelled due to weather, session will be rescheduled or payment can be put towards another event.

LIVE MUSIC

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

Dayville | Arts & Drafts | 6pm $ - Create your own holiday-scented candles to bring home at Black Pond Brews (1001 Hartford Pike). Tix

Woodstock | Dungeons & Dragons Drop In | 5-7pm - Hop into the world of Dungeons & Dragons at Bracken Memorial Public Library (57 Academy Rd). No experience necessary, just an imagination and some creativity.

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 - North Grosvenordale | 6:30pm

Danielson | Winter Scene Felting Workshop | 6-8pm $ - Poke, shape, and fluff wool into a beautiful winter scene at Mountain Laurel Floral Designs (98 Main St). Tix

Scotland | Fall Prevention Program | 11am-12pm - Scotland Public Library (21 Brook Rd) is teaming with Day Kimball Health & Home for a fall prevention program for seniors. Learn what’s needed t help stay independent! Register by calling (860) 423-1492.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Music Lady Cafe - Central Village | Karaoke | 8:30pm-12am
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Straight Up Jazz Series | 5:30-7:30pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Bob Moon | 8-11pm

TRIVIA

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

Dayville | 4 Course Pairing Dinner | 6pm $ - Black Pond Brews (1001 Hartford Pike) is teaming up with Misguided Spirits and Underburg for a four-course feast, expertly paired with an alcoholic beverage. Tix

Dayville | 14th Annual FFA Holiday Shopping Night | 5-8pm - This is one time you might actually want to go back to school. The Killingly FFA is holding their annual shopping night at Killingly High School (226 Putnam Pike). Free admission, but cash is king when it comes to vendors - plus there’s a jar raffle you can enter.

Putnam | A Xmas Carol Musical: Ebenezer | 7:30pm $ - Take in a holiday classic at The Bradley Theater (30 Front St). More info/tix

Putnam | German Christmas Market Experience | 4-7pm - In case you missed it last week, Wolperdinger Bookends (112 Main St) is bringing a little German Christmas magic indoors.

Sterling | 3rd Annual Xmas Tree Lighting | 6pm - Join in the lighting of the Christmas trees at the Gazebo at Town Hall (1183 Plainfield Pike). Christmas caroling, a Santa appearance, hot cocoa and cookies will be available as well.

Thompson | Festival of Trees | 4-8pm - Help support the Thompson Senior Citizens Club with a Festival of Trees raffle, pictures with Santa, and a community bonfire at Duhamel Pond.

Willimantic | Community Parranda & Holiday Sing-Along | 6-9pm - The River Room (50 Riverside Dr) is hosting a free community Parranda followed by a bilingual sing-along. Refreshments, holiday treats, and seasonal cheer all await you. Make sure to RSVP your spot.

Willimantic | Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus | 7:30-9:30pm $ - The Windham Theater Guild (779 Main St) is kicking off their run of performances of this holiday story. Tix

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ American Cafe - Plainfield | Partyoke | 9pm-11:55pm
⬢ Music Lady Cafe - Central Village | Parytoke | 9-11:45pm
⬢ Grill 37 - Putnam | Rob Brannon | 5:30pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Adam S.Z. & The Inner Fiyah | 8-11pm

TRIVIA

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

Brooklyn | Nights Under Little Dipper Farm Dinner | 5:30pm $ - A family-style December menu awaits at Little Dipper Farm (499 Wolf Den Rd). You can check out the menu and grab tickets here.

Brooklyn | Sugar Plum Fair | 9am-1pm - The Federated Church of Christ (15 Hartford Rd) is holding a shopping event. All sorts of goodies to check out!

Canterbury | Christmas Benefit Concert | 7pm $ - Angela C. Howell & Friends are putting on a holiday benefit concert at First Congregational Church (6 S Canterbury Rd). Proceeds will go to Canterbury Cares Food Pantry & WAIM. Suggested donations - $15/Adult, $5/Child, Children under 5 - Free.

Chaplin | Craft Fair | 8:30am-1:30pm - The Chaplin Elementary School (240 Palmer Rd) PTO is holding a pancake breakfast with Santa/craft fair. Over 50 vendors will be in attendance! Email [email protected] for more information.

Danielson | Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer | 2-4pm $ - The Little Theater on Broad Street (185 Broad St) is bringing the holiday classic to the stage. Come out and see Yukon Cornelius and Hermey the Elf!. Tix/more showtimes

Dayville | Brekky with Santa | 9am-1pm $ - Stuff your face with delicious breakfast foods at Attawaugan Fire Dept (20 Country Club Rd), and wait for Santa to show up for pictures at 11am. $10/person for ages 14 and up, 13 & under eat free.

Eastford | Annual Holiday Fair | 9am-1pm - The Friends of Eastford Public Library are holding their 2nd Annual Holiday Fair at the Eastford Library (179 Eastford Rd). Silent Auction, bake sale, unique hand-crafted items, a kids activity, and more!

Hampton | Holiday Bazaar | 9am-2pm - Hampton Congregational Church (263 Main St) is holding a festive day of community and holiday cheer. Unique locally made goods, special displays, and more.

Plainfield | Broom Making Class | 10am-2pm $ - Crystal Visions (40 Railroad Ave) is going to teach you how to make a turkey wing whisk broom from natural broom corn. Tix

Pomfret | Saint Nicholas Fair | 10am-1pm - Christ Church (529 Pomfret St) is holding a Victorian fair featuring a holiday bakery, homemade chocolates, crafts, toys, vintage items, and a whole lot more.

Putnam | Custom Calligraphy Ornaments | 11am-3pm - August & March Home (130 Main St) is holding a pop up with Madison G Calligraphy. $10 each ornament - not bad for something uniquely you, to put on a tree.

Putnam | Artist Exhibit | 6-8pm - Artist Roland Comtois will have his art on display at Silver Circle Gallery (134 Main St). It’s worth taking the drive to check out the space (that joke will make a lot of sense if you actually see the exhibit)!

Putnam | Holiday Bazaar | 10am-3pm - The Hale YMCA (9 Technology Park Dr) is holding their annual holiday bazaar with 45 local artists and entrepreneurs.

Putnam | Another Holiday Bazaar | 9am-2pm - Paws Cat Shelter is holding a holiday bazaar at Putnam High School (152 Woodstock Ave). Crafts, gifts, home decor, and more. Bring donations of cat food and litter if you want to help support the community.

Quiet Corner | Artists’ Open Studios | 10am-5pm - This is your last chance of 2025 to check out artist’s studios and see their creative process in action. You can see which artists are participating and their locations here.

Sterling | Collectibles CollectorExpo | 10am-5pm - Swing by the Sterling Fire Dept (225 Main St) to browse through over 30 vendors selling collectible goodies. Raffle baskets, hot chocolate, and a craft corner for kids. It will also be open on 12/7, with the same hours.

Thompson | Indoor Holiday Winter Market | 10am-2pm - Do your holiday shopping at Thompson Middle School (785 Riverside Dr), with a bunch of vendors, grab a bite from the food trucks outside, and bring a couple of nonperishable items to help out those in need.

Thompson | Meat Raffle | 12-5pm $ - Yup, exactly what it sounds like. The Thompson Rod and Gun Club (93 Brandy Hill Rd) is putting on a meat raffle. Win and select your preferred cuts.

Willimantic | Dan Moretti & Brazilia | 7:30-9:30pm $ - Chart topping band Brazilia, led by acclaimed saxophonist Dan Moretti, will be at The River Room (50 Riverside Dr), bringing you Latin jazz-inspired renditions of Wayne Shorter classics. Tix

Willimantic | Holiday Market | 9am-2pm - First Congregational Church (199 Valley St) is holding a holiday market with crafts, a Silent Auction, raffle, thrift shop, vendors, and tons of treasures to discover. Bring a nonperishable for a chance to win a gift card.

Woodstock | Holiday Art/Craft Show | 10am-3pm - East Woodstock Congregational Church (220 Woodstock Rd) is hosting over 20 vendors selling art, jewelry, soaps, homemade goods, and all sorts of other treasures. Make sure to stop by!

Woodstock | I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas | 2pm $ - This one is for the young (and young at heart). The Loos Center for the Arts (150 Rt 169) is hosting the Barter Players for this 60-minute family musical. Tix

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Music Lady Cafe - Central Village | Mindset | 8-11pm
⬢ Hank’s - Brooklyn | Hold My Beer | 7pm
⬢ Woodstock Tavern - Woodstock | Karaoke | 8-11pm
⬢ Triple Raven Brewing - Thompson | Tony Garcia | 4-7pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Mark Milloff | 1-4pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Troy Mercy | 8-11pm
⬢ Taylor Brooke - Woodstock | Katie Perkins | 2-5pm
⬢ Broken Crust - Putnam | Becky Prior | 5:30pm

Danielson | Herbal Gift Making Workshop | 1-3pm $ - Herbalist Amelia South will be leading a class at The Wholistic Collective (136 Main St) on creating three herbal handcrafted gifts. Tix

Dayville | Holiday Drive For People and Pets | 11am-3pm - Help out those in need by bringing your donations of nonperishable food items (including pet food), clothing, or other pet supplies to Petco (1086 Killingly Commons Dr). Products go to supporting TEEG, Putnam Family Resource Center, and CT Humane.

Plainfield | Pet Pictures With Santa | 10am-1pm - Swing by Plainfield Agway (650 Norwich Rd) to have your furry friend take a picture with Santa. All pets must be leashed or in a crate/carrier.

Pomfret | Lunch with Santa | 11am-1pm $ - Enjoy a made-to-order pasta bar, salad, drinks, and dessert at Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp (326 Taft Pond Rd). 5×7 pictures with Santa for $8. Lunch is $14/adults and children over 10, $10/children 9 and under.

Putnam | Winter Maker’s Market | 10am-2pm - Check out a makers market at Montana Nights (50 Providence Pike). Artisans, crafters, farmers, and young entrepreneurs will have wares for purchase.

Scotland | End of Season Holiday Party | 2-5pm - Hillyland Vineyard (75 Murphy Hill Rd) is celebrating the end of another season with live music, light refreshments, wines and seasonal mulled wine available.

Willimantic | Auditions | 7-9pm - The Windham Theater Guild (779 Main St) is holding auditions for The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. There will also be auditions on 12/8. More audition info

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Hillyland - Scotland | November Sound | 2-5pm
⬢ Music Lady Cafe - Central Village | Open Mic | 4-7pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Alpaca Lunch | 1-4pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Open Mic | 7-11:30pm
⬢ Taylor Brooke - Woodstock | Michael O’Keefe | 2-5pm

Pomfret | Book Launch | 6:30pm - The Quiet Corner Poets are launching a collection of poems called Shared Journeys at The Vanilla Bean Cafe (450 Deerfield Rd). Any profits from the purchase of the book will go to the Pomfret Library. Books are $15, which is a steal in my opinion!

Putnam | Legally Blonde Auditions | 6-8pm - The Complex Performing and Creative Arts Centre (160 Main St) is holding auditions for the screen favorite that has since been adapted to stage. Register

LIVE MUSIC

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