This Weekend: Holiday Festival, Visit to Bethlehem

We know you have a lot to do these days between trimming the tree, baking cookies and scouring the stores for holiday gifts. But yes, as usual, we have more craziness to add to your already lengthy to-do list. So stop writing out those holiday cards and take a second to amend your busy weekend schedule to include some of these local happenings. Here’s the lowdown on what’s going on this weekend:

GROTON

• : There’s sure to be lots of holiday happenings at the city municipal building on Meridian Street from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday evening.
• : Pack the car and head to Christ United Methodist Church on either Friday or Saturday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Be sure to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the Groton Food Locker.
• : Sale runs from Friday to Wednesday, so make some time to stop by!
• : Make a visit to Bethlehem on Sunday at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church! The city gates open at 3 and close at 5 p.m.
• : Drop off your gently used or new children’s coats at Liberty Tax Service on Poquonnock Road through Dec. 23.

LEDYARD

• : Bring the family—pets included—to Ledyard High School on Friday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. for some seasonal snacks, vendors, a petting zoo and Santa!
• : Bring your donations to the Ledyard Center School on Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• : All are invited to join the holiday fun at on Sunday from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• : Lots of holiday music on Sunday evening from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• : Collection for Christmas will run through Friday, Dec. 16.

MONTVILLE

• : Donate your old or unwanted gold on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Montville High School cafeteria to support the Montville boys’ basketball team!
• : The event will be held at the Mohegan Fire House on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy a raffle, live music and lots of holiday shopping—all for a great cause.
• : Shows will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. Tickets are $23 and $33 for adults and $18 and $28 for kids.
• : Concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Fr. Boisvert Auditorium on Monday evening. There is no charge to attend.
• : Get your tree Monday through Friday between 1 and 9 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Sale will be held in front of Tri-Town Foods and all trees are $40 and under.

NEW LONDON

• : Enjoy some great entertainment at Dev’s on Bank on Friday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. There is no charge for admission, but all proceeds will support the New London Community Meal Center.
• : Andy Sherwood and Friends will perform on Friday at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of New London. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for kids and will be available at the door.
• : Get some holiday shopping done on Saturday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church and support the non-profit theatre company!
• : Don’t miss the holiday fun at the Pacific Street Art Gallery on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m.
• : Great music and drink specials starting at 9 p.m. Saturday!
• : You won’t find these treasures at Wal-mart! Sale opens to the public on Sunday between 2:30 and 5 p.m.

STONINGTON

• : The Mystic Aquarium will be lit up for the holidays and visited by local entertainers and Santa, too! Enjoy the fun on Friday between 5 and 8 p.m. Admission is free with a non-perishable food item. Swing by Olde Mistick Village, too, and check out their illuminating decorations during a little evening shopping!
• : Stop by the studio on Bayview Avenue on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. for the sale and some holiday entertainment, too!
• : Drop by on Saturday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. for some holiday fun!
• : Make a visit to the Stonington Community Center on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Be sure to swing by the Winter Farmers’ Market, also happening at the COMO.
• : You’re invited to the Mystic & Noank Library on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. for some holiday cheer and tree trimming!
• : Bring the kids by the store on Sunday at 3 p.m. for the reading and a special visit!
• LUMINARIA STROLL AT THE DENISON PEQUOTSEPOS NATURE CENTER: The winter stroll event will run from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

WATERFORD

• : The wrestler will visit the mall from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday. Ticket packages start at $25.
• : The MHS choir will provide shoppers with some holiday entertainment on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Crystal Mall.
• : Don’t miss Santa at the tree lighting on Saturday starting at 5 p.m.