A Festival of Lights, a Little Taste of Bethlehem, a Handbell Concert, and More in Groton This Weekend

Festival of Lights
Friday, 5 p.m. - Admission to Mystic Aquarium is free with the donation of a non-perishable food item which will benefit United Way’s Gemma Moran Food Center. Pathways throughout the area will be illuminated by hundreds of luminaria as guests enjoy seasonal entertainment, face painters, story tellers, hot chocolate and even a visit from Santa. More dazzling lights will be displayed at the Olde Mistick Village next door to top off an enchanting holiday experience.

A Little Taste of Bethlehem
Saturday, 2 p.m. - Come anytime to “register” in the town of Bethlehem and fulfill the decree from Caesar Augustus. Look for a place to stay, and then visit the stable to see what the shepherds are shouting about. Enter the marketplace where you will find baked goods, music, crafts, and all sorts of activity in the crowds. Experience some of the sights and sounds on the busy streets of Bethlehem the night Jesus was born.

Recovery Social
Saturday, 6 p.m. - Celebrate recovery with open mic night along with a variety of performers. Group discounts are available. All proceeds support faith based housing for individuals in recovery from drug/alcohol addiction. Tickets and information can be obtained by calling 860-204-1811 or 860-439-0424.

New England Handbell Ringers Present "Joy in Bronze"
Saturday, 7 p.m. - The New England Ringers, one of the finest Handbell groups in the country, is coming to Noank to perform an energetic program to delight family and friends. Enjoy a journey through some rich and complex music from the serious to the sublime, quirky to quintessential bells. There will also be a moment of remembrance within the concert for those lost at the Sandy Hook School on Dec. 14 one year ago. Make this concert a part of your holiday plans. Admission is free.

Healing With Horses at Wild Rose Horse Farm Open House Christmas Party
Sunday, 11 a.m. - Join Healing With Horses at Wild Rose Horse Farm for an afternoon of holiday cheer - and support the not for profit therapeutic riding programs in the process. Admission is $5. All proceeds go towards helping those who are disabled in the community. There will be a basket raffle, a bake sale, a chili cook off, an Avon fundraiser, and live entertainment. Learn all about the programs, meet the instructors, and of course, meet the horses that make this possible. Call to enter the chili cook-off, or if you'd like to donate a basket/gift certificate or bake something for the event. For more information, call 860-912-1557 or 860-710-7108 or visit www.healingwithhorsesct.org.