Rain Princess Painting, a Museum Open House, a Church Walking Tour, and More in Groton This Weekend

The Drunken Palette Class: Rain Princess Painting
Friday, 7 p.m. - Bring your favorite beverage and have a great time painting for two hours. You will leave with a complete painting done by you. Alcohol is encouraged, but not required. All the art supplies (paint, brushes, easel, canvas, aprons, and more) will be provided. The cost is $35 per person and group and party discounts are available. To RSVP, visit Facebook, e-mail thedrunkenpalette@yahoo.com, or call 860-326-7246.

Jabez Smith Museum Open House
Saturday and Sunday, noon - If you have a love of history, come out for a in-depth tour of this early homestead and learn the revolutionary history of Groton and the Smith family - residents for over 320 years. Refreshments will be served.

Mystic Contra Dance
Saturday, 8 p.m. - Contra dancing is folk dancing: informal and fun. There will be live music. You can learn to dance in 15 minutes. There's a workshop for beginners at 7:45 p.m., plus the caller teaches all the dances. Singles and beginners are welcome. Wear cool, comfortable clothing. The cost is $10, and $5 for students.

Holidays on Huntington - Church Walking Tour
Sunday, 1 p.m. - Wrap up the season with a visit to four of New London’s architectural and religious gems as New London Landmarks organizes a walking tour of churches led by city historian Sally Ryan. Tours start at St. James Episcopal Church at Huntington and Federal Streets at 1 p.m. It includes All Souls, St. Mary Star of Sea, and Huntington Baptist. The cost is $15 or $10 for members. The cost includes the Sacred Spaces Booklet. Reservations must be made in advance by calling New London Landmarks at 860-442-0003 or by registering online. Early registration assures tour led by city historian Sally Ryan. Latecomers may have to do self-guided tour. Representatives will be found at each church. The tour concludes with refreshments at the David Bishop House. Activities will end by 4 p.m.

The Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols for Christmas
Sunday, 5 p.m. - The Festival of Lessons and Carols for Christmas is based on nine lessons designed to portray the moving from darkness into light as the world at Christmas moves from darkness into the light of the Holy Birth. The Festival of Lessons and Carols has been a tradition at Christ Church for over three decades. The Christ Church Choir, under the direction of George Kent, Organist and Choirmaster, will perform an array of traditional Christmas hymns and carols by composers old and new. The Christmas lessons, which are read by parish members of Christ Church, recount the ancient prophecies and the joy of Christ coming into the world. All are welcome with the hope that this service will enhance your experience of the Christmas Season. Following the service will be a festive reception in the parish hall. The event is free and doors open at 4:30 p.m. Childcare is available in the nursery.