9:00 am

Heart Gallery

Crystal Mall, Route 85, Waterford, CT

annual traveling exhibit by the Connecticut Department of Children & Families to raise awareness about children who are available for adoption; through Jan. 1; (617) 488-2876.

2:00 pm

The Connecticut River Artisans' Annual Holiday Show

Connecticut River Artisans Cooperative, Inc., 5 West Main Street , Chester,

opening reception 2-5 p.m. Nov. 5; ;show runs through Dec. 30; The show will continue through December 30, with a Friday, December 2 Reception at 5-8pm. This reception will be in conjunction with Chester's Townwide Holiday Night, which includes the Annual Tree Lighting and Caroling. Some of this year's Holiday exhibitors include Lucille Scelfo of North Branford. Lucille designs Hand painted, Marbled 100% Silk scarves, men's ties and other accessories. Amber Golanski, of East Hampton, is a new Holiday exhibitor with her original, hand-dyed toddler clothing. The Bunny Barn designs are all originals. Barbara Delicata, of Higganum, is a returning Pottery exhibitor. Her bowls and plates have been popular items.


(860) 526-5575 www.ctriverartisans.org

11:00 am

It’s A Wonderful Price: Walls of Small Treasures by Twenty-five Gallery Artists

Kehler Liddell Gallery, 873 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, CT , 06515

Kehler Liddell Gallery presents “It’s A Wonderful Price,” a holiday exhibit featuring fine art for every palette and every purse. The Walls of Affordable Treasures include paintings, photographs, sculptures, and drawings by twenty-five diverse Connecticut artists. Artwork is “priced to move” so shop for yourself while shopping for gift giving.

Opening Reception: Sunday, November 20, 3-6 p.m.

10:00 am

Deck the Walls

Lyme Art Association, 90 Lyme St., Old Lyme, CT , 06371

The Lyme Art Association’s annual show and sale featuring more than 200 works of art in all sizes and mediums by member artists. On View: Nov. 18 through Jan. 7. Opening reception: Friday, Dec. 2, 5 - 7 p.m.; Free, with contributions greatly appreciated.

1:30 pm

The Last Minyan

Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield Street, Middletown, CT , 06441

The largest Jewish community in Europe once called Spain home. But between 1391 and 1492, many in the community converted to Catholicism, either voluntarily or through physical or psychological coercion of the Inquisition. David Gitlitz, a scholar-administrator at the University of Rhode Island, has researched Sephardic historical topics over the last two decades. He will discuss his latest book, The Lost Minyan, on Sunday, December 18, 1:30 pm at the Godfrey Memorial Library. The Lost Minyan is historical fiction and profiles Crypto-Jewish families coping with the trauma of living between worlds, neither wholly Catholic nor wholly Jewish.

5:00 pm

Annual Service of Carols and Readings, Dec. 18, N.L.

Pequot Chapel, 857 Montauk Ave., New London, CT

open to all; dress warmly as the Chapel is not heated; free.

9:00 am

Restoring an Icon: The Charles W. Morgan

Mystic Seaport, Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT

Last fall saw the hauling ashore of the mighty Charles W. Morgan in the Museum's Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard for a planned three-year restoration. Climb aboard the world's last wooden whaleship and learn more about the unprecedented restoration of this American icon in the Shipyard Gallery's newest exhibit, Restoring an Icon: The Charles W. Morgan.

1:00 pm

Annual Turkey and Ham Raffles, Dec. 18

Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 20, 242 Thames Street, Groton, CT

to benefit the Children's Christmas Party; hosted by Unit 20; for members and their guests; Santa will drop by; sign-up sheet for children 12 and under is posted in the Club; cut-off date is Dec. 10; (860) 448-0063.

2:00 pm

ECS Youth Orchestra and String Ensemble

Waterford High School, Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, CT

The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Youth Orchestra and String Ensemble will present a concert on Sunday, December 18th,at Waterford High School beginning at 2:00 PM. The ECSYO, directed by Joan Winters, will present works by Smetana, Mozart, Holst, Mascagni, and a holiday tune! The String Ensemble, directed by Karin Carlson, will perform holiday classics.
A meet and greet the orchestra members will take place with refreshments following the concert in the auditorium lobby. Admission is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for seniors and children. For more information please contact Joan Winters at 860 691 -0849.

3:00 pm

Signs of Change/Senales de Cambrio

Centro De La Comunidad, 109 Blinman St., New London, CT

free, donations of books and toys for local Latino families welcome; Signs of Change is a short play about two angels who come to Earth to announce the birth of the Messiah, but their efforts are repeatedly thwarted by the devil and two sins; for more information, email teatrolatinodenewlondon@gmail.com

2:00 pm

Children's Christmas Party

American Legion Post 128, 16 York Avenue, East Lyme, CT

Parents are asked to bring a wrapped, labeled with your child/children’s name gift for Santa to distribute. There will be entertainment and treats. All children are welcome, you do not need to be a member of the American Legion or Auxiliary; (860) 739-7941.

1:30 pm

Madison - Holiday Craft & Story times!

RJ Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison, CT , 06443

RJ Julia will be hosting two holiday children craft & story times. Hanukkah craft & story time at 1:30pm-3pm and Christmas craft & story time from 3:30-5pm. Both events are free but registration is required.

2:00 pm

Relationshipping: Practices that Inspire

Shoreline Center for Wholistic Health, 35 Boston Street, Guilford, CT , 06437

Relation shipping: Practices that inspire meaning for Self and relationship to others. Yoga (Kundalini), Mindfulness, Mindfulness Meditation, Self Hypnosis, DreamWorks, Music-Art-Poetry therapy are combined to command us in our relationship to our True Self. Our personal authority is ours. We are each on Earth, to be true to our destiny, as well as to create the best connection to others we love and share the world with. Though truth and service to the spirit within and the practices above, deep listening to the Self, we find our way through the dark and into the light of our lifetime.

Leesa Sklover, Ph.D,, LPC, CMT, IKYTA, H.ct is a pioneer in integrative medicine and sound-music healing, a counselor working with adults and children. Pre register at drsklover@gmail.com

11:00 am

Diana - A Celebration

Foxwoods Resort Casino-Great Cedar Exhibition Area, 39 Norwich Westerly Rd., North Stonington, CT

Direct from the Althorp Estate in England comes an award-winning exhibition featuring more than 150 personal objects celebrating the life and work of Diana, Princess of Wales, including her royal wedding gown, 28 designer dresses, family heirlooms, personal mementos, and rare home movies. This will be the only Northeastern engagement.

3:30 pm

Messiah Singalong

Katharine Hepburn Cultural Art Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook, CT , 06475

sponsored by Cappella Cantorum; open to all, bring your Messiah Scores; they will also be provided; $10; (877) 503-1286, www.thekate.org, www.cappellacantorum.org.

4:00 pm

MESSIAH Singalong or Listen

Katharine Hepburn Cultural Art Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook, CT , 06475

MESSIAH Singalong or Listen, sponsored by Cappella Cantorum, Sun., Dec. 18, at 4 PM in The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Art Center, Old Saybrook, CT. The Singalong is open to all, featuring professional soloists. Bring your Messiah Scores if you have them or they will be provided. Singers Call time is 3:30 PM. There is a $10 fee to cover expenses, Audience is invited to sit in the back, witness the short rehearsal and the Sing. Tickets available through the Box Office, 877-503-1286, www.thekate.org or day of performance, no reserved seats. www.cappellacantorum.org

4:00 pm

Holiday Community Band Concert

Christ the King Church, 1 McCurdy Road, Old Lyme, CT , 06371

Hour-long holiday concert by 40-piece community band established in 1975 as recreation of original group active 1900-1920. Concert will include Christmas, Chanukah, and nonseasonal pieces including one original arrangement and soloists.

5:00 pm

Living Nativity

St John's Episcopal Church, 129 Ledge Hill Road, Guilford, CT , 06437

St. John's Episcopal Church, 129 Ledge Hill Road, Guilford, will host its second annual Living Nativity on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 5PM. Come experience the story of Christmas in a country setting surrounded by luminaria and local farm animals. Collection baskets will be available for those wishing to donate canned goods to the Guilford Food Bank. Refreshments will be served.

7:30 pm

The 32st annual Festival of Lessons and Carols

Cathedral of St. Patrick, Broadway, Norwich, CT

The traditional festival originated in England at the end of the 19th century and consists of music and readings that trace the mystery of salvation from the creation of the world through the birth of Jesus Christ. The festival first occurred at St. Patrick Cathedral in 1979 and featured the Norwich Diocesan Choir. Over the past thirty years the event has grown to include six choirs, brass and handbells. It has become a popular Christmas holiday event for the Cathedral parish as well as the Norwich community.
Participating in the festival along with the Norwich Diocesan Choir will be the Cathedral Children’s Choir, the three Cathedral handbell choirs, the Cathedral Youth Singers and readers from the Cathedral parish. The choirs, totaling more than one hundred twenty-five voices and ringers are all under the direction of Douglas Green, Cathedral Music Director. Accompanying the choirs on the Cathedral organ will be Michael McCarthy along with the Sterling Brass Quartet.
Persons attending the festival will have the opportunity to sing many
traditional Christmas Carols. The public is invited and admission is free.

8:00 pm

Krapp's Last Tape

Long Wharf Theatre, 227 Sargent Drive, New Haven, CT

starring Brian Dennehy

3:00 pm

"SIGNS OF CHANGE"

TEATRO LATINO DE NEW LONDON, CENTRO DE LA COMUNIDAD, 109 BLINMAN STREET, New London, CT , 06320

A PLAY ABOUT TWO ANGELS WHO COME TO THE WORLD TO TELL MEN ABOUT THE MESSIAH. BUT VERY SOON, THEY MEET THE DEVIL AND HIS ALLIES, THE SINS. AND THEN... BUT, COME AND FIND OUT HOW IT ALL TURNS OUT!!! PERFORMANCE IN ENGLISH. CHRISTMAS CAROLS IN SPANISH. COOKIES SERVED AT END OF PERFORMANCE.