Thursday November 28th, 2019:

• THANKSGIVING! HAVE FUN AND DRIVE SAFE!
• Festival of Silver Lights, November 26, 2019 - January 1, 2020 Illumination of more than 350,000 twinkling, white lights. There are over 200 figures and buildings that are decorated with the lights in this spectacular display. A lighting ceremony takes place on November 20 at 5:30 p.m. FREE, Hubbard Park, 1000 West Main St. Meriden, CT
• 26th Annual Holiday Train Show, November 27, 2019 - February 23, 2020 The magic returns to CRM with the 25th Annual Holiday Train Show. This family-friendly exhibit, created by train artist Steve Cryan, features more trains, new scenery, and lots of surprises to be found in the fully operational 26-foot model train layout. Visitors can also challenge themselves with the I-SPY scavenger hunt for objects hidden with the displays and throughout the exhibit gallery. Smaller visitors set can get hands-on at an American Flyer and Lionel Train layout designed for toddler size viewing. The exhibit is a true locomotive extravaganza and a perfect outing for train fans and all who are young at heart. Tue.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Adults $10, seniors $8, students $7, children (6-12) $6, under 6 free. Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St.Essex, CT
• Holiday Light Fantasia, November 28, 2019 - January 1, 2020 Holiday Light Fantasia is a much loved Greater Hartford tradition and this season's destination. The two-mile show transforms Goodwin Park into a drive-through wonderland of holiday spirit with a beautiful collection of over 1 million lights. Whimsical holiday scenes, familiar characters and local tributes shine bright in larger-than-life lighted scenes and 200 individual displays. Lighted animations celebrate not only Christmas, but Hanukkah, New Years and Three Kings Day. Benefiting the Channel 3 Kids Camp, the Hartford Holiday tradition welcomed over 100,000 visitors last year! We look forward to welcoming even more supporters throughout the lighted celebration. Sun.-Thu. 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 5 p.m.-10 p.m., $15 Car (up to 10 passengers), $25 Limousine, $50 Mini Bus (up to 30 passengers), $100 Full Size Bus (31 passengers +) Goodwin Park, 1130 Maple Ave. Hartford, CT

Friday November 29th, 2019:

• Magic of Christmas, November 29, 2019 - January 5, 2020 What a special year this is for the Magic of Christmas celebration! We try to make every Christmas magical because it was Miss Florence’s birthday, but this year, we think our namesake would be especially pleased. Every year since 2004, artists from all over the country have added to the palettes on Miss Florence’s Artist Trees which are displayed in the Krieble Gallery. This year we finally reached over 200 palettes—212 to be exact—so many that we will need four delightfully-decorated trees to present all of them. To commemorate the event, we have published Miss Florence’s Artist Trees: Celebrating a Tradition of Painted Palettes, which showcases each of the works of art on its own page. Look for it online here and in The Shop. Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Closed Dec. 25., Adults $10, seniors $9, students $8, children (12 and under) free. Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme St. Old Lyme, CT
• 46th Annual Festival of Trees & Traditions, November 29 - December 8 A holiday custom for the past 46 years, features musical entertainment and festive family activities in the midst of decorative trees and wreaths created by community organizations and local artists, on view in the museum's galleries for a limited time. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $3 surcharge is added to all regular admission prices. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main St. Hartford, CT
• Santa's Trolley, November 29 - December 22 Take a ride into the past at The Shore Line Trolley Museum and have your children visit with Santa! Inspect our antique trolleys decorated for the holidays. Enjoy a complimentary cookie and hot chocolate. Check out the model train layout. Bring the whole family and the camera! All children receive a small gift from Santa. You don’t want to miss getting a picture of your little ones with Santa. Start a new tradition your family will never forget! 11 a.m.-5 p.m., $10 The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St. East Haven, CT
• Ice Carving Demonstration, November 29 - 30 Watch as professional ice carvers create a themed ice sculpture in front of Wave Gallery at 1046 Chapel Street. The skilled ice carvers, from Ice Matters in Cheshire, CT, will begin with two 300 pound solid blocks of clear ice, each measuring 40" tall x 20" wide and transform them into a reindeer on Friday, the Elm City Elf on Small Business Saturday, Snowflake Selfie Frame (12/1), Bulldog (12/8), Train (12/15) and a Santa on a Chimney (12/22). The ice carvings will be accessible for photo opportunities. 1 p.m.-3 p.m., FREE Wave Gallery at The Shops at Yale, 1046 Chapel St. New Haven, CT
• 11th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Village, November 29 - December 24 Santa and his live reindeer - Dancer, Dasher and Prancer - are coming back and return to “the North Pole on North Street.” The cherished town tradition continues for the tenth consecutive year at this expansive nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy the new Santa’s Village, North Pole on North Street, all just minutes from downtown Greenwich. Parking is free. The community is invited to Sam Bridge for a “We’re Back Party” on Friday, November 29, from noon to 6 pm, when Santa’s Workshop is officially open for photos with Santa. While waiting for the reindeer to arrive in the afternoon, everyone can enjoy special refreshments, face painting and balloon art, and dance demonstrations. Throughout the five weeks, the reindeer will make Sam Bridge their home. Children, adults, corporate groups and even pets (on leashes) can have their photo taken with Santa at Santa’s Workshop. Photo packages include a gift bag filled with promotions redeemable at participating downtown Greenwich stores. Hours for the Photos with Santa are Monday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sam Bridge is closed on Sundays. Mon.-Fri. noon-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., FREE Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St. Greenwich, CT

Saturday November 30th, 2019:

• Joan Osborne's Dylan-ology Seven-time Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum-selling singer and songwriter, Joan Osborne, joined by powerhouse rock vets Anders Osborne and Jackie Greene (Phil Lesh & Friends, Black Crowes) and backed by a full band, unleashes her sizable gifts as a vocalist and interpreter upon Bob Dylan’s celebrated canon. 8:0pm, $67 Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, CT
• Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival on the Green Hayrides and fire trucks, free crafts for kids; free hot chocolate, food trucks, music and entertainments for all. Browse craft vendors, decorate a fresh holiday wreath. Write a letter to Santa and say hello to the jolly old elf himself at 6 p.m. Fun for all! 2 p.m.-8 p.m., free West Haven Green, Main Street West Haven, CT
• Murder Mystery Dinner Dance, by Thames River Family Program JOIN US FOR THIS KILLER FUNDRAISER, In the theme of a High School Homecoming Dinner Dance Benefiting Thames River Family Program and their work stabilizing and housing homeless youth. Because Young Adults Deserve a Home…Coming! Dress to Impress Whether it’s 90s attire, your high school class homecoming style or your own design! 6pm-9pm, $65-$120 Groton Inn and Suites, 99 Gold Star Hwy, Groton, CT
• A North Pole Experience, November 30 - December 30 Explore the North Pole, like never before, where the magic of the holidays is unwrapped before your eyes, as Sonny’s Place is transformed into Santa’s Place! The North Pole comes to life around you, as Santa’s elves create a winter wonderland that dazzles and dances to the sounds of the season! Santa’s Candy Cane Cabin. Enjoy the new twist and swirls of the holidays, on Peppermint Pathway! Come visit Santa in his Candy Cane Cabin. Gather around the Christmas Tree and meet Santa himself in this truly one–of–a–kind experience that celebrates old and new traditions. O’ Christmas Tee’s Tee’s the Season in this forest of fun. Frolic and play, as you “putter” there for a Merry Christmas! Look out for some fun moments of surprise as you capture a selfie with one of Santa’s Elfie’s photo opportunities. Reindeer Games. Warm up where the reindeer play! All video games are included with your admission (redemption & merchandise games additional fee)! Carol-sel Oh what fun it is tonight, to ride on the carousel tonight! Walk through Santa’s stables and enjoy an interactive Carol-sel. Sing some of your favorite holiday carols as you enjoy this beautiful site on a wonderful night, riding on the Christmas Carol-sel. Santa’s Flight Soar like Santa high over Sonny’s Place! This thrilling adventure whisks you forward and in reverse at 30mph! Christmas Blizzard Spin, flip, and experience weightlessness, just like flying through a blizzard! Hologate VR- Cold Crush Experience, a snowball fight like never before. Maneuver your hovercraft on a frozen lake to collect golden coins, but watch out for your opponents and the crazy yeti as they both shoot icy snowballs at you. Seek out the power-ups to give your snowball shooting, super powers. This family friendly game will entice you with it´s cute and unique look and is a guaranteed virtual reality party smash. Oh, one last thing…beware of the yellow snowballs. A Black Light Christmas (Laser Tag). The holidays are all a-glow in this lumino-city. Your mission is to defend Christmas and stay on the nice list this year. Make your way through laser fields of red and green, as you try to take down the naughty and save Christmas forever! \Additional fee required for this attraction. Elf Workshop The North Pole Experience wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Toy Shoppe! This fun interactive stop will have you tinkering all day long. Create your own holiday craft, decorate a cookie or even enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus, as you try to solve the Elve’s riddles! *Additional fee for some experiences in this attraction. Dancer’s Disco. Welcome to the coolest place in town… Dancer’s Disco. Here, you can enjoy make memories with several photo ops, both inside and out, AND enjoy the Holiday Dance Party! Food & Beverage: Christmas Café. Serving up all your favorites from the grill, plus some holiday specialties! Adults can even grab a holiday beverage at the bar (21+ with a valid ID required) Shows: Winter Wonderlights: A Holiday Show Light up the night. This holiday season, lights will dazzle and dance to a festive soundtrack, creating a holiday show that will leave you amazed and mesmerized. Elves! A trip to the North Pole, wouldn’t be complete without Santa’s elves! Be on the look – out for Holly, Jolly, Jingle and Jangle as they spread holiday cheer to all who are near! Our troupe of elves will stroll throughout the North Pole, creating fun moments of entertainment, games and even pose for a sELFie! You won’t want to miss your chance to hashtag yourself at thenorthepoleexperience. Storytime with Mrs. Claus. Join Mrs. Claus as she reads everyone’s favorite Christmas stories! Photo opportunities will be available after the show as well! Holiday Dance Party! Join the Merry Makers as they dance the night away to some of your favorite holiday music in this interactive dance party!* Nov. 29-Dec. 24, Fri.-Sun. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 26-20, daily 5 p.m.-9 p.m., $15-$30, children (under 4) free. Sonnys Place, 349 Main St., Somers, CT
• A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage, November 30 - December 1 Good Grief! Get into the holiday spirit with A Charlie Brown Christmas Live at Foxwoods Resort Casino Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes to life in the all-new touring production A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on stage! Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang as they produce their own Christmas play and ultimately learn the true meaning of the season. A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS LIVE ON STAGE is a present the whole family can enjoy! Adapted from Charles M. Schulz’s timeless story of the spirit of Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas Live features the unforgettable music of Vince Guaraldi, as well as a concert of beloved holiday carols performed by the Peanuts characters. There’s no better way to discover the magic of the season! 1 p.m. & 5 p.m., $45-$65 Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd. Mashantucket, CT
• "The Polar Express", November 30 - December 22 Renew a family tradition by securing your tickets for a magical ride to the North Pole. Based on the Caldecott Award winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express follows a young boy who doubts the existence of Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, a magical locomotive arrives to take him and other doubting children to on a magical Christmas Eve trip to the North Pole. Sat. & Sun. only, times vary., General admission $11.50, seniors $10.50, children (3-12) $9.50. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 North Water St. Norwalk, CT

Sunday December 1st, 2019:

• Met Opera Encore in HD: "Akhhnaten" Phelim McDermott, whose productions include the hugely successful Satyagraha by Philip Glass, returns to the Met with a new staging of Glass’s Akhnaten, conducted by Karen Kamensek in her Met debut. Anthony Roth Costanzo sings the title role of the Egyptian pharaoh who attempted to inspire his people to adopt a new religion, abandoning the worship of the old gods for that of a single deity. In her Met debut, J’Nai Bridges sings the role of Nefertiti, Akhnaten’s bride, and Dísella Lárusdóttir is Queen Tye, the pharaoh’s mother. One of the staging’s distinctive visual features is provided by the Gandini Juggling Company, whose movements are perfectly choreographed with the orchestral score. This production of Akhnaten was originally created by LA Opera, Improbable, and English National Opera, where it premiered, winning the 2017 Olivier Award for Best New Opera Production. 12:55 p.m.-5 p.m., $15-$25 Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Rd.Ridgefield, CT

Check out this link to find more events this weekend in CT!

More things to do here as well!

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How about a newly released movie? Check out some of these!

• Knives Out
• Queen & Slim
• The Two Popes (Limited)

Once again happy thanksgiving and if you can please donate if possible to a local food-bank or charity. One that is great for CT is the St. Vincent's Church food bank! https://www.svdpmission.org/en/online-donation-form

Friday, December 13th 2019:

• Chocolate and Wine Pairing, December 12 - 13 Come in anytime between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and taste five award winning estate red wines paired to perfection with five specialty chocolates. Reservations are only required for groups of six or more. 11am-4pm, $20 Sunset Meadow Vineyards, 599 Old Middle St. Goshen, CT
• Northern Lights, December 12 - 14 Mystic Aquarium lights up during Northern Lights… A sea of lights leads the way through a mesmerizing journey along the Aquarium’s outdoor pathways. See Arctic animals in a whole new light – quite literally – as you stroll to theatric music in search of hand-crafted lanterns that bring Arctic animals to life! Snap selfies and meet the Snow Sisters every Thursday, Father Christmas on Fridays and Petey the Penguin each Saturday. Plus, stop by our Send a Wish Upon a Star station to write notes and wishes to the men and women serving overseas this holiday season. An alfresco experience unlike any other, Northern Lights is sure to be a new family tradition, a truly romantic date night and Mystic Aquarium’s biggest holiday event yet. Pulling inspiration from the most spectacular natural light display there is – the aurora borealis – Northern Lights is sure to be just as magical and inspiring. 6pm-9pm, General admission $15, members $12, children (2 and under) free. Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Blvd. Mystic, CT
• An Improvised Christmas Carol, December 12 - 22 Come see a hilarious retelling of Charles Dickens's Christmas classic twist! This show combines your suggestions with the improvisers’ imaginations to create a performance of A Christmas Carol like nothing you have ever seen. What if Scrooge owned a pet store? What if the Ghost of Christmas Past was a Film Noir detective? What if Tiny Tim wasn't so tiny? Come find out and see how your suggestions tell an all new tale of how Christmas can (or can't!) change Ebenezer Scrooge's life. Thu.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., Adults $15, children $10 Sea Tea Comedy Theater, 15 Asylum St. Hartford, CT
• 38th Annual Santa's Workshop, December 13 - 23 Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, elves making toys, set in a log cabin with decorations and music, and a fire in the great stone fireplace. 3pm-5pm, FREE Wickham Park, 1329 West Middle Tpke. Manchester, CT
• Polar Pajama Party, December 13 - 14 Start or continue your holiday tradition here at the Connecticut Science Center. Put on your PJs and join us for a wintery-themed evening of entertainment for the whole family in celebration of the Season of Science! There will be games, prizes, holiday crafts, cookie decorating for the kids, and special appearances by the Gingerbread Man, Rudolph, Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. Visitors can also join Jack Frost for the annual “Elf Drop.” Plus, don’t forget your tickets to see the Polar Express in 3D, showing at two different times during the party. Everyone can enjoy a free child size Froyo or Hot Chocolate. Members Ticket Sales Open on Monday, November 4. Non-Member Ticket Sales Open on Monday, November 11. 5pm-9pm, Members $5, Non-members $18, Movie: $5 Connecticut Science Center, 250 Columbus Blvd. Hartford, CT
• "The Treasure of Christmas Island", December 13 - 22 A comedy-adventure of pirates, heroes, mermaids and dames in the tradition of an English Panto! Panto: A traditional fairy-tale farce for both adults and kids, with broad characters, jokes, local references, audience participation, songs and more! Performances: December 13-15, 20-22. Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m., Adults $20; seniors, military $18; members $15; children (12 and under) $8. Donald L. Oat Theater at Norwich Arts Center, 62 Broadway, Norwich, CT
• Festival of Lights, December 13 Come and stroll through walkways brilliantly lit by thousands of luminaries. With live entertainment and complimentary treats, there's something for the entire family to enjoy. 5pm-9pm, FREE Olde Mistick Village, 27 Coogan Blvd. Mystic, CT
• 27th Annual Plainville Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Stroll, December 13 The Plainville Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 27th Annual Plainville Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Stroll. The event includes holiday caroling, the lighting of the Town tree, visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and horse and buggy rides through downtown. Refreshments will be made available. Please also visit our local downtown merchants as they will be hosting special offers and raffles throughout the night and weekend. 5pm-8pm, FREE Plainville Fire Department, 77 West Main St. Plainville, CT
• Kids VR Night, December 13 Drop the kids off at Xperiment Virtual Reality and enjoy a night off. We provide the snacks, drinks and the fun as well as some education into the mix. The kids have a fun Friday night playing VR as well as robots, and other STEM activities while you get time to yourselves. Your kids are guaranteed at least an hour of VR gaming time (more depending on availability). Limited spaces available so reserve now. Payment is required to hold your reservation. 6pm-8pm, $40 advanced, $45 at door. Xperiment VR, 100 Hawley Lane, Trumbull, CT
• All Star Christmas Show, December 13 Artists appearing in the show include Goo Goo Dolls, Hanson, Andy Grammer and Dean Lewis. 7:30pm, $35-$65 Mohegan Sun Arena, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd. Uncasville, CT
• Nickelodeon's Double Dare Live!, December 13 Double Dare Live Standard VIP Experience ticket includes a special photo opportunity with the iconic Double Dare Pick-it “Nose” obstacle prop presented in a private space at the venue with the Double Dare Live backdrop, and a VIP tour laminate. Double Dare Live Deluxe VIP Experience ticket includes a special photo opportunity with hosts Marc Summers and Robin Russo in a private space at the venue with the Double Dare Live backdrop, a VIP laminate, and a unique souvenir. A photographer will be available if the purchaser does not have a personal camera / cell-phone camera. The DD VIP Experience (both Standard AND VIP) purchasers must arrive at the theatre at 6:30pm. 90 minutes in advance of the 8pm show start time. Proceed to the check-in table and pick up the DD VIP packet. Each adult and child in a group must have a DD VIP Ticket. Patrons will be directed to the photo opportunity which ends 30 minutes prior to show start time. Latecomers risk missing the opportunity, and no refunds will be issued if the purchasers are late. Must have separate ticket for the show. On your mark, get set, GO! The messiest game show on television is now the messiest game show on the road. Double Dare Live is coming to your town and will bring all the action and excitement of Nickelodeon’s hugely popular television show to the stage. All the Slime soaking, pie plastering, and booger busting will be hosted by the Double Dare legend himself Marc Summers! Bring your whole family to the show you loved as a child. You might even get chosen to compete to win by answering brain-bending trivia questions, complete messy physical stunts and even run the legendary obstacle course! 8pm, $32-$69 Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd. Mashantucket, CT
• Holiday Ho Ho Ho: Burlesque & Drag with Dirty Dixie Normous, December 13 A night of the best in holiday bawdy burlesque and drag entertainment! World class burlesque and drag with your host, Dirty Dixie Normous! A night of unspeakable fun! 9pm, $25-$30 Bijou Theatre, 275 Fairfield Ave. Bridgeport, CT

Saturday, December 14th, 2019:

• "The Nutcracker", December 14 - 15 It would not feel like the holidays without the timeless joy of The Nutcracker, and as part of The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory’s 50th anniversary season, the prestigious Torrington institution will unveil an exciting new production of The Nutcracker this year. Audiences will be dazzled by this reimagined full-length ballet, complete with new sets, costumes and choreography. All dance roles features trainees of The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory, along with cameo roles performed by children from The Torrington School of Ballet. These aspiring artists come from all over the country to hone their craft and develop their artistry at The Nutmeg. The mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer will once again be played by accomplished European stage actor Thomas Evertz. Originally conceived by Sharon Dante, this production features choreography by The Nutmeg's faculty, led by Artistic Director Victoria Mazzarelli, and is set to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s musical masterpiece. Additional coaching is provided by Timothy Melady, Susan Szabo, Eleanor D’Antuono, Denise Warner Limoli, Joan Kunsch, and Alexei Tchernichov. Melady, The Nutmeg's Ballet Master, has led the production team responsible for bringing to reality the vision of Mazzarelli and scenic designer Roger LaVoie. Additional members of the design team include costume designers Susan Fazzino, Janessa Urwin and Susan Aziz; lighting designer Brian Sciarra; set construction by American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, MA; and painting by Roger LaVoie Designs/TSDesigns. Performances of The Nutcracker at Warner Theatre in Torrington are December 7 and December 8. Call The Warner Box Office at (860) 489-7180. Sat. & Sun. 12:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m., $46-$71 The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave. Hartford, CT
• Happy Hole-A-Days, December 14 Mayor Erin E. Stewart, Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman Patrick Dorsey, and Stanley Golf Course are pleased to announce that the driving range at Stanley Golf Course will be open seven days a week throughout the winter months of December, January and February from 9 a.m.-5 p.m In addition to the driving range being open all winter, Stanley will also see the return of two popular special events from previous years. Happy Hole-A-Days will return to Stanley Golf Course on Saturday, December 14, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The event will be hosted by ESPN radio personality Rob Dibble and will include free buckets of balls, complimentary appetizers and beverage specials by Back Nine Tavern. Prizes will include restaurant, retail and pro shop gift cards along with the chance to win a 2020 season golf pass valued over $1,300. Back by popular demand, buckets of luck will also be returning to Stanley Golf Course in January and February where golfers can purchase buckets of balls on Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays between the hours of 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and enter themselves in a raffle to win lots of great prizes including a drawing for a 2020 season golf pass. 11:30am-1:30pm, FREE, Stanley Golf Course, 245 Hartford Rd. New Britain, CT
• Jerry Seinfeld, December 14 Entertainment icon Jerry Seinfeld’s comedy career took off after his first appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1981. Eight years later, he teamed up with fellow comedian Larry David to create what was to become the most successful comedy series in the history of television: Seinfeld. The show ran on NBC for nine seasons, winning numerous Emmy, Golden Globe and People’s Choice awards, and was named the greatest television show of all time in 2009 by TV Guide, and in 2012 was identified as the best sitcom ever in a 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair poll. Seinfeld has also starred in, written and produced movies (Comedian, Bee Movie), directed and produced a Broadway hit (Colin Quinn Long Story Short), and even wrote a best-selling book (Seinlanguage) and a children’s book (Halloween). Seinfeld directed the off-Broadway production of Colin Quinn: The New York Story and the Netflix stand-up special. Seinfeld’s latest project is the Emmy nominated and critically-acclaimed web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee which has garnered over 100 million views, and which the New York Times describes as "impressively complex and artful" and Variety calls "a game changer." Most recently, Seinfeld has been performing at the Beacon Theatre as part of his residency entitled, Jerry Seinfeld: The Homestand. He recently made his Netflix debut with the original stand-up special Jerry Before Seinfeld. 8pm, $82.50-$150 Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd. Mashantucket, CT

Sunday, December 15th, 2019:

Miss America 2020, December 15 - 19 The competition follows 51 compelling candidates as they compete for life-changing scholarships to be used to continue their efforts towards community service and education. The show will continue to highlight a diverse group of young students and professionals who are advancing the message of female strength, independence, and empowerment through their efforts in the areas of scholarship, talent and social impact. The Miss America Organization has ushered in a new era of progressiveness and inclusiveness, led by an all-female leadership team. Times vary, $75-$100 Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd. Uncasville, CT

Find more things to do here!

- - - - - - - - - - -
How about a newly released movie! Check out these in a theater near you! ^{Some in select theaters/times/dates/etc...}

• Jumanji: The Next Level
• Black Christmas
• Bombshell
• The Body
• Kitten Party
• Cunningham
• Mob Town
• The Death and Life of John F. Donovan
• Seberg
• Windows On The World
• First Love
• Spiral Farm
• Hanukkah
• The Broken Butterfly

Okay this may seem like a dumb idea but hear me out.
IndyCar racing is the most growing form of auto-racing in the United States. Its on a pace to eclipse NASCAR in a few years and maybe Hartford can come in to help.
The IndyCar Open Wheel races consist of the most challenging form of racing. From short ovals such as St. Louis and Phoenix. Long ovals such as of course the Indianapolis 500 and Pocono 500, road courses such as Birmingham and Watkins Glen. And finally there is street courses. There are currently four street courses in IndyCar. Saint Petersburg, Florida, Long Beach, California, Detorit Belle Isle Michigan, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada. There was supposed to be a fifth track, in Boston. Boston shot it down because of mismanagement from the racing promoters and a bunch of NIMBY guys blocking it saying it was on damp soil (But Boston is on damp landfill?) and canceled the race. The overall plan with IndyCar is to have 5-5-5-5 to have a 20 race schedule in North America. A fifth needs to be filled in, why not Hartford?
Well to other cities such as Detroit, and Toronto. The races are considered landmarks of urban revival in those cities. Hartford and the whole state of Connecticut was hit hard. This could possibly be the chance to get the state the money needs. Not casinos. Last year, I drove 6 hours to get to Watkins Glen since I couldnt see the race 75 minutes from my house. I wanted to go and it was a blast. With IndyCar, you can have access to the cars and drivers. On race day, the drivers are virtually accessible by anyone. The race was great and would probably do the same again. In Long Beach and Toronto, the crowds was in excess of 100,000 on race day and over 30,000 on qualifying day. Thats incredible. Now say cost general admission $5 on Friday and Saturday each, and have about say 25,000 come in. Thats about 250,000 in sales on tickets alone. This dosent count the hotels and vendors avalible. Plus many places downtown like Black Bear Saloon can get huge business from this event. There is also some feeder series with this. So if you charge $25-30 on general admission and there is about 80,000 there. There is a profit of another 2.4 Million there plus vendors. What can draw in people is names like Helio Castroneves and James Hinchcliffe, both competed on Dancing with the Stars. Tony Kanaan competed on American Ninja Warrior, add in Will Power and Conor Daly, they all were on Family Feud. Also with rising talents such as Josef Newgarden, and Alexander Rossi. That alone can draw in names from casuals who would check the event out. Also a big draw is that this event isnt a NASCAR race, and that can draw the casuals out to this event and not have to deal with those people.
People from New Haven, New York, Albany, Boston, Providence, Manchester, and even further would go. Even people who go out of the way to see the races. When I went in Watkins Glen, there was people there I met from California and Oregon who went to see the race.
Also what some tracks do is have concerts for the fans. At COTA in Austin, Texas. They had stars in the past like Taylor Swift do a concert there. This year its Justin Timberlake. Im sure if Connecticut's favorite Billy Joel would do a show in the Bushnell, thousands would show up and make it even more viable. Add that to the sale of the ticket, it can be worth alot.
So here is the track proposal.
The track start and finish line and pit road is on Columbus Ave across the street from the Connecticut Convention Center. The CCC will also be host as the garage/paddock for the teams and it can be accessible by the fans as well for a small fee. The cars would turn onto Sheldon Ave and onto Elm Street and Pulaski Circle going around it causing a very fast corner. Then it would wrap around the Jewell Street area and pass by the Arch in the Bushnell where it would probably be the place to take photos of the cars near the arch. Then it would turn right onto High Street and take another turn at Church Street and would pass under the XL Center bridge and straight into the G. Fox building where it would take another right onto Main Street. Then it would wrap around the Connecticut State Building and down the hill and it would turn back onto Columbus Ave.
Another pic of the track
As for seating. Its Hartford, there is so many empty lots, there is plenty of spots for grandstands.
There is alot more I have in mind like traffic flows or the race and how to move the lightposts and fix the mini curb onto the Circle but its late at night. Just an idea. Any other questions?
In the end, this might not be what saves Hartford and Connecticut but its worth a fighting shot.
Also here is a fun tidbit - The second ever Auto Racing championship race took place in next door West Hartford at the Charter Oak Park back in 1905. Connecticut is the only state not from that original list to have a race.
EDIT - that's just a number I made up for profit. I have no idea exactly but with vendors as well as the sanctioning fee. There could be a few dollars there or not.