HARTFORD, Conn. — The spirit of the holidays is strong around Connecticut, as the weekend happenings in the state continue the Hanukkah celebrations and build up the excitement for Christmas, just around the corner.
Experience the magic of the holiday season with The Festival of Lights at Olde Mistick Village from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8. Thousands of luminaries will light up the walkways of the village. There will also be live entertainment and free treats in the Meeting House.
Luminaries can also be found at Mystic Seaport Museum for its Lantern Light Village. It starts Friday, Dec. 8, and goes until Dec. 23. Experience light displays from holidays past and present, showing differences between the 19th century and modern holiday seasons. There will also be live music, horse and carriage rides and St. Nicholas will visit too. For tickets and more information, click here.
'Tis the season for holiday acapella to make spirits bright. Straight No Chaser is stopping by Mohegan Sun for its "Sleighin' It Tour" on Friday, Dec. 8. The nine-man act recently celebrated 25 years of spreading holiday cheer from their performances. Tickets and information can be found here.
Ever wanted to see where the governor lives while in office? Gov. Ned Lamont and first lady Annie Lamont will welcome guests at the historic Governor's Residence in Hartford for an open house and tours this weekend. The open house will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9. Registration is not needed and admission is free, and they're collecting donations to Operation ELF.
Bundle up and lace up your running shoes for the Niantic Jingle Bell 5K! The 10th annual road race will take place at McCooks Park on Saturday, Dec. 9, with the timer starting at 10 a.m. Runners and walkers can also join the costume contest, which starts at 9 a.m., with a winner announced at 9:30 a.m. Donations will benefit the Brian Dagle Foundation and Brian's Healing Hearts Center for Hope and Healing. Registration is still open online and day-of registration at the race will start at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. For more information and to register, click here. A virtual race option is also available.
Legendary Italian singer Andrea Bocelli will grace his voice upon Hartford on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. at the XL Center. Bocelli is back in Hartford for the first time in 25 years, according to the XL Center, and his show will feature Virginia Bocelli and Zucchero. Tickets and information can be found here.
The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory's production of The Nutcracker opens at the Warner Theater in Torrington this weekend. Shows will run for two weekends: Dec. 9-10 and Dec. 16-17. Tickets and information for this timeless classic can be found here.
In Madison, another Jingle Bell Run will ring in the holidays with a 5K road race. Participants and teams are raising funds to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. The race starts at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10 at the Surf Club in Madison. Online registration is closed, but day-of registration at the race will be available. More information can be found here.
The Chabad of Greater Hartford will be hosting the annual Chanukah Fire on Ice Festival. A larger-than-life, ice-sculpted Menorah will be lit. There will also be a children's art contest with the theme, "Be the Light," as well as live music from Hasidic rock band 8th Day. Chanukah started on Thursday at sunset, and the festival will mark the fourth night of the holiday. Register for this free event and find more details here.
Of course, that's not all that's happening this holiday weekend in Connecticut! For more ideas, head to CT Visit.
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Leah Myers is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at lmyers@fox61.com
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