Here’s an updated list of things to do for the holidays.
I’ve pulled info from social media, websites, and The Valley Indy self-serve community calendar.
The Valley Indy is happy to publicize your community events. Please check out our submission guidelines.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2022
*Jingle & Mingle. Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce holds its annual holiday gathering and celebrates the grand opening of Mutual Security Credit Union’s new branch location from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., 1000 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton. Attendees encouraged to wear festive, seasonal attire for chance to win a prize, and also bring a toy for TEAM, Inc.’s annual Toys for Kids collection. Music provided by Stardust Jazz Trio, cash bar and light bites from Spice Catering Group. Cost for Chamber members is $20 and $40 for all others. Registration includes one free drink ticket.
To register and for more information click here.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2022
*Get ready for a“Holiday Feast” at the Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby (500 Hawthorne Ave), Connecticut! Celebrate holiday food traditions of different cultures and nationalities of Connecticut and the diversity of American food. On Fridays, December 2, 9, and 16, the museum will present“Twilight Tours” to display the shimmering glow of the decorations from 4PM to 7PM. SOURCE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2022
*Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells…Crafting All the Day! (All Ages) at Derby Public Library: A day (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) filled with creativity and fun for all ages! Two hands-on, guided craft projects. At 10:00 Lisa Lupa joins us with a winter-themed craft project for the whole family followed by Dawn Zulich aka“The Stitching Coach” at 11:30 with participants creating a snowflake ornament suitable for ages 8+ (assistance of an adult 18 or older for anyone under 12).
Throughout the day, visitors to the library may stop by the DIY Station located in the Children’s Room to decorate a gift bag, create a holiday card and/or gift tags for all their gift giving needs for the upcoming holiday season.
THE ENTIRE DAY IS FREE OF CHARGE. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THE TWO WORKSHOPS (see individual events), BUT NOT NECESSARY FOR THE DROP-IN DIY STATION ACTIVITIES.
SOURCE.
*“Holiday Feast” at the Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby, 500 Hawthorne Ave: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrate holiday food traditions of different cultures and nationalities of Connecticut and the diversity of American food. The holiday tours will run from November 25 through December 17, 2022. Tours will be offered Thursdays through Sundays from 10AM to 4PM. On Fridays, December 2, 9, and 16, the museum will present“Twilight Tours” to display the amber glow of the decorations from 4PM to 7PM. Source.
*Christmas on the Hill, Great Hill UMC, 225 Great Hill Road, Seymour, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mark your calendar and join us on December 10th from 9AM – 2PM for our annual Christmas on the Hill event. Complete your last-minute Christmas shopping while enjoying complimentary refreshments, Christmas music, and our seasonally decorated hall. Also enter in for your chance to win one of two $50 AMEX gift cards, just in time for a little extra Christmas spending.Great Hill United Methodist Church is located at 225 Great Hill Road, Seymour, CT. The event will be held in our Fellowship Hall which is handicap accessible. Source
*Popcorn Balls in White Hills and a Toys 4 Kids Collection, Saturday December 10th, from 9:00 AM to 4:30PM, Santa will be escorted on a fire truck through the White Hills of Shelton. Santa and his helpers will be tossing out popcorn balls to children during Santa’s tour through White Hills. The trip begins in Upper White Hills and ends in Lower White Hills.
Members of the White Hills Fire Company will follow Santa’s engine with Pickup trucks as part of the fire company’s Toys 4 Kids drive. New unwrapped toys will be collected by the firefighters for distribution by Team Inc. Toys may also be dropped of under the front porch at the firehouse. 2 School St.
*Toys 4 Kids Drive, Seymour Stop & Shop, 15 Franklin St. in Seymour, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., bring a new, unwrapped toy for Team Inc.‘s annual toy drive. Sponsored by emergency services in Seymour. Source.
*Ansonia First Responders Toy Drive, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Event will be held at the Ansonia Target, 20 West Main St. in Ansonia. Please stop by and drop off an unwrapped toy for Team’s annual ‘Toys 4 Kids!’ Source
*Team Toys 4 Kids Drive, sponsored by Derby Storm Ambulance & Rescue, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at BJ’s Wholesale, 20 Division St. in Derby. Donate money or a new, unwrapped toy. Source.
*Santa’s Christmas Trail, Naugatuck Events Center, 6 Rubber Ave., Naugatuck. Saturday’s & Sunday’s December 3 – 4, December 10 – 11, and December 17 – 18, visit Santa’s Christmas Trail – a walk through of Christmas memories. The event includes professional photos with Santa and The Grinch, Vendor Village, Food Court featuring Chilly Mac’s World Famous Mac ‘n Cheese & Delicious Chili and Sweet Treats Dessert shop. The event also features a 100 ft 4D Christmas Light Tunnel Experience, A 10 ft giant interactive Christmas video game, elf crafts, raffles, prizes and giveaway, and an ice skating rink outside front doors. Prices vary. Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Source and source for more info.
*Kids Krazy Kristmas Petting Zoo & Pony Rides, Shelton Square shopping center, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., 898 Bridgeport Ave. in Shelton. Shelton Square Mall is excited to announce the 5th Annual Kids Krazy Kristmas Petting Zoo & Pony Rides. On Saturday, December 10, 2022 from 12 – 3pm, the Shelton Square Mall and several of Santa’s elves will host an outdoor kid-friendly afternoon of fun and Christmas cheer featuring ponies, a cow, and petting zoo from JC’s Pony Parties, a goodie bag, photo ops with the animals, singing, and hot cocoa.Our Olde English Carolers will be strolling the grounds, further adding to the festivities. So, come join us for some fun and then visit our amazing array of merchants.The Kids Krazy Kristmas event is free but we ask you to register your child/children ages 2 – 10 in advance at: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSf717PdyLCACs…/viewform Once you have registered you will receive an email ticket with the timed entry confirmation. Health and safety protocols will be followed.Goodie bags are one per child while supplies last.We will be asking for voluntary cash/check donations on-site for Spooner House
*Free Family Christmas Party, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Walnut Hill Community Church, corner of Smith and Ninth Street in Derby. Crafts, caroling, cookie decorating, games & more. Source.
*St. Mary-St. Michael Christmas Family Dinner & Photos w/Santa, 5 p.m. sit down and 5:30 p.m. take home. St. Mary’s Church Hall
This is an in-person, sit down dinner open to all parishioners. Menu will include: Ham, Roasted Potatoes, Carrots & Peas, Applesauce, Salad, Bread and a variety of desserts, and wine. Price: $25 / adults, $10 / kids over 5 yrs. To place your order visit us at: https://smsmderby-fundraiser.shopsettings.com Source.
*Seymour Land Trust Annual Fireworks and Visit with Santa. Come visit with Santa, Frosty, Olaf, Elf on the Shelf and more at 5 p.m. at Seymour Land Trust, 13 Chatfield St., Seymour. Food available for purchase, along with a free DJ, pictures with Santa, followed by fireworks at 6:30 p.m. Source.
*‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ screens at The Strand Theater in Seymour. 7 p.m., 165 Main St. Click here for the event page.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2022
Message me if you hear of anything.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2022
*Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Holiday Breakfast & Awards. Celebrate the achievements of Chamber members from 7:30 to 9:15 a.m. at Courtyard by Marriott, 780 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton. Award winners include Budderfly, Lindy Lee Gold, Barone Properties, Beardsley Zoo and EMB, Inc. Cost is $35 for Chamber members and $45 for all others.
To register and for more information click here.
*The public is welcome to attend the Derby High School Winter Concert on 12/14 at 6:30 PM. A digital version of the concert program is best viewed on a phone or tablet. This concert will feature the band, choir, jazz ensemble, and drama. It will be a great way to get into the spirit of the holidays! Derby High School is at 75 Chatfield St. in Derby.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022
*Get ready for a“Holiday Feast” at the Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby, Connecticut (500 Hawthorne Ave.)! Celebrate holiday food traditions of different cultures and nationalities of Connecticut and the diversity of American food. On Fridays, December 2, 9, and 16, the museum will present“Twilight Tours” to display the shimmering glow of the decorations from 4PM to 7PM. SOURCE
(Dec. 16) and Dec. 17:
*”A Christmas Carol.” The Dickens classic will be presented by the Valley Shakespeare Festival at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 1 p.m. Dec. 17 at Plumb Memorial Public Library, 65 Wooster St., Shelton. The Festival’s Executive/Artistic Director Tom Simonetti will play all 25 memorable characters from Ebeneezer Scrooge to Tiny Tim. The performances are free, but donations to the nonprofit Valley Shakespeare theater are accepted. Seating is limited and registration is required by calling the library at (203) 924‑1580 ext 5102 or visiting their website.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2022
*Seymour Fire Department Annual Santa Toy Delivery. Want Santa to deliver presents on a firetruck directly to your home? To register, send an email to [email protected]. Crews will start delivering toys at 9 a.m.
*Annual Cookie Walk, Three Saints Orthodox Church, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 26 Howard Ave. in Ansonia. Cookies will be $9 per pound. All cookie will be labeled with the name of the cookie and all ingredients. Nut free, sugar free and gluten free cookies will be available. Fill a box of your favorites. The Church Store will also be open for unique holiday gifts. St. Nicholas will be arriving at 11:30! All children are welcome to join us for cookies with our special guest. For more information, call 203 – 735-0117 or email [email protected] Source.
Dec. 16 and 17
*”A Christmas Carol.” The Dickens classic will be presented by the Valley Shakespeare Festival at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 1 p.m. Dec. 17 at Plumb Memorial Public Library, 65 Wooster St., Shelton. The Festival’s Executive/Artistic Director Tom Simonetti will play all 25 memorable characters from Ebeneezer Scrooge to Tiny Tim. The performances are free, but donations to the nonprofit Valley Shakespeare theater are accepted. Seating is limited and registration is required by calling the library at (203) 924‑1580 ext 5102 or visiting their website.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2022
THIS IS THE LAST SUNDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS. IT IS THE TRADITIONAL DATE FOR POPCORN BALL SUNDAY!
Check with your local fire department’s Facebook page to confirm. I pulled what I came across, but Facebook makes my eyes bleed after awhile.
*In Derby, Storm Engine does the west side of the city, while Hotchkiss Hose tackles the east side. In addition, East End Hose will be delivering toys for families who signed up to have toys delivered.
*In Seymour, the fire trucks will certainly be out for Popcorn Ball Sunday, according to this post from the Great Hill Hose Co. Here’s a link you should click to learn LOTS MORE about Popcorn Ball Sunday in Seymour.
*In Ansonia, I couldn’t find the link as of Tuesday afternoon, but readers assured me it’s on Sunday, too. UPDATE: BEWM! From the Ansonia Fire Department:
Popcorn Ball Sunday is back!Watch and listen on Sunday, December 18 … starting mid-morning (times are dependent on members’ availability at each of the 5 stations that comprise the Ansonia Fire Department). You will most likely hear us coming before you see us! Oh, did we say Santa will be joining us? Ho, ho, ho!While we are excited to be back, we want to remind our neighbors to safely enjoy the festivities! Please don’t stand in (or run into) the street to retrieve those delicious treats! Our firefighters have fairly good aim and will make every attempt to hit your porch or front lawn. If there are some errant tosses, please wait until the truck leaves the area before retrieving those goodies. And be sure to look all ways before doing so!See you then!
ALSO …
*An Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration, by the Derby Historical Society, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the David Humphreys House, 37 Elm Street in Ansonia. Christmas stories, games and crafts, gingerbread cookie decorating, hot chocolate and snacks, Santa may appear. Source.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays.
