Thanksgiving Weekend Local Events in Southeastern Connecticut

Black Friday, the official opening of the Christmas shopping season, is days away and doors open as early as 4 a.m. at some department to target shoppers anxious to get the best deal. Fortunately, getting up before dawn and fighting the crowds does not have to be an integral aspect of the spending frenzy that has become a part of just about every holiday season.

In southeast Connecticut, and its surrounding states, opportunities abound to relish and enjoy the holiday season. And even to pick up a trinket or two to give as a gift. Here's a breakdown of some of the area festivities.

Friday, November 23

Meet Santa at Olde Mistick Village (27 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, Connecticut) Brady White, a.k.a. "Santa to the Stars," will arrive to talk to children, listen to their holiday wishes, and have photos taken.

Santa Special & North Pole Express Trains (1 Railroad Ave., Essex, Connecticut, 860-767-0103) Starting Nov 23 and running through Dec 23, Santa will arrive via steam train at Valley Railroad. Call for times and details.

Saturday, November 24

Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting, Downtown Niantic, Connecticut. 4-8 p.m. Activities include complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides to retailers, a "Snow" drop of ping pong balls marked with discounts, children's activities provided by the Children's Museum of Southeast Connecticut ($3 admission), refreshments, the arrival of Santa via fire truck and the tree lighting.

Westport Rivers Vineyard Holiday Open House (417 Hixbridge Road, Westport, Massacusetts, 508-636-3423). 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free admission. Enjoy activities such as vineyard hay ride tours, wine tours, wine tastings, walking amidst kettle fires, ornament decorating and story telling, and live music. Food and drink will be available from the following area businesses: Westport Rivers Wine Tastings, Buzzards Bay Brew, Tastings, Giggles Kettle Corn, Shy Brothers Farm Hannabelle Cheeses, Route 66 Diner's Hot Sandwiches, Cider & Apples from Dartmouth Orchards, Equal Exchange Coffee and Hot Cocoa.

Sunday, November 25

Meet Santa in Mystic, CT on Friday, Nov. 23.

Credit: www.oldmistickvillage.com

Copyright: www.oldmistickvillage.com