Unwrap the magic of the holiday season with these events

[Editor’s Note: Be sure your holiday event is listed in the free community calendar.]

The holiday season will kick into action next weekend.

New Milford will officially ring in the spirited season with the annual lighting of the trees on the Green Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m.

The Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce coordinates the event, and the Men's Club of the New Milford United Methodist Church are in charge of putting up the trees.

The event (click here to see full story) coincides with Small Business Saturday, a day the public is encouraged to visit and shop at their local stores. 

The hub of downtown – the beautiful, charming and historic Green with its iconic bandstand – will be the focal point for residents and visitors alike this holiday season.

Thousands are drawn to the town to view the trees – and explore the array of shopping, dining, and experiential opportunities.

Holiday spirit will also shine beyond downtown.

Numerous nonprofits and other organizations and businesses will offer a variety of holiday activities, sales, and more.

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Gallery 25 will hold an opening reception for its Holiday Art & Fine Craft Show Nov. 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. 

Unique gifts, paintings, pottery, glass art, woodwork, and handcrafted items will be on display and for sale.

The show will run through Jan. 12 at the gallery, located in the railroad station at 11 Railroad St.

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/events/holiday-art-fine-craft-show-3d777.

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The First Congregational Church will present a live nativity on its front steps Nov. 30 from 6 to 7 p.m., following the tree lighting.

Singing and cocoa will also be offered at the 36 Main St. church.

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/events/live-nativity-d9bde.

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Runners and walkers are invited to participate in Run Santa Run Nov. 30 at Young’s Field.

The 5K event, which also features a kids’ fun run, raises funds for local nonprofit organizations.

The fun run is free for children, who will have an opportunity to race Santa. However, each child is asked to bring a toy for a child who is less fortunate.

Activities will begin at 9:30 a.m. and run until noon at Young’s Field, Young’s Field Road.

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/events/run-santa-run-14.

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The New Milford Historical Society will again present Holiday Crafts at the Museum this year.

The event will open with a preview and exhibition Nov. 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. 

It will also be open Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., ending just before the tree lighting, giving time for shoppers to grab an early dinner downtown before attending the traditional lighting of the trees.

The event at the museum, located at 6 Aspetuck Ave., will feature works by local artisans.

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/events/holiday-crafts-at-the-museum.

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In Gaylordsville, the Merwinsville Hotel Restoration will present its popular Christmas Shoppe Nov. 29-Dec. 1 and Dec. 6-8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

The event is one of the most popular – if not the most popular – in Gaylordsville at this time of year.

The restored historic building, once a train stop, is elegantly decked out for the season with greens, bows, Nutcrackers, and more.

Fine art and crafts from award-winning artisans will be masterfully displayed and available to purchase (click here to read about how the holiday event has become a tradition for many).

Among the items will be pottery, dolls, woven wear, felted material, jewelry, décor, paintings, photography, and more.

Fresh-cut trees and wreaths from Meadowbrook Gardens in New Milford will be sold at the hotel, located at 1 Brown’s Forge Road.

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/events/holiday-shoppe-at-the-merwinsville-hotel-restoration-7633e

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The public is invited to step into the world of gingerbread by attending one of several gingerbread house decorating workshops set at The Silo Cooking School.

Workshops will be offered Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 1.

Chef, baker, and naturopathic doctor Nijolle Potts will lead the workshops based on the tradition initiated by Ruth Henderson in 1972.

Participants will make an edible gingerbread house while surrounded by holiday décor. 

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/events/gingerbread-house-decorating-workshop-fbf2d

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An assortment of holiday fare will be available to explore and purchase Nov. 30 at the First Congregational Church’s holiday craft fair.

The fair, which will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 36 Main St. church, will feature jewelry, candles, woodworks, knitted items, wreaths, bath bombs, tumblers, and 3D printing.

In addition, a table with raffles will be offered.

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/events/craft-fair

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A musical program, “Sounds of the Season,” will be held Dec. 3 from 6 to 7 p.m. at New Milford Public Library.

The group Earlybirds will perform the holiday program at the 24 Main St. library.

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/events/earlybird-concert.

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The annual Sip & Stroll, coordinated by Bank Street Group, will be held Dec. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. throughout downtown.

Those who purchase tickets in advance will stroll along the cobblestone sidewalks of downtown, and pop in and out of participating businesses that will offer refreshments and beverages.

In addition, gifts, products and services will be available to purchase.

This year’s event will benefit New Milford’s first responders: Water Witch Hose Co #2, Northville and Gaylordsville volunteer fire departments, New Milford Ambulance and New Milford Police Department’s Community Outreach Program. 

The event is for individuals ages 21 and older.

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/events/sip-and-stroll-ba110.

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Paul’s Custom Pet Food is offering something special for those who want to celebrate their furry canine friends this holiday season. 

The business is booking pet holiday photo sessions with treat-catching and holiday props.

Thirty-minute sessions with Paw Print Studio are available for Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Paul’s, 84 Railroad St.

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/events/holiday-pet-sessions.

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The Little Red Schoolhouse in Gaylordsville has announced it will again hold a holiday open house Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ornaments, jewelry, notecards, bookmarks and “The History of Gaylordsville” book will be sold, and refreshments will be served at the Gaylord School on Gaylord Road.

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/events/christmas-in-gaylordsville.

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Those looking for a way to express their creativity this holiday season may find the holiday floral workshop Dec. 8 of interest.

Beginners and experienced floral designers are welcome to attend the Parks & Recreation workshop at the John Pettibone Community Center on Pickett District Road from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Evergreens, flowers, berries, cones and embellishments will be available to use, and floral tools, vessels, market-fresh materials and light refreshments will be provided. 

All ages and levels are welcome. Two people can work together and pay for one booking.

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/events/holiday-floral-design-workshop.

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Musical holiday entertainment will be offered free of charge Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. at the First Congregational Church.

The Christmas concert will feature the church’s concert choir and Village Ringers Handbell Choir.

The church is located at 36 Main St.

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/events/christmas-concert-5f95e.

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The New Milford Public Library will offer two special holiday events Dec. 13.

A holiday card-making workshop will run from 2 to 4 p.m., while a reading of “A Christmas Carol” will be presented from 6 to 7 p.m. at the 24 Main St. library.

Workshop participants will use die cuts, embossing folders, ink-blending and stamps to make three holiday cards.

All materials will be provided.

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/events/holiday-card-making-17da1.

Bill Hughes will read a gently abridged version of the story for dramatic purpose from the restructured version Charles Dickens created for his own United States reading tour of 1867/1868, which included stops in New Haven and Hartford in 1868 with readings of “A Christmas Carol.”

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/events/a-christmas-carol-reading-by-bill-hughes.

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Two annual traditions – the Carol Sing and the Parade of Lights, each of which draw large crowds – will be held Dec. 14 on the Green.

The Carol Sing, sponsored by the New Milford Commission on the Arts, will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the bandstand. 

After, the Parade of Lights will immediately kick off.

Water Witch Hose Co. #2 spearheads the parade, which will consist of many vehicles illuminated for the holiday season. 

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/events/carol-sing-on-the-green.

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Families are invited to a special “Ho Ho Holiday Family Fun Pour Painting Party” Dec. 14 at John Pettibone Community Center.

The family-friendly event, coordinated through Parks & Recreation, offers participants the opportunity to explore the magic of pour painting.

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/events/holiday-family-fun-pour-painting.

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The model train exhibit that has attracted train enthusiasts and families for years will return to Gallery 25 at the railroad station, 11 Railroad St., Dec. 20 and run through Dec. 29.

Model trains will make their way along tracks against whimsical backgrounds at the gallery during gallery hours Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.