Community Corner

Victorian Holidays at Lockwood-Mathews, Stew's Menorah Lighting, Settis' Christmas Village

  • Friday, Nov. 29. Lockwood-Mathews Mansion: A Grand Display of Holiday Traditions: Victorian Era Presents and Decorations through Dec. 29

    Visitors to the Mansion in December will explore the development of American holiday traditions during the Victorian era, including holiday technologies and toys. Each Period Room of this National Historic Landmark will tell a story, such as the Dining Room, which will highlight New Year’s feasts and menus. Throughout the Mansion the exhibit will tell the evolving story of the Christmas tree and its decorations.

    Visitors will see its evolution from 1850 to 1900s, from small tabletop tree with edibles and handmade ornaments, to lavishly embellished trees that stood on the floor and almost reached the ceiling.   The Museum will also explore the Mansion during the 1930s, and the decorations and gift-giving traditions during Florence Mathews era.   

    The exhibit is curated by Raechel Guest.  Admission is $10 adults, $8 seniors, and $6 for children 8-18.

  • “The Polar Express” on IMAX at The Aquarium at Norwalk starts Nov. 29 (runs through Jan. 1)  Renew (or begin) a family tradition by securing your tickets for a magical ride to the North Pole as “The Polar Express” steams back onto The Maritime Aquarium’s giant IMAX screen for a limited holiday engagement. Based on the 1986 Caldecott Award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, “The Polar Express” follows a young boy who doubts the existence of Santa Claus but gets taken on a magical Christmas Eve trip to the North Pole.

Digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX format, the animated film has Tom Hanks lending his voice and likeness to several main roles, including the train conductor, a mysterious hobo and Santa Claus.

“The Polar Express” will play Nov. 29-Dec. 22 at 4 & 7:30 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays and at 4 p.m. Sundays.  From Dec. 26-Jan. 1, “The Polar Express” will play at 4 & 7:30 p.m. daily (except just at 4 p.m. on Dec. 31). Confirm show times at www.maritimeaquarium.org.

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  • Rick and Joan Settis' Christmas Village comes alive nightly at their home Midwood Rd. This year is the 25th that the couple have staged their winter wonderland of handmade wooden figures, tiny houses and strands of lights. Nightly beginning Thanksgiving evening at 5:00p.m.

  • Sat., Nov. 30, Access Health CT In Person Assister at Norwalk Library, 1 Belden Ave in the Teen Room.  Access Health CT In Person Assister to help you navigate the new CT health insurance market place (appointment is necessary) To book an appointment , please call 203 899 2780 x 15109. 

  • Sun., Dec. 1, at 5:00p.m. at Stew Leonard's: Giant Public Menorah Lighting. Come see the lighting of an 18' Menorah and enjoy the festivities, marking the 4th Eve of Chanukah, will take place at Stew Leonard's on Route 1 Post Road.  

    Live music, kosher refreshments, hot latkes, dreidels and chocolate "gelt" will be distributed to all.  Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht will M.C. the event. Public dignitaries and civic leaders will participate. The ceremonies are co-sponsored by Beth Israel of Westport/Norwalk and the Schneerson Center for Jewish Life, Connecticut.  The event is free and open to the public. For more information please call 203-866-0534.www.bethisraelct.org


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