Lock in a night that actually slows December down instead of speeding it up.

On Friday, December 6, award-winning Celtic harpist Áine is bringing her Celtic holiday magic back to historic St. Paul’s Church in Windham Center. Her playing has that “close your eyes, this might be what heaven sounds like” vibe — the kind of calm you’re going to wish you’d booked once the holiday chaos hits.

And it’s more than just a concert:

Seats are limited and this is our last reminder before show week.
If you’ve been meaning to go, this is the moment - grab your tickets below before they’re gone.

People jumped on this faster than I expected, and seats are already getting scooped up for December 10th.

If you’ve been hovering on the fence thinking, “That sounds cool, I’ll get to it later,” this is your nudge. Once we fill these tables, that’s it for the first dinner – no overflow list, no secret extra room, just one night with a curated mix of locals swapping real stories over good food.

Reminder of the vibe:

📍 Hartford
🗓 Tuesday, December 10th
⏰ 7:00 PM

If you’ve been craving deeper conversations and want to be part of the first-ever CT Buzz Dinner Club night, grab your spot now before the last seats disappear.

P.S If you can’t make this one, sign up and we’ll keep you posted on future dinners. We will try rolling this out closer to your area if the first one goes well.

SATURDAY 12/6

Storrs | 13th Annual Winter Welcome | 4-6:30pm - There’s no excuse for saying there’s nothing to do, when you can be making your way to Betsy Paterson Square (2 Dog Lane) to take advantage of everything the Mansfield Downtown Partnership is offering.

Ice sculptures, puzzle swaps, a little light learning (it’s good for you, don’t pshaw me), axe throwing (toy versions), a ton of games, a winter village and train display, voting for your favorite entry in the trim-a-tree competition (word is you might even walk away with some goodies), live performances, and of course, a visit from a certain jolly someone and his better half.

I think I covered it pretty well, but if you really need more info, click here.

If you’re in Tolland County and trying to dodge big-box gift panic, this lineup of local spots is your cheat code - farm stands, makers, cozy boutiques, and “I can’t believe this is here” shops tucked into every corner off I-84. You can grab something that actually has a story behind it instead of another Prime box on the porch. If I missed one of your go-to Tolland County spots, hit reply and tell me - I’ll add it to the list.

Mansfield Art Center | 285 Stafford Rd, Mansfield Center, CT 06250 | Fair-trade-focused art and gift shop stocked with handmade crafts from around the world plus a strong local-artist vibe.

Lavender Ridge Farm | 44 Stage Rd, Coventry | Family-run lavender farm with small-batch soaps, candles, and self-care goodies grown and made right in Coventry.

Round Hill Alpacas | 56 Round Hill Rd, Coventry | Alpaca farm shop with ultra-cozy socks, yarn, and handmade fiber gifts spun from their own herd.

Fog Hollow Studio & Gifts | 714 Grant Hill Rd, Coventry | Artsy little studio packed with handcrafted gifts, fiber arts, and one-of-a-kind pieces you’re not finding on Amazon.

Long Meadow Farm | 1535 Main St, Coventry | Seasonal farm with pick-your-own fruit, farm-made jams, and other small-batch pantry treats straight from their fields.

The Hoot | 86 Storrs Rd, Mansfield | Eclectic gift shop mixing jewelry, pottery, textiles, and fun oddities that feel very “only-in-Mansfield.”

Johnny Appleseed’s Farm | 185 West Rd (Rte 83), Ellington | Classic pick-your-own orchard with apples, pumpkins, a corn maze (yes, we know that’s done for the season), but they have a couple farm-stands that are a must visit.

Over AndOver Barntique | 415 Route 6, Andover | “Barntique” full of upcycled furniture, vintage finds, and handmade home décor with serious treasure-hunt energy.

Tolland Red & White | 46 Tolland Green, Tolland | Old-time country store on the Green selling penny candy, hand-carved birds, wood toys, and unique crafted gifts in a building with 200+ years of history.

Bittersweet Country Collectibles | 63 W Main St, Stafford Springs | Primitive/country shop in an old general store, loaded with American-made handmades, antiques, home décor, and seasonal gifts.

Columbia | Holiday Cookie Exchange | 6:30pm - Alright, so a little last minute on my part, but there’s still time to get in on this cookie swap at Saxton B. Little Library (319 Rt 87). Call (860) 228-0350 to make sure you can still participate, then get baking! You’ll need two dozen cookies (and the recipe to share).

Stafford Springs | Dining For a Cause | 5-8pm $ - The Rotary Club of Stafford is hosting a dinner at Four Seasons By The Lake (51 Old Springfield Rd) to help bring some kindness into the community. Either dining in or taking out can help fuel local service projects. Also, if you’re able, bring a pair of new pajamas (any size/type) that will go to local families in need. Raffles also available.

Storrs | Psychic Medium | 6:30pm $ - Rebecca Anne LoCicero is back at Hops 44 (625 Middle Tpke) for an intimate reading. Seats are capped at only 25 people, so get tix sooner than later.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Bidwell Tavern - Coventry | Tino & Malone | 6:30-9:30pm

TRIVIA

Bond 124 - Somers | 7-8:30pm

Ellington | Women’s Night Out | 6-8pm - Old School Harley-Davidson (398 Somers Rd) is hosting a women’s night out, with wine-tastings (must be over 21, obviously), tattoo consults, glam tips and makeovers, books, live music, and food. Even if you don’t ride, it sounds like it’ll be a great time!

Somers | Holiday Sip & Craft | 6-8pm $ - Wood & Word Blooms and Worthington Vineyards (349 Mountain Rd) are teaming up for a seasonal workshop to create a candy cane vase filled with wood flowers. First drink is included with the ticket price. Tix

Storrs | Messiah Sing | 8pm $ - Whether you’d like to listen or join in, the UConn choirs (875 Coventry Rd) will be leading the audience in Handel’s masterpiece. Scores will be available to rent for an additional small fee. Tix

Vernon | Designer Purse Bingo | 5:30pm $ - Arts Center East (709 Hartford Tpke) is hosting a designer purse Bingo evening, with special guest caller Missy Smith from the Tolland County Chamber of Commerce (she’s the absolute best!). Register

Vernon | Line Dancing | 7-10pm $ - It’s time to do the boot-scootin’ boogie at the Rocking Horse (57 Hartford Tpke). All ages welcome, $10 cover.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Square Peg - Vernon | Kt Lay | 6-9pm

TRIVIA

Rocking Horse - Vernon | 7-9pm

Andover | Holiday Barn Sale | 10am-3pm - It’s that time of year, the Holiday Barn Sale (200 Hebron Rd) is back again! Handcrafted items, vintage jewelry, upcycled decor, and plenty more (how’s that for a rhyme?). The barn will also be open on 12/6 during the same hours.

Bolton | Festival of Trees | 6-8pm - Check out tree decorated by several Bolton Non-profits and businesses, vote for your favorite, check out over 50 raffle baskets, grab a picture with Santa (Saturday), enjoy some local eggnog, and check out what’s promising to be a great time at Bolton Congregational Church (228 Bolton Center Rd). This event will also run on 12/6 from 4-8pm.

Bolton | Holiday Wreath Workshop | 5:30-7pm $ - Cropley’s Garden Center (1262 Boston Tpke) is back hosting wreath workshops this year. Everything you need will be provided. Tix

Columbia | Kids Holiday Shop | 4-6pm - Bring your little ones to Yeoman’s Hall (323 Rt 87), give them a list, some spending money, and let them pick out presents for the family. Over 100 unique gifts, ranging from $1-$12. The shop will also be on 12/6 from 9am-1pm.

Coventry | Contra Dance | 7:30-10:30pm $ - Swing your partner dosi-well, you get it. Do a little bit of called dancing at the Patriot’s Park Lodge (124 Lake St). Wear appropriate footwear and have a great time! More info

Stafford Springs | Live Wreath Workshop | 6-8pm $ - Make a fragrant wreath with WanderBrush at Stafford Cidery (68 Main St). You’ll use a grapevine base, fresh greens, pine cones, and other materials to make the perfect holiday wreath. Tix

Tolland | Early Bedtime Story w/Milk & Cookies | 6-7pm - This is an event aimed at children ages 3-10. There will be a reading of The Lucky Husky at Tolland Red and White (46 Tolland Grn). Other activities will also be occurring. Registration is a must.

Vernon | Felted Gingerbread Ornament | 6-8:30pm $ - Create a fuzzy gingerbread man to adorn your tree at Arts Center East (709 Hartford Tpke). Tix

Willington | Bingo Night | 7-9pm $ - Get your Bingo on at Creed Nutrition (Phelps Way). Register

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ JRego’s - Ellington | Good Vibes | 6:30-9:30pm
⬢ Rocking Horse - Vernon | The Priest/Metal Godz | 8pm
⬢ Joanna’s - Somers | Cover 2 Cover | 6:30-9:30pm
⬢ Stillwater Grill - Stafford | The Natural Disasters | 6pm
⬢ Four Seasons by the Lake - Stafford | Hatfield | 7pm

TRIVIA

Worthington Vineyard - Somers | 6-8pm

Andover | Holiday Bazaar | 10am - Browse through goods from local crafters and small businesses at the Andover Community Center (25 School Rd). Tons of holiday-themed wares, along with plenty of other surprises to discover.

Bolton | Alpaca Visit | 10am-3pm - Cropley’s Garden Center (1262 Boston Tpke) will have some of the alpacas from Round Hill Alpaca, for a little meet and greet, as well as alpaca products.

Bolton | Annual Winter Craft & Vendor Fair | 9am-2pm - Take a gander at the goods makers and vendors are selling at Bolton Center School (108 Notch Rd). Raffles will be available.

Bolton | Holiday Tree Lighting | 4-5pm - Celebrate the Bolton community with their annual tree lighting in the gazebo at 206 Bolton Center Rd.

Bolton | Ugly Xmas Sweater Karaoke Party | 8pm-12am - Three J’s Cafe (124 Boston Tpke) is throwing a party for those who love donning truly tacky outerwear. Cash prize for the ugliest sweater, cookie decorating, karaoke, and more.

Coventry | Annual Craft Show | 9am-2pm $ - The Coventry PTO is putting on their 49th annual craft show at Coventry High School (78 Ripley Hill Rd). 50+ crafters, bake sale, craft classes, and all sorts of other fun things. $3/Adult, free for kids.

Coventry | Annual Potluck Dinner | 6-7:30pm $ - Raffles, food, helping out a worthy cause, what else do you need? The Second Congregational Church (1746 Boston Tpke) is hosting this benefit for Flying Free Therapeutic Riding Center. $25 tickets at the door.

Coventry | Holiday Fair | 9am-2pm - The First Congregational Church (1171 Main St) will be holding a holiday fair with tons of vendors, attic treasures, antiques, baked goods, and some raffle prizes that are truly impressive. The fair also runs on 11/7 from 12-4pm. The winners of the raffles will be drawn at 4pm, winners need not be present.

Ellington | Winter Farmers Market | 9am - Kick off your Winterfest with a stop at the Ellington Farmers Market (37 Maple St). Shop local!

Ellington | Stuff A Stocking | 9am-4pm - If you donate a minimum of $3 to the Vernon Pet Pantry, you’ll be able to fill a store-provided stocking, and receive 20% off of most items at Ellington Agway (74 West Rd). You can ask which items are not part of the sale in-store.

Ellington | Winterfest | 9am-7pm - The Nellie McKnight Museum (70 Main St) is going to be a centerpiece of Ellington’s Winterfest Celebration. Explore the inside of the museum, do a little shopping inside, grab some food from the food trucks, and stick around for the bonfire starting at 3pm. You can see the full schedule here.

Hebron | Holiday Celebration | 3-5pm - Hebron is celebrating the holidays at Douglas Library (22 Main St) with crafts, free cocoa, a performance from the RHAM choir, the arrival of Santa by fire truck, visits, and capping it off with the tree lighting at 4:45pm.

Somers | Holiday Bazaar | 9am-2pm - Somers Congregational United Church of Christ (599 Main St) is holding a bazaar featuring homemade crafts, baked goods, vintage Christmas items, and poinsettias for sale.

Somers | Holiday Festival | 4pm - The Town of Somers (19 Battle St) is holding their 5th annual festival and tree lighting. Caroling, hot cocoa, cookies, face painting, inflatables, and more family fun.

Somers | Holiday Market | 10am-4pm - Sonny’s Place (349 Main St) is holding their yearly holiday market in the North Pavilion.

Somers | Holiday Spectacular | 12-5pm - Get your pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Worthington Vineyards (359 Mountain Rd). Also make sure to grab some mulled wine while you’re there.

Stafford Springs | Holiday Craft Market | 10am-4pm - The everchanging holiday market at Middle River Gallery (60 Main St) is back showcasing even more local artisans and makers.

Stafford Springs | Kitty Schooley Art Show Reception | 5pm - There will be a reception at Three Graces Vintage (2 River Rd) for the photos and art work of Kitty Schooley. Light refreshments will be served.

Stafford Springs | Saturday w/Santa | 10am-12pm - Stafford Elementary School (11 Levinthal Run) will be hosting a bake sale, games/activities, pictures with Santa, and of course, some cocoa. Bring some nonperishable items to help spread holiday cheer if you’re able.

Tolland | Christmas Nostalgia | 10am-5pm - Take a trip back in time to see how Christmas used to be celebrated in the Victorian Era at the Hicks-Stearns Museum (42 Tolland Grn). Period decorations, delicious refreshments, and a little taste of history. The museum will also be open 11/7 from 11am-2pm, with entertainment by The Vernon Chorale from 12:30-1:30pm. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted.

Tolland | Holiday Market | 9am-12pm - Shakeup Makeup (45 Industrial Park Rd W) is holding a local artist/small business holiday market. Books, jewelry, soaps, and a lot more.

Vernon | Arctic Splash | 1pm - The annual Polar Plunge Fundraiser is back at Valley Falls Park (300 Valley Falls Rd). More info/register here.

Vernon | Peace on Earth | 7:30pm $ - The Vernon Chorale is holding a winter concert celebrating the beauty of the season at First Congregational Church (695 Hartford Tpke). Tix

Willington | Craft Fair | 9am-4pm - The Willington Public Library (7 Ruby Rd) is holding a vendor fair, with all sorts of goodies to be found. Make sure to stop in and say hi to my friend Debbie while you’re there!

Willington | Santa Appearance | 8-10am - Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making an appearance at Flat Pennies Kitchen (12 Tolland Tpke). Make sure to grab some breakfast while you’re there.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Rocking Horse - Vernon | Real Thing (Alice in Chains tribute) | 9pm $10
⬢ The Packing House - Willington | Kate Prascher | 7:30-10pm $
⬢ The Hidden Still - Ellington | Desert Rain | 8:30pm
⬢ Joanna’s - Somers | Stix n-Lix | 8-11pm

TRIVIA

Stafford Cidery - Stafford Springs | 6:30pm

Bolton | Santa Visit | 10am-2pm - Santa is going to be making an appearance at Cropley’s Garden Center (1262 Boston Tpke). Bring the kids or the (well-behaved) dogs for some pictures with Santa.

Mansfield | Benefit Concert | 3pm $ - The amazing acapella group Take Note! will be performing a benefit concert at The First Church of Christ (549 Storrs Rd) to help raise funds for the Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic. I’ve seen them several times, and they never fail to impress! Donate what you can to help.

Rockville | Music Bingo | 1:30pm $ - Play a little musical Bingo at the Maple Grove Club (100 Franklin St). Cash bar, BYO snacks to munch on. $20 tickets.

Somers | KC Sisters Holiday Extravaganza | 2pm - The KC Sisters are bringing a touch of old school variety shows (think Andy Williams Family Xmas Show) to the Somers Congregational United Church of Christ (599 Main St). Show is fully orchestrated, donations are graciously accepted.

Stafford Springs | Cookies For Soldiers | 10am-1pm - OK, so not really an event, but 100% worthy of being in here. The American Legion (10 Monson Rd) is asking anyone who knows an active-duty member of the military from Stafford that won’t be home for the holidays to let them know their information. They’d like to be able to send a taste of home with their Cookies for Soldiers program. Send them a message with your soldier’s info. Side note - soldiers also love getting cards from children, so feel free to drop some notes off as well!

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Four Seasons by the Lake - Stafford | Arizona Maid Band | 2pm

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