KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
The Christmas I was 10, my sister and I woke up at our usual ridiculously-early hour and raced downstairs to the tree. Something was different: fewer gifts than usual, no giant boxes, no bike-shaped mystery lumps. But nestled among the smaller packages were envelopes that turned out to be plane tickets to Bermuda. We were leaving that very morning, which explained
why my parents had not objected to being awakened at 5:30. Decades later, I don’t remember what else I got that year—or most years—but I remember being bundled up and giddy, heading to the airport while it was still dark. I remember pink sand, caves, and the little cakes they served at teatime. It's all still as fresh to me as the air was at Grotto Bay Beach. That trip taught me something I wouldn’t have been able to say at the time: Presence creates
the memories, not the presents. Of course, we all want our kids to have a magical holiday. But when we think back to our own childhoods, what sticks isn’t the stuff, it’s the doing. The zoo trips, the plays, the sporting events, the concerts, the hands held during the adventures. That’s why my long-time holiday mantra is “Do it, don’t dust it.” Experiences are the gifts that last the longest, especially when we do them together. They don’t pile
up in a closet; they plant themselves in our memory. So if you’re still pondering what to give the people you love this year, consider a show, a class, a day trip, a membership, a season pass. Something that says “I see you, you matter, let's do it together." Need ideas? Head to our Local Memberships & Season Passes page! It's your ticket to the perfect gift... and it's guaranteed clutter-free.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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I'm thrilled to announce that my new book The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities (co-authored with Jamie Carter) is now published and shipping across North America! It’s packed with inspiring, true stories of everyday leaders who stepped up during the 2024 eclipse to bring people together, spark change, and strengthen their communities. Told with warmth and insight, this book makes a perfect holiday gift for the visionary, organizer, or community-builder in your life. Click the graphic to order from Amazon on print or Kindle; for other ordering options (including educator and bulk orders), or to see an annotated table of contents and the introduction, head to https://theeclipseeffect.com.
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Curious how your AI know-how compares to other parents? We surveyed over 300 of you, and the results are in! The big takeaway? You aren't alone in feeling overwhelmed. While most parents have a basic grasp of the technology, over 52% feel unequipped to actually guide their kids through it. The number one thing you requested help with was "Digital Defense"—specifically, how to spot misinformation and fake news. You can read the full, fascinating report at kidsoutandabout.com/research. Ready for round two? Help us dive deeper by taking our new, quick 13-question survey here: https://forms.gle/1nTsaG384SW8cUpL7.
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Nov 28-Dec 24, every day except Sunday: Santa and his three LIVE reindeer are returning to Greenwich for the 17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop presented by Jenny Allen & Kristen Studwell at Compass Real Estate, "The North Pole on North Street", Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North Street, Greenwich. The cherished town tradition continues for the seventeenth consecutive year at this expansive nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy the beautiful Santa's Workshop, which provides more space for families while they wait in line for their photo with Santa. This all takes place just minutes from downtown Greenwich. Parking is free.
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The Northern Lights Limited is our evening train, departing Thomaston Station for Santa's Workshop. Leaving under the cover of nightfall, experience the magic as the lights inside and out of each car are lit, illuminating the entire train in a soft, cheerful glow. Upon departure, you will be taken directly to the Santa's Workshop, picking up Santa and Mrs. Claus for all to see. Once on board the train, Santa and Mrs. Claus will take turns visiting with all those on board as the train slowly glides along through the night. While Santa is visiting each of all the good boys and girls on the train, his team will entertain you. Each child will get an extra special gift from Santa's toy bag.
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Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes at this year’s Christmas Spectacular! Whether it’s your first time or your family’s annual tradition, this milestone season promises to be more unforgettable than ever before.
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The Nutcracker has been a beloved annual holiday classic since the establishment of Ridgefield Playhouse, when The Patricia Schuster School of Dance transitioned to the nonprofit Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance. RCD celebrates its history here as part of our Family Series, featuring a full-length production with a cast of students, professional, and guest performers under the Direction of Mary Beth Hansohn. Invite your friends and family to see these dancers create the magical world of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker.
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Bring your family for one last memory-making visit to Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce. The event will be retired after 2025, so don’t miss your last chance to mingle among a half million twinkling lights throughout the park. Hop on some of your favorite family rides while you enjoy holiday treats and admire Connecticut’s tallest Christmas tree. Be sure to stop in and say “hello” to Santa himself. Put some sparkle in your season one final time at Holiday Lights ‘25, select nights November 28 thru December 28.
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Dec 13, 14, 20, 21, and 22: Experience the magic of Nutcracker Dream at The Emelin Theatre! This 90-minute, family-friendly adaptation by acclaimed choreographer Carole Alexis, inspired by the work of Rudolf Nureyev and Marius Petipa, brings the beloved holiday classic to life. Performed by Ballet des Amériques professionals with local young dancers, it’s a festive must-see!
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Take the whole family to come and see the latest exciting adventures of Santa Claus! This year, Santa is on a wild ride with a super charged, fancy sleigh that takes him on the craziest adventures you can imagine, meeting a cast of the funniest characters ever! But is his sleigh playing tricks on him? Was the villainous Krampus involved in trying to take down Santa and take over the North Pole? Will Rudolph and Dasher find their way in the world, or will they join forces with the elves and save Christmas after all? Whether you saw Santa Story 2 or are joining us for the first time, you’ll love the heartwarming and hilarious story of how Santa and his trusty reindeer and elves teamed up for Christmas. It’s a perfect mix of fun, laughter, and holiday spirit for the whole family. Make TYA part of your holiday traditions!
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Learn how communities around the world mark the winter solstice with our friends from the Japan Society of Greater Hartford and the Mandell Jewish Community Center. Explore the Festival of Trees & Traditions and create your own wintry artwork to take home or share as a gift. Be on the lookout for friendly winter companions strolling the galleries, ready to sprinkle a little seasonal magic.
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This National Day celebrates around the world recognize the unique characteristics of simians. While the holiday is mainly about monkeys, it also celebrates other non-human primates such as apes, tarsiers, and lemurs. Monkeys live all over the world and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Their personalities and habits capture the attention of humans on many levels. These intelligent animals with opposable thumbs live in family groups, too.
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Santa Claus is coming to town...and coming to Mystic Aquarium for photographs! Visit your favorite animals, explore our exhibits, and meet Jolly Old Saint Nick with a special photo opportunity for all ages. What a great way to celebrate the ho-ho-holidays!
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- Little Red Bar[n] Live Music at Bishop's Orchards - 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT, USA, December 12, 2025, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
- Little Red Bar[n] Live Music at Bishop's Orchards - 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT, USA, December 13, 2025, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
- Second Saturdays for Families: Winter Solstice at
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art - Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103, December 13, 2025, 11 am–2 pm activities
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Connecticut - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, December 13, 2025, see link for times
- Brunch with Santa at Michael's Tap Room - Michael's Tap Room, 37 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, CT
06801, December 14, 2025, 1:00-2:00PM
- Visit with Santa - Main Street Mercantile, 62 N Main St,
Fairport, NY 14450, December 14, 2025, 1PM - 3PM
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Connecticut - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, December 14, 2025, see link for times
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Take out your calendar - you have a lot of scheduling to do to fit in all the incredible Holiday Break camps taking place in and around our area! If we're missing a camp that should be on this list, please email us to let us know.
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Fairfield County offers a delightful selection of Christmas tree farms that bring the magic of the holiday season to life. Families can enjoy the cherished tradition of selecting the perfect tree while exploring picturesque landscapes and engaging in
festive activities.
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KidsOutAndAbout is Fairfield County's online guide to everything for kids, teens, and families! The activities we've listed here are confirmed for this year, but many require reserving ahead of time,
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Fairfield County area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's Top 20 Places to Take Fairfield County Kids: Once again, our readers have spoken! Thousands of parents voted in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners
in special categories like favorite spot for indoor play, favorite nature center, favorite museum, and much more!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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