Not getting our emails? A bunch of people told me we “disappeared,” which usually means the newsletter got banished to Promotions or, even worse, Spam. Take 10 seconds to check there and drag us into your Primary inbox so you do not miss the good stuff.

Dinner Club update: Our first CT Buzz Dinner Club was a legit good time. We also got super helpful feedback on what to keep and what to clean up so round two runs even smoother. Next one is January 15 in Manchester, so if you want in, jump on it and lock in your spot.

If you’ve been on the fence about Conn-opoly, hop off it. Games are in stock, they’ll land before Christmas, and every order helps keep this newsletter (and our weird little CT media experiment) alive and buzzing.

It’s basically the perfect cold winter night family game: you’ll learn a few new Connecticut facts while you’re arguing over who gets the best properties and who “definitely paid” the innkeeper (they did not).

🐶 Adopt-a-pal: Meet LuLu, a 2 year old Carolina Dog mix who is basically pure sunshine, social, sweet, and ready to be someone’s new best friend. She’s great with kids, dogs, and even cats, which is the holy grail if you want an easy fit at home.

🏡 House of the week: A 1795 Glastonbury stunner with six brick fireplaces, wide board floors, and original paneling that feels like pure New England history. You get modern comfort tucked inside an old soul, plus a barn and chicken coop just a short stroll from Glastonbury Center and the river. Have a look!

🏛️ Indoor gem of the week: New Britain Museum of American Art
First museum in the country dedicated solely to American art, with 9,000+ works spanning four centuries, from colonial portraits to Hudson River School landscapes and pop art.

🔭 Sky report: This week in Hartford County the night sky is all about bright Jupiter shining in the east after sunset and the big winter constellations like Orion and Taurus climbing high by late evening. You may still spot a few leftover Geminid shooting stars early in the week, then Sunday night into Monday brings the smaller Ursid meteor shower with a nice dark sky thanks to the new moon.

From Hartford to Dublin, Ireland for 470 bucks* roundtrip, mid March for a week stay. See the deal!

From Boston to Sao Paulo, Brazil for 436 bucks* roundtrip, mid April for a week. See the deal!

*Prices at the time of writing subject to change

If you need one easy win this week, make it Wednesday, December 17th at 7:30PM at The Bushnell (166 Capitol Ave) in Hartford for The Colors of the Season: Travelers Chorale Winter Concert. It’s free, it’s in a gorgeous theater, and the choir basically does the heavy lifting for your holiday spirit while you just sit there and absorb it like a functioning adult. The best part is that it doubles as a food drive for Chrysalis Center’s Freshplace pantry, so bring a few non-perishable items and suddenly you are not just “going to a concert,” you are “supporting the community,” which is an extremely elite December move.

🍕Sisson Sports & Pizza is reopening Dec. 17th at 495 Sisson Ave, Hartford come down to grab a slice or 10.

✨ Three new spots just opened at Westfarms Mall: FP Movement for feel good activewear, HobbyTown Toys for games and RC fun, and Xtreme Concepts for the latest sneaker heat.

East Granby | Candle-Lit Holiday Hygge Yoga & Sound Bath | 6PM $ - Candle-lit hygge yoga and a sound bath at Brignole Vineyards (103 Hartford Ave). This is your “holiday brain off” button before you go back to juggling everything. Book It

Enfield | Paint & Sip Night: Mr. Snowman Edition | 6-8:30PM $ - Powder Hollow Brewery (504 Hazard Ave) is hosting a holiday craft night where you build a snowman scene with fiber, and you leave with something cute enough to gift without lying about making it. Secure a Spot

Hartford | Holiday Enchantment | 10AM-4PM $ - Connecticut Science Center (250 Columbus Blvd) has the sock skating rink and the whole “holiday magic” setup running through 12/21, and it’s included with general admission. Deets

Hartford | UConn Men’s Basketball vs. Butler | 8:30PM $ - Huskies are home at PeoplesBank Arena (1 Civic Center Plaza), and this is the kind of weeknight plan that makes you feel productive because you yelled “DEFENSE” for two hours. Book It

South Windsor | Trivia Night: Die Hard | 6:30PM - Connecticut Valley Brewing Company (765 Sullivan Ave) is doing Die Hard trivia, so come prepared to defend your stance that it is a Christmas movie and win prizes while you’re at it.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | The Milk Carton Kids w/ Humbird | 8PM $

Berlin | Little Waddlers Storytime (Ages 2-3) | 10:30-11AM - Tiny humans, big energy: songs, stories, a little yoga, and the kind of wholesome chaos you can brag about later happening at Berlin-Peck Memorial Library (234 Kensington Rd). Register

Bristol | Wednesday Bingo Night | 6:30-9PM - Bingo night at The New Cambridge Project (139 Center St) with laughs, lucky cards, and the kind of friendly competition that somehow turns into a rematch. Also: there’s a Zuppardi's Apizza cheese pizza + beer for $15 combo if you want to make it dinner too.

Hartford | The Colors of the Season: Travelers Chorale Winter Concert | 7:30PM - A free holiday concert at The Bushnell (166 Capitol Ave) that doubles as a feel-good food drive for Chrysalis Center’s Freshplace food pantry. Bring non-perishable food items and help make a difference so you can leave with a festive brain and good karma.

Hartford | UConn Women’s Basketball vs. Marquette | 7PM $ - Big East hoops at PeoplesBank Arena (1 Civic Center Plaza), with UConn taking on Marquette downtown. This one’s a “get loud and lose your voice” type of night. Lock It In

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ East Hartford - Carmine’s Bar | Red Satin Jazz | 8PM
⬢ Farmington - Puente Pub | Tribulations | 6-9PM
⬢ Hartford - Arch St. Tavern | BooYah Plays The Blues Brothers | 9PM $
⬢ Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | Samantha Fish, Cedrick Burnside, and Jon Spencer | 8PM $
⬢ Hartford - The Brownstone | Daniel Del Russo, Lee Totten & The AlbinoTree | 7-9:30PM
⬢ Hartford - Black Eyed Sally’s | Rory Allen | 7-10PM
⬢ Simsbury - Talcott Mountain Collective | Todd Chmielewski (Acoustic) | 5-8PM
⬢ Windsor Locks - Luppoleto Brewing Co. | Bigfoot Diaries | 6:30-8:30PM

Glastonbury | Planetarium Zodiac | 6PM $ - Head to the Glastonbury Planetarium (95 Oak St) for a zodiac-themed sky show that feels like astrology class, but with stars overhead instead of group chats. Book Now

Manchester | The Listening Room Open Mic | 6-8PM - A cozy, supportive open mic at WORK_SPACE (903 Main St) where you can either perform or just soak up the talent with zero pressure.

Milldale | Rated-R-Trivia’s 8th Annual Ugly Sweater Event | 6PM - Ugly sweaters, rowdy trivia energy, and holiday chaos at Kinsmen Brewing Co (409 Canal St), with doors at 6, registration at 6:45, and the game kicking off at 7:30.

South Windsor | Gingerbread House Making Contest | 5-8PM $ - Swing into Connecticut Valley Brewing Company (765 Sullivan Ave) anytime between 5 and 8 to build your sugary masterpiece, plus your ticket includes a free pour or coffee to keep the creativity flowing. Passes

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Bristol - The Carousel Museum | Al Fenton Big Band Holiday Party | 6:15-8:15 $
⬢ Glastonbury - Bar Hollow | Dillon & Cooper | 6-9PM
⬢ Hartford - Arch St. Tavern | John Hasselback III Quintet | 9PM $
⬢ Hartford - Black Eyed Sally’s | Joey Batt’s: Hip-Hop for the Homeless | 7-10PM $
⬢ Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | REPRISE (Phish Tribute) | 8PM $
⬢ Manchester - CT State Manchester (MCC) | South Windsor Community Band: Holiday Treats Concert | 6:30PM

Hartford | Hartford Wolf Pack vs. Syracuse Crunch | 7PM $ - Minor league hockey downtown at PeoplesBank Arena (1 Civic Center Plaza), which is basically an excuse to yell, eat arena snacks, and feel alive for two and a half hours. Snag Tix

Hartford | Pratt Street Holiday Sip + Shop and Parranda on Pratt | 4-8PM - Pratt Street is doing the full holiday takeover with shopping, pop-ups, and a Hallmark-style stroll, plus Parranda on Pratt brings the Puerto Rican holiday party energy to the same stretch of downtown.

New Britain | Christmas Salsa Social | 8PM-1AM - A “Nightmare Before Christmas” themed salsa night at The Assembly Room (222 Main St) with a free salsa class from 8-8:45PM, then dancing (salsa, bachata, and more) until 1AM.

Wethersfield | Tours by Candlelight: Holiday House Tours (12/19 & 12/20) | 6-9PM $ - Do three centuries of Christmas in one night at the Webb Deane Stevens Museum (211 Main St), lit by candlelight and stacked with holiday decor across eras. Tours run at 6, 7, and 8PM and tickets are limited, so this is a “do not wing it” situation. Reserve a Spot

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Berlin - Strykers Cafe | Bad Mannerz | 8-11:45PM
⬢ Bristol - Bleachers Bar | Vinyl Revolution (70’s Rock) | 9PM
⬢ Broad Brook - Opera House | BOSTYX (Boston & Styx Tribute) | 8PM $
⬢ East Granby - Almost Famous Brewing | Whiskey Traveler | 7-10PM
⬢ Hartford - Arch St. Tavern | Consider the Source w/ PX3 | 9PM $
⬢ Hartford - Black Eyed Sally’s | Jen Allen & Heart Alchemy | 7;30-9:30PM
⬢ Hartford - The Webster Theater | Jon B | 8PM $
⬢ Manchester - Elicit Brewing Co. | Bad Habit | 9PM
⬢ Manchester - The Hungry Tiger | Shakedown | 9PM-1AM
⬢ Manchester - Work_Space | Musa String Quartet | 1:30PM
⬢ Simsbury - Talcott Mountain Collective | 7 Below (Acoustic Phish Cover) | 8-11PM
⬢ Southington - Blackstone Irish Pub | 1 Wild Night (Bon Jovi Tribute) | 9PM $
⬢ Vernon - Rocking Horse | Diamondback | 8:30PM

Broad Brook | East Windsor Torchlight Parade & Carol Sing | 5:30PM - Hit Main Street for the torchlight parade, then follow the glow to the Broad Brook Fire House for tractor rides, refreshments, kids crafts, a carol sing, and a Santa sighting. Bring a non-perishable food donation if you can.

Hartford | CT Ballet’s The Nutcracker (12/20 & 12/21) | 2PM & 6PM $ - Classic holiday Nutcracker magic at The Bushnell (166 Capitol Ave), with guest stars and that “I should’ve worn nicer clothes” lobby vibe. It runs all weekend, with Sunday’s shows at 1PM & 5PM. Gain Entry

Hartford | 3rd Annual Masquerade Salsa & Bachata Ball | 9PM-1:30AM $ - Dress to impress (mask encouraged) and take over Arch Street Tavern (85 Arch St) for a night of bachata, salsa, and the kind of cardio your watch will brag about tomorrow. Book Now

North Granby | Holiday Farmers Market | 10AM-2PM - Stock up at Lost Acres Vineyard (80 Lost Acres Rd) with a holiday farmers market that’s basically “local gifts + farm goodies” in one stop. Bonus: you can pretend the wine is just “supporting small business.”

South Windsor | Ugly Sweater Party ft. Aquanett | 6PM - Connecticut Valley Brewing (765 Sullivan Ave) goes full holiday chaos with an ugly sweater contest, then Aquanett hits live music at 7PM, so wear something offensively festive and commit to the bit.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Berlin - The Truck Bar | Acid Wash | 8PM $
⬢ Bloomfield - Back East Brewing Co. | Tino & Malone | 5-8PM
⬢ Bristol - Bleacher’s Bar | Charmed | 9PM
⬢ East Granby - Almost Famous Brewing | Moon Hollow | 7-10PM
⬢ Hartford - Black Eyed Sally’s | Paul Gabriel Blues Band | 8PM
⬢ Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | Javier Colon | 8PM $
⬢ Hartford - Parkville Market | Joey Batt’s & DJ Gameboy: Hip-Hop for the Homeless | 8PM-12AM
⬢ Manchester - The Main Pub | Nightshift | 8PM
⬢ Manchester - Ryan’s Sports Bar | SHOVELHEAD | 9:30PM
⬢ Newington - The Flying Monkey | Linda Ransom | 5:30-10PM
⬢ Plainville | Relic Brewing Co. | Mosaic Jazz Quartet: Holiday Jazz | 5-8PM
⬢ Simsbury - Hoops & Hops | Max Creek | 2PM $
⬢ Southington - Blackstone Irish Pub | BADFOOT (Country Rock) | 9PM
⬢ Vernon - Rocking Horse Bar | Beyond Purple Christmas Party | 8PM

Berlin | Sip and Swap Book Swap Event | 12-2PM $ - Bring at least one pre-loved book and leave with a new stack plus a mimosa. It’s a chill little book-lover hang at The Pearson Events Venue (2590 Berlin Turnpike). Claim Your Spot

Canton | Winter Solstice Celebration and Hike | 2:30-4PM $ - Kick off with a quick solstice program, then head out for a guided winter woods walk with long shadows and peak quiet vibes at Roaring Brook Nature Center (70 Gracey Rd). More Info & Registration

Manchester | Comic: Anthony Fuentes | 6PM $ - Stand-up comedy at The Funny Bone (194 Buckland Hills Dr) with Anthony Fuentes, 21+ and the crowd is usually a good time. Snag a Seat

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Hartford - Infinity Music Hall | John Denver Christmas ft. Chris Collins & Boulder Canyon | 8PM $
⬢ Hartford - The Wadsworth Atheneum | Jazz Brunch w/ Steve Bulmer Trio | 10AM-12PM $
⬢ New Britain - Museum of American Art | Eric Mintel Quartet: Charlie Brown Christmas | 3-4PM $
⬢ Newington - The Flying Monkey | Stoltz & Co Blues | 5:30-8PM
⬢ Southington - Witchdoctor Brewing Co. | Walter Jacobson | 2-4PM

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Manchester - Elicit Brewing Co. | Hartford Jazz Orchestra w/ Leala Cyr | 7:30-9:30PM