Looking for Something To Do This Weekend?

Top Picks for December 17-19, 2010

By Sara Conner - CPTV

Published: Dec 14, 2010

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Ebeneeza

A Contemporary Tale of A Christmas Carol Photo:Larry Bilansky & Jean Molodetz

Enjoy A Contemporary Twist On a Classic Tale

Ebeneeza, Hartbeat Ensemble, Mark Twain Museum, Hartford

“The most special of all the holiday seasons I’ve ever known. Everything all bunched up together. There’s power in the air. Can’t you feel it? Something special going to happen this weekend. Christmas Eve, last night of Hanukkah and the Winter Solstice. Tomorrow we say Merry Christmas! And Kwanzaa starts on Sunday!”

Adapted and performed by HartBeat Ensemble at The Mark Twain Museum. The Ghosts of Holidays Past, Present and Future return to haunt the Mark Twain Museum Center. Charles Dickens’ festive classic gets a contemporary twist courtesy of Hartford’s own HartBeat Ensemble. Set in Hartford, the play allows you to journey with Ebeneeza as she learns to overcome her stingy ways and embrace the lessons of Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa!

Friday, December 17th, and Saturday, December 18th, at 7:30 p.m.;
Sunday, December 19th, at 2:00 p.m.
Free Admission. No Reservations. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show.
For more information: 860-548-9144; HartBeat Ensemble.

Two Festive Exhibits at One Historic Mansion:

Lockwood-Mathews Mansion, Norwalk

The Christmas Tree 1850 to 1900s
Enjoy the vintage holiday decorations and learn about the evolving story of the Christmas tree and its decorations during the Victorian era in America.

Antique Doll Vignettes 1850s to 1930s

Recently restored and displayed for the first time this holiday season from the Lockwood and Mathews children’s antique doll collection.

The Mansion will be decorated for the Holiday through December 24th

Open Wednesday – Sunday noon – 4 p.m.

For more information: Lockwood Mathews Mansion or (203) 838-9799

Finish 2010 on a Positive Note

Kirtan with Shankara and Friends at West Hartford Yoga

Make your way to West Hartford Yoga Studios for their annual Solstice kirtan and honor this sacred season through chanting and a fire ceremony to prepare for the coming year known as a Homa Hotra.

Kirtan is an evening of devotional singing, chanting, and personal expression. The meditative quality of the music promotes a joyousness of spirit. Shankara leads the group in chants and songs in Sanskrit and English, from ancient Vedic text to traditional American music. Kirtan is for everyone, the experience itself offers possibilities of personal discovery or simply, the joy of raising one's voice in song.

Friday, December 17th 8:15 pm - 10:15 pm

$15 suggested donation – proceeds support local charities
For more information: www.westhartfordyoga.com

Explore a Castle Before it Closes for Winter

Gillette Castle State Park Holiday Tours, East Haddam

Visit Gillette Castle this holiday season and go on a self-guided tour to view rooms adorned in holiday finery by the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park. For the 2010 holiday season the Castle's theme decorations highlight the famous children's story "The Nutcracker", including a 16 foot fully trimmed tree. A scavenger hunt centered on this theme will keep our young visitors busy. After your tour you may gather outdoors around a bonfire and sip complimentary cider and hot chocolate.

Last Weekend!

December 18th & 19th, tours from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

For more information on Gillette Castle State Park, and admission fees: call (860) 526-2336 or go to Gillette Castle