No. 1
HELLO, MERRY
Put the whole family in holiday togs to kick off the season with a brand-new tradition. The Stamford Moms Santa Welcome Party at Stamford Town Center promises to be a fun dance party where we’ll welcome Santa Claus to STC for his residency through Christmas Eve. Come in pj’s on Friday, November 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. for story time, grooves, goody bags and more.
No. 2
HOT SEATS
There’s something for everyone this season at the Palace Stamford. “ELF the Musical” runs from November 15 to 17. World Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker on November 29 and for a contemporary twist on that classic, head to the Hip Hop Nutcracker on December 7. palacestamford.org
No. 3
ALL ABOARD!
The interactive Holiday Wish Express disembarks to the North Pole with stops at Glacier Island, the Enchanted Twinkling Forest and more from level 5 at Stamford Town Center on select dates from November 16 to December 24. theholidaywish.com
No. 4
SPECIAL DELIVERY
Snag a Christmas tree at Designs by Lee and be sure to have the kids bring a letter to put in the mailbox for Santa. He’s also due to appear throughout the season. Check out his schedule of appearances at designsbylee.com.
NO. 5
CATCH AIR
Start turkey week right at the annual Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular on Sunday, November 24 at noon. Giant balloon characters, marching bands and fun floats that rival the ones from the Macy’s parade right in our own backyard.
No. 6
MOVIES AND MORE
Let Stamford Moms be your holiday helper in December. Fridays are for Merry Movie Nights at Stamford Town Center all month long in the Grand Court. Enjoy free popcorn, a craft and surprise character appearances.
Grab coffee (or a cocktail) and shop local at Third Place by Half Full Brewery on Sunday, December 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stamford Moms Holiday Sip & Shop. There will be more than 20 vendors, including Weekend Glow Candles, Auburn Jewelry, Letter Story Bracelets and Crazy Confections, plus activities for the kids.
And head to stamfordmoms.com for a round-up of must-see local holiday light displays.
No. 7
DOWNTOWN SPECTACULAR
This year’s Heights & Lights is on Sunday, December 8 at 5 p.m. You and your fam can watch as Santa Claus, Rudolph, the Grinch and friends make their daredevil descent, twisting and flying from the top of Landmark Square, followed by a festive fireworks show. After they rappel, Santa and friends will march up Bedford Street to Latham Park for holiday music and the Stamford tree lighting.
No. 8
CITY OF LIGHTS
Chabad of Stamford has a slate of events to celebrate Chanukah. Bring a wrapped gift to the JWC Package Party on December 18 to be auctioned off. Teens compete “Chopped” style in a latke cook-off on the 22nd. On Wednesday, December 25, the Family Day Brunch and Chanukah Fair features food and fun activities from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. After, gather in Latham Park at 4 p.m. to light the Giant Menorah (Fairfield County’s largest). Hot apple cider, latkes and gelt for the kids will all be on hand. The Menorah Car Parade takes place this year on Saturday, December 28 at 6 p.m. to Latham Park. stamfordchabad.org
Also check out the Stamford JCC for the latest details on popular events like
Gelt Together and Kids’ Night Out. stamfordjcc.org
No. 9
SWEET TREATS
The Hudson Table Stamford is the place
to be for kids who bake with the most fun on-trend theme classes. See the latest at hudsontable.com.
And for an at-home experience that wows, whether you’re expecting company or just want to make brunch feel special, a holiday breakfast board is a well-loved option because everyone can choose what they like and serve themselves. Grab a wooden cutting board and arrange favorites like waffles, pancakes, bacon, fruit, colorful bagels, donuts, sausage—the works!
No. 10
IN WITH THE NEW
Skip the midnight celebration and instead get your party on early with the whole family at the Ferguson Library, Stepping Stones or the Maritime Aquarium, all of whom host Noon Year’s Eve celebrations.
Keep the party going at home with one—or all!—of our other favorite ways to celebrate with the kids: Family game night, movie marathon with picks from everyone, dressed-up dance party, living room balloon drop followed by a camp-in family slumber party.
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Stefanie Horn, Stamford mom of three and head of Stamford Moms, shares some of her favorite things to do—from seasonal activities to can’ t-miss events. Follow @stamfordmoms on Instagram, sign up for the newsletter and check out the calendar for more family-friendly activities at stamfordmoms.com.