A Holiday Message from Mayor Elinor Carbone
2019
Cin Torrington
hristmastime
Your home for the holidays
the official guide to seasonal events & activities in torrington, cT
From twinkling trees and carolers to a private visit with Santa, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday season in Torrington. For over 70 years, Christmas Village has been a holiday essential for the residents of Torrington and Litchfield County. Children of all ages can’t help but feel that a walk through Christmas Village is a walk through Santa’s North Pole residence. Torrington celebrates the season from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. Our churches, businesses, caring neighbors and customers, parishioners and patrons all become the elves that put the “merry” in Merry Christmas. As you read through this guide, you’ll discover dozens of ways for all of us to come together as a community to celebrate the holidays, making “Christmastime in Torrington... your home for the holidays.” I am eternally grateful for the commitment of our newly formed committee of volunteers who put on their “Christmas best” this year to create holiday magic throughout downtown Torrington. Their tireless efforts can be seen through the decorations on Main Street, the social media campaign and the collection of calendar events listed in this guide, reminding each of us that Christmas is about coming together as a community. I hope everyone finds their way downtown to kick off the season with our Light Up Main event on November 29th. Come reminisce about Christmas past, create new memories of Christmas present and help us carry on the traditions into Christmas Future. Be sure to visit us on facebook at Christmastime in Torrington CT and share your favorite holiday memory.
Merry Christmas!
Elinor Carbone
The history of Carl Bozenski’s
Christmas Village
In 1947, Carl Bozenski, Torrington’s Parks and Recreation Supervisor, invited Santa Claus to spend the three weeks before Christmas at the Alvord Playground. Along for the trip from the North Pole came Santa’s reindeer and a few of his elves. Since that time, Santa has returned here each year and has turned Torrington into his home away from home. A visit to Christmas Village is like being transported to the North Pole. PHOTO BY THE REGISTER CITIZEN
CHRISTMAS VILLAGE and annual PARADE Sunday, December 8, 2019 ~ 12:30 PM Amory, 153 South Main Street The parade will start at the Armory, continuing on Main Street, up Mason Street to Carl Bozenski’s Christmas Village. Come welcome Santa to Christmas Village!
Hours of Operation Open daily from December 8th - 23rd 1:00 - 8:30 PM Christmas Eve from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Bring your children to the village and experience this exciting opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, the elves and the reindeer.
Every tour begins with a visit with Santa in his throne room where believers are made. It is impossible to describe the comfort and joy children and adults feel when entering this magical space filled with toys, trees, soft music and a roaring fire. Every child is given an opportunity to share his or her wish list and receives a small toy from Santa himself to hold them over until his big visit on Christmas Eve. From the wonder of Santa’s cottage, you can wander through the Village; into a time and place that is designed to help you find your holiday spirit. We recommend everyone stop in to see Mrs. Claus in her cozy cottage where she is busy at work reading every letter sent to Santa by all of the boys and girls. Mrs. Claus’ cottage does not disappoint with its vintage furnishings and Christmas tree set by a glowing fireplace. After a visit with Mrs. Claus it is imperative that all visitors peek into the heart of the Village, where children’s dreams come true: the elves workshop! This workshop is full of wonder and imagination, every nook and cranny filled with Christmas magic, trains, toys and tinsel. Your tour doesn’t end here! Children, of all ages, can experience the joy of the holiday meandering through the Village grounds where Santa’s sleigh, reindeer and inspiration are drawn. What tour of the “other North Pole” wouldn’t be complete without a steaming cup of hot cocoa from the cocoa hut on your way back to reality! There can be no doubt that Christmas magic happens at Torrington’s Christmas Village.
Friday, November 29, 2019 ~ 5:00 PM Main Street & Coe Memorial Park
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5:00 pm Visit at St. Francis Church (St. John Paul the Great Parish) for refreshments, a live nativity scene, and petting zoo. The petting zoo will run from 4-6 PM. The Children’s Choir will perform in front of the church at 5:00 PM. 5:15 pm Music performed on the steps of City Hall by the THS Band.
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5:30 pm Lighting of the tree at City Hall by Mayor Carbone & Honorary Guests. 5:30-7:30 pm Some Local Businesses will be set up inside the Civic Center.
MAIDEN LANE
5:45 pm Procession down Main Street to Coe Memorial Park led by lighted Fire Engines, stopping at various Holiday Displays along the way. The Nutmeg Conservatory and Dance Shop will have dancers in costumes in their storefront windows and along the sidewalk in front of the Conservatory.
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6:00 pm Lighting of the tree at Coe Memorial Park by Mayor Carbone & Honorary Guests. 6:10 pm Caroling with THS Choir.
6:10-7:30 pm Arts and Crafts inside the Civic Center with Elves from Christmas Village. 6:45-7:30 pm Holiday music by Vin Avallone Production and Local Musicians At Coe Memorial Park FREE Hot Chocolate and popcorn will be provided by the Torrington Parks & Recreation Department and will be served by members of the Parks & Recreation Commission. Food will also be available
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6:30 pm Story-time with Mayor Elinor Carbone.
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11/28/19
OWTS Community Thanksgiving Dinner
11 am - 1 pm Community Thanksgiving dinner open to all in need or those who do not want to be alone. Free to the public. OWTS Cafeteria | 75 Oliver St. | 860.496.5300
11/29/19
Fashion Illustrations by Norman G. Bourque 1 pm - 5 pm Fashion Illustrations runs through December 8th Five Points Annex | 17 Water St. | 860.618.7222
Snow Flake Fair
4 pm - 7 pm Fair will offer specially made gifts from local artisans, root beer floats and hot dogs available for purchase. Church tours available. Center Congregational Church | 155 Main St. | 860.489.8301
Hot Chocolate and Cookies on the Lawn
5 pm Join us on the lawn as we celebrate with the community for the Light Up Main and Annual Tree Lighting ceremony! Center Congregational Church | 155 Main St. | 860.489.8301
11/30/19
Free Parking Downtown Begins
Two free hours of on-street parking in metered spaces throughout downtown Torrington, CT. until January 1st 2020.
Small Business Saturday
Visit and make a purchase at two downtown businesses and you could win a $500 American Express Gift Card. (Details visit http://www.mainsttorrington.org)
Snow Flake Fair
9 am - 3 pm (see description for 11/29) Center Congregational Church | 155 Main St. | 860.489.8301
7th Annual Holiday Movie Event
1 pm (Free Admission & Free popcorn) Showing of the family classic Home Alone. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in lobby from 12 - 1 to meet and greet with children and families may take photos. 7 pm (Tickets for this film are $5) White Christmas Sing-along will be screened at 7 pm. Doors will open at 6 pm for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Warner Theatre | 68 Main St.
12/01/19
Arise and Shine, a Walk-Through Advent Series 9 am - 10:30 am Event is held December 1, 8, 15, 22 First Church Torrington | 835 Riverside Ave. | 860.482.4705
First Sunday in Advent
9 am Children and Family Church in the Fellowship Hall. A Family Advent Project will be offered. An adult must accompany their child(ren). St. Paul's Lutheran Church | 837 Charles St. | 860.482.3555
Glorious Garland
11:30 am Free class, materials fee $25 Create a beautiful garland of knitted ornaments, tassels, and pom poms In Sheep's Clothing Yarn Shop | 10 Water St. | Ginger Balch | 860.482.3979
Torrington Fire Department Toy Drive
The Fire House will be collecting unwrapped donations throughout the month of December. Other drop points are Torrington Municipal & Teachers Federal Credit Union and Petricone's Pharmacy. Torrington Fire House | 111 Water St. | Brian Parks or Elliot Bickford | 860.489.2257
12/01/19 (Conâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.)
John Brown Twilight Walk
4 pm Free 2/3 mile walk to commemorate the anniversary of John Brown's execution, and honor those who have sacrificed for the cause of civil rights and racial equality. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight or headlamp, hike will end with delicious John Brownies from Cafe 38! Call the Torrington Historical Society for more details. John Brown Birthplace | John Brown Rd. | 860.482.8260
12/02/19
Torrington Fire Department Toy Drive
10 am - noon Berkshire Auto will be collecting unwrapped toys throughout the month of December to assist with the Torrington Fire Department Toy Drive. Berkshire Auto | 692 South Main St. | Brian Parks or Elliot Bickford | 860.489.2257
Tree Lighting and Caroling
5 pm St. Paul's Lutheran Church | 837 Charles St. | 860.482.3555
12/04/19
The Grinch Storytime and Crafts
11 am - 12:30 pm $25 per child/crafter Listen to Dr. Seuss's classic story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas while creating some fun and adorable Grinch themed crafts such as ornaments and holiday decorations. Feel free to bring your own snacks The Hummingbird Cafe | 79 Main St. | 203.560.2506
Gift Making Club
4:30 pm - 5:15 pm Make unique and creative gifts that you can share with your loved ones. KidsPlay Children's Museum | 61 Main St. | 860.618.7700
THS Symphonic Band and Orchestra
7 pm Torrington H.S. Gym | Major Besse Dr. | Music Department | 860.489.2282
12/05/19
North End Tree Lighting
5 pm Come join The North End Community Association as they light their holiday tree. Torrington Police Department | 576 Main St. | Glenn Royals | 860.489.4500
12/06/19
WZBG Christmas Village Toy Shower Pledge-A-Thon
6 am - 6 pm For those who can't attend the Toy Shower event, WZBG phone lines will be open to call in your pledge. WZBG | 860.567.3697
Christmas Village Toy Shower
5 pm - 8 pm Santa's Elves and Mrs. Claus will visit the Toy Shower, while Santa is home resting for his annual visit to Christmas Village. The Toy Shower will feature entertainment by local schools and musicians. Light refreshments will be available. Christmas Village | 150 Church St. | Brett Simmons | 860.489.2385
Night of Stars
6 pm - 9 pm $60 pp, $100 for two Fundraiser in support of LARC. Savory and sweet appetizers and desserts, wine, beer, beverages. Decorated and live tabletop tree and wreaths available for bidding, raffles, costume and are exhibits. Details contact Mary Ellen Kunz at 860.482.9364, ext.390. Warner Theatre, Nancy Marine Studio | 68 Main St.
Five Points Gallery Art Opening 6 pm - 8:30 pm
Opening reception for Wayne Herpich, Terry Feder, and Tom Zetterstrom. Five Points Gallery | 33 Main St. | 860.618.7222
12/07/19
12/08/19 (Conâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.)
10 am - 4:30 pm Weekend scavenger hunt at the barn during the month of December. Wright's Barn and Cafe | 99 Wright Rd. | Jim or Carol Wright | 860.482.0095
3 pm - 5 pm A musical Christmas celebration through a unique blend of Celtic inspired carols. First Church Torrington | 835 Riverside Ave. | 860.482.4705
Weekends in December Weekly Scavenger Hunt
3rd Annual Cookie Palooza
10 am - 2 pm ($8 lb.) Assorted homemade cookies, fudge and more! Free coffee, tea and hot chocolate. United Congregational Church | 1622 Torringford St.
Nutcracker Inspired Crafts and Story-times
10 am - 4 pm Prepare for a magical day as they celebrate this seasonal classic. KidsPlay Children's Museum | 61 Main St. | 860.618.7700
Torrington Fire Department Toy Drive 11 am - 2 pm Nardelli's Grinder Shoppe | 1268 East Main St.
Holiday Fair Isle Friends
2 pm - 4 pm (Free class, materials fee starting at $23.40) Please call ahead to register. Easy sweet soft dolls knit in one piece. In Sheep's Clothing Yarn Shop | 10 Water St. | Ginger Balch | 860.482.3979
Puppettude
5 pm Puppettude's mission is to joyfully share Christian attitudes with the community using puppets, music and drama. Potluck dinner (bring a dish to share if able). St. Paul's Lutheran Church | 837 Charles St. | Judy Ludwig | 860.307.3411
THS Chamber Choir and Concert Choir
7 pm THS Little Theatre | Major Besse Dr. | Music Department | 860.489.2282
12/08/19
Christmas Village Opening Day Festivities
The parade will kick off at the Armory, 153 South Main St. at 12:30 pm and continue on Main Street, up Mason Street to Carl Bozenski's Christmas Village which is located at 150 Church St. and is open daily through Dec. 23rd, 1 pm - 8:30 pm and on Christmas Eve from 9 am - noon. Bring your children and experience this exciting opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, the elves and the reindeer.
Arise and Shine, a Walk-Through Advent Series 9 am - 10:30 am (Description see 12/01) First Church Torrington | 835 Riverside Ave. | 860.482.4705
Nutcracker Inspired Crafts and Story-times
10 am - 4 pm (Details see 12/7) KidsPlay Children's Museum | 61 Main St. | 860.618.7700
Miniature Felt Scapes Class
11:30 am (Free class, $25 fiber and needle.) Please call ahead to register. Students will bring a small container like a teacup, or small bowl to create a miniature felted scene in. In Sheep's Clothing Yarn Shop | 10 Water St. | Ginger Balch | 860.482.3979
Waffle Weave Hat Class
Have You Heard? Performance
The Connecticut Yankee Chorale: A Holiday Chorale Concert
4 pm ($15 Adults, $12 Seniors/Students, $5 Children 12 and under) The Connecticut Yankee Chorale presents it's annual holiday concert featuring festive chorale music with beloved carols for the audience. Tickets available at the door. Center Congregational Church | 155 Main St. | 860.489.4870
12/11/19
Gift Making Club
4:30 pm - 5:15 pm Make unique and creative gifts that you can share with your loved ones KidsPlay Children's Museum | 61 Main St. | 860.618.7700
12/12/19
Christmas at the Hotchkiss-Fyler House
12 pm - 4 pm ($10; Children under 12 free) Guided tours Thursday through Sunday through December 29th Torrington Historical Society | 192 Main St. | 860.482.8260
Blue Christmas Service
7 pm A quiet, reflective Blue Christmas service. United Congregational Church | 1622 Torringford St.
12/13/19
Fashion Illustrations by Norman G. Bourque 6 pm - 8 pm Five Points Annex | 17 Water St. | 860.618.7222
Five Points Gallery Art Opening
6 pm - 8 pm There will be an opening reception for the Launchpad Artists Five Points Annex | 17 Water St. | 860.618.7222
Wreath Witherspoon and Wine Night
7 pm - 9 pm ($18 - with materials and some photos provided) Inspired by The Mindy Project and the spunky, talented Reese Witherspoon, enjoy a fun, festive night sipping and creating a Wreath Witherspoon. A portion of the proceeds will go towards Susan B. Anthony. The Hummingbird Cafe | 79 Main St. | 203.560.2506
Picturing Peace: Opening Reception
7 pm - 9 pm Come enjoy the display featuring work from many students from communities across the United States and Ireland. Picturing Peace Arts program has been conducted in 21 elementary school classrooms in the U.S. and Northern Ireland. KidsPlay Children's Museum | 61 Main St. | 860.618.7700
12/14/19
Christmas Cookie Fair
8:30 am - noon Cookies provided by the talented bakers of St. John Paul the Great Parish. St. Peter's Church Hall | 107 East Main St.
1 pm - 2 pm (Free class, kit available in 4 colors - $13.90) Please call ahead to register. Knit this hat up in bulky yarn in a fun and easy pattern In Sheep's Clothing Yarn Shop | 10 Water St. | Ginger Balch | 860.482.3979
Annual Cookie Walk and Craft Fair
Puppettude
Santa Claus is Coming to the Library
2 pm (Free Admission - for details see 12/07/19) Regal Care | 80 Fern Dr. | Judy Ludwig | 860.307.3411
9 am - 1 pm First Church Torrington | 835 Riverside Ave. | 860.482.4705 10:30 am (Registration begins November 23rd.) Children ages 2-9 can join us for a fun story time where Santa will read A Night Before Christmas and everyone will receive a small gift! Torrington Library | 12 Daycoeton Pl. | Jill Veras | 860.489.6684
12/14/19 (conâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.)
Torrington Area Model Railroaders Train Show
9 am - 5 pm Stop by to see this truly remarkable display. www.trainweb.org Armory | 153 S. Main St.
Northwest Pedalers 3rd Annual Santa Ride
11 am Free Ride Come dressed in your favorite holiday attire! Casual ride , approximately 7 miles through the downtown area, stopping along the way at various locations for coffee, hot cocoa and snacks (for purchase). Torrington City Hall | 140 Main St. | Jeremy Leifert | 860.489.2221
Puppettude
12/21/19
Teen Advisory Board Christmas Sitting
10 am - 2 pm (First Child $10, Second Child $5, Additional Children $1 each) With all the hustle and bustle, the Teen Advisory Board is here to help! You can drop your children off with Ms. Jill and her trusted TAB members while you do your Christmas shopping! Torrington Library | 12 Daycoeton Pl. | Jill Veras | 860.489.6684
Puppettude
(Free Admission - for details see 12/07/19) 2:30 pm Litchfield Woods | 255 Roberts St.
12/22/19
A Christmas Musical "The Littlest Angel"
(Free Admission - for details see 12/07/19) 10 am Atria | 376 Goshen Rd. 2 pm Keystone Place | 1058 Litchfield St.
7 pm Everyone is invited and welcome to experience a little angel's journey at Christmas. Center Congregational Church | 155 Main St. | 860.489.9301
Hour of Code with Bee-Bots
12/23/19
10:30 am Come check out our friendly little robots! Bee-Bots are a fun way for children to learn problem-solving and estimation skills. KidsPlay Children's Museum | 61 Main St. | 860.618.7700
Torrington Elk's Small Business Christmas Party
6 pm ($50 per person) Cocktail hour/appetizers (6pm) Buffet dinner (7pm) consisting of sliced roast beef, stuffed sole, pasta carbonara, etc. Dancing to follow with the music of Sidekick. Sign up in the Member's Lounge or by calling 860.489.6562. Elks Ballroom | 70 Litchfield St.
12/15/19
Arise and Shine, a Walk-Through Advent Series 9 am - 10:30 am (Description see 12/01) First Church Torrington | 835 Riverside Ave. | 860.482.4705
Torrington Area Model Railroaders Train Show
9 am - 3 pm Stop by to see this truly remarkable display. www.trainweb.org Armory | 153 S. Main St.
Easy Two Needle Mittens
11 am - 12:30 pm (Free class, materials start at $15.) Please call ahead to register. Easy way to knit mittens In Sheep's Clothing Yarn Shop | 10 Water St. | Ginger Balch | 860.482.3979
Kids Christmas Party with Santa
1 pm - 3 pm ($18 adult, $10 child) Buffet to include pork loin and chicken tenders, vegetables, salad, cookies and brownies for dessert. Sign up in the Member's Lounge, or call 860.489.6562. Torrington Elks Lodge | 70 Litchfield St. | 860.489.6562
Puppettude
(Free Admission - for details see 12/07/19) 1 pm Valerie Manor | 1360 Torringford St.
12/18/19
Gift Making Club
4:30 pm - 5:15 pm Make unique and creative gifts that you can share with your loved ones KidsPlay Children's Museum | 61 Main St. | 860.618.7700
12/19/19
Frosty the Snowman Movie Night
5 pm (Free Admission) Registration begins November 30th, Come join us to watch your favorite snowman! Torrington Library | 12 Daycoeton Pl. | Jill Veras | 860.489.6684
12/20/19
Family Friday: Building Small
5 pm - 8 pm Gingerbread houses and other projects. KidsPlay Children's Museum | 61 Main St. | 860.618.7700
Home Alone 2 Movie Night
4 pm (Free Admission - Ages 3 and up) Torrington Library | 12 Daycoeton Pl. | Jill Veras | 860.489.6684
12/24/19
Christmas Eve Service
5 pm All are welcome! St. Paul's Lutheran Church | 837 Charles St. | 860.482.3555
Lessons and Carols
5 pm All are welcome! Center Congregational Church will present a service of Lessons and Carols. We will conclude our time together with a candlelight prayer on the front lawn. Center Congregational Church | 155 Main St. | 860.489.8301
Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Service 5:30 pm All are welcome! United Congregational Church | 1622 Torringford St.
Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
7 pm All are welcome! First Church Torrington | 835 Riverside Ave. | 860.482.4705
12/25/19
Christmas Day Service
10 am All are welcome! St. Paul's Lutheran Church } 837 Charles St. | 860.482.3555
12/30/19
Mystic Aquarium Touch Tank
1:30 pm - 5:30 pm Mystic Aquarium's traveling touch tank will include an assortment of live invertebrates such as lobsters, horseshoe crabs and shellfish. Torrington Library | 12 Daycoeton Pl. | Jill Veras | 860.489.6684
12/31/19
Countdown to Noon
10 am - 4 pm Balloons drop at noon. KidsPlay Children's Museum | 61 Main St. | 860.618.7700
New Year's Eve Celebration
6:30 pm - doors open; 7:30 pm - dinner ($100 per person) Come celebrate New Years Eve with us! Dinner offers choice of surf & turf, stuffed chicken valentine or vegetable beef wellington. Open bar. Breakfast bar at midnight. Music and dancing from Pop Rocks. Torrington Elks Lodge | 70 Litchfield St. | 860.489.6562