By Julie O’Brien Deasy
Question: What are some holiday events happening in New Canaan this season?
Answer: The holiday season is always a great time to be in New Canaan – the town literally sparkles with festive lights and holiday cheer!
The season will officially kick off at the Holiday Stroll on Friday, December 6 from 5:30 – 8:30. One of New Canaan’s beloved traditions, come downtown to walk under the lights, browse in the stores, watch a show put on by local talent, eat in one of our restaurants, and even meet Santa and Mrs. Claus! On Saturday, December 7 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, children can meet Santa at Houlihan Lawrence at 161 Elm Street. Visit www.newcanaanchamber.com for more details.
On Thursday, December 5, the Carriage Barn Arts Center hosted its “Deck the Walls” holiday party from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. The exhibit includes paintings, photography, ceramics (all priced at $300 or less) plus limited edition prints and cards. The gallery will be open Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 pm through December 15. Visit www.carriagebarn.org for event tickets and more information.
The New Canaan Playhouse is also getting into the holiday spirit with a special “Holiday Binge” movie screening weekend! On December 7 and 8 a selection of holiday films will be shown: Polar Express, It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, and Love Actually. In addition, Chef Luke Venner has added new seasonal items to the Pub Menu including appetizers, smoked brisket chili, and new cocktails. For movie tickets, visit www.playhouse.cinemalab.com.
Saxe Middle School is putting on a production of Elf Jr. on Friday, December 6 at 7:30 pm, and Saturday, December 7 at 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Come see some talented 5th and 6th graders bring some holiday cheer to the stage with Elf Jr., a musical based on the Christmas movie. Follow Buddy the Elf as he leaves the North Pole for New York City, discovering his true identity and spreading Christmas cheer along the way. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com and search for “Elf Jr.”
Finally, the Town Players of New Canaan are performing The Best Christmas Pageant Ever from Friday, December 6 through Sunday, December 15 at the Powerhouse Theater in Waveny Park. Based on the book of the same name, In this Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the troublesome Herdman kids. Mayhem (and fun) ensue when the Herdmans collide head-on with the story of Christmas and teach lessons about compassion, acceptance, and the true meaning of the holiday season. For showtimes and tickets, visit www.tpnc.com.
Question: Where can I give back to my community this holiday season?
Answer: This time of year is a great time to support some of the many nonprofits and charitable organizations right here in New Canaan. Below are some suggestions of local organizations that benefit our town, but there are so many more! If we have missed your favorite charity, please get in touch at the email at the end of this column.
The New Canaan Community Foundation was founded in 1977 by a group of civic-minded New Canaan residents who came together to improve their town. The Foundation “addresses our community’s needs by providing leadership on local issues, making impactful grants, and facilitating New Canaan’s effective charitable giving.”
In recent years, they have supported a variety of causes including youth and education, seniors and special needs, arts, culture & community resources, human services, and behavioral health and health services. They also offer emergency financial assistance for New Canaan residents in urgent need.
Their 2024 Annual Appeal is currently underway. To learn more or to contribute, please visit www.newcanaancf.org.
Get About provides transportation to any New Canaan resident who is unable to drive themselves, either temporarily or due to a long-term disability. Founded more than 40 years ago, last year alone they provided over 9000 free rides to more than 150 residents, and also assisted in delivering more than 5000 meals for Meals-on-Wheels to homebound residents.
Most of Get About’s riders are seniors needing support for errands or medical appointments, but they are also an essential part of the day for several New Canaan residents with special needs who rely on their drivers to get them to and from work at local businesses. In addition, they offer a “Medi-Rides Program” which provides rides within New Canaan and the neighboring towns of Darien, Norwalk, Stamford, and Wilton. This program offers assistance to those in our community who are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or dialysis treatments.
To learn more or donate to their Annual Appeal, please visit
ABC New Canaan is a non-profit organization guided by principles of education, equality, and opportunity. Their mission is to “provide transformative academic opportunities to talented young men of color, support them in becoming well-rounded and confident leaders, and prepare them for success in college and life.”
ABC New Canaan celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, and currently has 8 scholars attending NCHS and living together in the ABC House on Locust Avenue. ABC covers all the living and educational costs for their scholars during their four years here.
Donations to ABC New Canaan help their scholars reach their greatest potential by providing them with an exceptional education, and access the incredible resources New Canaan has to offer. To learn more or get involved, please visit www.abchouseofnc.org.
Finally, the Waveny Park Conservancy has been working since 2015 to advocate for Waveny Park to “ensure it thrives in perpetuity for all to enjoy.” They are a nonprofit made up of a volunteer Board of Directors and Town of New Canaan employees who work together to maintain Waveny Park through projects and events including landscaping, hardscaping, restorations, and more recently, Art in the Park.
The Conservancy is primarily funded by private donations and only receives Town funds if the same amount is raised from private donations. Additionally, they use private donations to fund park improvements and ongoing maintenance.
Waveny Park is for all New Canaan residents, and needs all of us involved in its care and to keep it thriving for future use. If you would like to learn more, or to donate to their annual appeal, please visit www.wavenyparkconservancy.org.
What do you want to know about living in New Canaan? Is there a resource you are looking for or something you need in our area? We want to hear from you! Send in your ideas or queries to Julie@NewCanaanSentinel.com and your question may be featured in a future column.
