The holidays are arriving and Old Lyme has a number of ways in which to enjoy the enchantment of the season.
November 26th, the Florence Griswold Museum brings back its festive "palette trees" as part of its Holiday Magic celebration (see top photo). More than 200 artists from across the region have painted palettes which are displayed on Christmas trees in the Museum's galleries. Visitors make it an annual tradition to see the yearly additions to the palette trees, and enjoy the festive decorations throughout Miss Florence's historic boardinghouse. See the Museum's event calendar for other special activities including holiday crafting events and family activities throughout the season.
The Lyme Academy of Fine Arts will once again host Old Lyme's Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 4th. Community organizations such as the Old Lyme Land Trust and the Duck River Garden Club will be on hand in the afternoon with family activities.
As always, the tree lighting will be accompanied by the talented Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School Band. Follow the Academy's Facebook page for all the latest details and timing.
Buying local and buying special are easy possibilities in Old Lyme. There are several Special Holiday Sales throughout the season. Phoebe's BookCellar holds its November 20th Holiday Sale with rare and first editions for your favorite bibliophile. Nightingale's Junque & Sweet Harmony presents its holiday vintage pied-a-terre shoppe of treasured finds, vintage gifts, decor, and more Wednesdays through Saturdays. The Old Lyme Historical Society will be selling their publications and tea towels to those who need something for their local history buff Saturdays in December from 9am to 1pm. The FloGris Museum Shop will be
decked out with holiday decor, jewelry, and gifts fitting for the season. The Bowerbird and The Lyme Tree are two great locations on Halls Road for the perfect special gift. Patricia Spratt for the Home annual pop-up Holiday Sale of table linens and more will take place December 10th & 11th. Art lovers will appreciate your choice for them from the Lyme Art Association or Cooley Gallery. Gourmet confections from the Chocolate Shell make a perfect hostess gift or surprise for a loved one. Gift certificates from any of our restaurants, shops, or salons make for a lucky recipient.
Special concerts take place throughout the holidays, including Con Brio's 25th Anniversary Christmas Concerts on December 10th and 12th. The concerts will feature Glorias by Bach, Rutter, and Rossini, as well as choruses, motets and favorite carols with audience participation. Saint Ann's Episcopal Church presents The New Consort holiday concert, A Close Harmony Christmas, on December 10th. Founded by Lyme native Brian Mummert, this world-class vocal ensemble will ring in the season with an enchanting program, featuring both gems of the holiday canon and new Christmas classics from the classical, pop, and jazz worlds. And the calm of Harpist Faith Leitner will fill the Museum galleries on November 19th.
In addition to holiday themed concerts, our musical powerhouses continue with their offerings. Musical Masterworks welcomes back pianist Andrew Armstrong, and violinists Amy Schwartz Moretti and Nicholas Cords as they join Edward Arron and Tessa Lark for a program of glorious piano quintets December 11th and 12th.
The Side Door Jazz Club is offering live Jazz performances weekends throughout the season and has a special New Year's Eve Jazz celebration. The Stumble Inne is now presenting local bands on weekend nights. And if being part of the music is your calling, join Nightingale's Acoustic Cafe's Tuesday night Pickin' Parties (check Facebook for locations during Covid precautions).
With so much to do and see, it will be wonderful to stop and enjoy a celebratory time with friends and family. The Old Lyme Inn presents a variety of ways to enjoy holiday dining, including Saturday Holiday Teas, Sunday Jazz Brunches, and Thursday evening holiday party menus for your own group. Need more than just a day in Old Lyme to enjoy the holidays? Consider a stay in one of the Inn's luxurious rooms.
