BAH: It's a Holiday staple. From now until Christmas, you'll probably see 75 different versions of A Christmas Carol. But there's really nothing better than seeing the Dickens' classic performed on stage. "A Christmas Carol" is playing this weekend at the Shubert Theater in New Haven. There are evening and matinee shows Friday, Saturday and Sunday. See all your favorites including the ghosts, Fezziwig, Cratchit and of course Scrooge himself. Tickets are $15-40. Click here for show-times and more show info.
EVERGREEN AND AQUAMARINE: Mystic Aquarium is turning into a Winter Wonderland starting this weekend. The aquarium's annual Holiday Sea of Trees is kicking off, with more than 20 Christmas trees on display. Each tree will have a different theme, and their all decorated by local organizations. The trees are on display throughout the aquarium through January 4. Tickets are $24. 9am-5pm daily.
LIGHT THE WAY: Down the road at the Mystic Seaport, another holiday tradition is getting under way. Saturday is the debut of this year's Lantern Light Tour. It's a 70-minute progressive play that takes the audience back into Christmas past. Visitors tour the Seaport on foot, and in a horse-drawn carriage. This year's performance, "Hope Amongst the Stars," brings visitors back to Christmas Eve 1876. The tours are $26 and leave every 15 minutes starting at 5pm. A reminder, you'll be walking a lot (and on uneven terrain), so where comfy shoes.
HERE COMES THE RANE: They've been called one of the area's most promising bands, but still, it's been a while since we've heard from Rane. But the groove-poppers are coming out of hiding for their annual Thanksgiving show this weekend. The boys will take the stage at The Main Pub in Manchester.
ROOT, ROOT, ROOT FOR THE HOME TEAM: It's been an emotional season for the UConn Football team. But with a win Saturday against Syracuse, the Huskies can become bowl-eligible. The team is going to need your support to beat the Orange, so make sure to head to Rentschler Field in East Hartford and cheer on the boys in blue. Tickets are $35-$60.
HOLIDAY HARMONIES: The Beach Boys have been singing about surfing since the '60s. This weekend, they're bringing their original sound to the Mohegan Sun Arena. The band is playing a Sunday afternoon show at the casino, filled with all your favorite harmonies and melodies, that will transport you from Connecticut to the shores of California. Tickets are $25. 3pm.
LIGHT 'EM UP: You can officially kick off the holiday season this weekend with the grand illumination of Hartford's Festival of Light at Constitution Plaza. The celebration marks the start of one of the area's favorite holiday traditions. There will be more lights than ever this year (but they're going green with LED's). This is the 46th anniversary of the Festival. The Opening Ceremony is Friday at 5:30pm, and this year, features a toy drive for the Marines' Toys for Tots program (guests are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy). The festival runs through January 6.
