Patch Weekend Picks: It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

It's the first weekend of December, and already Meriden's holiday festivals and fairs are in full swing. Here's a primer of the holiday goings on this weekend in the Tinsel City.

FESTIVALS

1.

Where/When: Saturday, Dec. 3, 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Main Street, South Meriden.

Why Go: Organizer Aprill Ouellette doesn't know whether it's the horse drawn carriage rides, tree lighting, pictures with Santa, or the much-loved baked apples that are the biggest draw for the few thousand folks who alight on South Meriden each year for the annual Christmas in the Village event. The event is in its 13th year of being put on by volunteers in this pocket of the city, and is entirely free, from the complementary hot chocolate to the craft tent for kids. Organizers ask that patrons bring a donation of canned food for the Meriden Soup Kitchen, and will also have a bin for folks to donate coats to help those in need for the city's first annual coat drive.

Cost: Free

MUSIC

2.

Where/When: Friday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m., , 124 Columbia St, Meriden.

Why Go: The annual Puerto Rican musical celebration of the holidays will be held Friday night at John Barry. A night of festive music will be provided by the Hector Cardona Sr. band, family and friends.

Cost: Free

3.

Where/When: Friday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m., , 62 Colony St, Meriden.

Why Go: The Morgans folk band will perform Irish and folk tunes, Christmas  song sing-alongs and even sea chanteys cabaret-style in Smith Hall with refreshments and raffle prizes.

Cost: $15, Call Bruce Burchsted at 203-631-8423 or the church office at 203-235-5704 for tickets and information.

4.

Where/When: Saturday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 4, 4 p.m., at , 159 E Main St, Meriden.

Why Go: Brightly lit candles, inspirational carols and dramatic readings by Chorale Connecticut are aimed to move audience members into the spirit of the season.

Cost: $20

GIFTS

5.

Where/When: Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., at , 290 Pratt St, Meriden.

Why Go: The innovative artists and artisans affiliated with CaRo Art Studio and Gallery will exhibit handmade jewelry, quilts, leather, fabric grocery bags, pet items, oils and acrylics at the Pratt Street Gallery for holiday gift-giving.

Cost: Entrance is free, but the gallery is accepting canned good for Shelter Now.

6. COLONIAL TYMES CHRISTMAS FAIR AT CENTER CONGREGATIONAL

Where/When: Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m. - 3 P.M. at Center Congregational Church, at the intersection of Broad & East Main Streets, Meriden.

Why Go: Normally the first holiday craft fair of the season in the city, the Colonial Tymes Christmas Fair was postponed from its early November date due to the havoc Storm Alfred's wreaked on the area. Saturday's event will feature food, crafts, a teacup auction, books, children's activities, used goods and more.

Cost: Free