Top Things to Do with Kids in Fairfield County CT - December 2011

Looking for fun and low-cost things to do with kids in Fairfield County, Connecticut? We've hand-picked the best children's events from our December calendar, including the Holiday Express Train Show in Fairfield, a Winter Wonderland Festival in New Canaan, performances of "The Nutcracker" in Westport and Fairfield, more family-friendly holiday shows throughout the county, and Lantern Light Tours in nearby Mystic.

For even more upcoming family events in Fairfield County and the NYC area, see our full, searchable calendar of events.

Thoroughly Modern Middle Schoolers

Hard-working 7th- and 8th-graders from Bedford Middle School prepare for their star turns in Thoroughly Modern Millie, a  mystery, a comedy, and a musical all wrapped up in one. It's 1922 and Millie sets out for New York City in search of a rich husband but faces a comic turn of events instead. The play won six Tony Awards including Best Musical during its Broadway run. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by emailing [email protected]. December 2 at 7:30pm; December 3 at 2pm and 7:30pm; December 4 at 2pm. $12; $10 children; free children younger than 3.

Bedford Middle School, 88 North Avenue, Wesport. 203-227-9318. www.westport.k12.ct.us.

All Aboard the Holiday Express

The annual Holiday Express Train Show at the Fairfield Museum and History Center is a festive display with tracks that wind around a town decorated for the holidays. A camera perched atop the train offers viewers a glimpse of what it would be like to actually be a passenger. The train show is made possible by the Fairfield-based Housatonic Model Railroad Club and the Connecticut G-Scalers Club. Details include classic and antique trains and modular dioramas. On display December 2 through January 2, 2012 (check the website for times). $5; $3 children 6-22; free children younger than 6.

The Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road, Fairfield. 203-259-1598. www.fairfieldhs.org.

Enchanting Holiday Ballet

One hundred local children, ages 6-18, dance The Nutcracker at Staples High School. This full-length production also features guest artists and professionals. Tickets can be purchased on the website. December 3, 3pm and 7pm; December 4 at 2pm. $25; $15 students and seniors.

Academy of Dance, Staples High School, 70 North Avenue, Westport. 203-226-9987. www.westportdance.com.

Cat in the Hat and Friends

Dr. Seuss and his imagination have thrilled generations of children. His characters come to life on the stage in Seussical, presented by the Stamford All-School Musical, featuring performances by 100 students, ages 5-18, from 23 different Stamford schools. December 2 and 9-10 at 7:30pm; December 3 at 2pm; December 11 at 4pm. $15; $10 students and seniors.

Rippowam School, 381 High Ridge Road, Stamford. 203-977-6155. www.stamfordallschoolmusical.org.

Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland

Horse-drawn hayrides, roasted chestnuts, and an electric train moving through a miniature version of a snowy downtown New Canaan are just a few of the seasonal activities planned for the Winter Wonderland Festival at the New Canaan Nature Center. The nature center is decorated to depict a nature-inspired winter wonderland, complete with handmade scenes of New Canaan in the winter. Santa Claus arrives at noon to meet and greet children and pets until 2:30pm. Other activities include holiday craft activities, storytelling, and singing. December 10, 11am-2:30pm. $10 per child; free for adults.

New Canaan Nature Center, 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan. 203-966-9577. www.newcanaannature.org.

A Fairytale Retold

In Handsome and Gretel, the No Strings Marionette Company serves up a rendition of this fairytale classic in which a cast of 15 hand-crafted marionettes leads the audience on a journey where the familiar meets the unexpected. Originally a tale of helpless abandoned children, this version sparkles with a more contemporary theme, where children learn to speak up for themselves. Will hero Handsome discover his true potential in time to rescue sister Gretel? Find out at one of the Historical Society's most beloved family events. December 10 at 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm.

Greenwich Historical Society, Vanderbilt Education Center, 39 Strickland Road, Cos Cob. 203-869-6899. www.greenwichhistory.org.

Seeking Celia's Shoes

Set in 1860 London, The Red Shoes is an original musical that tells the story of newly orphaned Celia, who has the opportunity to leave Midley's Magnificent Music Hall for the Royal Ballet until her beloved red ballet slippers disappear. The cast of this production features students in grades eight through college. December 10 at 6:30pm; December 11 at 3pm. $12; $10 seniors and students; $7 children 16 and younger.