New Milford Chamber of Commerce

Holiday Poem Readings by Bill Hughes
2025-12-13 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | New Milford Public Library, 24 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
This program will consist of a dramatic reading by Bill Hughes of two classic Christmas themed writings. “Twas the Night Before Christmas” a short poem by Clement Clarke Moore, a professor and poet, first appeared in a newspaper, December 23, 1823, as “A Visit From St. Nicholas.” “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” by Dylan Thomas, set in the mid-1920s Wales, evokes the Christmas season as remembered by a child. The narrative captures the small rituals of family gatherings, boyish escapades, and the magical innocence of childhood, creating a vivid and nostalgic portrayal of Christmas.

Carol Sing
2025-12-13 18:30 - 20:30 | New Milford Green, Main Street, New Milford, CT
Grab your hats, mittens, and some holiday spirit, and join us on the Green for our Annual Carol Sing on Saturday, December 13 at 6:30 PM!
A tradition that began in 1977, under the direction of band leader Skitch Henderson, the Carol Sing takes place around New Milford’s bandstand, complete with songbooks, luminaries, and of course, plenty of holiday tunes.
This year’s Carol Sing will be led by local vocalist Nancy Reid, who has been singing on stage since the age of 13 and has embraced music as a lifelong passion. Reid spent five years as part of the Faith Church worship team and two years at Walnut Hill, where she developed as both a vocalist and performer. With a deep love for singing, Nancy brings her passion and energy to every audience she meets.
Immediately following the Carol Sing is Water Witch’s beloved and much-anticipated Parade of Lights.
Fill the night with music, laughter, and a whole lot of cheer. Bring friends, family, and anyone who loves the magic of the season!

Dirty Date Night
2025-12-13 18:30 - 21:30 | Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Dirty Date Night
Saturday, December 13th 6:30-9:30 PM
Grab someone special and come get dirty….with clay!
This is a two-day course (plus a day for glazing) where you will throw one piece of pottery on the wheel, & trim the base during the second visit. You can glaze your piece at your leisure once it’s out of the kiln. $245 per couple. Needs a minimum of 2 couples to run this class. BYOB and a snack to share to make it more fun! BYOB
Pre-registration is required. Fill out form from our website.
Can’t make this one? Check our website for other dates.
Located at 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT
(860) 354-4318
www.villagecenterarts.org

Dirty Date Night
2025-12-13 18:30 - 21:30 | Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Dirty Date Night
Saturday, December 13th 6:30-9:30 PM
Grab someone special and come get dirty….with clay!
This is a two-day course (plus a day for glazing) where you will throw one piece of pottery on the wheel, & trim the base during the second visit. You can glaze your piece at your leisure once it’s out of the kiln. $245 per couple. Needs a minimum of 2 couples to run this class. BYOB and a snack to share to make it more fun! BYOB
Pre-registration is required. Fill out form from our website.
Can’t make this one? Check our website for other dates.
Located at 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT
(860) 354-4318
villagecenterarts.org

Painting Joy
2025-12-18 12:00 - 14:00 | New Milford Public Library, 24 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Join artist Alissa DeGregorio in this experimental, abstract painting class as we paint a visual representation of the emotion, joy. Paint, oil pastels, and crayons provided. Feel free to bring any other art materials that you’d like to use. We will be talking about what joy means to us and how to interpret that feeling visually to make a unique piece of art.

December Business Scene
2025-12-18 17:30 - 19:30 | Housatonic River Brewing, 30 Kent Road, New Milford, CT, 06776
Join us and other business professionals to connect and network at this informal networking opportunity.

* Free and open to the public* Bring your business cards* Bring a friend/colleague* Food and beverages* Door prizes welcome to help promote your business

Sponsored this month by:
Webster Bank
Housatonic River Brewing
Housatonic Business Alliance

NWCT Arts Night Out
2025-12-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
NWCT Arts Night out
Join the NWCT Arts Council for Arts Night Out! Art Supply Drive @ Village Center for the Arts!
Celebrate the season of giving by bringing new or gently used art supplies for our annual Art Supply Drive! Collected supplies will be donated to the Torrington Area Families for Autism (TAFA).
Network with local artists and arts and cultural professionals, spark collaborations, while you enjoy wine and light refreshments.
This event is 21+
When: Thursday, December 18, from 6 – 8 pm
Location: Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, 06776
Not sure what to donate?
Refer to our helpful wish list below to see what items are in high demand with our friends at TAFA.
Acrylic Paints
Watercolors
Pastel/Crayons
Canvas Boards (9×12 or 8×10)
Paint Markers/Alcohol Ink Markers
Water Color Paper (9×12 or 8×10)
Drawing Paper (9×12 or 8×10)

Design Cozy Mugs & Make Magic Cocoa Bombs
2025-12-20 11:00 - 13:30 | Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Design Cozy Mugs & Make Magic Cocoa Bombs $40.
Saturday, December 20th | 11:00-1:30 PM OR 2:00-4:30 PM
In this fun, hands on workshop we will teach you to create delicious hot cocoa bombs & decorate a mug to your desire to take home! Beginner to advanced. All Ages. 7-under needs to be accompanied by an adult.
Preregistration is required. Call to register (860) 354-4318
Includes mug and all the ingredients to make cocoa bombs.

Polymer Clay Ornaments
2025-12-20 13:00 - 15:30 | Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Polymer Clay Ornaments $25.
Saturday, December 20th | 1:00 PM
Design your own keepsake ornament! Learn how to shape and decorate a handmade ornament. You can make one of our designs or make your own!
Call to register (860) 354-4318. Preregistration is required. This makes a great gift, too! You make up to 3. Ages 8-Adult
villagecenterarts.org

Polymer Clay Ornaments
2025-12-20 13:00 - 15:30 | Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Polymer Clay Ornaments $25.
Saturday, December 20th | 1:00 PM
Design your own keepsake ornament! Learn how to shape and decorate a handmade ornament. You can make one of our designs or make your own!
Preregistration is required. This makes a great gift, too! You make up to 3. Ages 8-Adult
villagecenterarts.org

Design Cozy Mugs & Make Magic Cocoa Bombs
2025-12-20 14:00 - 16:30 | Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Design Cozy Mugs & Make Magic Cocoa Bombs $40.
Saturday, December 20th | 11:00-1:30 PM OR 2:00-4:30 PM
In this fun, hands on workshop we will teach you to create delicious hot cocoa bombs & decorate a mug to your desire to take home! Beginner to advanced. All Ages. 7-under needs to be accompanied by an adult.
Call to register (860) 354-4318. Preregistration is required.
Includes mug and all the ingredients to make cocoa bombs.

a Studio Affair
2025-12-20 18:30 - 22:00 | Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
A Studio Affair with Pocket Vinyl – Music, Art, and Magic Combined!
December 20, 2025, 6:30 – 10:00PM
Pocket Vinyl goes on at 9:00 PM
Join us at Village Center for the Arts for an unforgettable evening of creativity, music, and live art! Our next Studio Affair features the one-of-a-kind duo Pocket Vinyl, an incredibly unique piano-slamming, live-painting band from Connecticut.
Pocket Vinyl’s performances are a mesmerizing blend of insightful piano-driven indie rock and spontaneous visual art. As musician Eric Stevenson plays and sings his original songs with raw passion, painter Elizabeth Jancewicz brings the music to life through a live painting, created right before your eyes! Each performance is completely original, and the finished artwork is auctioned off at the end of the show, making every event truly one-of-a-kind.
This special 21+ community event is free and open to the public. Guests are welcome to BYOB and enjoy a relaxed, art-filled evening surrounded by creative energy. Walk in and experience the fusion of sound and color that has captivated audiences across the region, right here at Village Center for the Arts.
Event Details:
🗓 Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
🕘 Time: 6:30 PM Pocket Vinyl will go on at 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT
🎟 Admission: Free | Ages 21+ | BYOB
Come for the art, stay for the music ~ and be part of a night you won’t forget!
(860) 354-4318
Where creativity and community come alive.
www.villagecenterarts.org

New Milford United Methodist Church Christmas Festivities
2025-12-21 11:30 - 14:30 | New Milford United Methodist Church, 68 Danbury Road, New Milford, 06776, United States Minor Outlying Islands
Join us for a joyful day of Christmas music, Christmas sweater fashion show, lunch, and fellowship.

Snow Globe Workshop
2025-12-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Snow Globe Workshop $25
Wednesday, December 24th | 1:00-3:00 PM
Make a personalized snow globe. You will design and build their own enchanting winter scene using miniature figures, clay, and glitter. With our teacher showing you how, you will make a wonderful snowy keepsake!
Preregistration is required. Call to register (860) 354-4318
7-under needs to be accompanied by an adult.
villagecenterarts.org

Candle Holder Workshop
2025-12-30 10:00 - 14:30 | Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Candle Holder Workshop $40.
Tuesday, December 30th | 10:00-12:30 PM
Make something with your own hands and learn the art of clay! In this workshop you will design your own candle holder. We will show you step-by-step ceramic techniques.
Ages 7-Adult. Preregistration is required. Beginner friendly!
Includes 1st firing.
Call to register (860) 354-4318. Preregistration is required.
villagecenterarts.org

Candle Holder Workshop
2025-12-30 10:00 - 14:30 | Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Candle Holder Workshop $40.
Tuesday, December 30th | 10:00-12:30 PM
Make something with your own hands and learn the art of clay! In this workshop you will design your own candle holder. We will show you step-by-step ceramic techniques.
Ages 7-Adult. Preregistration is required. Beginner friendly!
Includes 1st firing.
Call to register (860) 354-4318. Preregistration is required
villagecenterarts.org

Clay Play
2026-01-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Clay Play
For all ages (7 and under can sit on parents lap)
Saturday, January 3rd 1:00-3:00PM
This is a great chance to try the pottery wheel and get your hands in some clay. We show you how, then you get on the wheel right away. This class is perfect for all ages—little ones are welcome to sit on their parent’s lap and join the fun. Great for groups or families!!
$50 ea. Please see our website for other dates.
Pre-registration is required. Fill out form from our website.
Needs a minimum of 4 people to run this class
Village Center for the Arts
12 Main Street, New Milford, CT
(860) 354-4318
villagecenterarts.org

Sunday Speaker Series: Book Talk with Author Jacqueline Guttman on "Widowhood and Other Altered States"
2026-01-04 13:00 - 14:00 | JCC in Sherman, 9 Route 39 South, Sherman, CT
Widowhood and Other Altered States takes us on a tour of life in the 70-plus lane. Though there’s grief, loss of loved ones and physical abilities, and isolation, the good news is life remains as absurd as ever. What do you do with hundreds of leftover napkins from a bereavement gathering? Or well-meaning advice you didn’t want? Or cemetery decisions? Of course there’s sadness and confusion as to how to cope alone, but widowhood is another way of being, and as with anything else, we learn. How do you buy a car that accommodates arthritic knees, but – like you – still has some pizzazz? And the dating scene is as head-shakingly comical as it is at any age (spoiler: men don’t seem to get much better). When Guttman finds herself assailed by it all, her wry wit will show you that you can stay yourself, even in an altered state.
A coming of age book for those who have already aged (and their younger friends).
Format

Brief interactive discussion of how the book came to be
Writing humorously about grief and loss, sometimes all you can do is laugh!
Reading – 1-2 excerpts
Q & A
Sale of books, inscribed if desired, 25% discount off regular price

About the Author
Jacqueline Guttman was a flutist and arts educator whose playing and teaching were curtailed by rheumatoid arthritis. Armed with a masters degree in arts administration, she became a concert presenter, arts consultant, choir director and adjunct professor in the NYU arts administration program. Believing in the arts as a vehicle for remaining vital and engaged, upon retirement she founded Arts for Life NJ, which offered participatory programs for older adults in dance, acting, visual arts, and music, until COVID had other ideas. Although she had written curriculum materials, press releases, grant proposals and even a couple of educational resource books, she never thought of herself as a writer. Guttman began writing regularly to relieve her stress as her husband’s health deteriorated. After he died in 2017, casting about for something to hold her interest, she attended a conference on arts and health, selecting a writing workshop, which was the beginning of a brand new direction. Not having studied writing since Freshman English, she enrolled in a writing critique class at Sarah Lawrence College, moving on to the Hudson Valley Writers’ Center, where she found a wonderfully supportive group of colleagues. And so she started writing essays, which has been part of her life for the past eight years. Her remaining musical connection is the coaching she provides for an amateur trio. Jackie is also involved in a broad spectrum of volunteer activities, but notes that it’s the writing that is now part of her identity, “with a bit of imposter syndrome in the mix,” she says.

Dinner & Music: New Middle Class with Opener Liam Cooley
2026-01-04 19:00 - 21:00 | JCC in Sherman, 9 Route 39 South, Sherman, CT
Join us for a delicious dinner from caterer Lori Hendricks-Bechtold and stay for music from New Milford High School student Liam Cooley and for local musicians New Middle Class!
NEW MIDDLE CLASS
Playfully serious, heartfelt and slightly bent middle class acoustic pop. The award-winning music of Barbara Borok and Mike Borok has been played on over 60 radio stations world-wide. They were grand prizewinners in the Music To Life song contest at the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival, and were featured in the Emerging Artists Showcase at the 2023 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. Most recently, Mike won first place in the 2024 Music for Humanity Songwriting Contest.
NMC appeared in the both 2024 and 2025 Sherman Opry concerts at the Sherman playhouse, and have played at two previous dinner/concert events at the JCC in Sherman. The food was outstanding both times!
This concert will be the Connecticut debut of their new album, “Prehistoric” – a collection of previously unreleased songs from the years before their 1999 self-titled album. Something for everyone: folk, blues, country, funk and rock.
“Great melodic songs, full of warmth, wit and truly delightful and surprising turns of phrase.” – Fast Folk
“This classy duo clearly knows how to make a song work on all levels…The vocals here are superb… Here are some lovely personal stories, some social commentary… It’s easy to understand why these songs win awards.” – SoundBytes
Music & videos at newmiddleclass.com and streaming on all platforms.
Liam Cooley
Liam Cooley, a junior at New Milford High School, began playing acoustic guitar in 2022. Often described as an “old soul,” he draws inspiration from singer-songwriters across generations. His musical influences stretch from the soulful sounds of the ’60s to the poetic ballads of today, creating a distinctive blend that resonates with audiences of all ages. Liam is grateful for the JCC community, where he gained his first on-stage experience performing at Open Mic Nights. Most recently, he showcased his artistry by winning the NMHS Talent Show, further cementing his place as a rising musician to watch.
Manu:
Char Sui Grilled Chicken
Maple Soy Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon
Sesame Noodles
Winter Veg Stir Fry w Garlic Ginger Sauce
Fortune Cookies / Assorted Cookies

Adult Program - Genealogy Club
2026-01-07 18:00 - 19:30 | New Milford Public Library, 24 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Debbi Johnson, Boston University certified Pro-Gen Graduate, will be leading our new Genealogy Club. The Club will meet once a month on the first Wednesday of the month. Debbi will open the Club with some basics, and then she and the group will assist with projects depending on topic and attendance. Registration requested.

Coffee Talk
2026-01-08 14:00 - 15:00 | New Milford Public Library, 24 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Join NMPL’s Amy and Laura as they review new fiction and non-fiction books–hot off the presses!

ESL Cafe
2026-01-08 18:00 - 19:30 | New Milford Public Library, 24 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Hello! Practice speaking English in a casual setting at the library. Tutors from Literacy Volunteers on the Green will be on hand to keep the conversation flowing.

3 Different Approaches to Meditation
2026-01-10 10:00 - 11:00 | New Milford Public Library, 24 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Did you know that meditation may help alleviate stress, improve clarity, and improve sleep? Meditation also induces the relaxation response, a state that promotes healing and wellness. Because there is no one size that fits all, three different types of meditation will be presented, and ways to augment their benefits. Alternatives to meditation will also be discussed. There will be opportunities for participants to try each method. Come learn about, experience, and see how meditation fits for you.
About Dr. Wendy Hurwitz:
A graduate of Yale University School of Medicine, Dr. Wendy Hurwitz is a nationally recognized expert on stress. A former medical researcher for ABC News, Dr. Hurwitz is an expert in two fields: Mind/Body Medicine and Energy Medicine. She has a forthcoming book on stress. Dr. Hurwitz helps organizations and individuals achieve peak performance by enhancing vitality and wellness. She translates the latest and most sophisticated scientific research into practical, easy-to-use techniques people can use to maintain and enhance vitality even under the most trying circumstances. Dr. Hurwitz has provided training for AT&T, Unilever, Lowe Worldwide, the FDNY, and has been an invited guest speaker at the United Nations.

NMPL Chess Tournament
2026-01-10 13:00 - 17:00 | New Milford Public Library, 24 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Like to play chess? Join us at the New Milford Chess Tournament–for everyone ages 8 and up! When you register, you’ll be asked your age and your rating, if you have one. (No worries if you don’t have a rating!) Plus, we’ll be raffling off a beautiful chess set! Sign up today!

Dirty Date Night
2026-01-10 18:30 - 21:30 | Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Dirty Date Night Saturday, January 10th 6:30-9:30 PM Grab someone special and come get dirty….with clay! This is a two-day course (plus a day for glazing) where you will throw one piece of pottery on the wheel, & trim the base during the second visit. You can glaze your piece at your leisure once it’s out of the kiln. $245 per couple. Needs a minimum of 2 couples to run this class. BYOB and a snack to share to make it more fun! BYOB Pre-registration is required. Fill out form from our website. Can’t make this one? Check our website for other dates. Needs a minimum of 2 couples to run this class. Registration and payment saves your spot in the class. Located at 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT (860) 354-4318 villagecenterarts.org

Gentle Yoga
2026-01-12 13:30 - 14:30 | New Milford Public Library, 24 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Robert Meko teaches with an emphasis on breathwork, meditation, and turning inward to observe mental, physical, and spiritual states without judgement. It is his goal to teach, promote, and support safe, sustainable, and deeply transformational yoga practices.

Women, Wine, & Wheel
2026-01-17 18:30 - 21:30 | Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Women, Wine, & Wheel
Saturday, January 17th 6:30-9:30PM
Ready for some serious fun with friends? Picture this: laughter, creativity, and a pottery wheel at your fingertips!
Join us for a super fun 2-day pottery adventure. On day one, you’ll dive in and create your first masterpiece on the wheel. Then, come back for day two and give it a perfect trim. On your third visit, you can glaze your creation however you like (no rush, take your time!). All this for just $129 each. It’s the perfect blend of fun and art—grab a spot and let’s get spinning!
pre-registration is required. Fill out form from our website.
Can’t make this one? Check our website for other dates.
Needs a minimum of 4 people to run this class
Located at 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT
(860) 354-4318
villagecenterarts.org

a Studio Affair
2026-01-17 18:30 - 22:00 | Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
a Studio Affair
Saturday, January 17th
6:30-10:00 PM
Ages 21+
As a nonprofit, we’re passionate about creating a space where adults can unwind, connect, and enjoy the arts in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to meet new people or simply take a break, our space is open to the community free of charge. It’s all about making art accessible and building meaningful connections through shared creative experiences.
If you’re already working on a masterpiece, feel free to bring it along to work on. You don’t have to be a professional artist to join in; all you need is the passion to create. Or simply explore the creative materials we’ll have available, including watercolors, chalk pastels, oil pastels, magazines, markers, colored pencils, and beautiful paper.
Just bring your enthusiasm!
Spread the word, invite your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
We will also play some vinyl to make it a fun environment!
Plus, if you’re feeling thirsty, don’t forget to BYOB.
This is a free community event we have on the 3rd Saturday.
Located at 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT
(860) 354-4318
villagecenterarts.org

Winter Birds at Your Feeder
2026-01-22 18:00 - 19:00 | New Milford Public Library, 24 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Come enjoy an evening talking about the birds at your feeders. We will be focusing on the ones that come to your feeders, how to identify them, and how to attract birds to your property.

Peter, Paul & Mary Tribute Concert with Unbroken Glass & Friends
2026-01-24 19:00 - 21:00 | JCC in Sherman, 9 Route 39 South, Sherman, CT
Join us for a night of songs from folk legends Peter, Paul, & Mary!
Unbroken Glass, & the friends they will bring with them, are sure to do the songs you love justice at this tribute concert!
BYOB Venue!
