Milford, CT December 2025

Harbor Lights and Holiday Hearts

December in Milford arrives with twinkle lights on the Green, a hush over the harbor, and the kind of crisp air that makes cocoa steam feel like a small miracle. It’s the season when gifts pile up—ribboned, bagged, tagged—and yet the most memorable ones rarely fit in a box. This issue celebrates both kinds: the thoughtful packages we place beneath a tree and the quiet acts of care we offer one another all year long.

You’ll meet a remarkable group of students at Joseph A. Foran High School whose club, The Giving Table, has been preparing ready-made meals for local families. Their work is simple and profound: good food, delivered with dignity, at the exact moment it’s needed. In a month devoted to giving, their example reminds us that generosity is often logistics: ingredients purchased, schedules coordinated, oven timers set, and the conviction that neighbors should be nourished.

We also look ahead to the Milford Arts Council’s inaugural Jazz Fest—a new tradition in the making. What better gift in December than live music that warms a cold night? Jazz has always been a language of improvisation and community; it invites us to listen, respond, and make something beautiful together. Consider it an early present to the town’s spirit.

You’ll read about Coastal Bridge Advisors and their philanthropic involvement across Milford—support that often shows up quietly, where it matters most. Their approach underscores that giving isn’t an event; it’s a practice, built from steady commitments and the belief that healthy communities are made, not found.

And because delight belongs on the list, our team has gathered inspired gift ideas from right here at home: handcrafted pieces from local makers, experience gifts (think show tickets or a museum membership), and practical treats from the small businesses that anchor our streets. Shop local if you can; it’s a gift that keeps the lights on—literally—through the winter.

As we turn the calendar, I’m grateful for the people who make Milford feel like a village: volunteers, artists, business owners, teachers, and the countless neighbors who choose kindness when no one’s looking. May your holidays be unhurried, your tables full, and your days dotted with small, surprising joys.

From all of us at Milford City Lifestyle, best wishes for a generous season and a bright new year.

Warmly,

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Mark Arnold | mark.arnold@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Chelsea Spata | chelsea.spata@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Chelsea Spata

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Caroline Collen, Mark Arnold

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

This holiday, our team invites you to pause, rejuvenate, and shine brighter than the lights on the Green!

Shopping Anyway bridges “How can I help?” and “Here’s what we need.” This app empowers nonprofits to list required goods, set deadlines, and manage delivery or drop-off logistics. Donors can explore local causes, pick needed items, and get notifications for volunteer or donation opportunities. Trusted partners ensure donations reach those in need. Whether you give supplies or time, Shopping Anyway makes doing good simple, meaningful, and direct.

vides 24/7 access to shelf-stable food through its purple self-serve pantry boxes. With no strings attached and no forms required, anyone in need can “take what you need, donate what you can.” All donations go directly to food support – it’s a simple, dignified solution to food insecurity in the community. Learn more and get involved at purplepantryboxes.com

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Milford’s Property Pros Keep Your Yard Holiday-Ready

Give your home holiday-ready curb appeal with Property Solutions of Milford. Their team handles fall cleanups, leaf and debris removal, bed refreshes, and end-of-season lawn care, so your property looks tidy before winter sets in. From aeration and over seeding to mulch touch-ups and planting installs, they’ll prep your landscape to rest well now and thrive come spring – letting you focus on family, festivities, and a stress-free season.

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HUGS OF FOOD

ARTICLE BY CHELSEA SPATA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINE COLLEN

On a Tuesday evening at Joseph A. Foran High School, the culinary room hums like a small restaurant at the dinner rush. Colored stations, each with its own assignment, click into action. Onions and garlic are chopped, salad greens washed, sausage sizzling on the stove. There’s rock music playing, a homemade card making its way around the room, and a deadline: one hour to turn ingredients into a hot, nourishing meal headed for a Milford family that needs it.

The scene is the heartbeat of The Giving Table, a student club led by culinary and bake shop teacher Randy Colin with co-advisor Rachel Pangu. The idea is disarmingly simple: prepare and deliver ready-made meals for neighbors navigating food insecurity, illness, or loss. Colin calls the finished plates “hugs of food,” a phrase that captures both the practical help and the emotional lift these dinners deliver.

Colin first piloted The Giving Table at Oxford High School, where she taught for 13 years. After moving to Foran six years ago – drawn in part by the chance to serve in her own hometown – she secured principal support to formalize the idea as a student club. Today, returning juniors and seniors provide the institutional memory; newcomers bring fresh energy. The result is a “welloiled machine,” Colin says, one that can produce multiple meals for two families at a time, when demand spikes.

Requests for help arrive through school social workers. At the start of the year, Colin and Pangu circulate a sign-up sheet to administrators across Milford Public Schools. Social workers add anonymous entries to protect privacy, along with family size, circumstances, and any allergies. Each week, a student leader begins the meeting by sharing the story behind that day’s recipient: a parent between jobs, a family navigating a hospital stay,

neighbors facing a tough stretch. Students cook with intention, knowing exactly whom the meal will comfort.

But they also learn practical skills along the way. Pangu notes that though the club’s primary objective is to give back to the community, students are introduced to culinary concepts like knife skills, food waste, and basic nutrition over the course of the year. “We’re supporting the community, educating, and building confidence together,” she notes as she gestures around the busy room.

If The Giving Table runs like a restaurant, it’s one that depends on community investors. The club is not funded by the district, so Colin and Pangu have become pragmatic fundraisers: walking gift-card requests to local grocers, applying for grants, and gratefully accepting small contributions from churches and charities. The Milford Bank has emerged as a linchpin supporter, awarding recurring grants to the organization over the last few years. Those resources become weeknight dinners: sauce, pasta, chicken, produce, dessert – whatever fits the dietary needs and the week’s menu.

Organization is the secret ingredient. Through Google Classroom, students claim roles at color-coded kitchen – salad prep here, sauté there, card writing at the final table. Colin shops ahead, lays out mise en place, and moves through the room with Pangu, coaching chopping and seasoning decisions. Participation is open to all grades; culinary experience is welcome but not required. Students learn techniques in the flow of service, and they learn something larger, too: how it feels to be part of a team that shows up for strangers. “When you have what you need,” Colin tells them, “build a longer table, not a higher fence.”

The club’s reach is expansive: present for this particular meeting was Ms. Valleau, a beloved Latin teacher at Foran who stopped by simply to lend a hand and learn. Two students, Emilia and Allison, spoke with me in between dicing peppers for baked ziti. “I just love being able to give back,” Emilia said. “And especially to our own community right here in Milford,” added Allison.

Perhaps the most remarkable element of The Giving Table is what it offers the cooks themselves. Teenagers, often measured by grades or GPAs, discover a different metric for success: Did we get the timing right? Does the sauce taste balanced? Will this meal say “you matter” to someone we may never meet? Music plays, sleeves roll up, and busy adolescents become hosts, learning that generosity is not abstract – it’s tactile, aromatic, plated, and delivered warm.

Colin, now in her nineteenth year of teaching, hopes students carry these lessons well beyond high school. The Giving Table teaches the craft of cooking, yes, but also the craft of community: how to turn empathy into action, and how to do it again and again.

For donation inquiries, contact Randy Colin at rcolin@milforded.org. Special thanks to Randy Colin, Rachel Pangu, Caroline Collen, and Joseph A. Foran High School.

“WHEN YOU HAVE WHAT YOU NEED, BUILD A LONGER TABLE, NOT A HIGHER FENCE.”

Milford’s Orthodontist Since 1968

Our focus is always on you and your smile

Dr. Gary Opin and Dr. Perry Opin understand that changing a person’s smile can change a person’s life. Throughout your entire orthodontic experience, they will be attentive to your comfort, will listen to and respect your treatment goals and concerns, and partner with you to achieve a lifetime of smiles. At Opin Wide Orthodontics, our doctors develop lasting relationships with our patients and their families, while providing a superior level of care to create healthy, engaging smiles. For over 55 years, we have been leveraging state-of-the-art treatments to provide our patients with highly individualized, effective care.

ARTICLE BY STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY

Sparkle for the Season

TREAT LOVED ONES OR YOURSELF TO ELEGANT JEWELRY FROM CELLINI DESIGN JEWELERS

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Visit Cellini Design Jewelers in Orange. where elegant craftsmanship meets festive sparkle. Their curated collection features dazzling diamonds, vibrant gemstones, and timeless metalwork — from classic studs and pendant necklaces to bold cocktail rings and sleek bracelets. With expert guidance, you’ll discover a piece that captures the spirit of the season and celebrates someone special. Whether you’re marking a milestone or simply saying “thank you,” Cellini’s treasures make unforgettable holiday gifts.

GIVING Inside Living WITH 5

A Roundup of Holiday Gifts from Inside Living Style

Visit Inside Living Style on Broad Street for these special items, plus much more!

ITEM NUMBER 1: Legrify Inspired Reed Diffuser and Candle, Fraser Fir

ITEM NUMBER 2: Jellycat Plush Stuffed Animals

ITEM NUMBER 3: Holiday Glass Set with Pitcher, Cocktail Glasses, and Drink Stirrer

ITEM NUMBER 4: enewton Bracelet Stacks

ITEM NUMBER 5: enewton Bracelet Stacks

Jazz 'n Downtown

MILFORD'S NEW CULTURAL CRESCENDO

COMING OCTOBER 3, 2026

ARTICLE

BY CHELSEA SPATA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MILFORD ARTS COUNCIL

THE VISION

On October 3, 2026, the heart of Milford will beat to a new rhythm. Jazz ’n Downtown, an arts and music festival presented by the Milford Arts Council, aims to transform the downtown district into a living, breathing cultural destination where creativity, community, and the soul of American music converge.

At its core, the festival embodies a simple but profound mission: to bring all of downtown together –businesses, restaurants, transportation, tourism, and the arts – into one cohesive celebration. It’s an invitation to rediscover Milford through sound, movement, and imagination, all while highlighting what makes our coastal Connecticut city so special.

The vision for Jazz ’n Downtown is both expansive and deeply personal. Organizers hope to create a cultural destination that not only draws visitors from across Connecticut and beyond but also strengthens the bonds of the local community. The event honors Milford’s long-standing reputation as a city of charm and hospitality.

And why jazz? The answer lies in the music’s DNA. Jazz is quintessentially American – an expression of our democracy, built on individual expression, compromise of ideals, independent spirit, and cooperation of the heart and soul. “Every new generation re-invents jazz in their own way,” Paige Miglio, Executive Director of the Milford Arts Council, explains. “It’s constantly transforming and evolving.” The event positions jazz as the perfect metaphor for community life.

Born in the Black and Creole neighborhoods of New Orleans, jazz emerged from a convergence of cultures and histories: blues, ragtime, African rhythms, European harmonies, and spirituals all found common ground in this bold new sound. By making jazz the centerpiece of the festival, the Milford Arts Council underscores its belief that art is for everyone, and that creativity flourishes when it is shared in public spaces.

Milford’s downtown provides the perfect setting for that vision to unfold. With its walkable streets, picturesque Green, and diverse restaurant scene, the city offers an inviting stage for cultural discovery. The Milford Arts Council itself, located at the heart of this district, already anchors more than 230 days of programming each year. Jazz ’n Downtown will build upon that foundation, amplifying the sound of local artistry.

THE EXPERIENCE

Jazz ’n Downtown is designed not as a single concert or street fair, but as a multi-venue experience that invites visitors to wander, explore, and immerse themselves. Picture this: as the autumn air drifts through the historic streets of Milford, melodies rise from every corner: a saxophone solo echoing near the waterfall behind City Hall, a soulful trio playing beside the harbor, an outdoor art demonstration unfolding in front of your favorite restaurants and retail spaces.

The festival’s layout connects these elements seamlessly. Designated performance areas and art vendor zones will stretch through the downtown business and restaurant district, allowing guests to enjoy continuous live jazz while discovering the work of local and regional artisans. The event’s footprint will link the harbor to City Hall, with each stop along the route offering something new – music, art, food, and conversation.

Among the most anticipated elements of the festival is the Artist Stroll, which will feature Connecticut and New England creators across a wide range of media: painting, ceramics, woodworking, glass, jewelry, textiles, metalwork, homewares, and more. Visitors will be able to browse handcrafted works, meet the artists, and even watch live demonstrations from plein-air painters capturing scenes of Milford in real time.

“Every new generation re-invents jazz in their own way... it’s constantly transforming and evolving.”

“Whether you’re an artist, business owner, volunteer, or simply a lover of good music and local culture, there are countless ways to get involved.”

To ensure high artistic standards, submissions to the market are being juried by a panel of artists, Milford Arts Council board members, and downtown merchants. Their goal is to present a diverse and high-quality selection of creative work that reflects the region’s talent and craftsmanship.

Beyond the visual arts, the festival’s soul lies in its musical lineup, which will highlight the breadth and vitality of jazz. Expect performances that span the spectrum – from traditional swing and Dixieland to contemporary fusion and Latin-inspired improvisation. Each ensemble and soloist will bring their own interpretation of jazz’s legacy, creating a dynamic soundscape that invites both listening and participation.

The Milford Arts Council envisions Jazz ’n Downtown as an event where people can meet, learn new ideas, and expand their sense of belonging. That ethos extends beyond the stages. Restaurants and cafés throughout the district are expected to host special dining experiences, offering prix-fixe menus, outdoor seating, and themed cocktails. Shops will stay open late, inviting visitors to browse, shop, and enjoy the evening atmosphere.

Accessibility is another cornerstone of the festival’s design. Milford’s downtown, accessible by foot, bike, car, bus, boat, and train, ensures that visitors from across the region can easily attend. With marketing outreach extending along the I-95 corridor, the Merritt Parkway, and Metro-North’s eastbound lines, the Milford Arts Council expects a lively mix of locals and visitors.

As day turns to night, the atmosphere will shift but not slow. Illuminated shop windows, outdoor string lights, and the glow of stage setups will transform downtown Milford into a festival of light and sound, culminating in a closing concert inside Veteran’s Memorial Hall.

THE COMMUNITY

A festival like Jazz ’n Downtown thrives on collaboration, and organizers are inviting the entire community to help bring it to life. Whether you’re an artist, business owner, volunteer, or simply a lover of good

music and local culture, there are countless ways to get involved.

For artists and artisans, the festival represents a unique opportunity to showcase creative work in a highly visible and supportive environment. The open call invites submissions from Connecticut and New England makers across all disciplines, from painting and ceramics to jewelry and fiber arts. Accepted participants will receive dedicated display spaces within the downtown area, where they can interact directly with visitors and other creators.

For local businesses and restaurants, Jazz ’n Downtown offers a natural platform to connect with new customers and highlight Milford’s flourishing culinary scene. Restaurants can participate by hosting live performances, offering jazz-themed specials, or providing outdoor seating along the festival route. Retailers are encouraged to keep their doors open, offer exclusive discounts, or create small tie-in displays that reflect the spirit of the event.

Volunteers will also play a crucial role – helping with event setup, artist coordination, visitor information, and hospitality. The Milford Arts Council welcomes residents of all ages to lend a hand and be part of this inaugural year.

Sponsors and donors can contribute by supporting key logistical elements: stages, sound equipment, signage, artist stipends, and marketing outreach. Contributions help ensure that the festival remains accessible to all, reinforcing the Council’s mission of arts for everyone.

And of course, the most important participants of all are the attendees: the neighbors, visitors, and music lovers who will fill the streets and green spaces of Milford. Simply showing up, exploring, and engaging is an act of support. The festival encourages everyone to bring friends and family, shop local, and take the time to talk with the artists, musicians, and organizers who make the event possible.

For more information, visit jazzndowntown.org.

LEARN MORE: "At its core, the festival embodies a simple but profound mission: to bring all of downtown together – businesses, restaurants, transportation, tourism, and the arts – into one cohesive celebration."

Chiropractic Works — Let It Work for You.

The Stress & Posture Reset — $67

Your body was designed to heal, adapt, and thrive — but when stress builds up in the nervous system, it interferes with that process.

This visit helps you understand exactly what’s going on and how to correct it — at the source.

Every day, stress and posture changes create tension in the spine — blocking communication between your brain and body.

Chiropractic care restores that connection — helping your body function and heal the way it was designed to.

This comprehensive visit gives you answers, not guesses — so you can finally see what your body’s been trying to tell you.

$67 Stress & Posture Reset (A $310 Value)

Includes:

 Consultation

 Spinal Evaluation

 Full Spine Digital X-rays

 Doctor’s Report of Findings

 First Chiropractic Adjustment

Because health isn’t how you feel — it’s how you function

TRUSTED BY MILFORD FAMILIES FOR OVER 40 YEARS.

SPECIALIZING IN

Coastal Bridge Gives

ARTICLE BY MIKE KAZAKEWICH

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Most people give because they care. They’re moved by emotion, personal values, and a desire to make a difference. That’s the heart of philanthropy, and it should remain at its center. But just as an emotional decision can lead to an impulsive investment, heartfelt giving without strategy can sometimes fall short. Increasingly, donors are beginning to approach their philanthropy with the same discipline they bring to their financial portfolios. This doesn’t mean removing the emotion from giving; it means making generosity work smarter.

GIVING WITH INTENT: THE INVESTOR'S GUIDE TO PHILANTHROPY

“REVIEWING A NONPROFIT’S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE, LEADERSHIP TEAM, AND OVERALL PLAN CAN OFFER VALUABLE INSIGHT INTO ITS HEALTH AND POTENTIAL FOR IMPACT.”

— MIKE KAZAKEWICH

In finance, investors seek the greatest return for the least risk. In philanthropy, the “return” is measured in social impact: lives improved, communities strengthened, and systems changed. Viewing charitable giving through an investment lens encourages donors to ask which organizations create the most meaningful results for every dollar contributed.

That perspective starts with curiosity. Ask how an organization measures success, how efficiently it operates, and whether its programs can grow or sustain themselves over time. Just as investors compare potential stocks, donors can compare nonprofits based on their effectiveness, leadership, and longterm strategy.

Investors perform due diligence before committing capital. Donors should do the same. Reviewing a nonprofit’s financial statements, governance structure, leadership team, and overall plan can offer valuable insight into its health and potential for impact. Fortunately, this kind of research doesn’t require a background in finance. Annual reports, site visits, and resources such as Charity Navigator, Guidestar, and CharityWatch can provide a clear picture of how an organization performs and how transparently it operates.

Diversification also applies to giving. Investors balance their portfolios to spread risk and optimize returns, and donors can benefit from a similar approach. Supporting a mix of causes, geographic regions, and organizational types allows philanthropy to be both stable and innovative. Proven programs can ensure reliability, while emerging initiatives can drive creative change.

As with investing, philanthropy works best when it is revisited regularly. Donors should check in on the organizations they support, review progress toward shared goals, and adjust their giving strategies when necessary. This doesn’t mean pulling funding at the first sign of struggle, as many nonprofits operate in complex environments where progress is fluid. But it

does mean staying engaged, asking tough questions, and being willing to pivot to help ensure that support remains relevant and effective.

Finally, it is crucial that intentional giving doesn’t just benefit donors. For organizations, consistent and thoughtful philanthropy makes long-term planning possible. Predictable, recurring commitments give nonprofits the confidence to build sustainable programs rather than rely on one-time gifts.

Investors often think in terms of legacy – building something that lasts beyond them – and philanthropy offers the same opportunity. Strategic giving can shape communities, influence public policy, and pass on values to future generations. When approached thoughtfully, philanthropy becomes not just a transaction, but a reflection of personal belief and purpose.

Ultimately, effective giving comes down to intention. By applying the investor’s mindset—curious, disciplined, and forward-looking—donors can amplify their impact and help create meaningful, lasting change. Every dollar becomes more than a contribution; it becomes an investment in a better world.

Whether you’re a seasoned philanthropist or just beginning to explore how you can make a difference in your world, consider this: every dollar is an opportunity. Invest it with purpose.

Important Disclosures

Coastal Bridge Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered investment advisor. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of Coastal Bridge Advisors by the SEC nor does it indicate that the firm has attained a particular level of skill or ability. The information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. You should consult your own qualified tax advisor, CPA, or attorney before making any decisions with tax or legal implications. For information regarding the firm, please visit www.coastalbridgeadvisors.com or email info@coastalbridgeadvisors.com

Arciuolo’s

ARTICLE BY CHELSEA SPATA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK ARNOLD

MILFORD’S SANTA CLAUS MARKS 35 YEARS OF CHEER

A LIVING LEGACY

For more than three decades, when the sleigh bells start to jingle in Milford, one man has faithfully answered the call. At 74, Rick George has spent the past 35 years donning the red suit, spreading joy to generations of families, and embodying the generous spirit that defines the holiday season.

“THIS

George’s German heritage adds another layer to his connection with the holiday. His grandfather, a tinsmith who once worked on Boston’s domes, crafted elaborate metal Christmas tree stands and the illuminated star that hung outside the old Raybestos plant in Stratford. “Christmas was always

IS MY WAY OF RETURNING THE KINDNESS OTHERS SHOWED ME.”

It all started, surprisingly enough, at the Milford Animal Control Department. “We were looking for a creative way to raise funds,” George recalls. “Animal control is always at the bottom of the list—if we’re on the list at all.” His solution? Pet photos with Santa. “What’s better than an animal control officer handling the animals?” he laughs. The fundraiser became an instant hit, and after that first season, he never hung up the suit.

From those early days, George’s Santa career grew organically. He began volunteering for local nonprofits, partnering with United Way, daycares, schools, and family organizations across Milford and Orange. “I’ve always believed you have to give back,” he says. “I wasn’t born with a silver spoon, so this is my way of returning the kindness others showed me.” To this day, he refuses to accept payment for his work.

a big deal in our family,” George says proudly. “I still have one of those tree stands he made.”

In his workshop on Depot Road, George builds and maintains his own miniature Santa “set”—complete with handmade décor, trains, reindeer figures, and a small sleigh he purchased at auction. “I wanted people to walk in and feel Christmas hit all their senses,” he explains. “Warmth, sound, light—an atmosphere where kids feel safe.”

The children, he says, are what keep him young. “They make it all worth it,” he smiles. “Now I’m seeing second generations—kids I met thirty-five years ago bringing their own children to see Santa.” Among his most touching memories are visits arranged for families facing loss or illness. He recalls being called to the home of a grandmother too sick to travel: “She passed away a week later, but that night, there was so much love in that room. I’ll never forget it.”

George’s Santa duties aren’t limited to photo ops. He rides atop fire trucks in the annual Lamplight Stroll, appears at the Festival of Trees, and still poses for pet photos each winter. “They tell me I can’t retire,” he chuckles. “My sister said they’ll have to carry me out in the suit.”

These days, George shares his holiday duties with a young helper named Anthony, a former student he met while working as a school greeter. Born with a brain tumor, Anthony has faced enormous health challenges, yet his energy and optimism inspire George year after year. “Like me, he doesn’t quit,” George reflects. Anthony is now one of his elves, along with his granddaughter, Fiona.

After thirty-five years, Milford’s Santa Claus shows no sign of slowing down. “As long as I can climb on the fire truck,” he says, “I’ll be there. You don’t stop being Santa just because Christmas ends. You keep the spirit alive all year long.”

realty report

A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN MILFORD.

This data is a sampling of sold properties from September 21st to October 23. Source: Smart MLS/ Connect MLS.

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH BIN 100!

Celebrating the holidays with Milford’s top restaurant is a tradition! We accommodate private parties and cater events of all sizes. Please connect with us today to make your holiday arrangements!

Compliment your meal with selections from our award-winning wine list.

DECEMBER 2025

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

DECEMBER 4TH

Christmas in the Mansion

Lauralton Hall | 10:00 AM

Explore festive charm at Christmas in the Mansion at Lauralton Hall. Stroll through the beautifully decorated Victorian Gothic mansion, shop from 50+ vendors, and enjoy holiday treats. Meet Santa in his workshop, view the crèche in the chapel, and see special collections on display. Admission is $10 (children 12 & under are free).

DECEMBER 5TH

23rd Annual Lamplight Stroll

Downtown Milford | 5:00 PM

Join the 23rd Annual Downtown Lamplight Stroll on Friday, December 5 on the downtown Milford Green. Families can stroll through local shops collecting stamps, enjoy treats and warm drinks, and explore over 60 vendors on the green. Expect roaming carolers, horse-and-carriage rides, and a surprise visit from Santa. Bring your stamped passport (with ≥ 20 shops) to enter the drawing!

DECEMBER 7TH

Holiday Buoy Tree Lighting

Lisman Landing | 2:00 PM

Presented by the MAC, the Holiday Buoy Tre is a staple of the holiday season. Join us for an afternoon culminating in the lighting of our 25foot tree constructed entirely out of lobster traps and adorned with handmade buoys from community members. Bundle up for music, a visit from santa, and the tree lighting with the mayor at 5:00 PM.

Full Body Diagnostic Imaging

IMPORTANT PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE

Body MRI screening is a non-invasive, non-radiation imaging test that uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to scan multiple parts—or the entirety—of the body for signs of disease, abnormalities, or cancer, often before symptoms appear. It’s commonly used as a preventive tool for early detection, especially in individuals at higher risk for certain conditions (like cancer or genetic disorders). Diagnostic Imaging of Milford is a leading provider of this life-saving, early detection technology.

of milford/west haven

CONTINUED

DECEMBER 16TH

Sip & Pour Candle Making at Dockside Brewery

Dockside Brewery | 6:00 PM

Join Dockside Brewery’s Sip & Pour Candle Making for a cozy evening of creativity and relaxation. Craft your own soy candle under guided instruction, with a variety of scents and decorative toppings. Enjoy Dockside’s full menu while mingling and making. It’s a perfect mix of hands-on fun, ambiance, and a little pampering for yourself or as a gift.

DECEMBER 18TH

Sip & Shop

Downtown Milford | 5:00 PM

Hosted by the Downtown Milford Business Association, this event invites you to browse and shop at local businesses – such as The Lovet Shop, Whispers, Inside Living Style, Makeup Makeup, Milford Med Spa, and Mind Body Wellness – while enjoying a drink or two. A perfect way to combine shopping and socializing this holiday season!

DECEMBER 21ST

A Milford Christmas at the Milford Senior Center

Milford Senior Center, 9 Jepson Dr. | 1:00 PM

Celebrate the season at A Milford Christmas at the Senior Center. The Milford Concert Band presents a concert of holiday favorites you can sing along with, bringing the community together through music. Free and family-friendly, the event offers joy and cheer to all attendees at the Milford Senior Center.

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