See ya, ’25. Hey there, ’26.
Monday, December 29
From 1 to 3, 3:30 to 5:30 and 7:30 to 10, SKATE New Haven hosts three open skating sessions today at Ralph Walker Rink, with many more throughout the week.
Tuesday, December 30
The Shubert’s cabaret ends 2025 with a BYOF trivia night focused on “the biggest moments in movies, music, streaming hits, viral trends, and unforgettable pop culture from this past year.”
Wednesday, December 31 - New Year’s Eve
If last week’s 16 ways to ring in the new year weren’t enough, here are four more:
At 5 p.m., Anchor Spa opens for business—and for its annual NYE Masquerade Party, with food and drink specials plus a DJ.
At 7, Caius Farm Brewery in Branford hosts a trio of comedians: Giancarlo Biondino, Mike Massaro and Ali. “Please bring in your own food as we will not have a food truck on site!”
Also at 7, a New Year’s Eve Gala at Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown promises “an unforgettable evening of glitz and glam.” Tickets include a 5-hour open bar, several standup and sit-down courses of food, a live painter, a 360-degree photo booth, a professional portrait photographer and a chance to “dress in your best.”
At Blue Orchid, the party starts at 9, with a $20 cover covering food, DJs, dancing and a midnight toast.
Thursday, January 1 - New Year’s Day
Two 11 a.m. excursions offer a chance to shake off last night. In Guilford, meeting at the Sam Hill Road entrance to the Westwoods Trails, an annual New Year’s Day hike led by Guilford Land Conservation Trust president Janet Ainsworth heads for the Lost Lake overlook. In Madison, the Meigs Point Nature Center’s Annual 1st Day Hike “kick[s] off the year by beachcombing to see what the waves have brought in, then stroll[ing] along the dunes to discover why these fragile ecosystems are so important to our shoreline.”
From 2 to 7 p.m. back on the New Haven Green, a family-friendly New Year New Haven event “feature[s] live music, carnival rides, a puppet show, a magician, arts and crafts, and so much more.”
Friday, January 2
From 6 to 7:30 on the Branford Town Green, a First Night Branford event “kick[s] off America’s 250th birthday” with a “bonfire, music, ice carving, wood carving, [a] petting zoo, s’mores and more!!!”
Saturday, January 3
At 2 p.m., the McGivney Center hosts a performance of La Befana: An Epiphany Tale alongside other Three Kings Day festivities including “children’s activities, refreshments, decorated trees” and two nativity exhibitions. “According to Italian folklore, Befana aided the Magi while they were following the star to Bethlehem. Her encounter with them inspired her own journey, which continues… on Epiphany Eve.”
Sunday, January 4
At noon, Armada Brewing holds its next speed puzzling competition, where “teams of two… race to complete the same premium 500-piece puzzle.” Prizes for first, second and third place appear TBD, aside from an automatic first-place berth into a late-April championship tourney.
Written by Dan Mims. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations and other details before attending events.
