Ready to get into the holiday spirit? Us, too! The season is officially in full-swing, and–besides spending time with our friends and families, of course–there are a few holiday events around Connecticut that we’re especially looking forward to this year. Take a peek at our list, and then let us know if we missed any of your favorites in the comments section!

Continuing the Art of Calligraphy with Juliska. November 20 & 21, 11:00 a.m. Don’t send out those holiday cards just yet! First stop into Juliska in Stamford for their Continuing the Art of Calligraphy workshop, which teaches participants how to calligraph invitations, envelopes, place cards, and more. The event is $30 and includes a Juliska gift bag.

Ridgefield Guild of Artists’ 11th Annual Festive Home, November 20 – December 23. Starting this week, the Ridgefield Guild of Artists will transform its gallery-slash-barn space into a holiday market featuring gifts from throw pillows, to handmade holiday decor, to original artwork. What sounds most enticing to us, however, is that the market will also feature seasonal vignettes (think foyers, tabletops, and fireplace mantles) designed by nine local interior decorators.

Firelight Festival at the Henry Whitfield State Museum. December 4, 2015; 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. This annual evening takes place at Connecticut’s oldest home. You’ll love getting the chance to check out the craft fair and tour the historic property, and the kids will love the outdoor fires and s’mores making.

The Westport Historical Society’s 29th Annual Holiday House Tour, December 6, 11:00 a.m. Take a peek inside six of Westport’s loveliest homes, all decked out for the holiday season during this annual event. According to the historical society’s website, this year’s houses include a Kings Highway Historic District home, a unique Gothic Victorian, an 1883 Queen Anne-style house, and more. 

The Friends of The Mark Twain House & Museum 35th Annual Holiday House Tour, December 6 at 11:00 a.m. Each year, the historic property in Hartford gets bedecked for the holiday season, along with a number of other beautiful old homes in the area. It’s a perfect family weekend event (and of course, a chance to ogle plenty of beautiful period antiques!)