Good morning, Westport.

Final preparations are underway for tomorrow's Holiday Stroll featuring an Airstream photo booth and Letters to Santa station in downtown Westport, where residents can enjoy live caroling, store specials, and family activities.

The Westport Downtown Association gifted a new black and gold clock with ‘Town of Westport’ and ‘1835,’ which will be installed tomorrow at Main and Elm as a meeting spot for Saturday’s Holiday Stroll (4 to 7 p.m.).

Eight historic mansion and house tours are scheduled this holiday season across Connecticut (including events at Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in Norwalk, the Governor’s Residence in Hartford, and Ridgefield’s tour on Dec.

6) that offer festive displays, special events and interactive exhibits.

The Board of Finance approved $3,037,790 to upgrade rigging, lighting and sound at Staples Auditorium — including headsets that meet ADA guidelines — and approved a $30,000 motion to design new team rooms for the girls locker room.

Other projects for schools and athletic fields are under review.

Dog Star Rescue advises pet owners to limit outdoor time, protect paws and ensure pets drink enough water as cold weather can dehydrate animals.

The group encourages using winter for bonding and reminds owners that help is available from local resources.

A survey by DataHaven shows rising chronic and mental health issues in Connecticut, with about 20% of respondents describing their health as fair or poor — especially low-income residents, parents, people with disabilities, and formerly incarcerated individuals — based on interviews with over 53,000 adults since 2015.

A December study from Redfin predicts Fairfield County will be one of the nation’s hottest housing markets in 2026 as office return policies push buyers to seek homes with extra space.

Realtor.com projects a 6.9% rise in local home prices + increased buyer interest, reflecting shifting market trends.

A local family bought five waterfront lots on Beachside Avenue in a $54 million sale that included properties once owned by Phil Donahue, Marlo Thomas and Harvey Weinstein.

The deal generated $135,000 in local conveyance taxes plus $1.185 million for the state — a notable tax windfall for the community.

CraftWestport 2025

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Staples High School — $0 - $13 — Explore unique crafts and artwork from 175 American artists and makers at this vibrant shopping event.

44th Annual Production of The Nutcracker

1-3 p.m. — Staples High School — $35 — Experience the joy of a timeless holiday ballet featuring talented Academy students and professional dancers.

The Nutcracker: Annual Production

2-4 p.m. — Staples High School — $35 — Experience a holiday classic performed by talented Academy students and professionals.