Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Branford's First Night 2026 Celebration: Music, Ice Carving, Bonfire and S'mores. Need We Say S'more?

You won't want to miss John Wilkinson Memorial Christmas Tree Pick-Up Jan 3rd & 10th 2026 on the Branford Patch calendar

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Hello Branford! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Branford plans a cozy First Night with bonfire and s’mores
  • What’s behind the latest week of Branford police arrests?
  • How Branford firefighters helped contain a Main Street blaze nearby

Also on today's calendar: John Wilkinson Memorial Christmas Tree Pick-Up Jan 3rd & 10th 2026 and 8 more events.

Find out what's happening in Branfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Diane P.!

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Branfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Periods of sun, with a high of 44 and low of 18 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Snow late in the afternoon, temps: high: 28, low: 24.
  • Saturday: Morning snow, 1-2"; breezy, with a high of 32 and low of 21 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Branford's First Night 2026 Celebration: Music, Ice Carving, Bonfire and S'mores. Need We Say S'more? (patch.com) — Branford residents can ring in First Night 2026 on the Town Green with a free community celebration featuring live entertainment, a bonfire, and family activities. The Parks and Recreation Department is planning ice and wood carving, hot chocolate, and plenty of s’mores as the town helps kick off America’s 250th birthday year.
   

• Branford Police Blotter: Dec. 16 to Dec. 23, 2025 (patch.com) — Branford residents can see a full rundown of recent police activity from Dec. 16–23, including several local arrests on charges ranging from DUI to disorderly conduct and failure to appear. The blotter notes that all charges are allegations and everyone listed is presumed innocent unless proven guilty, offering transparency into Branford’s recent public safety incidents.
   

• Fire crews respond to structure fire in East Haven, no injuries reported (wtnh.com) — Branford firefighters assisted East Haven crews at a Main Street structure fire Wednesday afternoon, where the flames were quickly knocked down and no injuries were reported. The blaze, which damaged the exterior of a building on the 400 block, remains under investigation by East Haven’s acting fire marshal. Branford’s mutual aid role underscores ongoing regional cooperation in emergencies.
   

📸 Around Branford

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📸 Driving up Main Street —Diane P. Like

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Branford

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday December 26
  • Friday Crafty Tales - Bradford Manor Firehouse, 85 George Street, East Haven
    Hagaman Memorial Library , 85 George St , East Haven
    10:30 am
  • School Vacation Trolley Rides
    The Shore Line Trolley Museum , 17 River St , East Haven
    11:00 am
  • East Rock Market Run
    East Rock Market , 285 Nicoll St Suite 103 , New Haven
    3:00 pm
    • Saturday December 27
  • Christmas Week Trolley Rides
    The Shore Line Trolley Museum , 17 River St , East Haven
    11:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Branford PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Obituary: Debra Ann Palmese (Porto Funeral Homes) —Porto Funeral Homes Read on Patch
  • James E. Trapp, Jr, 70 of Branford and Milford, CT passed away on December 19, 2025 surrounded by his family. —Cody-White Funeral Home Read on Patch
  • Annual John Wilkinson Memorial Christmas Tree Pick-Up January 3rd and 10th, 2026 —Tabor Lutheran Church Read on Patch
  • Dunkin' posted a job opening for Team Member in Branford. Apply here.
  • Howmet Aerospace, Inc. posted a job opening for Quality Manager in Branford. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Branford here.

🗞 Nearby News

East Haven

  • Christmas marching band spreads holiday cheer through East Haven neighborhoods (fox61.com)
  • East Haven's Cabaret on Main Theater Announces Powerhouse 'Steel Magnolias' Cast (patch.com)

North Branford

  • 2 Injured, 1 Seriously In Pre-Dawn Foxon Road Crash: North Branford Police (patch.com)

Ok Branford! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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