A Great Weekend in Ellington: Holiday Cheer and History Come Together

Ellington is the place to be the weekend of November 7th and 8th, as the town comes alive with festive spirit, local shopping, and living history. Three annual favorites — the Farmhouse Fair at the Ellington Congregational Church, the Holiday Bazaar at St. Luke Church, and the Holiday Marketplace at the Nellie McKnight Museum — all open their doors Friday, November 7th from 5 to 8 p.m. Visitors can enjoy an evening of holiday shopping, handmade gifts, baked goods, and festive fun at all three locations — a perfect start to the season of giving.

The excitement continues Saturday, November 8th, when Ellington’s Main Street will be bustling once again. The Farmhouse Fair, Holiday Bazaar, and Holiday Marketplace will all be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering plenty of opportunities to find enjoy lunch, find unique treasures and support local organizations.

Meanwhile, history comes to life at the Nellie McKnight Museum, where “The British Are Coming!” — a Revolutionary War living history event — takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features both the 54th Regiment of Foot (British) and the Ye Old Lebanon Town Militia (American), who will set up an authentic 18th-century encampment on the museum grounds. Visitors can stroll through the camps, talk with re-enactors, and watch a full schedule of demonstrations throughout the day, including an 18th-Century British Army Field Hospital, Firearms of the 1700s, and Military Drills for Children.

Kids can even join the fun by enlisting in the Ye Old Lebanon Town Militia, donning a tricorn hat or colonial bonnet, and taking part in a mock battle against the British troops. The day will also include a fencing tutorial, a British officer’s overview of military strategy, and a skirmish between the opposing forces.

With so much to see and do — from festive shopping to a step back in time — it’s a weekend that perfectly blends Ellington’s community spirit, history, and holiday charm. Bundle up, bring a friend, and enjoy a great weekend in Ellington!