The 2011 Line up:
Friday, December 2, 2011 - Annual tree-lighting and sing along at 5:00 pm. - Art Gallery, restaurant and shop opening receptions from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.

The Holiday Night Festival, co-sponsored by the Town of Chester, Chester Rotary Club and the Merchants of Chester, will begin at the Chester Flag Pole between Main Street and Maple Street with the annual tree-lighting and sing along at

(NEW START TIME!!!!) 5:00 pm.

Join our community as we gather to sing carols around the decorated Christmas Tree (click here for the song list). Most Shops, Restaurants and Galleries in Chester will be open for the Special Event to showcase our unique wares, gifts, menus and art work from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.

Evening highlights will include a sing-along led by local talent, the children's decorating of the tree, and special merchant events and gallery openings. The Chester Boy Scouts Troop 13 will line the streets with luminarias, while Saint Lucia Girls stroll around with goodies. The Garden Club will decorate the lampposts, adding to the holiday feeling we all enjoy. There will be plenty of demonstrations, exhibits, openings and of course, shopping. And not to be forgotten, the newest pewter ornament will be on sale by the Chester Hose Company and local merchants throughout the season designed by a Chester artist.

Free parking is available at the Water Street and the Maple Street parking lots, both a short walk to the center. Limited on street parking is available as portions of Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic.

Below are detailed listings and descriptions of these and other events that will accompany the evening festivities:


Maple & Main Gallery
One Maple Street
860-526-6065
http://www.MapleandMainGallery.com
The artists of Maple & Main Gallery invite you to their holiday show reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Come and enjoy beautiful artwork from over 30 highly acclaimed Connecticut artists, refreshments and holiday cheer in our 1790’s building. Browse our small works gallery filled with affordable art for gift gifting. Maple & Main offers a large and intriguing variety of art in many styles, mediums and sizes.
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Connecticut River Artisans
5 West Main Street, Chester
(860) 526-5575 www.ctriverartisans.org
Open Tuesday thru Sunday: 11-5:30pm Year - around
Our Annual Holiday Show runs November 3 thru December 31. The November Reception is on Saturday, November 5: 2 - 5 pm. The December Reception is on Friday, December 2: 5-8pm and is in conjunction with Chester's Tree Lighting and Caroling. This year we have many exhibitors which include Hand-Painted Original Designs, Decoupage, Note Cards, Handmade Wood Turnings, Painted Baby Clothes, Wheel Thrown Pottery, Marbled Silk Scarves, Sterling and Silver Jewelry and much more. The Artisans will be serving wine and delectable finger foods.


C H E S T E R
G A L L E R Y
Presents its Annual Postcard Show where all art measures 4" by 6" or smaller. Have a glass of sparkling wine from 6 to 8 on Holiday Night in Chester, Friday, December 2nd. View art you can take home in your pocket.
860-526-9822 or chestergallery@att.net


The Al Malpa Photography Gallery at 4 Spring Street (http://www.almalpa.com)
welcomes you with new works by Al Malpa as well as holiday refreshments. Stop in anytime during the evening.

C&G Unparalleled Apparel / C&G Posters & Prints
3 North Main Street 860.526.3284
Have a Ball on our two floors of art prints, artifacts, artful clothing and accessories. Peruse our playful, practical, calendar in a time capsule BALL 2012. You just might find what you didn't even know you were looking for! We're open every day December 2nd to the 24th, 12 to 5. Much later on Holiday Night. http://www.cgchester.com

Hammered Edge llc Studio & Gallery
4 Water Street, Kathryne Wright Owner/Artist 860-526-1654
http://www.hammerededge.com
Winter Wonders Open House Friday December 2,2011 from 5 to 9pm.
Celebrate Winter and the gathering together of friends and family. Our guest artist Joan Levy- Hepburn will be here with her hand made glass holiday ornaments and Mrs. Santa is rumored to be making an appearance! Our collection of world artifacts, jewelry, handmade watches, beads,costume-wear, masks, and accessories will help you find that most wonderful gift to delight. Many of our treasures are fair trade certified from around the globe. Custom jewelry design and repairs are our specialty. Please contact Kathryne Wright at 860-526-1654 for more information. You can also find us on FACEBOOK and check on secret sales! We are also a food bank drop off site for the Chester Food Bank.


Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio & Gallery, LLC
One Spring Street, (860)-526-2077
Holiday Exhibit of a selection of oil paintings of the artist's garden, the Connecticut River Valley and world travels by Leif Nilsson. Friday, December 2, 2011, with a reception from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. This show runs through February 17, 2012. Gallery hours: Weekends Noon - 6 pm. Other times by chance or appointment. Visit anytime on the internet at http://www.nilssonstudio.com

Caryn B. Davis
Chester photographer Caryn B. Davis will exhibit recent photographs from her travels to Italy, Portugal, Martha's Vineyard, Puerto Rico and Mexico at the Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio & Gallery at 1 Spring Street in Chester, CT as part of Chester's Annual Holiday Night Town Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling . For more information contact Caryn B. Davis at 860-526-5936, or via email at caryn@cbdphotography.com, or visit her website at www.cbdphotography.com.


River Chocolates
She's back on the porch!!!! Come visit Danni Best of River Chocolates as she returns to the porch of the Nilsson Gallery - Dec
2. Danni will have her usual treats: dipped pretzels, painted potato chips, coconut clusters and bonbons....who knows what other treats will grace her table??? Don't forget to get your holiday orders in. Email your order to riverchocolates@comcast.net and pick it up on Friday...


ELLE Design Studio + Shop
5 West Main Street, Chester
(860) 526-8470
http://www.elledesignstudio.net
Regular Hours: Tues. thru Sat. 11-6 & Sun 12-4
Join us in celebrating this holiday season during Chester's annual Holiday Night Festival, and warm up with a glass of hot cocoa, delectable hors d'oeuvres, and good company. Come see our newly renovated space at The Shops at the Mill House, and peruse our unique collection of home furnishings, accessories, and gifts while enjoying musical accompaniment by local musician, Jae Wolf. Stop by for a quick warm up, or relax with us for a few songs... We look forward to seeing you!

CERAMICA invites everyone in for some light refreshments after the Tree Lighting event... We can't wait to show you some of the brand new pieces we're bringing in from local craftspeople! Items are selling out quickly, so be sure to do a little local holiday shopping while you're warming up....!


Dina Varano Gallery
27 Main Street 860.526.8866
Join us to celebrate the season for the Holiday Stroll in Chester on Friday, Dec 2nd from 5-9 pm.
Our jewel of a shop is full of beautiful new treasures that will warm your heart and soul. Give the gift of the handmade wrapped in our signature style.You are invited to our "Wednesdays Full of Wonder" Each Wednesday evening from 6-9, Nov 30th-Dec 21st, Dina will be unveiling her line of jewelry in sterling, gold and precious stones for the holiday and feature a new collection from the store each Wednesday. Refreshments will be served. Cheers and the best to you and your loved ones this season! We are open Monday - Sunday 10-6. Or visit us online.
http://www.DinaVarano.com