Category: Fairfield

The holiday season officially began yesterday as Gene and Mary Halliwell celebrated the 26th anniversary of Wonderland at Roseville, their beloved holiday light display at 226 Roseville Terrace in Fairfield, Connecticut. The longtime community tradition was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by State Senator Tony Hwang, officially launching another year of festive cheer and giving back.

“As your State Senator and a huge fan, I want to thank the Halliwell family for their tireless effort in creating this magical experience year after year,” Hwang said at the ceremony. “Tonight’s donations will support Shriners Children’s Hospital, providing crucial care for children in need.”

Wonderland at Roseville began decades ago as a modest family project and has grown into one of Fairfield’s most cherished holiday attractions. Gene Halliwell reflected on its humble beginnings, recalling how he and his father once hand-cut Santa and his reindeer from plywood and lit them with simple floodlights. What started as a small display has since evolved into a dazzling holiday tradition enjoyed by visitors of all ages.

A Shriner for more than 40 years, Gene Halliwell also emphasized the mission behind the lights. “Being a Shriner means being part of a global mission to care for children,” he said. “This display is our way of giving back, and every donation to Shriners Children’s Hospital makes a difference. We hope to light up the season with joy and purpose.”

Now open for the season, Wonderland at Roseville will continue welcoming visitors throughout the holidays, inviting families to enjoy the festive spectacle while supporting a meaningful cause. The Halliwell family closed the evening by wishing the community a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

For the past 17 years, the family has collected donations at the display for Shriners Children’s Hospital. Those who wish to donate online can still do so directly through the hospital at:
https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/wonderland

A one-car rollover crash on the Merritt Parkway northbound near exit 29, which is the former exit 47. The driver fled the scene according to unconfirmed reports.

2025-11-25@10:19pm– #Fairfield CT #cttraffic

The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce that Santa will once again be visiting Fairfield on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Greeted by Fairfield’s First Selectwoman Christine Vitale, Santa Claus will arrive by hook-and-ladder down Reef Road at 10:00am. He will sit in the beautifully decorated gazebo on Sherman Green until approximately 2:00pm, as he listens to the wide-eyed holiday wishes of all the children who visit him. Santa’s elves will give each child an adorable, small plush holiday toy!

This free event, celebrating its 23rd year, is made available to the community through the generous support of the Chamber’s member sponsors (TVEyes, AMR (American Medical Resonse, AFC Urgent Care, GoNetSpeed, Massage Envy/Fairfield, Children’s Art Classes, Hartford HealthCare, Cambridge Trust, Yale New Haven Health, Cambridge Health & Rehabilitation Center, Ludlowe Center for Health & Rehabilitation, Bigelow Tea, Westy Self-Storage, SHU Community Theatre, Fairfield University, Two Men & a Truck, and expressly The Learning Experience as the Title Event Sponsor.

As in the past, the ever-popular Horse and Wagon rides from Allegra Farms, will return, and will run approximately from 10am-2pm … the cost of each ticket is $5 pp. For music, DJ Scott Nickel will provide classical and traditional holiday music, creating an even more festive feeling, as children walk up to visit and see Santa.

The Chamber has also invited local Chamber non-profit organizations to set-up tables on the Green, to distribute information about their charitable organization. In addition, holiday face painting will be offered by the local Girl Scouts troop!

Holiday Market:
 BE Chocolat Atelier
 Fairfield Historic Keepsake Pewter Ornaments
 Geremia Gardens
 OHSELLA (Jewelry & Gift Store)
 Bailey Jaymes Boutique
 Bricks & Minifigs (LEGO)
 Read, Play, Love
 PEHT Shop
 And, more!

Weather: In the case of very heavy snow or rain, which would become dangerous and create a safety issue for attendees and horse & wagons, the event will be cancelled. Otherwise, it’s rain or shine. For current information, please visit the Chamber’s website: FairfieldCTChamber.com … or call the office: 203-255-1011.

Event Name: Santa Visits Fairfield
Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025
Time: 10am – 2:00pm
Location: Sherman Green
Corner of Reef Road and Post Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
Open and free to the public

Fairfield Police arrested Daniel C. Suozzi, 43, on Thursday after detectives completed a month-long investigation into the reported sexual assault of a woman known to him. The arrest was made on an active warrant obtained by investigators.

Suozzi was charged with Sexual Assault in the First Degree under Connecticut General Statutes 53a-70(a)(1). He was released on a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on November 25, 2025.

The Fairfield Police Department is issuing a public advisory ahead of SantaCon on Saturday, December 6, 2025. This advisory is intended to clarify what is occurring in Fairfield, set expectations, and outline the steps being taken to protect residents and maintain public safety.

There is no public SantaCon event in Fairfield this year. The only sanctioned activity is the private, ticketed event being hosted by Fairfield University for Fairfield University students and their registered guests. This event is not open to the public. All attendees will be required to have a ticket, show identification, and only individuals 21 years or older will be permitted to consume alcohol.

In 2024, Fairfield experienced significant challenges when thousands of college-aged individuals arrived in the beach area, creating safety hazards, quality-of-life issues, and an unsustainable strain on emergency services. As a residential beach community, Fairfield is not designed to accommodate large, unregulated crowds. Following last year’s difficulties, the Fairfield Police Department, Town officials, and Fairfield University collaborated to develop a more controlled and responsible approach for 2025. Much of Fairfield’s shoreline consists of private property and private beach associations, which are not open to the general public.

Recently, unauthorized social media accounts have circulated false and misleading information about SantaCon occurring at locations other than the sanctioned Fairfield University event. These posts are inaccurate and are being reviewed by law enforcement. Anyone without a ticket to the private event will not be permitted entry. Those coming to Fairfield expecting a public SantaCon gathering will not find one.

To ensure public safety, the Fairfield Police Department, working with Fairfield University Public Safety, the State’s Attorney’s Office, mutual-aid law enforcement partners, private security firms, Fairfield’s Emergency Management Team, and Town officials, will maintain a substantial presence throughout the beach area and downtown before, during, and after the event. Parking restrictions will be strictly enforced in the beach area. Vehicles parked in violation of posted restrictions will be ticketed and towed.

All violations of law, including trespassing, open container violations, disorderly conduct, and other town ordinance or criminal violations, will be addressed immediately.

Chief Michael Paris emphasized that while the department respects the rights of all individuals, the Town of Fairfield will not tolerate disruptive, unsafe, or unlawful behavior that threatens the peace of the community. He noted that the Town’s response and communication plan reflect lessons learned from 2024 and the priority of protecting Fairfield’s residents and neighborhoods. “Our priority is protecting our residents, our neighborhoods, and everyone’s safety. If you are not invited to the private event, do not come to Fairfield expecting a public SantaCon celebration. There isn’t one. Our message is simple: If you come to Fairfield to break the law or disrupt this community, you will be held accountable.” Chief Paris said.

Fairfield’s First Selectman Christine Vitale said “If you are planning to travel to Fairfield for this event, don’t. We are putting extensive plans in place so that our neighborhoods or emergency services are not overwhelmed. I want our residents to know that our police will be there and will be looking for all violations of the law, including trespassing. Our community’s protection is our first consideration.”

Fairfield, CT – On 11/19/2025, the Fairfield Police Department arrested Fairfield University Student
Emmet Blaney, age 19, of Massapequa, NY, on charges of Criminal Attempt to Commit Disorderly
Conduct and Criminal Attempt to Commit Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree, following an
investigation into Blaney promoting a SantaCon gathering, at specific private residential beach
addresses that he has no affiliation with, and without the homeowner’s permission. These promotions
reached over 600,000 views. Blaney was released on a promise to appear and is scheduled to appear in
Bridgeport Superior Court on 12/8/2025.

Residents Encouraged to “Shop Local” for the Holidays

The Town of Fairfield and the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce announced today that they will co-sponsor the 13th Annual Fairfield Holiday “Shop & Stroll” on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 6-9PM. Participating shops will stay open late and offer an assortment of hors d’oeuvres and seasonal refreshments. Traveling carolers and musicians from local schools will fill the air with holiday cheer.

“This is a great opportunity to support our local businesses and get your holiday shopping done while enjoying a fun night out with family or friends,” said Director of Community & Economic Development Mark Barnhart.

Fairfield Chamber of Commerce President Beverly Balaz added, “The Chamber of Commerce is happy to be partnering with the Town on this festive event as it will give our businesses another opportunity to open their doors to the community, meet new customers from surrounding towns and together, help celebrate the holiday season with a wonderful shopping experience!”

Mr. Barnhart also called upon residents and non-residents alike to take advantage of special shopping opportunities on “Small Business Saturday” immediately following the Thanksgiving holiday on Saturday, November 29th. The Town and Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a welcome station during the Holiday Market at Greenfield Hill Commons from 10AM until 2PM on Small Business Saturday, at which shoppers may receive a complimentary “Shop Small” canvas shopping bag, courtesy of American Express, as well as other free goodies, while supplies last. Small Business Saturday started in 2010 as a way to celebrate and support small businesses.

Mr. Barnhart remarked, “The Town is pleased to serve as a neighborhood champion for this event. ’Small Business Saturday’ is a terrific opportunity to kick off the holiday season by remembering the small businesses that help make Fairfield special, and we would encourage all to ‘Shop Small’ throughout the year, but especially during this festive time of year.”

Businesses that wish to participate or sponsor the Holiday Shop & Stroll event should contact Marketing and Business Development Manager Mary Alice Limperopulos at (203) 256-3120 by close of business on Monday, November 17.

A 3-car crash on I-95 northbound between exits 21 and 22. One person fled on foot, so there is a heavy police presence on the highway and in the surrounding neighborhoods.

2025-11-15@6:47pm #Fairfield CT #cttraffic

Fairfield Firefighters are on the scene of a shed fully engulfed in flames on Barnhill Road. The shed was about 30 feet from the house.

2025-11-15@4:40pm #Fairfield CT

Tuesday, November 11, 2025 · 11:00 a.m. · Town Hall Green, 611 Old Post Road

The annual Fairfield Veterans Day Ceremony, sponsored by American Legion Posts 143 and 74, will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. near the Veterans Wall of Honor on the Town Green, 611 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. The dress code for Veterans attending is blue and gray, and Post Commanders should bring unit colors and stand.

Following the November 11 ceremony, the Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will provide a light lunch for Veterans and their families inside the Old Fairfield Academy, 635 Old Post Road, near the Old Town Hall. The Fairfield DAR (www.EuniceDennieBurrDAR.org) is a volunteer women’s service organization that promotes patriotism, education, and historic preservation.

The public is welcome to attend this ceremony. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside the Old Academy.