WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3
BRISTOL
‘AN ITALIAN CHRISTMAS’ COOKING CLASS. 6:30 p.m. Make some of the dishes traditionally eaten in different regions of Italy on Christmas. Some may even have appeared on your Christmas table in the past. If you were not taught the dish, this will be an opportunity to prepare some foods you ate as a child. Dinner menu is Insalata di Mare from Sardinia, which is a poached seafood salad; braciole from Sicily, which is a stuffed beef cutlet braised in tomato sauce; struffoli from Naples, which are honey doughnut balls. Martino’s Italian Market and Restaurant, 948 Terryville Ave., Bristol. The cost is $60 per person. Reservations required. (860) 583-3585.
FRIDAY, DEC. 5
BRISTOL
THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS FOR UNITED WAY 4TH ANNUAL WINE GALA. 5:30 p.m., doors open. Tastings until 8:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the United Way of West Central Connecticut. Sample over 70 wines, try many delicious hor’s d’oeuvres. Raffles. Maple End Package Store in Bristol will provide the wine and will take orders for the holiday season. Wines will be available to be picked up in mid-December to give as gifts or bring to holiday gatherings. Chippanee Country Club, Marsh Road, Bristol. Tickets are $40 before Nov. 24. After, $50. (860) 582-9559. UWWestCentralCt.org/young-professionals-united-way
SATURDAY, DEC. 6
SOUTHINGTON
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by HQ Dumpters and Recycling and Miss Southington Pre-Teen. Help Southington Social Services gather gifts for families in need. Bring a gift a boy or girl and enjoy breakfast with Santa. Every toy donation enters you into a raffle to win a $100 Visa gift card. Donuts, hot chocolate, homemade Christmas cookies. HQ Dumpsters and Recycling, 897 South Main St., Plantsville. 