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Just over twenty miles from New York City, Stamford, Connecticut is a cold New England Coast town in the wintertime. When snow doesn't block you inside, there are plenty of events and activities in Stamford to keep you busy and in the winter spirit throughout the season. From giant balloons to rappelling Santas, Stamford has it all in the winter.

UBS PARADE SPECTACULAR

Downtown Stamford, CT

Held each year at the beginning of winter in downtown Stamford, the UBS Parade Spectacular is one of the world's largest helium balloon parades. Everyone has seen the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, with its giant balloons floating through Manhattan on Thanksgiving, but it turns out many of those balloons have been at the real show in Stamford the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The parade is Stamford's way of welcoming the winter holiday season.

For behind the scenes fun, you can visit the parade preparation site at Hoyt and Summer the night before the parade. From 3:00-6:00 PM, you can watch the giant inflatables come to life and view various entertainment acts as the crews work.

HEIGHTS AND LIGHTS

Landmark Square, Stamford, CT

If the Giant Balloon Parade welcomes Thanksgiving, the Heights and Lights festival welcomes Christmas. At the beginning of December, Stamford residents and visitors gather around Landmark Square to watch the city's Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The proceedings begin with Santa Clause rappelling from the top of the 22-story Landmark Square Tower- Santa then joins the crowd in lighting the huge tree and enjoying live music and entertainment.

RESTAURANT WEEKS

Various restaurants, downtown Stamford, CT

What better opportunity to try out a nice, warm meal than a winter day? How about getting a meal at a discounted price? Well you've got it with Stamford's Winter Restaurant Weeks. The event is a partnership between dozens of downtown Stamford's finest eateries offering special prices for lunch and dinner Sunday through Thursday. In 2009, the event is being held from February 23 through March 8.

GO VERTICAL

727 Canal St, Stamford, CT, 06902

(203) 358-8767

Near downtown Stamford, this indoor rock climbing gym is perfect for adventure seekers who don't want to be stuck inside during the cold winter. While the outside may be blustery cold, climbers can be nice and warm inside the Go Vertical gym, one of the largest indoor climbing facilities on the east coast. Beginner walls are available if you're just starting out, and more advanced walls are also available for experienced

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