There’s no place like home for the holidays. And for me, that home is in Connecticut. As much as I enjoy seasonal festivities throughout New England, each year, I head home to these Connecticut Christmastime events. From the northwest hills to the southeastern coast, check out these Connecticut Christmastime events throughout the state.
Eastern
Mystic Seaport Lantern Light Tours – Mystic, CT – Mystic Seaport, Greenmanville Rd, Mystic, CT. weekends, December 5th to December 20, 5 to 10 pm (timed tickets)
Celebrating over 40 years, this historic event is a play that is staged throughout the grounds and buildings of the Seaport Museum. Follow the actors, based on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, as you venture back to the 19th century. There’s also festive lighting, music, and horse-drawn carriage rides. (Admission tickets are strongly encouraged in advance.)
Mystic Boat Parade– Mystic, CT
Cheer on boats illuminated by Christmas lights and decked out festively for the season as they cruise up the Mystic River through town. While you’re in town, check out the beautifully decorated shops lining Main Street. Also in town, Olde Mistick Village is stunning for the season. A night stroll through here really feels like a walk back in time.
Historic villages
Sometimes you don’t need an event to make a lasting Christmas memory. Stroll or drive through any of the picturesque classic Connecticut towns perched around a town green or on the seashore to evoke those bygone memories. Litchfield, Wethersfield, Norwichtown, and Lebanon have classic town greens and colonial-era homes with candles in the windows. Or go coastal to towns such as Mystic or Essex, all decked out for the season.
This drive-through light display includes all of your favorite Christmas images: Santa, Frosty, characters from Christmas movies, and Christmas carols. Follow the loop road as it winds you through the campground while the radio is dialed into a station that syncs with the light display. For the kids, this is an unforgettable Connecticut Christmastime event.
Lobster Trap Christmas Tree
With lobster trap trees scattered through the coastal regions of New England, Stonington Harbor holds the title of king of the lobster trap trees. This behemoth in Stonington, Connecticut, has become a destination in its own right. It’s huge, as you can walk inside it and take the ever-popular photo in its entryway, perfect for that Christmas card or Instagram snap.
Eastern CT Wintertime Fun
Amarante’s Winter Wonderland
The Amarante Winter Wonderland in Dayville is worth a visit. Get out of the car and stroll around the property of one Christmas light devotee. It is in the vein of Mervin Whipple’s Winter Wonderland, which for many years brought visitors by carload to the tiny Ballouville section of Killingly for a festival feast for the eyes and a visit with Santa. Amarante’s features over 200,000 lights and includes a gift shop.
Light Up City Hall and Winterfest Parade – Norwich, CT- Light Up City Hall – Friday, December 5 at 5 pm (Broadway), Winterfest and Parade, Saturday, December 6 at 4 pm
The season comes to the city of Norwich in grand style each year. In coordination with the monthly First Friday events, Norwich’s phenomenal circa 1870 City Hall is outlined with electric lights. Santa flips the switch as the building is lit. Expect family entertainment such as magicians, Christmas carolers, and holiday cheer. The next night is the annual Winterfest Parade. Norwich area businesses sponsor floats as they roll down Washington Street from Chelsea Parade to downtown Norwich. Expect decorated fire trucks, floats, classic cars, and of course, fun for all.
Hay Burr Inn Winter Trail of Lights
The Hay Burr Inn is a horse rescue that, throughout various times of the year, holds seasonal events with proceeds going to the rescue center. During the winter, walk the perimeter path, roughly a half a mile in length, all bedecked in Christmas lights and decorations.
Central
Hubbard Park’s Festival of Silver Lights
A beloved annual event, Meriden’s Hubbard Park is festooned with thousands of twinkling silver lights, creating a magical experience. Unlike many of these events, which charge an admission fee and need tickets, this is a free event that offers visitors a stroll around the park bedecked in silver.
Railroad Museum of New England
This railroad museum in Thomaston runs the Northern Lights Limited train in the evenings, and during the holiday season, the train doubles as the Santa Express, which includes a visit from the jolly man from the North Pole.
Essex Steam Train
Not only is Santa along for the ride, but the North Pole Express features a performance of Twas the Night Before Christmas live on board!
Gillette Castle
Gillette Castle, which is a site to see in any season, gives its interior a festive makeover. Explore the castle on foot in its self-guided tour. It’s truly an experience.
Connecticut Trolley Museum
This trolley museum in East Windsor is best known for its seasonal Tunnel of Lights. Visitors can ride an antique trolley through a tunnel coated with Christmas lights, sing Christmas carols, and enjoy the activities at the annual Winter Fest.
Western
Torrington Christmas Village
Since 1947, Torrington has been Santa Central. The Christmas Village features a visit with Santa Claus in which children receive a small present. Say hello to Mrs. Claus, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and walk around the village; it’s a Torrington tradition!
Lake Compounce Amusement Park
For the last of our Connecticut Christmastime events, we’re heading to the country’s oldest amusement park, Lake Compounce in Bristol. Not only are its rides in celebration of the season, but the park also features the tallest Christmas tree in the state!
From the Rhode Island border to the Litchfield Hills, these Connecticut Christmastime events are sure to brighten up your season
