The holiday season is almost upon us and that means so many wonderful events will be starting up in Connecticut in the next few weeks. Get out your giant paper calendar now (that is what everyone uses, right?) and start marking down your favorite not-to-be-missed activities. And hey, we’ll help you get started with the list below of 10 fun holiday events in Connecticut we enjoy with our families each year. Then you can use our full Holiday Events Guide for 2015 to expand your list even more.
Visit Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, the Elves, and live reindeer at the Christmas Village in Torrington. Don’t let the long line there make you turn around, it is worth the wait! Santa takes his time visiting with each child and even gives them a gift. A visit to the Christmas Village is FREE, but donations are accepted.
Opening day kicks off on Sunday, December 6th with a parade that begins at the Armory at 12:30 pm and continues to the village. Daily hours for the Christmas Village are December 6 – 23, 1:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Christmas Even Hours are December 24 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Find out more details in the Torrington Parks and Recreation Guide (page 10) or check out our post from 2013 for a virtual tour of this fun event!
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Winterfest at the Bushnell Park in Hartford is back again this year. Not only will FREE ice skating, FREE skate rentals, and FREE pictures with Santa be offered, but the newly refurbished Bushnell Carousel is now open! The event kicks off on Sunday, November 22nd with an opening ceremony and then free skating continues daily until January 24th (11:00 am – 8:00 pm). Santa is available for visits every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas (12:00 pm – 3:00 pm) and the carousel is open from Friday-Sunday from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Visit the Winterfest website for the latest event information and check out our posts from 2011 and 2012.
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If you have a mini-conductor in your life, then be sure to block out time for the Holiday Express Train Show at the Fairfield Museum. Multiple train displays and festive trees and decorations make a visit here a magical experience for any child. The pricing for the museum is also very reasonable at $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6 and up, but Bank of America cardholders can also get into this museum for FREE the first weekend of every month. With the exhibit running from December 5, 2015 to January 3, 2016 there will be several opportunities to take advantage of that great savings opportunity!
You can check out all of the bells and whistles of this exhibit from December 5, 2015 to January 3, 2016 on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and on Mondays from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Visit the museum’s website for the latest event information and check out our post from 2014 for virtual tour!
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Okay this one isn’t technically in Connecticut, but it is just so close (and so amazing!) The holiday light display, Bright Nights at Forest Park in Springfield, Massachusetts is a must-see event each year. Visitors can view the amazing light display from the warmth and comfort of their car or get out for a quick visit with Santa Claus. The lights will turn on starting November 25th (special pricing that night at just $6 per car!) and continue to January 3, 206 (closed November 30 and December 1).
Visit Sunday to Thursday from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm and Fridays, Saturdays, and Holidays from 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm.
Check out their website for the latest event information and read our post from 2012.
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And if you prefer walking through a beautiful holiday light display, then definitely visit the Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce in Bristol. Not only is the park decorated in lights for the holiday season, but several park rides are open as well. Add in a visit with Santa, a ride on the train, and a few sweet treats and this outing will become a tradition for you and your family.
This event runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 27 to December 20.
Check out their website for the latest event information and be sure to read our post from 2013 for a virtual tour.
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Image provided by the Wadsworth Atheneum.
The Festival of Trees and Traditions at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford is a sight to behold. The event runs from December 4 – 13 but a great time for families to visit is during the FREE Second Saturdays event which will be held on December 12 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Families can enjoy the beautifully decorated trees and also visit a variety of activities to help them learn about holiday traditions around the world.
Visit their website for the latest information and check out our post from 2012 about the Second Saturdays program for a virtual tour.
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Image provided by Blue Back Square.
Take in the sights and sounds of the holiday season at the FREE Holiday Stroll at Blue Back Square and West Hartford Center. Wander from store-to-store sampling delicious treats, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and take a horse-drawn carriage ride during this fun, family night. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, December 3rd starting at 5:30 pm.
Visit their website for the latest event information.
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Don’t feel rushed visiting with Santa, enjoy your time with the Breakfast with Santa and Friends at Flamig Farm in Simsbury. Indulge in a filling breakfast and then give your child the chance to share their Christmas wish list with the big man himself. Seatings are available for three weekends only starting December 5th. This event sells out every year so be sure to get your tickets early!
Check out their website for more information or read our 2014 blog post for a virtual tour.
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If trolleys and trains are a hit in your house than Winterfest at the Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor would be a great family outing. Ride a trolley through the tunnel of lights then head inside to warm up, visit with Santa, and check out the large variety of train displays. So many things to keep the kids entertained! This event runs mostly from Friday – Sunday starting November 27th and ending December 29th.
Visit their website for the latest information and then check out our 2012 blog post for a virtual tour.
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Image provided by the Wood Memorial Library
Visit the 5th annual Gingerbread House Festival at the Wood Memorial Library in South Windsor to see 100 artistic designs. This event is free and runs daily from November 27 to December 12. Festival hours are Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Visit their website for the latest event information and read our post from 2013 for a virtual tour.
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Want more holiday outing ideas? Check out our 2015 Holiday Events Guide for more inspiration!
Happy Holidays!
Shawna & Mandy
I love the holiday season. There always seems ttyl be something going on.