Please note: All dates and times are accurate (to the best of our knowledge!) as of publication. However, we strongly encourage you to visit each destination’s website before you go to check for any updates or changes.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we want to be sure you and your family have an opportunity to spend time together and enjoy some of the amazing holiday activities in our area! So we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite holiday destinations to share with you.
Since 2011, we’ve been scouting out family-friendly holiday activities, and this list represents our favorites from over a decade of blogging. All of these holiday happenings are Out and About Mom approved–when available, we’ve linked to our blog post about each one in each listing! We hope you enjoy making new memories and carrying on old traditions with your family at these festive destinations as much as we have over the years.
Drive-Thru Holiday Light Displays
Put the kids in their PJs, fill up the travel mugs with hot cocoa, and drive through one of these festive light displays! This stress-free cruise through a holiday wonderland has become one of our favorite seasonal traditions. We think you’ll want to make it a part of your merry memories too!
Festival of Silver Lights in Hubbard Park in Meriden, Connecticut; November 26, 2025– December 31, 2025; daily from dusk to dawn; FREE. (OAAM approved since 2012!)
Hubbard Park 999 West Main Street., Meriden, CT
Bright Nights in Forest Park, Springfield, Massachusetts; November 26, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (Closed December 1st and 2nd); Monday-Thursday & Sunday from 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday & Holidays 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Check out special events and activities here. $25/car (Special discount on Tuesdays December 9th & 16th: Just $12/car; Must purchase tickets online in advance.). Tickets must be purchased in advance online. BUY TICKETS (OAAM approved since 2012!)
Forest Park, 300 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA
Fantasy of Lights in Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven, Connecticut; November 21, 2025 – December 31, 2025; Sunday-Thursday 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m; $10/car. BUY TICKETS (OAAM approved since 2013!)
Lighthouse Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT
Magic of Lights East Hartford, Connecticut; November 26, 2025 – January 3, 2026; 11/26 – 12/11: 5:00p.m. – 9:00p.m.; 12/12 – 1/3: 5:00p.m. – 10:00p.m. Ticket prices start at $26/car. Tickets may be purchased online or at the gate. BUY TICKETS (OAAM approved since 2021!)
Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, 615 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT **Enter on Silver Lane at East Gate**
Walk-Thru Holiday Light Displays
Sometimes you just wanna get out and frolic among all those winking, blinking, twinkling lights! Check out these holiday light displays that allow you to get up close and illuminated.
Lake Compounce Holiday Lights Bristol, Connecticut; November 28, 2025 to December 28, 2025; Bring your family for one last memory-making visit to Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce. The event will be retired after 2025, so don’t miss your last chance to mingle among a half million twinkling lights throughout the park. Hop on some of your favorite family rides while you enjoy holiday treats and admire Connecticut’s tallest Christmas tree. Be sure to stop in and say “hello” to Santa himself. Put some sparkle in your season one final time at Holiday Lights ‘25. Fridays 4:00p.m. – 9:00p.m., Saturdays 3:00pm – 9:00pm, Sundays 3:00pm-8:00pm. Admission starts at $19.99/person. Buy your tickets online. (OAAM approved since 2013!)
185 Enterprise Drive, Bristol, CT
Glow Hartford at The Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, Connecticut; November 21, 2025-December 23, 2025; See hours here; Explore transportation-themed displays featuring giant trains, cars, and planes, and engage in activities that create lasting holiday memories. NEW THIS YEAR: Get more out of Glow with GlowQuest, their wand-based interactive adventure- FREE with ticket purchase! Use an ice wand to solve puzzles and make delightful discoveries at Glow Hartford! $34/adult 16+, $24/child 5-15, $104/value pack (5 people, any age), $24/Senior (65+), Military, Police, EMS, and Veterans with valid ID, kids 4 and under FREE. BUY TICKETS (OAAM approved since 2023!)
100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT
Dino Lights Winter Festival at The Dinosaur Place, Montville, Connecticut; November 29, 2025-January 4, 2026. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 4:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. New this year! Step back in time and into a winter wonderland as you walk an enchanting trail illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights and populated by life-sized, festive dinosaurs. The unique experience offers holiday cheer, excitement for the whole family and lots to things to do with kids. Dessert and Food Trucks on select dates. $25/person, ages 2 and under FREE. Buy tickets online.
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village in Mystic, Connecticut; November 21, 2025 – January 31, 2026 starting @ 5:00p.m. every evening. Stroll around the Village (leashed pets welcome!) even after stores and restaurants are closed. Over a half-million lights will decorate the Olde Mystic Village square of shops and restaurants for families and holiday enthusiasts to enjoy.(Extended holiday store hours–Olde Mistick Village will be open until 8:00p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays until Christmas.) FREE. (OAAM approved since 2020!)
27 Coogan Blvd. Mystic, CT
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