GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Connecticut Families
Connecticut is full of happiness, joy, and free Christmas and holiday activities, like Santa at Cabela's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of Bass pro Shops
20 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Connecticut for Kids
Raise a hand if you're excited for the best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Connecticut! Magic of Lights photo courtesy of the XL Center
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Connecticut
Polar Express trains are coming to towns all over New England for Christmas 2024! Essex Steam Train Railroad photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New England 2024
Grab some friends for some birthday laps around the track. Photo courtesy of RPM Raceway
Fun Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Tweens and Teens
Our ultimate family bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut before kids grow up. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
100 Things To Do in Connecticut Before Kids Grow Up
Don't sweat the weather, because the best indoor water parks in New England are waiting for year-round fun! Photo courtesy of Jay Peak Resort
Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways
Groupon's online marketplace offers tons of discounts on activities for kids and families.
Save On Top-Rated Connecticut Outings and Experiences for Kids and Families
By land, by sea, by river—however!— families are coming to the best Museums in Connecticut! Connecticut River Museum photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins
Best Museums for Kids in Connecticut: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums
Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm
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Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
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Find a sweet treat for the whole family at the best places for breakfast in Connecticut with kids! Photo courtesy of Hotcakes
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As classic as the roller rink or modern as a VR experience, these fun indoor places are perfect spots for teens and tweens to hang out! Photo by Ally Noel
Fun Places in Connecticut Where Tweens and Teens Can Hang Out Indoors
Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
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Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
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Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
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A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures
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Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.
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Flat walking trails make Wharton Brook State Park a sure bet for kid hikers. Photo by Mommy Poppins
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Take a step back in time with a visit to Mystic Seaport. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel
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From rolling hills and lakes to scenic views and summits, there's great outdoor adventure for families at Connecticut state parks. Photo courtesy of Visit CT
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Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
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Outdoor fun and healthy activity await at one of the top Connecticut playgrounds! Jonathan's Dream playground photo courtesy of O'Brien & Sons
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Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
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Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
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Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
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Revel in nature's majesty at Webb Mountain. Photo by Ally Noel
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We’ve rounded up the best escape rooms in Connecticut for a fun family outing!
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The festivities get downright magical with Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT! Photo courtesy of Dean Davids Magician
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Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Bigstock
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Get ready for reindeer games and more holiday fun this weekend in Connecticut. Twas The Night Before Christmas with Cirque DuSoleil. Photo credit: Errisson Lawrence
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19 Best Things To Do in Connecticut December 2024 with Kids

Cozy up to some holiday fun in Connecticut as December 2024 brings a little joy to the Nutmeg State! Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
Cozy up to some holiday fun in Connecticut as December 2024 brings a little joy to the Nutmeg State! Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
11/29/24 - By Jennifer Coe

Christmas lights and holiday activities are back this December, and that's just the beginning of all the top things do in Connecticut with kids this month.

The lights are in full-sparkle mode, and holiday activities are happening all across Connecticut for families to put in their festive calendars. Take an evening and drive through the Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden. For a daytime activity, enjoy a visit with St. Nick at the Annual Santa's Farm at Indian Rock. Light the Menorah at Merry Days and Jolly Nights in New London, and don't forget to get hit Heights and Lights in Stamford this holiday season.

Let us help you with 50 Fun Elf on the Shelf Ideas and our list of Best Holiday Light Drive Thrus. If you are looking for more holiday fun, our Complete Guide to Holiday Events in Connecticut will brighten your day!

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently. Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

 

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Santa is soaring above Stamford again in December 2024! Heights and Lights photo courtesy of Downtown Stamford Special Services District
Santa is soaring above Stamford again in December 2024! Heights and Lights photo courtesy of Downtown Stamford Special Services District

Top Things To Do in Connecticut With Kids This December

Merry Days and Jolly Nights in New London

New London
December 1, 2024 - January 8, 2025
The City of New London is proud to announce the commencement of its holiday season with a calendar of events celebrating the diverse array of faiths and culture in New London.  READ MORE

Christmas Town Festival in Bethlehem

Bethlehem
December 6, 2024
The Festival is in downtown Bethlehem, at the junction of Route 61 and Route 132. It extends from the top of the town green south along Main Street.  All the buildings and churches participating in the festival are brimming with activities and Christmas spirit.  Santa will be there giving families the opportunity to take their own memorable photos. READ MORE

Annual Santa's Farm at Indian Rock

Bristol
December 6 - 21, 2024
Celebrate the holiday season with s’mores, caroling, cookies & hot cocoa, crafts, and of course, visiting with the farm animals. READ MORE

Glow Hartford - Indoor Holiday Light Festival & Market

Hartford
Through December 29, 2024
This winter, the Connecticut Convention Center will transform into a dazzling Christmas wonderland. Glow invites you to celebrate the magic of the season at a one-of-a-kind Holiday Light Festival and Market. READ MORE

Lantern Light Village at Mystic Seaport

Mystic
December 6 - 21, 2024
Take a journey through time this holiday season at Mystic Seaport Museum! What connects the festive seasons of bygone days to the present? The spirit of love that enchants us all. Love for each other, for seasonal traditions of every kind, for twinkling lights and carolers. READ MORE

Jammies, Cocoa and Carol at Lyman Orchards

Middlefield
December 7, 2024
Suit up in your favorite holiday jammies and head down to the Apple Barrel Farm Market for Jammies, Cocoa & Carols. The Apple Barrel Farm Market is the place to be for holiday fun, including sweet treat tastings, a hot cocoa bar, letters to Santa, Christmas Carols, and more. READ MORE

Heights and Lights

Stamford
Sunday, December 8, 2024
From 22 stories high above Stamford Downtown, watch and cheer for Santa Claus, Rudolph, Grinch and friends as they make their descent, twisting and flying from the top of one of Stamford’s tallest buildings, Landmark Square followed by a festive fireworks show. READ MORE

Holiday Luminaria at the Nature Center

Mystic -
December 13 - 15, 2024
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season to experience the peace and wonder of a winter walk in the woods. Wind through the forest on a self-guided tour of trails lit by the soft glow of nearly 1,000 luminaria. After your walk, gather by the warmth of a festive fire at our Winter Café to enjoy complimentary hot cider or cocoa. READ MORE

Annual Santa's Workshop at Wickham Park

Manchester -
December 12-23, 2024
Enjoy an enchanted visit with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the elves in the beautiful log cabin nestled at the highest point in the park. This is a traditional, family friendly event. There are no sponsorships or commercialization of the event and it is free for everyone.  READ MORE

The Wood Library & Museum's Annual Gingerbread House Festival

South Windsor
Daily through Sunday, December 22, 2024
One of the largest gingerbread house displays in New England features an incredible array of candy covered houses. The Festival will take place at Wood Memorial Library on Main Street in South Windsor, and rest assured that we will implement any precautionary measures to keep patrons safe. READ MORE

Fantasy of Lights at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven

New Haven
Daily through December 31, 2024
The Fantasy of Lights has become a holiday tradition for thousands of families from all over Connecticut and New England. The mile-long route features over 60 displays and 100,000 lights. Many of the displays are animated and some are fitted with LED bulbs, making them more colorful and vibrant.  READ MORE

Winterfest at Bushnell Park in Hartford

Hartford
Daily through Sunday, January 4, 2024
Free skating 7-days a week at Winterfest on the east side of Bushnell Park over by the Pump House. Don’t have your own skates? Winterfest has free skate rentals too. READ MORE

Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden

Meriden
Daily through January 2, 2025
Witness the illumination of more than 350,000 twinkling white lights. Enjoy more than 200 figures and buildings decorated with lights in this spectacular display.  READ MORE

Magic of Lights at Pratt & Whitney Stadium

East Hartford
Daily through January 4, 2025
Returning for a third year, the family-friendly drive-through holiday lights festival with a tremendous amount of twinkling and magical light displays to celebrate our grandest holiday of the year comes to Pratt & Whitney Stadium. READ MORE

Santa Flight Experience at Westfarms

New Britain
Through December 24, 2024
Santa is at Westfarms Mall. Beat the rush and lock in the day and time of your visit, because you don't want to miss this memorable Christmas tradition.  READ MORE

"Reindeer" Goat Snuggles at Lyman Farms

Southington
Saturdays and Sundays until December 22, 2024
Start a new holiday tradition and come snuggle with Bradley Mountain Farm's Reindeer Goats! Relax, spread some cheer, and create wonderful holiday memories. Dress up the goats in their festive costumes, give them a brush, and take some selfies. READ MORE

Visits on the Farm With Santa and Friends

West Simsbury
Weekends, December 7, 14, 2024
Visit with Santa, Mrs Claus and the Grinch (great picture opportunities!), enjoy a trolley ride with Frosty out to Reindeer land and visit our outdoor petting zoo and have a free cup of grain to feed the animals. READ MORE

Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village

Mystic
Daily through January 31, 2025
Olde Mistick Village has created an old fashioned Holiday Light Spectacular for you and your family. In fact, this event will be the largest holiday lights display in southern New England! READ MORE

First Night Hartford 2025

Hartford
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
First Night Hartford is Hartfords New Year's celebration. The day includes two spectacular fireworks shows in Bushnell Park at 6 PM and 12 AM Midnight viewed throughout the city by thousands of visitors and residents, multi-cultural activities, events, and performances READ MORE

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