The holiday season is in full swing and whether you’re looking to see the lights, watch a magical performance or discover unique Connecticut-made gifts that will crown you the "best gifter," the state is brimming with activities and celebrations to keep you entertained all month long.
If you need a little rest & relaxation during the busiest time of year, snuggle up at one of Connecticut’s cozy inns. Explore some of Connecticut’s most unique restaurants and uncover the quaint New England charm of these Connecticut towns.
To inspire your itinerary, we’ve compiled a list of ten not to be missed Connecticut activities – so take a day or even the whole week to enjoy all the festive fun - happy holidays!
#1: Set the Season Ablaze by Viewing a Spectacular Holiday Light Show
Mark your calendars with one of the state’s jaw dropping holiday light shows. New England’s beloved amusement park, Lake Compounce, transforms into a holiday extravaganza for its Holiday Lights event featuring 12 distinct light displays highlighting the “12 Days of Christmas,” plus it offers a multitude of family-friendly activities, including train rides along the North Pole Railway, gingerbread house making and more.
If you’d rather stay warm in the car, the Holiday Light Fantasia in Hartford may be more your style. Running now until Jan. 1, you can travel through Goodwin Park’s winter wonderland while taking in two miles of over 1,000,000 colorful lights. The lighted animations celebrate not only Christmas, but also Hanukkah, New Year's and Three Kings Day.
There are so many holiday lighting events (including tree lightings!) happening across the state, browse some of our favorites here.
#2: Spend the Day Strolling a Holiday Festival
Did you know that Connecticut is home to the official Christmastown Festival? The town of Bethlehem kicks the holiday season off on December 5 and 6 with a festival that’s sure to bring you cheer with strolling carolers, a special tree lighting, delicious food and more than 70 arts and crafts exhibitors. Plus, the town brings thousands of visitors with its unique tradition of stamping holiday cards with Bethlehem postmarks, known as “cachets.”
Downtown Milford also knows how to throw a holiday festival! On December 6, carriage rides, yuletide carolers dressed in 19th-century garb and performances by “The Lamplight Strollers” take over downtown during its annual Lamplight Stroll. As an added bonus, many of the local shops offer special holiday promotions and deals, so it’s the perfect time to find unique Connecticut made gifts for your family and friends!
Before heading home, select and cut your own Christmas tree at one of Connecticut’s local tree farms. For a comprehensive list of Connecticut’s tree farm locations, check out: Pick Your Own Connecticut Christmas Tree!
#3: Experience a Little Magic with Kris Kringle Himself
One of the greatest joys of the season is seeing children’s faces light up when they see Santa and experience the magic of the holidays. Take a spin on tradition this year by seeing all that Santa can do!
On Dec. 7, Santa gets acrobatic during Downtown Stamford’s Heights & Lights event where he’ll greet the crowd after making a daredevil descent from the top of Stamford’s tallest buildings (22 stories!). After the thrill is over, join him for an evening of music and the annual countdown of Stamford’s Holiday Tree lighting.
If something a little less adrenaline pumping is more your speed, take a trip to Santa's Workshop in the log cabin in Wickham Park (Manchester) to catch Santa’s elves hard at work from Dec. 12-23. While there, visit with Santa while Mrs. Claus serves free refreshments by a cozy fireplace.
There are many more opportunities for Santa Sightings across the state – browse for more suggestions here.
#4: Step Back in Time for a Christmas Adventure
Put down your electronic devices and go back to Christmas Eve of 1876 to experience a guided tour of Greenmanville during a 70-minute progressive play at Mystic Seaport’s Lantern Light Tour (Nov. 29-Dec. 27). This beloved New England tradition features traditional tavern dance, horse-drawn carriage rides and hundreds of lanterns to light up the night along the way.
Or travel to Hartford to participate in one of the city’s many Victorian-style holiday events. If you’re a fan of American literature, you’ll love taking a holiday tour of the Mark Twain House & Museum (Dec. 7). During the event you can enjoy Christmas festivities from the 19th century, including holiday crafts, and visit with Mark Twain’s (the Clemens) family.
#5: Roll into the Holidays on an Enchanted Train Ride
From now until December 23, climb aboard the festively decorated Essex Steam Train for their Santa Special – a one-of-a-kind holiday family experience where the family can travel with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph and a Christmas Penguin. The kids will love the surprise of Santa’s elves handing out gifts to all of the passengers.
Other train-related events that kids will love are the Northern Lights Limited train ride with Santa at Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston along with Santa's Trolley Winter Wonderland at the Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven. Both train services run from Nov. 29 – Dec. 21.
#6: Get Swept Up in a Classical Holiday Play
With Connecticut being home to such a remarkable theater scene, catching a holiday classic live is a must this season. Rediscover the magic of Ebenezer Scrooge finding the true meaning of the holiday season during Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol" at the Tony award-winning Hartford Stage (open until Dec. 28).
#7: Go Dashing Through the Snow on a Sleigh Ride
There’s no better way to enjoy the brisk winter air than going on a sleigh ride (subject to weather of course) across fields and down country lanes in Connecticut. Take a trip to Allegra Farm in East Haddam or Loon Meadow Farm in Norfolk where you can enjoy the beautiful winter views, while sipping hot apple cider and gliding over the snow under warm blankets.
Don’t forget to check out Winter Sleigh Rides in Connecticut featuring great options across the state!
#8: Find the Perfect Holiday Gift
Take the headache out of your typical holiday shopping routine and find your gifts at one of the various holiday markets and events happening across the state. Check out the annual Holiday Shopping Fair (Dec. 9-11) at the Old State House in Hartford, which exclusively features Connecticut made products, or stop by Wesleyan Potters Exhibit & Sale through Dec. 14, to explore works by 260 different artists in virtually every craft. For even more locally made gift ideas, browse Made in CT – A Holiday Extravaganza for Gift-Givers.
Connecticut’s quaint towns also offer a great backdrop for holiday shopping – they’re beautiful, relaxed and most importantly you’re likely to find unique holiday gifts that will wow even your most discerning family member. Essex’s Main Street has some of the most charming antique shops galleries, clothing and jewelry stores – including the beloved Christmas Barn at Essex, which offers a variety of festive decorations and handmade ornaments! Don’t forget to add Putnam and Chester to your shopping itinerary, as they’re home to amazing antiques and art galleries, respectively.
#9: Hit the Slopes with Your Family and Friends
For all you ski-lovers out there who are dreaming of a white Christmas, Connecticut offers many opportunities for ski getaways, including Mohawk Mountain Ski Area in Cornwall or the newly opened Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Ski Resort in Middlefield, which offers 20 feature-rich trails for all skill levels, complete with log-style rails, cascading jumps and the only full-size half pipe in Connecticut. Browse additional ideas for your upcoming ski trip here, filled with places to go snowboarding, tubing or snowshoeing.
If you’re looking for more outdoor winter fun, you can enjoy free ice skating all month long in Bushnell Park during Winterfest Hartford. While you’re there, make the most of your trip while warming up by visiting some of the city’s exciting attractions, such as the Connecticut Science Center, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, or the new Infinity Music Hall & Bistro location.
#10: Indulge in Holiday Treats and Foodie Events
Revel in seasonal delight at the Gingerbread Village & Christmas Bazaar in Middlebury (Dec. 6-13) where you can view more than 50 delicious buildings and get your dessert fix at a delightful lunch before shopping for tree ornaments and trinkets.
On December 5, visit the Phelps-Hatheway House and Garden in Suffield for Cocktails at Hatheway, a private catered reception and tour of the festively decorated house featuring champagne, delectable food and distinctive wines.
Speaking of wines, winter is the perfect time to journey along the Connecticut Wine Trail. Connecticut is one of the fastest growing wine regions in the U.S. and is an incredible destination for those looking to discover delicious wine.
Or if you’d prefer to indulge in the decadent delights, take a tasting trip through the state on the Connecticut Chocolate Trail! Treat the chocolate lover in your life (or yourself!) to specialty treats and sweets from the world-renowned chocolatiers and local chocolate artisans located in Connecticut.
Looking for more holiday ideas? Check out CTvisit.com, or visit our Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and now Instagram channels to tell us what you’re looking for - we’re happy to assist!
Source: CTvisit.com
Photo Source: loonmeadowfarm.com