Bethel WinterFest & Tree Lighting Ceremony
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Bethel WinterFest & Tree Lighting Ceremony

Experience the magic of Bethel's WinterFest, a cherished annual tradition. This festive event features an afternoon of local shopping and community activities, including caroling and a popular soup stand. As evening approaches, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides before gathering for the grand tree lighting ceremony. The celebration continues with a meet-and-greet with Santa and warm beverages.

What to Expect

Annual tree lighting with Santa and wagon rides

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Other Christmas Events Near Bethel

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families and community members

Vibe

Festive and community-oriented

Energy Level

Low to medium

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Medium

Special Events & Promotions

  • Sponsorship opportunities available for Santa, Wagon Rides, and Music.

Tags

tree lightingSanta visitshorse drawn carriagescarolscommunity celebrationfamily friendlyfestive foodholiday traditionwinter activities

Location

Municipal Center Front Lawn
1 School Street
Bethel, CT

Event Details

Duration

5 hours

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Featured Performers

  • Bethel High School Chorus

Organizer

Bethel Chamber of Commerce

Food & Drink

Soup Stand, Hot Chocolate Stand, Festive Food

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early for the horse-drawn wagon rides, as the line closes at 4:30 PM.
  • Bring your own hand warmers, as they are provided by Girl Scouts Troops of Bethel.
  • Check the schedule for the Bethel High School Chorus performance at 5:00 PM.
  • Consider visiting local businesses between 2-5 PM before the main evening events begin.
  • The soup stand is located at 146 Greenwood Ave, while the hot chocolate and music are at the Municipal Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does WinterFest start?

WinterFest activities begin at 2:00 PM and conclude around 7:00 PM.

Is there a cost to attend WinterFest?

While many activities are free, there are costs associated with some vendors and sponsorships.

Where is the tree lighting ceremony held?

The tree lighting ceremony takes place on the Municipal Center Front Lawn at 1 School Street.

Can I bring my pet to WinterFest?

The event does not permit pets, but service animals are welcome.

When can I meet Santa?

You can meet and greet with Santa Claus from 5:40 PM to 7:00 PM.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 30, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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