Last updated: November 11, 2024
Celebrate the season with your Branford neighbors! Explore all the community events with our guide. From longtime Branford inhabitants to curious tourists, our guide offers something for every festive soul.
Popular Events: One highlight of the season is the Santa Express, where families can enjoy a charming train ride filled with holiday cheer and visits from Santa himself. Bringing a touch of winter magic, the All Aboard the Snow Clipper features themed rides that transport guests into a delightful snowy wonderland. And the Holiday Express Train Show is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing intricate train displays that delight both young and old. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Branford Holiday Light Displays
Mystic Seaport Holiday Activities
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday experience with 19th-century ambiance and modern activities.
- Description
- Explore Mystic Seaport Museum's Lantern Light Village, an outdoor self-guided experience blending modern and 19th-century holiday traditions. Enjoy festive lighting displays, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, crackling fires, and visits with Saint Nick. Engage in holiday-themed stories, crafts, and games amidst a 19th-century seaport village atmosphere.
- Where
- Mystic | More Info : Mystic Seaport Holiday Activities
Olde Mistick Village Holiday Events
- What to Expect
- Largest holiday light display in southern New England.
- Description
- Olde Mistick Village offers a variety of holiday events, including the Holiday Lights Spectacular, Festival of Lights, Holiday Carnival, and Meet Santa in the Meeting House. These events feature carolers, holiday lights, and festive activities for all ages.
- Where
- Mystic | More Info : Olde Mistick Village Holiday Events
Branford Other Holiday Activities
Santa Express
- What to Expect
- Special gifts from Santa's toy bag for each child.
- Description
- The Santa Express is an afternoon train ride where parents and kids can visit Santa Claus and play with his elves. Each child receives a special gift from Santa's toy bag. The train is lighted and seasonally decorated, offering a festive atmosphere with hot chocolate, cookies, and Christmas carols.
- Where
- Thomaston | More Info : Santa Express
All Aboard the Snow Clipper
- What to Expect
- Personalized gift-giving experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Description
- Join the Danbury Railway Museum for a personalized gift-giving experience aboard the Snow Clipper. Enjoy the museum's interior, including a Letters to Santa coloring station and operating model railroads. After a short train ride, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for the first gifts of Christmas. End the evening with a walk through the railyard and hot chocolate.
- Where
- Danbury | More Info : All Aboard the Snow Clipper
Holiday Express Train Show
- What to Expect
- Seasonal events with vintage trolleys and festive lights.
- Description
- The Connecticut Trolley Museum offers a variety of seasonal events, including the Pumpkin Patch and Curse of the Rails, which provide unique photo opportunities and immersive experiences. The museum also hosts holiday events like Santa Visit and Winterfest, featuring festive lights and activities.
- Where
- East Windsor | More Info : Holiday Express Train Show
Visit Santa At The Shore Line Trolley Museum
- What to Expect
- Meet Santa in a historic trolley setting.
- Description
- Visit Santa at the Shore Line Trolley Museum, where families can meet Santa amidst historic trolleys and scenic tracks, creating a memorable holiday experience.
- Where
- East Haven | More Info : Visit Santa At The Shore Line Trolley Museum
Lyman Orchards Holiday Activities
- What to Expect
- Interactive haunted attraction and live music events.
- Description
- Lyman Orchards offers a variety of holiday activities, including horse-drawn wagon rides, petting farms, and haunted attractions. Visitors can enjoy live music, beer tastings, and interactive experiences amidst the picturesque orchard setting.
- Where
- Middlefield | More Info : Lyman Orchards Holiday Activities