East Hartford Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in East Hartford and surrounding areas
East Hartford lights up the holiday season with attractions like Magic of Lights Drive-Through Holiday Display and Magic of Lights - East Hartford, transforming local parks and the Main Street corridor into glowing scenes. Families flock to Hartford Avenue and local green spaces for festive evenings. Find things to do, Holiday lights, and parades alongside seasonal activities and community markets that celebrate the joyful spirit of the season.
Find the best East Hartford Christmas happenings this year!
Start Here
Christmas Markets
42 eventsLargest decorated Christmas Tree in the area
Christmas Lights
12 eventsThree-mile drive-thru with over 750,000 lights
Christmas Shows
12 eventsGuest principal dancers from NYC Ballet and ABT with live orchestra.
Christmas Activities
29 eventsVisit with Santa Claus on a festive train ride.
Editor's Picks (6)
-
Connecticut Ballet's The Nutcracker
(Hartford)
Guest principal dancers from NYC Ballet and ABT with live orchestra.
-
Bright Nights at Forest Park
(Springfield)
Three-mile drive-thru with over 750,000 lights
-
Santa Express Train Ride
(Thomaston)
Visit with Santa Claus on a festive train ride.
-
Norwich Winterfest Parade
(Norwich)
Holiday kickoff parade with festive floats and music
-
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas
(Hartford)
Hartford's beloved holiday tradition, a classic tale of redemption.
-
Glow Hartford Holiday Light Festival & Market
(Hartford)
Interactive light gardens and Santa's Sleigh Adventure
Events Happening Soon (6)
Christmas Parties Near East Hartford
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in East Hartford.
Midnight Masquerade: A Coastal New Year's Eve Gala
Ring in the New Year in grand style at Saybrook Point Resort &...
View full details →Christmas Giving Opportunities Near East Hartford
Give back this holiday season with volunteering and charitable opportunities in East Hartford.
Operation Santa 2025
Operation Santa is a vital community initiative in West Springfield, dedicated to ensuring...
View full details →
Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about holiday events and activities in East Hartford
- East Hartford Holiday Fest Features Christmas Fair and Santa Published: Tue, Nov 25, 2025
- TheaterWorks Hartford's Christmas on the Rocks Published: Mon, Nov 24, 2025
East Hartford Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near East Hartford
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near East Hartford!
East Hartford Christmas FAQ
Some of the biggest annual Christmas events in East Hartford include Santa’s Visit at the Community Cultural Center, featuring holiday crafts and carriage rides, as well as the Magic of Lights drive-through display nearby.
East Hartford’s holiday traditions often center around community gatherings like Santa’s Visit and neighborhood light displays, fostering a close-knit festive spirit unique to the town.
Several residential neighborhoods in East Hartford are known for their festive decorations and neighborhood displays, offering walkable routes to enjoy holiday lights in a cozy, community atmosphere.
Local Christmas markets and artisan fairs can be found at community centers and nearby Hartford venues, where vendor stalls showcase handmade gifts, crafts, and seasonal food and drink.
Free or budget-friendly activities include visiting neighborhood light displays, attending Santa’s Visit, and exploring local parks decorated for the holidays, all offering festive fun without a high cost.
Families with kids will enjoy Santa’s Visit with crafts and games, the Magic of Lights drive-through experience, and local markets offering kid-friendly activities and treats.