Last updated: November 11, 2024
You've discovered the ultimate guide to the holidays in Hamden! Let us show you the best festive events and attractions. Whether you're a longtime Hamden dweller or a seasonal visitor, this guide has something for everyone.
One highlight of the season is the Fantasy of Lights, a dazzling display that captures the spirit of the holidays with its vibrant light installations. Another special occasion is the New Haven Tree Lighting on the Green, where the city gathers for a heartwarming celebration with music and community spirit. And the Holiday Village on the New Haven Green offers a charming array of local vendors and festive activities for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Hamden Holiday Light Displays
Fantasy of Lights
Fantasy of Lights is a dazzling holiday light display at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, Connecticut, featuring vibrant LED lights and festive displays. It supports Goodwill of Southern New England's mission to enhance employment and services for individuals with disabilities.
New Haven Tree Lighting on the Green
The New Haven Tree Lighting on the Green is an annual event that kicks off the holiday season with live performances, family activities, amusement rides, and the illumination of the tree. The event also features a Touch A Truck accepting donations of new toys and books, and visitors can explore the Small Business Holiday Village through Saturday, December 2.
Guilford Tree Lighting
The Guilford Tree Lighting event features a festive atmosphere with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, accompanied by caroling and refreshments.
Festival of Silver Lights
The Festival of Silver Lights transforms Meriden's parks into stunning displays of holiday lights. Visitors can stroll through trails illuminated by thousands of colourful light installations while enjoying themed decorations and captivating holiday scenes. This celebration brings the community together, offering a picturesque setting for families and friends to create lasting memories.
Hamden Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Village on the New Haven Green
The Holiday Village on the New Haven Green features family activities, amusement rides, and a Small Business Holiday Village with extended hours through Saturday, December 2.
Danbury Festival of Trees
The Danbury Festival of Trees is a signature holiday event featuring beautifully decorated trees, high-end raffle prizes, boutique and quilter's corner gift shops, and a crafts fair. It celebrates the community's traditions with live performances and holiday shopping.
Winsted Holiday Craft Fair
The Winsted Holiday Craft Fair at Northwestern Regional High School features over 90 vendors selling handmade items, including products made by Ag-Ed students. The event is the Parents, Friends, and Alumni group's largest fundraiser, supporting the Agricultural Education program.
Frostys Christmas Craft Festival
Frosty's Christmas Craft Festival is a large holiday craft fair featuring approximately 145 talented crafters and vendors at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington, CT. The event offers a variety of handmade products and food items for holiday shopping.
Hebron Holiday Craft Fair
The Hebron Holiday Craft Fair is an annual event showcasing handmade, handcrafted goods and wares. Specialty cottage food vendors with appropriate licenses are welcome, along with artists and authors. Various booth sizes are available, starting at 45 square feet. The event features a diverse selection of local artisans and vendors.
Redding Artisan Holiday Fair
The Redding Artisan Holiday Fair features over 50 local artisans and food vendors showcasing handmade holiday gifts and seasonal items at John Read Middle School.
New England Christmas Craft Festival
The New England Christmas Festival is a premier holiday shopping event featuring over 350 artisans showcasing handcrafted items, including seasonal decor, home accessories, fashion, fine jewelry, specialty foods, and more.
Santas Elves Indoor Marketplace
The Santa's Elves Indoor Marketplace at Meriden Mall features local crafters and vendors selling handmade goods and unique holiday gifts over six weekends.
Wallingford Holiday Stroll
The Wallingford Holiday Stroll is a festive event where local merchants and restaurants along Center Street, Quinnipiac Street, and Simpson Court offer discounts and deals. Enjoy coffee, sample goodies, see Santa, and warm up by the bonfire. Visit food trucks and ice sculptors for a memorable holiday experience.
Hamden Other Holiday Activities
North Haven Holiday Fair
The North Haven Fair is a family tradition since 1942, featuring exhibits, live music, exciting entertainment, tractor pulls, and great fair food. It's a celebration of agriculture, animals, and community spirit.
North Haven Winterfest
North Haven Winterfest is a family-friendly event featuring over 30 local craft vendors, face painting, free kids' crafts and games, story time, food trucks, hayrides, tree decorating, basket raffles, and a touch-a-truck activity. Meet Santa and take photos.
