Hartford Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Discover Hartford's premier holiday shopping destination at Winterfair, held within the magnificent Great Hall of Union Station. This vibrant market showcases over 100 diverse local businesses, offering a unique collection of handcrafted gifts and artisanal products. It's the perfect place to shop small, shop local, and find special treasures for...

Experience the magic of the season at the 38th Annual West Hartford Holiday Stroll. This beloved New England-style event transforms West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square into a festive winter wonderland. Guests can meet Santa, enjoy live music from multiple stages, and savor culinary delights from local eateries. Victorian...

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Barcelona this Christmas with a dazzling array of free family activities. Witness the city come alive with spectacular light displays, explore historic Christmas markets like Fira de Santa Llúcia, and participate in beloved Catalan traditions such as finding the 'Tió de Nadal'. From...

Experience Newington's cherished holiday tradition, the Night of Lights, featuring the official Tree Lighting Ceremony. This festive evening also hosts the 2nd Annual Merry Market, where local artisans and small businesses showcase unique holiday crafts and gifts along Main Street. It's a perfect opportunity to find special presents and soak...

Discover unique holiday treasures at the 3rd Annual Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair. This vibrant event features over 40 vendors offering a diverse selection of handmade crafts, including jewelry, soaps, ornaments, and candles. Shoppers can also find beautiful home decor, enjoy a delightful bake sale, and try their luck with...

Experience the festive spirit at the Canton Historical Museum's Gallery of Trees. This annual event showcases a collection of uniquely decorated trees, with opportunities to purchase tickets for a chance to win your favorite. The Opening Night Gala offers food and drink, while general admission allows exploration of the museum's...

Discover unique holiday treasures at the Wadsworth Mansion Holiday Bazaar. Browse handmade gifts from over 30 artisan vendors, featuring selections from the Open Air Market. Enjoy delicious food and warm beverages from David Alan Catering while you shop for the perfect presents. A festive atmosphere awaits!

Gallery 53 transforms into a festive holiday destination for its annual Holiday Artisan Fair. From November 18 to December 23, visitors can explore a curated selection of hundreds of locally handcrafted gifts, perfect for every taste and budget. Enjoy extended hours, including special Thursday evenings with wine and cheese, and...

Discover a festive holiday tradition at the Franciscan Christmas Fair, offering a delightful array of handmade crafts, unique gifts, and delicious homemade treats. Browse artisanal goods, decorative greens, and Holy Land carvings, and enjoy a heartwarming Living Crèche presentation. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and support vital community services with...

Experience the magic of the Wallingford Holiday Stroll on December 5th! Local merchants along Center Street and surrounding areas will offer special discounts to kickstart your Christmas shopping. Enjoy festive treats, warm drinks, and a chance to meet Santa. Don't miss the cozy bonfire, a dazzling Christmas tree, and exciting...

Discover the 37th Annual Old Deerfield Holiday Sampler Craft Fair, a premier indoor event showcasing over 100 talented artisans. Browse unique handmade gifts, holiday decorations, and artisanal crafts. It's the perfect destination for finding one-of-a-kind treasures and experiencing the festive spirit of the season.

Experience the festive spirit at the Torrington Christmas Holiday Festival & Flea Market. This vibrant event brings together a wide array of vendors offering unique crafts, holiday decorations, and artisanal goods. It's the perfect opportunity to find special gifts and enjoy a day of community celebration.

Step into a winter wonderland at the Springfield Festival of Trees, a beloved holiday tradition. This enchanting event showcases over 50 stunningly decorated Christmas trees, each a unique work of art. Visitors can capture magical moments with Santa Claus and enjoy the sounds of the season with live choral concerts....

Join the Oliver Wolcott Library for their annual Festival of Trees, a magical evening to kick off the holiday season. This highly anticipated event features a full open bar, lavish hors d'oeuvres, and a stunning display of decorated trees and wreaths. It's the perfect community celebration to get into the...

Experience the magic of the 44th annual Bethlehem Christmas Town Festival, a beloved holiday tradition. Marvel at the towering 85-foot Christmas tree, enjoy live entertainment, and explore over 70 vendors offering unique handcrafted gifts. Don't miss the festive opening ceremony with Santa, the illuminated firetruck procession, and a special 5K...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Glow Hartford, a spectacular light festival and market. Wander through illuminated gardens and marvel at giant, themed displays. Join Santa's Sleigh Adventure to help save Christmas, enjoy live entertainment, and find unique gifts at the festive market. It's an unforgettable winter wonderland...

Embark on a magical journey through the Magic of Lights, a spectacular drive-through holiday experience in East Hartford. Witness dazzling displays of favorite holiday scenes and characters brought to life with cutting-edge LED technology and digital animations. From the comfort of your vehicle, wind through a sparkling path that transforms...

Embark on a magical journey through a mile of spectacular holiday light displays. This dazzling drive-through experience brings favorite holiday scenes and characters to life, featuring larger-than-life installations like Holiday Barbie™ and Bigfoot® Monster Truck, alongside a unique prehistoric Christmas exhibit. Enjoy festive stops with treats and music, all from...

Celebrate the Festival of Lights at the Chase Family Gallery with the Mandell JCC. Join the community for nightly Chanukah candle lighting ceremonies, symbolizing hope and perseverance. Discover the traditions of this eight-day celebration, including festive foods and the spirit of giving through their annual donation drive. It's a wonderful...

Step into a winter wonderland at South Windsor's Winterfest and the captivating Tunnel of Lights. This event promises a magical journey through a dazzling display of festive illuminations, perfect for creating cherished holiday memories. It's an enchanting experience designed to bring joy and cheer to all who visit.

Experience the magic of Lake Compounce Holiday Lights for the very last time in 2025. This beloved New England tradition features half a million twinkling lights, Connecticut's tallest 100-foot Christmas tree, and select family rides. Visit Santa, enjoy festive treats, and create lasting memories during this final season.

Step into a world of enchantment at the Winter Lantern Festival, Middlefield's must-see illuminated attraction. Wander through a dazzling outdoor display featuring over 1000 handmade Chinese lanterns, creating whimsical scenes and glowing sculptures. This magical experience is perfect for all ages, offering a unique way to light up the season....

Journey through a wonderland of over 750,000 lights at Bright Nights at Forest Park. This spectacular three-mile drive-thru event features dazzling festive scenes, iconic characters, and illuminated gardens. Special activities include Santa's Magical Forest, horse-drawn carriage rides, and live choral concerts, offering a truly magical holiday experience for all.

Embark on a festive journey through West Springfield's Holiday Tour of Homes. This beloved event invites visitors to explore a selection of beautifully adorned residences, offering inspiration and holiday cheer. Complementing the home tours, a Craft & Vendor Fair at the Boys & Girls Club provides a perfect opportunity to...

Hartford Stage presents its cherished holiday tradition, 'A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas.' Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a profound journey of redemption as he confronts his past, present, and future with the help of three spirits. This mesmerizing production promises a magical theatrical experience, bringing the timeless story...

Discover Connecticut's beloved twisted holiday tradition, 'Christmas on the Rocks '25.' This theatrical event unfolds on Christmas Eve in a local bar where the bartender encounters a parade of unexpected guests. Each visitor shares their Christmas woes, creating a delightful and humorous parody of the holiday season. It's a perfect...

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with Connecticut Ballet's enchanting production of The Nutcracker. This annual tradition features dazzling performances by principal dancers from New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, accompanied by the live Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Following each show, guests have the unique opportunity to meet and...

The Nutmeg Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is a cherished Connecticut holiday tradition. Directed by Victoria Mazzarelli, this iconic ballet brings Tchaikovsky's masterpiece to life, enchanting audiences of all ages with its magical storytelling, stunning choreography, and festive atmosphere. It's a perfect way to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

Experience the enchantment of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, a holiday tradition for over three decades. This spectacular performance features an international cast of world-class dancers, breathtaking sets, and opulent costumes. Witness the magic of Tchaikovsky's timeless score come alive with whimsical puppetry and dazzling choreography. It's a perfect family outing...

Get ready for a holiday concert with a playful twist! This event invites attendees to don their most outrageous ugly Christmas sweaters for a festive celebration. Enjoy seasonal classics and toe-tapping tunes performed by the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra, all while embracing the spirit of holiday merriment and mischief.

Discover the rich heritage of Kwanzaa at this community celebration, honoring Pan-African and African American culture. Explore the seven principles, symbols, and colors that define this meaningful observance. Enjoy traditional activities like drumming, storytelling, and a festive Karamu feast, fostering unity and cultural pride.

Experience the magic of Winterfest Hartford, a beloved holiday tradition in Bushnell Park. They offer free ice skating with complimentary rentals, perfect for a fun-filled day. Join their free learn-to-skate classes or capture a memorable moment with Santa. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the winter season with family and...

Winterfest Hartford transforms Bushnell Park into a magical winter wonderland, offering free public ice skating, skate rentals, and learn-to-skate programs. This beloved holiday tradition provides a joyous outdoor experience for all ages, complete with festive entertainment and opportunities to capture memories with Santa.

Discover the historic Boar's Head Festival, a unique celebration steeped in tradition. This event features a symbolic procession and a blend of music and ceremony, offering a memorable experience for all attendees.

The 66th annual Trinity College Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols marks the joyous start of the holiday season for the Greater Hartford community. This cherished service offers a moment of comfort and hope, featuring beautiful carols sung by The Chapel Singers and the Trinity College Gospel Choir, alongside readings...

Get ready for the Annual Gingerbread House Festival, a beloved event that transforms the Wood Memorial Library and Museum into a wonderland of edible art. This festival showcases an array of imaginative and meticulously crafted gingerbread houses, offering a delightful visual treat for all ages. It's a charming way to...

Lace up your running shoes for Santa's Run, a beloved 3.5-mile road race in Glastonbury. This festive event invites participants of all ages to join in the holiday spirit, with special awards for the best costumes. It's a perfect way to kick off the holiday season with community fun and...

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the Holiday Open House, hosted at the historic Kellogg-Eddy House & Museum. This charming event offers a unique opportunity to tour the beautifully decorated house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Experience a delightful...

Experience the magic of Christmas past at the 18th Annual Candlelight Tours in Farmington, Connecticut. This enchanting event offers a unique glimpse into 18th-century holiday traditions within the historic Stanley-Whitman House. Step back in time and be captivated by the festive decorations and historical ambiance.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Flamig Farm with a special visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch. Children can enjoy a festive trolley ride with Frosty to Reindeer Land and interact with the farm's animals at the petting zoo. Delicious hot drinks and treats will be...

Embark on a magical Santa Express train ride, where Santa and Mrs. Claus visit each child, delivering special gifts. Enjoy a festive journey through winter scenery, complete with carols led by elves. This enchanting experience is perfect for families seeking holiday cheer.