The holiday season in New Haven, CT, is a magical time filled with exciting activities and unforgettable experiences for both locals and visitors. From the enchanting Tree Lighting on the New Haven Green to the dazzling displays at the Fantasy of Lights, there's something for everyone to enjoy. History enthusiasts can also delight in the timeless charm of the Lantern Light Tours at Mystic Seaport.
Alongside these top events, the city's festive calendar is brimming with joyful celebrations such as the Annual Gingerbread House Festival, Holiday Light Fantasia, and Winterfest Hartford Ice Skating. Whether you're seeking cultural performances or family-friendly fun, New Haven is the ideal destination to celebrate the holiday season.
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The Top Christmas Events in New Haven
See these and even more events listed below!New Haven Holiday Light Displays
Tree Lighting on the New Haven Green
What to Expect:
Historic town green setting
Description:
New Haven's iconic town green transforms into a winter spectacle during the annual tree lighting ceremony. Rooted in tradition since 1862, this event brings the community together around a towering evergreen. Visitors can join in caroling as the switch is flipped, illuminating thousands of twinkling lights. The green's rich history as a central gathering place since colonial times adds depth to the celebration. Watch as the tree's glow reflects off the surrounding historic buildings, creating a picturesque scene that captures the essence of a New England holiday.
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Tree Lighting on the New Haven Green
Fantasy of Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display
Description:
Lighthouse Point Park transforms into a glowing wonderland during the Fantasy of Lights. This unique drive-through experience allows visitors to enjoy dazzling light displays from the comfort of their vehicles. Over 60 animated scenes and 100,000 lights create a vibrant spectacle along the shoreline. You'll encounter whimsical characters and holiday scenes as you wind through the park. Originally started in 1994, this event has become a cherished tradition for many Connecticut families. The gentle lapping of Long Island Sound provides a soothing backdrop to the colorful extravaganza.
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New Haven Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Professional ballet performance of a holiday classic
Description:
New Haven's Shubert Theater comes alive with the timeless tale of The Nutcracker. This professional ballet performance brings Tchaikovsky's beloved score to life through graceful choreography and stunning costumes. Visitors can immerse themselves in the magical world of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle the Mouse King and journey to the Land of Sweets. The Shubert Theater, opened in 1914, adds a touch of historical grandeur to the performance. Listen for the iconic "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" as it resonates through the theater, captivating audiences of all ages.
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Nearby Events
Lantern Light Tours at Mystic Seaport (Mystic)
What to Expect:
Interactive historical reenactment
Description:
Step back in time at Mystic Seaport's Lantern Light Tours. This immersive experience transports visitors to a 19th-century coastal village on Christmas Eve. Guided by the warm glow of lanterns, small groups explore the historic shipyard and encounter costumed actors portraying life in 1876. Engage with the characters as they share their holiday traditions and maritime tales. The tour showcases the rich seafaring heritage of Connecticut, offering a glimpse into how sailors and their families celebrated the holidays. The gentle creaking of wooden ships adds authenticity to this unique historical journey.
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Lantern Light Tours at Mystic Seaport
Holiday Light Fantasia (Hartford)
What to Expect:
Multicultural holiday celebration
Description:
Hartford's Goodwin Park sparkles with the Holiday Light Fantasia, a celebration of diverse winter traditions. This two-mile drive-through experience features over one million lights depicting scenes from various cultural celebrations, including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Three Kings Day. Visitors can spot animated figures and themed displays that highlight the rich tapestry of holiday customs. The event, which began in 2008, supports year-round programs at the Channel 3 Kids Camp. As you drive through, notice how the displays seamlessly blend different holiday traditions, creating a unified celebration of light and joy.
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Annual Gingerbread House Festival (South Windsor)
What to Expect:
Elaborate gingerbread creations
Description:
South Windsor's Wood Memorial Library hosts a sweet spectacle with its Annual Gingerbread House Festival. This event showcases intricate gingerbread creations that go far beyond traditional houses, featuring elaborate scenes and structures. Visitors can marvel at the detailed craftsmanship and vote for their favorite entries. The festival, which began in 2011, has grown to include over 100 unique gingerbread displays. The air is filled with the enticing aroma of gingerbread and spices as you explore the edible works of art. Learn about the history of gingerbread making, a tradition dating back to medieval Europe.
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Annual Gingerbread House Festival
Christmas in the Mansion (Fairfield)
What to Expect:
Historic mansion decorated for Christmas
Description:
Fairfield's Burr Mansion opens its doors for a glimpse into holiday celebrations of the past. Each room of this 18th-century home is adorned with period-appropriate decorations, showcasing how Christmas was celebrated through different eras. Visitors can explore the mansion and learn about holiday traditions from colonial times to the early 20th century. The event highlights the mansion's connection to Aaron Burr, the third Vice President of the United States. As you wander through the rooms, notice the subtle changes in decor that reflect the evolving Christmas customs over the centuries.
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Holiday Express Train Show (Southbury)
What to Expect:
Elaborate model train displays
Description:
Southbury's Holiday Express Train Show delights visitors with intricate model train layouts set in miniature winter landscapes. This event features multiple scales of trains winding through detailed scenery, including tiny towns, forests, and snow-capped mountains. Enthusiasts can watch as the trains chug along their tracks, passing through tunnels and over bridges. The show pays homage to Connecticut's rich railroad history, which played a crucial role in the state's development. Visitors can learn about different train models and the art of creating realistic miniature landscapes.
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Festival of Silver Lights (Meriden)
What to Expect:
Extensive display of white lights
Description:
Meriden's Hubbard Park transforms into a shimmering landscape during the Festival of Silver Lights. This expansive display features over 350,000 white lights illuminating the park's 1,800 acres. Visitors can drive or walk through the park to admire the twinkling scenes, including a 50-foot tree on Castle Craig. The festival, which began in 1988, has become a cherished tradition in central Connecticut. As you explore, notice how the lights accentuate the natural beauty of the park, creating a harmonious blend of nature and illumination. The event showcases Hubbard Park's unique design by the Olmsted Brothers, famous landscape architects.
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Winterfest Hartford Ice Skating (Hartford)
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating in the heart of the city
Description:
Hartford's Bushnell Park hosts Winterfest, featuring an outdoor ice skating rink surrounded by the city's skyline. This free event allows visitors to glide across the ice under twinkling lights, with the historic Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch as a backdrop. Skaters can enjoy the crisp winter air as they circle the rink, accompanied by holiday music. The event, which began in 2010, has become a winter staple in Connecticut's capital. Winterfest celebrates Hartford's commitment to providing accessible winter recreation for all, continuing the park's legacy as "the people's park" since its establishment in 1854.
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Winterfest Hartford Ice Skating
Holiday Stroll & Christmas Tree Lighting (New Canaan)
What to Expect:
Small-town charm and community spirit
Description:
New Canaan's picturesque downtown comes alive during the Holiday Stroll & Christmas Tree Lighting. This event captures the essence of small-town America with its charming Main Street lined with twinkling lights and festive storefronts. Visitors can stroll through the town, enjoying live music and seasonal treats from local shops. The highlight is the lighting of the town Christmas tree, a tradition that dates back to the early 20th century. As you explore, notice the town's well-preserved historic architecture, showcasing New Canaan's rich heritage as a center for mid-century modern design.
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Holiday Stroll & Christmas Tree Lighting
Sleigh Bells Ring Event (Wallingford)
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn carriage rides
Description:
Wallingford's Sleigh Bells Ring Event transports visitors to a bygone era with its horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic downtown. The clip-clop of hooves on pavement and the gentle jingling of sleigh bells create a nostalgic atmosphere. Visitors can climb aboard a festively decorated carriage for a leisurely tour of the town's charming streets. This event celebrates Wallingford's long history, which dates back to 1670. As you ride, observe the town's well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings, offering a glimpse into Connecticut's architectural heritage.
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Downtown Milford Lamplight Stroll (Milford)
What to Expect:
Candlelit walking tour of historic district
Description:
Milford's historic district glows with warmth during the Downtown Lamplight Stroll. This unique event features a candlelit walking tour through the town's charming streets, lined with buildings dating back to the 17th century. Visitors can explore local shops and restaurants by the soft light of lanterns, creating an intimate and cozy atmosphere. The stroll highlights Milford's rich colonial history, founded in 1639 as one of the earliest settlements in Connecticut. Listen for the harmonious sounds of carolers as they fill the air with traditional holiday melodies, adding to the event's old-world charm.
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Downtown Milford Lamplight Stroll
Simsbury Celebrates (Simsbury)
What to Expect:
Town-wide celebration with multiple activities
Description:
Simsbury Celebrates enlivens the entire town with a day-long festival of holiday cheer. This event features a diverse array of activities, from ice carving demonstrations to a torchlight parade. Visitors can explore the town's historic Main Street, participating in various workshops and enjoying live performances. The celebration culminates in a fireworks display over Simsbury Meadows. This event showcases the town's strong community spirit, a characteristic that has defined Simsbury since its founding in 1670. As you wander through the festivities, notice the town's well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture, reflecting its long and prosperous history.
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Noel Concert Series (Guilford)
What to Expect:
Intimate holiday concerts in historic settings
Description:
Guilford's Noel Concert Series offers a refined musical experience in the town's historic churches and meeting houses. These intimate concerts feature a range of holiday music, from classical to contemporary, performed by talented local and regional musicians. Visitors can enjoy the exceptional acoustics of these centuries-old buildings while listening to beautiful seasonal melodies. The series highlights Guilford's rich musical heritage, which dates back to its Puritan roots in the 17th century. As the music fills these historic spaces, you'll be transported through time, connecting with generations of holiday celebrations past.
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Festival of Trees & Traditions (Hartford)
What to Expect:
Creatively decorated trees and wreaths
Description:
Hartford's Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art hosts the Festival of Trees & Traditions, transforming its galleries into a forest of creatively decorated trees and wreaths. This event showcases the artistic talents of local individuals and organizations, with each tree and wreath telling a unique story. Visitors can wander through the museum, admiring the innovative designs and voting for their favorites. The festival, which began in 1974, supports the museum's special exhibitions and educational programs. As you explore, notice how the decorated trees complement the museum's world-renowned art collection, creating a unique blend of holiday cheer and fine art.
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Festival of Trees & Traditions
Holiday Market (Westport)
What to Expect:
Curated selection of artisanal gifts
Description:
Westport's Holiday Market brings together a carefully curated selection of artisanal gifts and seasonal items. This event showcases the work of local craftspeople and artists, offering unique, handmade products that can't be found in typical stores. Visitors can browse through stalls featuring everything from handcrafted jewelry to locally produced gourmet foods. The market celebrates Westport's long-standing reputation as an artists' colony, which dates back to the early 20th century. As you shop, you'll discover the rich creative heritage of this Connecticut town, reflected in the quality and diversity of the items on offer.