Last updated: November 11, 2024
Spread holiday joy in New Haven with our guide. Discover all the events and activities that make this season special. Whether you're a familiar face or a fresh visitor, this guide unlocks the holiday treasures of New Haven.
Popular events during this festive season include the City of New Haven Tree Lighting & Holiday Village, where twinkling lights and seasonal cheer create a warm atmosphere for all. Featuring charming booths and delicious treats, the Fantasy of Lights brightens the city's parks with immersive displays of color and creativity. And the Storytelling & Selfies with Santa & Mrs. Claus is something you definitely don't want to miss, providing a heartwarming experience for families. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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New Haven Holiday Light Displays
Fantasy of Lights
- What to Expect
- Dazzling nighttime light display supporting community programs.
- Description
- Fantasy of Lights is a dazzling holiday light display at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, Connecticut, featuring vibrant LED lights and supporting Goodwill of Southern New England's mission to strengthen communities.
- Where
- New Haven | More Info : Fantasy of Lights
City of New Haven Menorah Lighting
- What to Expect
- Synchronized lighting of a historic menorah.
- Description
- The City of New Haven Menorah Lighting is a significant holiday event featuring a beautifully lit menorah, symbolizing the spirit of the season.
- Where
- New Haven | More Info : City of New Haven Menorah Lighting
Magic of Lights at Pratt & Whitney Stadium
- What to Expect
- Dazzling drive-through holiday light displays with digital animations.
- Description
- At Pratt & Whitney Stadium, Magic of Lights features over a mile of spectacular light displays, including a larger-than-life Holiday Barbie display and life-sized dinosaurs celebrating Prehistoric Christmas. The event offers a unique drive-through experience with digital animations and LED technology, making it a memorable holiday experience for all ages.
- Where
- East Hartford | More Info : Magic of Lights at Pratt & Whitney Stadium
Madison Tree Lighting on the Green
- What to Expect
- Special visit from Santa Claus with hot cocoa and candle lighting.
- Description
- The Madison Tree Lighting on the Green is a community event featuring live music, ice sculpting demonstrations, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Enjoy holiday and non-holiday music performances by the DHHS Encore Chorus and Larry Stevens Band.
- Where
- Madison | More Info : Madison Tree Lighting on the Green
Orange Holiday Festival with the Lighted Tractor Parade and Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Unique parade of lighted tractors celebrating the holiday season.
- Description
- The Orange Holiday Festival features a Lighted Tractor Parade and Tree Lighting, showcasing beautifully decorated tractors and festive holiday spirit.
- Where
- Orange | More Info : Orange Holiday Festival with the Lighted Tractor Parade and Tree Lighting
Walnut Beach Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Community caroling and treats during the tree lighting ceremony.
- Description
- Join us at the Walnut Beach Arch for our annual tree lighting with Santa. The tree will be lit at 5 PM, accompanied by treats and carols sung by the community. All are welcome to celebrate the holiday season.
- Where
- Milford | More Info : Walnut Beach Tree Lighting
New Haven Holiday Markets and Shopping
City of New Haven Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with local artisans and Santa.
- Description
- The City of New Haven Tree Lighting & Holiday Village is a family-friendly event featuring holiday entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a variety of local artisans selling their crafts and merchandise. This event supports local entrepreneurs and offers a range of retail goods perfect for holiday gifts.
- Where
- New Haven | More Info : City of New Haven Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
Wallingford Holiday Stroll
- What to Expect
- Live entertainment and unique shopping gems.
- Description
- Downtown Wallingford transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with live entertainment, unique shopping gems, and delicious cuisine.
- Where
- Wallingford | More Info : Wallingford Holiday Stroll
New Haven Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Ice Carving Competition & A Cappella Concert
- What to Expect
- Live ice carving competition with Yale a cappella performances.
- Description
- Witness 5 professional ice carvers transform 900lbs of ice into spectacular sculptures under the BIG TENT on Broadway Island. Enjoy live performances by Yale University a cappella groups.
- Where
- New Haven | More Info : Ice Carving Competition & A Cappella Concert
A Christmas Carol at the Legacy Theatre
- What to Expect
- Guided self-reflection amidst the Christmas season in 1800s England.
- Description
- Legacy Theatre presents a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, directed by Keely Baisden Knudsen. This classic tale follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he undergoes a transformative journey during the Christmas season in 1800s England. The production features original music by Keely Baisden Knudsen and David Bell, bringing the timeless story to life with a talented cast.
- Where
- Stamford | More Info : A Christmas Carol at the Legacy Theatre
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet at the Oakdale
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- The Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre features a world-famous two-act ballet with masterful music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The production includes an award-winning international cast, technically supreme dancing, and whimsical puppetry. It promises to be a true celebration of love and peace with breathtaking acrobatics and lavish costumes.
- Where
- Wallingford | More Info : Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet at the Oakdale
NHSO: Holiday Extravaganza
- What to Expect
- Classic holiday music performed by a symphony orchestra.
- Description
- The New Haven Symphony Orchestra presents a joyous celebration of holiday music, featuring beloved classics from The Nutcracker and Polar Express, with special guests from the Fairfield County Children's Choir.
- Where
- New Haven | More Info : NHSO: Holiday Extravaganza
New Haven Ballet Presents the Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- New Haven Ballet presents a full-length production of The Nutcracker, featuring New York City Ballet stars Sara Adams and Harrison Coll, with elaborate sets, costumes, and Tchaikovsky's timeless score.
- Where
- New Haven | More Info : New Haven Ballet Presents the Nutcracker
NHSO: Handel’s Messiah
- What to Expect
- Traditional oratorio performance with a renowned choir.
- Description
- The New Haven Symphony Orchestra presents Handel's Messiah, featuring the ethereal voices of Christ Church Choir in a traditional oratorio. Conducted by Alasdair Neale, this performance showcases the symphony and choir in a celebration of music and faith.
- Where
- New Haven | More Info : NHSO: Handel’s Messiah
New Haven Holiday Giving Opportunities
Community Choral Concert and Baby Toy & Coat Drive
- What to Expect
- Community-driven charity event with a musical performance.
- Description
- The Community Choral Concert and Baby Toy & Coat Drive is a heartwarming event where community members come together to support local families in need by collecting baby toys and coats, while enjoying a festive concert featuring a community choir.
- Where
- New Haven | More Info : Community Choral Concert and Baby Toy & Coat Drive
New Haven Other Holiday Activities
Storytelling & Selfies with Santa & Mrs. Claus
- What to Expect
- Interactive storytelling and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Description
- Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit The Shops at Yale to read stories to children and take photos with families from 1:00-3:00 PM. This event is free and open to the public with free snacks.
- Where
- New Haven | More Info : Storytelling & Selfies with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Chapel Street Ice Carving Demonstrations
- What to Expect
- Live ice carving demonstrations by skilled artisans.
- Description
- Witness skilled artisans transform ice into intricate sculptures, showcasing their craftsmanship in a public display.
- Where
- New Haven | More Info : Chapel Street Ice Carving Demonstrations
Strolling Connecticut Yuletide Carolers
- What to Expect
- Live holiday music performances by local carolers.
- Description
- Strolling Connecticut Yuletide Carolers bring holiday cheer with traditional songs performed by local musicians.
- Where
- New Haven | More Info : Strolling Connecticut Yuletide Carolers
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 his elves. Each child receives a special gift from Santa's toy bag. The train travels through the cold winter wilderness, offering a unique experience with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Where
- Thomaston | More Info : Santa Express
All Aboard the Snow Clipper
- What to Expect
- Personalized gift-giving experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Description
- All Aboard the Snow Clipper offers a personalized gift-giving experience where Santa and Mrs. Claus hand out the first gifts of Christmas. The event includes visits to the museum interior, a short train ride through historic Danbury Railyard, and a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy a walk through the railyard with hot chocolate, marshmallows, and a fresh-baked cookie.
- Where
- Danbury | More Info : All Aboard the Snow Clipper
West Haven Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony
- What to Expect
- Commemoration of the Jewish Festival of Lights with a menorah lighting ceremony.
- Description
- The West Haven Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony is a celebration of the Jewish Festival of Lights, commemorating the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees. The event features the lighting of a menorah, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
- Where
- West Haven | More Info : West Haven Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Firelight Festival at Henry Whitfield House State Museum
- What to Expect
- Interactive public art project celebrating cultural diversity.
- Description
- The Firelight Festival at Henry Whitfield House State Museum features live music, cultural performances, and interactive art installations celebrating local diversity and community.
- Where
- Guilford | More Info : Firelight Festival at Henry Whitfield House State Museum
Light Up West Haven on the Green
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday lighting display.
- Description
- Light Up West Haven on the Green is a vibrant community event featuring festive lighting and decorations, creating a beautiful atmosphere for residents and visitors.
- Where
- West Haven | More Info : Light Up West Haven on the Green