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!
Contact information and details below.
Dazzling nighttime light display supporting community programs.
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
Synchronized lighting of a historic menorah.
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
Dazzling drive-through holiday light displays with digital animations.
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
Special visit from Santa Claus with hot cocoa and candle lighting.
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
Unique parade of lighted tractors celebrating the holiday season.
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
Community caroling and treats during the tree lighting ceremony.
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
Holiday celebration with local artisans and Santa.
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
Live entertainment and unique shopping gems.
Downtown Wallingford transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with live entertainment, unique shopping gems, and delicious cuisine.
Where: Wallingford | More Info: Wallingford Holiday Stroll
Live ice carving competition with Yale a cappella performances.
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
Guided self-reflection amidst the Christmas season in 1800s England.
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
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
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
Classic holiday music performed by a symphony orchestra.
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
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
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
Traditional oratorio performance with a renowned choir.
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
Community-driven charity event with a musical performance.
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
Interactive storytelling and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
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
Live ice carving demonstrations by skilled artisans.
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
Live holiday music performances by local carolers.
Strolling Connecticut Yuletide Carolers bring holiday cheer with traditional songs performed by local musicians.
Where: New Haven | More Info: Strolling Connecticut Yuletide Carolers
Special gifts from Santa's toy bag for each child.
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
Personalized gift-giving experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
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
Commemoration of the Jewish Festival of Lights with a menorah lighting ceremony.
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
Interactive public art project celebrating cultural diversity.
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
Community-driven holiday lighting display.
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
