Can't wait for holiday cheer in Stamford? Dive into our guide for the best festive events! Whether you've called Stamford home for years or just for the holidays, this guide ensures a joyful experience.
Popular Events: One highlight is the NYBG GLOW at the New York Botanical Gardens, where dazzling light displays illuminate the garden's winter landscape, creating a magical atmosphere. Another attraction is the 15th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, featuring festive activities and the opportunity to meet real reindeer. And don't forget the Holiday Lights 2024 at the Bronx Zoo, which transforms the zoo into a stunning winter wonderland with lights and displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Stamford
- NYBG GLOW- New York Botanical Gardens (Bronx)
- Holiday Lights 2024 - Bronx Zoo (Bronx)
- 15th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival - Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses (Greenwich)
- A Christmas Carol at the Hartford Stage (Hartford)
- Yuletide Factory - The New Victory Theater (New York)
- Christmas by Candlelight 2023 - Old Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge)
- Photos with Santa - Stamford Town Center
- A Magical Cirque Christmas at the Garde Arts (New London)
- Elf at the Warner Theatre (Torrington)
- The Holiday Wish Express - Stamford Town Center
See these and even more events listed below!
Stamford Holiday Light Displays
Santa's Village at American Christmas
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light and animatronic display with themed areas.
Description:
At Santa's Village at American Christmas, immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere with over 100,000 twinkling lights, captivating animatronics, and nine uniquely themed areas. Meet Santa during select peak times and explore areas like the Stable Express, Make-A-Wish, Elves Quarters, and Santa's Workshop. This event is perfect for families and children, offering a memorable holiday experience.
Where: Mount Vernon | More Info: Santa's Village at American Christmas
Twilight Tours at Boscobel
What to Expect:
Candlelit tour of historic house and gardens with live music and seasonal treats.
Description:
Boscobel House and Gardens are beautifully lit by candlelight, decorated for 19th-century holidays, and resonating with live music. Enjoy mulled cider, hot chocolate, and cookies in the Carriage House while strolling among twinkling lights in the Apple Orchard, Formal Garden, and Winter Garden.
Where: Cold Spring | More Info: Twilight Tours at Boscobel
Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum
What to Expect:
Hand-crafted lanterns inspired by Chinese folklore.
Description:
The Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum features over 1500 hand-crafted lanterns, creating an immersive experience across 6 acres of historic farmland. The event includes a dazzling display of lights and illuminated Chinese lanterns, inspired by majestic creatures from Chinese folklore and animals, along with interactive features like illuminated tunnels and swings.
Where: Flushing | More Info: Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum
Festival of Lights at Harvest Moon
What to Expect:
Illuminated forest with interactive light displays.
Description:
Harvest Moon's Festival of Lights features over half a million brilliant lights transforming the orchard into an illuminated forest with whimsical creatures, light-changing orbs, and thematic installations.
Where: North Salem | More Info: Festival of Lights at Harvest Moon
Holiday Lights 2024 - Bronx Zoo
What to Expect:
Immersive wildlife-themed light displays.
Description:
The Bronx Zoo's Holiday Lights event features millions of lights and hundreds of wildlife lanterns across seven trails, celebrating nearly 100 animal and plant species. The event includes interactive light experiences, animated sculptures, a holiday train, and seasonal treats.
Where: Bronx | More Info: Holiday Lights 2024 - Bronx Zoo
Stamford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
SANTA PHOTOS - Cross County Center
What to Expect:
Personalized holiday photo opportunities with Santa.
Description:
Capture a cherished holiday moment with Santa Photos at Cross County Center, where you can take memorable photos with the jolly old man.
Where: Yonkers | More Info: SANTA PHOTOS - Cross County Center
Santa’s Grand Arrival - At Palisades Center Mall
What to Expect:
Santa Claus arrival with festive decorations and activities.
Description:
Santa’s Grand Arrival at Palisades Center Mall features a joyful celebration with Santa Claus, festive decorations, and holiday activities.
Where: West Nyack | More Info: Santa’s Grand Arrival - At Palisades Center Mall
NYBG GLOW- New York Botanical Gardens
What to Expect:
Miniature plant-based replicas of NYC landmarks with G-scale model trains.
Description:
The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show features G-scale model trains navigating through meticulously crafted miniatures of New York City landmarks made entirely from plant parts. The event includes both daytime and nighttime activities, with festive food and drink options available. Visitors can explore the Haupt Conservatory and Conservatory Lawn, experiencing the lively energy of New York City during the holidays.
Where: Bronx | More Info: NYBG GLOW- New York Botanical Gardens
Yuletide Factory - The New Victory Theater
What to Expect:
Industrial-strength circus show with acrobatic feats and holiday cheer.
Description:
Yuletide Factory is a high-energy circus performance by Cirque Mechanics, featuring acrobats, jugglers, and gymnasts in a lively and action-packed show that transforms a drab assembly plant into a holly jolly holiday spectacle.
Where: New York | More Info: Yuletide Factory - The New Victory Theater
A Christmas Carol at the Hartford Stage
What to Expect:
Classic adaptation with sensory-friendly, open-captioned, and audio-described performances.
Description:
A classic adaptation of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol" directed by Michael Wilson, featuring Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. This heartwarming production brings Dickens's timeless tale to life on stage with a talented cast and creative team.
Where: Hartford | More Info: A Christmas Carol at the Hartford Stage
Elf at the Warner Theatre
What to Expect:
Youth-led holiday musical production with industry professional guidance.
Description:
Young performers ages 7-14, led by industry professionals, bring Elf Jr. The Musical to life at the Warner Theatre, learning storytelling, character development, and collaboration while building confidence.
Where: Torrington | More Info: Elf at the Warner Theatre
A Magical Cirque Christmas at the Garde Arts
What to Expect:
World-class entertainers performing favorite holiday music.
Description:
A variety show featuring world-class entertainers performing favorite holiday music, showcasing nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages.
Where: New London | More Info: A Magical Cirque Christmas at the Garde Arts
Stamford Other Holiday Activities
Photos with Santa - Stamford Town Center
What to Expect:
Interactive photo opportunity with Santa Claus.
Description:
Meet Santa Claus at Stamford Town Center, where children can take photos and share their holiday wishes with the jolly old man.
Where: Stamford | More Info: Photos with Santa - Stamford Town Center
Santa Photos at Ridge Hill
What to Expect:
Unique Santa photo experience with convenient online booking.
Description:
Meet Santa at Ridge Hill, where you can enjoy special photo opportunities and festive activities with your family.
Where: Yonkers | More Info: Santa Photos at Ridge Hill
15th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival - Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses
What to Expect:
Live reindeer and family activities.
Description:
The 16th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses features live reindeer, Santa photo opportunities, and family-friendly activities like the Reindeer Coloring Station and Letter Writing to Santa Station.
Where: Greenwich | More Info: 15th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival - Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses
Holiday House Tours - Locust Grove
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed mansion scavenger hunt with musical motifs.
Description:
Explore the beautifully decorated mansion at Locust Grove during the Holiday Hunt, a scavenger hunt that takes you through 20 decorated trees, each featuring a different musical motif.
Where: Poughkeepsie | More Info: Holiday House Tours - Locust Grove
Glenview Holiday Tour - Hudson River Museum
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed tour of a historic Gilded Age home.
Description:
Explore Glenview, a 1877 Gilded Age home on the National Register of Historic Places, designed by Charles W. Clinton. The 45-minute guided tour showcases six fully restored period rooms featuring beautiful Christmas trees, antique ornaments, and toys. Learn about Gilded Age holiday traditions and see the fine woodwork, furnishings, and artwork that make Glenview one of the most important early Gilded Age residences open to the public.
Where: Yonkers | More Info: Glenview Holiday Tour - Hudson River Museum
Christmas by Candlelight 2023 - Old Sturbridge Village
What to Expect:
Historic Christmas traditions and activities.
Description:
Celebrate the history of Christmas festivities at Old Sturbridge Village with demonstrations of classic projects, a decorated village, and live music.
Where: Sturbridge | More Info: Christmas by Candlelight 2023 - Old Sturbridge Village
Holiday Classic Mansion Tours at Lyndhurst
What to Expect:
Elaborate holiday decorations and rare historical items.
Description:
Explore Lyndhurst Mansion during the holiday season, featuring elaborately decorated rooms and rarely seen items from its former owners.
Where: Tarrytown | More Info: Holiday Classic Mansion Tours at Lyndhurst
Holiday Stroll Open House - Keeler Tavern Museum
What to Expect:
Interactive historical exploration with costumed interpreters and family-friendly activities.
Description:
Explore the first floor of the centuries-old Keeler Tavern Museum at your own pace. Costumed interpreters will share stories about the site's former residents, and fun activities like a partridge scavenger hunt and take-home crafts will engage younger visitors. The event features period rooms reflecting historic traditions and ways of living from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.
Where: Ridgefield | More Info: Holiday Stroll Open House - Keeler Tavern Museum
The Holiday Wish Express - Stamford Town Center
What to Expect:
Immersive virtual train ride to the North Pole.
Description:
The Holiday Wish Express at Stamford Town Center features an interactive virtual train ride to the North Pole, immersive holiday decor, and themed rooms filled with holiday magic. Explore over 20,000 square feet of Christmas fun, including a sparkling starlit forest and Santa's workshop.
Where: Stamford | More Info: The Holiday Wish Express - Stamford Town Center
Worldwide Lights Celebration at Stepping Stones
What to Expect:
Interactive exhibits and activities for children.
Description:
Stepping Stones Museum for Children offers a variety of interactive activities, including music-making sessions, prehistoric shark mouth explorations, story read-alouds, fitness fun, and art projects like corn cob paintings and leafy sunprints. These daily programs are designed to engage children in hands-on learning experiences.
Where: Norwalk | More Info: Worldwide Lights Celebration at Stepping Stones
Santa Express
What to Expect:
Visit Santa and his elves on a decorated train.
Description:
The Santa Express is an afternoon train ride where passengers can visit Santa Claus and his elves, receive a special gift from Santa's toy bag, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.
Where: Thomaston | More Info: Santa Express
All Aboard the Snow Clipper
What to Expect:
Personalized gift-giving experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
At the Danbury Railway Museum, take a ride on the Snow Clipper for a personalized gift-giving experience. Enjoy the museum's interior, including a Letters to Santa coloring station and operating model railroads. After a short train ride, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for the first gifts of Christmas. The event includes hot chocolate, marshmallows, and fresh baked cookies.
Where: Danbury | More Info: All Aboard the Snow Clipper
Holiday Express Train Show
What to Expect:
Immersive paranormal experience with haunted trolley rides.
Description:
The Connecticut Trolley Museum offers a variety of events, including the Curse of the Rails haunted trolley ride, where guests embark on a paranormal investigation through haunted landscapes. The Pumpkin Patch Trolley event allows families to ride to a pumpkin patch and decorate their pumpkins. Holiday festivities include Santa visits, Winterfest, and the Tunnel of Lights.
Where: East Windsor | More Info: Holiday Express Train Show
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- North Stamford (6 miles)
- East Norwalk (8 miles)
- White Plains (12 miles)
- Fairfield (16 miles)
- Greenburgh (16 miles)
- Mount Vernon (18 miles)
- Wakefield (20 miles)
- Bridgeport (20 miles)
- Yonkers (21 miles)
- The Bronx (22 miles)
- Parkchester (22 miles)
- Kings Bridge (23 miles)
- Stratford (23 miles)
- Fordham (23 miles)
- Bayside (23 miles)
- Danbury (24 miles)
- Brentwood (24 miles)
- Hempstead (24 miles)
- Queens Village (25 miles)
- Washington Heights (25 miles)
- Mott Haven (26 miles)
- Corona (27 miles)
- Harlem (27 miles)
- Jackson Heights (27 miles)
- East Harlem (28 miles)
- Milford (28 miles)
- Morningside Heights (28 miles)
- Briarwood (28 miles)
- Elmhurst (28 miles)
- Astoria (28 miles)
- Forest Hills (28 miles)
- Jamaica (29 miles)
- Richmond Hill (29 miles)
- Manhattan (29 miles)
- Sunnyside (30 miles)
- Maspeth (30 miles)
- Queens (30 miles)
- North Bergen (30 miles)
- South Ozone Park (30 miles)
- Ozone Park (31 miles)
- West New York (31 miles)
- Ridgewood (31 miles)
- Union City (32 miles)
- Bushwick (32 miles)
- Cypress Hills (32 miles)
- East New York (32 miles)
- East Village (32 miles)
- Chinatown (33 miles)
- Hoboken (33 miles)
- Passaic (34 miles)
- Brownsville (34 miles)
- New York City (34 miles)
- Canarsie (34 miles)
- Financial District (34 miles)
- Paterson (34 miles)
- East Flatbush (34 miles)
- Brooklyn (35 miles)
- Clifton (35 miles)
- Park Slope (35 miles)
- Flatbush (35 miles)
- Jersey City (36 miles)
- New Haven (36 miles)
- Flatlands (36 miles)
- Sunset Park (38 miles)
- Borough Park (38 miles)
- Bloomfield (38 miles)
- Sheepshead Bay (38 miles)
- Gravesend (39 miles)
- Bensonhurst (39 miles)
- Wayne (39 miles)
- Newark (40 miles)
- East Orange (40 miles)
- Bayonne (40 miles)
- West Orange (41 miles)
- Coney Island (41 miles)
- Hamden (41 miles)
- Irvington (43 miles)
- Waterbury (43 miles)
- Elizabeth (44 miles)