Discover the magic of the holiday season in Waterbury, CT, where festive lights, timeless traditions, and enchanting events await. The Holiday Light Fantasia transforms Goodwin Park into a mile-long wonderland of animated displays, creating a dazzling drive-through experience. Meanwhile, the Christmas Town Festival immerses visitors in the cozy charm of Victorian-era celebrations, complete with costumed performers and pop-up holiday tales.
Topping off the seasonal splendor, the Festival of Silver Lights at Lakewood Park offers a serene spectacle of over 350,000 twinkling white lights, reflected in the park’s tranquil waters. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Waterbury's Christmas events promise a celebration filled with heartwarming memories and dazzling displays.
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The Top Christmas Events in Waterbury
- The Nutcracker Ballet
- Holiday Pops Concert
- Christmas Movie Marathon
- Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Waterbury Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local twist on the classic ballet with Waterbury-inspired sets
Description:
Waterbury's production of The Nutcracker Ballet infuses local flavor into the beloved holiday classic. The performance features custom-designed sets that pay homage to Waterbury's architectural landmarks. Dancers glide across the stage in costumes adorned with intricate brass detailing, a nod to the city's metalworking history. You can join a pre-show workshop to learn basic ballet moves from company members. The production incorporates elements of Waterbury's diverse cultural heritage, blending traditional and contemporary dance styles.
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Holiday Pops Concert
What to Expect:
Brass-heavy orchestra performance with local composers
Description:
Waterbury's Holiday Pops Concert celebrates the city's musical legacy with a brass-forward performance. The orchestra features an expanded brass section, paying homage to Waterbury's nickname as the "Brass City." Local composers debut original holiday pieces inspired by the sounds of Waterbury's industrial past. You can participate in a pre-concert instrument "petting zoo" to try your hand at playing various brass instruments. The concert takes place in the historic Thomaston Opera House, known for its exceptional acoustics that make the brass instruments truly shine.
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Christmas Movie Marathon
What to Expect:
Screenings of holiday films with local connections
Description:
Waterbury's Christmas Movie Marathon showcases holiday films with connections to the city and surrounding area. The event highlights movies filmed in Connecticut or featuring actors with ties to Waterbury. Between screenings, local film historians share behind-the-scenes stories and little-known facts about the productions. You can participate in themed trivia contests during intermissions. The marathon takes place in the newly restored Waterbury Palace Theater, allowing visitors to experience these classic films in a grand, historic setting that harkens back to the golden age of cinema.
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Waterbury Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
What to Expect:
Interfaith service incorporating diverse holiday traditions
Description:
Waterbury's Christmas Eve Candlelight Service brings together various faith communities for a unique interfaith celebration. The service incorporates holiday traditions from the city's diverse cultural groups, creating a tapestry of spiritual observances. Participants join in a candlelit procession through the city's historic Green, symbolizing unity and hope. You can contribute a personal message to the "Wishing Tree" displayed in the center of the gathering. The service takes place in Waterbury's oldest church, which has stood as a beacon of community for over two centuries.
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Nearby Events
Holiday Light Fantasia (Hartford)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display with animated scenes
Description:
Waterbury's Holiday Light Fantasia transforms Goodwin Park into a twinkling wonderland of illumination. This drive-through experience spans over a mile, featuring more than one million lights arranged in animated displays. As you cruise through the park, you'll encounter whimsical scenes celebrating various cultural traditions. The event pays homage to Waterbury's industrial past, with light sculptures depicting the city's famous brass manufacturing heritage. Tune your car radio to the special event station to enjoy synchronized holiday music as you explore the glowing spectacle.
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Christmas Town Festival (Bethlehem)
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed holiday celebration
Description:
Waterbury's Christmas Town Festival transports visitors to a bygone era of holiday cheer. The streets come alive with costumed performers in Victorian attire, recreating the ambiance of Charles Dickens' London. Stroll through the decorated town square, where you can warm your hands by old-fashioned fire barrels. The festival showcases Waterbury's rich theatrical history, with pop-up performances of classic holiday tales. Indulge in traditional roasted chestnuts while admiring the intricate ice sculptures dotting the landscape.
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Festival of Silver Lights (Meriden)
What to Expect:
Lakeside display of over 350,000 white lights
Description:
The Festival of Silver Lights illuminates Waterbury's Lakewood Park with a dazzling array of over 350,000 white lights. This lakeside spectacle creates a serene winter atmosphere, with light sculptures reflecting off the water's surface. Visitors can embark on a guided nighttime walk to learn about the native wildlife that calls the park home during winter. The event honors Waterbury's "Brass City" nickname by incorporating brass instruments into light displays, creating a unique visual tribute to the city's metalworking heritage.
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Holiday Artisan Market (Torrington)
What to Expect:
Showcase of local artisans specializing in metalwork and jewelry
Description:
Waterbury's Holiday Artisan Market spotlights the city's rich tradition of craftsmanship. Local artisans display their wares, with a special emphasis on metalwork and jewelry-making, honoring Waterbury's legacy as the "Brass Capital of the World." Visitors can observe live demonstrations of traditional metalworking techniques passed down through generations. The market takes place in a restored 19th-century factory building, providing an authentic backdrop for this celebration of local artistry. Sample locally-made brass-aged spirits while browsing the unique handcrafted gifts.
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Holiday Train Show (New Milford)
What to Expect:
Interactive model train display featuring Waterbury landmarks
Description:
The Holiday Train Show in Waterbury delights visitors with its intricate miniature landscapes. The centerpiece is a detailed recreation of Waterbury's historic downtown, complete with tiny brass figurines. Guests can operate some of the trains themselves, guiding them through snowy scenes of the city's past and present. The show pays tribute to Waterbury's railroad history, featuring models of trains that once chugged through the Naugatuck Valley. Listen closely to hear the authentic sounds of vintage train whistles echoing through the exhibit hall.
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Holiday Festival of Trees (Prospect)
What to Expect:
Tree decorating competition with industrial-themed category
Description:
Waterbury's Holiday Festival of Trees elevates the art of tree decorating to new heights. Local businesses and organizations compete to create the most innovative and eye-catching displays. A special "Industrial Chic" category challenges participants to incorporate Waterbury's manufacturing heritage into their designs. You can vote for your favorite tree, with proceeds benefiting local charities. The event takes place in the grand atrium of Waterbury's City Hall, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece that provides a stunning backdrop for the forest of decorated trees.
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Holiday Stroll & Festival (Watertown)
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of historic downtown with pop-up performances
Description:
Waterbury's Holiday Stroll Festival invites visitors to explore the city's historic downtown at their own pace. As you wander the decorated streets, you'll encounter surprise pop-up performances by local musicians, dancers, and actors. The stroll highlights Waterbury's architectural gems, with special access to beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings. Grab a "Passport to the Past" and collect stamps at various locations to learn about the city's rich history. The aroma of mulled cider wafts through the air as you discover hidden courtyards and secret gardens decked out for the season.
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Gingerbread House Competition (Southbury)
What to Expect:
Architectural-themed gingerbread creations inspired by local landmarks
Description:
Waterbury's Gingerbread House Competition challenges bakers to recreate the city's iconic buildings in sweet, edible form. Participants construct intricate replicas of local landmarks, from the historic Palace Theater to the modernist Mixmaster interchange. You can attend a gingerbread-making workshop led by professional pastry chefs. The competition honors Waterbury's architectural heritage, showcasing the city's diverse building styles through the medium of gingerbread and royal icing. Marvel at the detailed sugar sculptures that bring Waterbury's skyline to life in miniature form.