If you are looking for some amazing Christmas things to do in CT, you’ve come to the right place. Christmas is my jam – heck, this whole holiday season is.
I’ve put together a list of some awesome things to do around Christmas time in CT.
Some of these activities are great for couples, while most, if not all, of the items on my list, are a lot of fun for families with kids.
If you are looking for things to do for Christmas in CT, you’ll also want to keep up with all of the weekend festivities for this season, as well!
Let’s get right to it.
The top 11 Christmas things to do in CT in 2023
Olde Mistick Village
If you haven’t checked out Olde Mistick Village before, around Christmas is definitely the time to do it.
You can find some amazing Christmas tree ornaments and gifts at the shops here.
The Village is decked out for the holiday season and Santa and Mrs. Claus make their rounds, passing out candy canes and spreading the Christmas Cheer.
Of course, the dining at Olde Mystick Village is second to none.
So, while you’re shopping and taking advantage of some Santa photo ops, you can step out of the cold and grab a delicious bite to eat.
Mystic also has some other Christmas events, like the Santa Arriving by Tugboat event and the Mystic Lighted Boat Parade, both of which happen the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Holiday Wish in Stamford
If you are looking for an immersive and magical indoor holiday experience, Holiday Wish at Stamford Town Center is for you.
Here, you can experience over 20,000 square feet of Christmas magic.
Your whole family will enjoy themselves as they stroll through a holiday dreamland filled with twinkling lights and Christmas scenes.
They may even run into one or two of Santa’s elves!
Clinton Premium Outlets Holiday Mini Market
Located between the cities of New Haven and New London, right off of I-95 is the Clinton Premium Outlets.
The Holiday Outdoor Market will be taking place the Sunday after Thanksgiving, from 10 am – 4 pm. Here, you can shop for custom creations from local artisan vendors.
There will also be a Holiday Selfie Spot, as well as food trucks, and more.
From November 24th through December 18th, you can bring toys for children in need, as well.
Drive Thru Christmas Light at Hubbard Park in Meriden
Starting the day before Thanksgiving, you can come drive through Hubbard Park in Meriden to see one of the most spectacular Christmas light displays in Connecticut.
If you can make it on the eve of Thanksgiving, there will be a special ceremony to kick off the Christmas festivities, complete with Santa’s Elves and hot chocolate.
Christmas Hayrides at Fairview Tree Farm in Shelton
Connecticut does Christmas the right way and Fairview Tree Farms plays its part with the best holiday hayride in the state.
Bring the whole family for apple cider donuts, hot chocolate, and a horse-drawn hayride with the big man himself – Santa Claus.
Aquila’s Nest Vineyards in Newtown
Whether you don’t have kids, your kids are grown, or you have them but don’t want to bring them with you, Aquila’s Nest Vineyards in Newton is the perfect holiday spot for adults.
Come sip on CT’s best wines and join in on some fun and unique Christmas crafts or reserve an igloo or firepit while you relax and enjoy your favorite adult beverage.
Amarante’s Winter Wonderland in Dayville, CT
If you are looking to get all bundled up for a walk-thru Christmas lights display, you’ve got to head to Dayville and check this one out.
This lights display is held at a private home, which is generously opened to the public each year.
There are nearly 180,000 lights in this stunning display.
The walk-thru light display is open starting at 5 pm every day except for Mondays until New Year’s Day.
This is a free Christmas activity, however, donations and purchases from the gift shop are appreciated.
The Torrington Christmas Village
If you are ready for a seriously magical experience, you’ve got to check out the Christmas Village in Torrington, CT.
Here, you’ll find food, hot chocolate, lights, decorations, and, of course, plenty of Christmas cheer!
The Village is open from December 11th to the 23rd and there will be a parade and an opening ceremony at 12:30 on the 11th to kick off the festivities.
The Village is completely free, too!
Santa will be here to chat with the kids, however, he spends a generous amount of time with each child. This is good, of course, but be prepared for a wait.
The Greenwich Reindeer Festival
Santa and his Reindeer are heading to the Sam Bridge Nursery and Greenhouses in Greenwich, CT right after Thanksgiving.
Come pick out a Christmas tree, take a picture with Santa, do some fun kids’ crafts, and visit some real-life reindeer here.
This festival continues until Christmas Eve and promises to be a lot of fun.
Indoor Holiday Lights Festival in Hartford
Come to the Connecticut Convention Center in downtown Hartford this holiday season for an amazing indoor light display – Glow Hartford.
There will be shopping, food, and live entertainment here, as well.
Tickets are on sale at the link above, and like every event at the Convention Center, remember to bring some extra cash.
Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce
Every square inch of Lake Compounce will be decorated for the holiday season at Lake Compounce in Bristol, CT.
Come see Santa and all of his helpers and enjoy unique holiday festivities, all in the glow of one of the most spectacular light displays in CT.
There you have it – 11 of the best Christmas activities in CT!
I hope you enjoy this holiday season and stay safe and warm!