If December feels like a mad dash between school concerts, cookie swaps, and last-minute shopping, you’re not alone.
But this list, and the TLJ Holiday Map… will make finding holiday magic near you easy.
These are the best holiday things to do in Connecticut that are worth making time for, from quick walk-thru light displays to full-on winter weekend getaways.
Whether you’re carving out one night or a whole day, this guide makes finding a little holiday magic possible… no hours of scrolling required.
Holiday Light Displays & Outdoor Holiday Events in Connecticut
Let’s start with the obvious… there’s a reason so many Hallmark Christmas movies are filmed in Connecticut.
These outdoor holiday festivals make the holiday season feel like something out of a White Christmas montage.
If you want even more ways to enjoy the holiday season beyond the twinkle lights, check out our list of Unique Things to Do in Connecticut… it’s full of fun detours that’ll make your family glad you left the house.
Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce
Bristol, CT
2025 is the final year for the annual Lake Compounce Holiday Lights…
For one last time experience the rides, hot chocolate, and mitten-clad smiles at this walk-through winter wonderland, running select nights Nov 28- Dec 28, 2025.
With walkways of twinkling lights, rides open under holiday glow, and Connecticut’s tallest Christmas tree, it’s an easy win when you need a festive outing the whole family can manage.
Fantasy of Lights
New Haven, CT
A classic drive-through light display at Lighthouse Point Park. Fantasy of Lights in New Haven is an easy holiday activity for some contained fun.
Expect glowing tunnels, moving displays, and that satisfying feeling of “we can check something festive off our list“ when you’re done.
If you’ve got a festive New York City day planned with the kids, this roundup of things to do in Manhattan in December hits all the crowd-pleasers.
Hebron Lions Lights in Motion
Hebron, CT
The Hebron Lions Lights in Motion opens Thanksgiving weekend through Dec 31st. and winds your family on a drive through 1.5 miles of coordinated lights, holiday decorations, and classic holiday tunes.
All proceeds support local charities… so yes, technically your holiday magic counts as supporting your community.
Magic of Lights
Pratt & Whitney Stadium
East Hartford, CT
Drive through thousands of sparkling arches and themed displays at Magic of Lights at the Pratt & Whitney Stadium.
From Nov 26 – Jan 3, 2026 the synchronized holiday music, creative displays, and oversized ornaments make it a great place for an easy family night out without leaving the warmth of the car.
If you want to add something totally unique, this book lovers map is packed with easy detours that kids actually love.
Winterfest at Powder Ridge
New Hartford, CT
This is one of those holiday things to do in Connecticut in December that goes beyond the twinkle lights.
From Nov 28 – Dec 21, 2025 Winterfest at Powder Ridgehas snow tubing, ice skating, fire pits, holiday markets, live music and of course Santa Claus himself.
Dino Lights Winter Festival
Nature’s Art Village
Montville, CT
A glowing outdoor trail of prehistoric giants? Yes, please.
Dino Lights Winter Festival runs weekends Nov 29 – Jan 4, 2025, combining walk-thru light displays, a climbable T-Rex tower, and plenty of selfie spots for the whole family.
If you want a new way to warm up after a holiday outing, check out these hotels with outdoor pools in winter… they’re a total vibe.
Lantern Light Village
Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic, CT
Bundle up as you step into the 19th century by Lantern Light at Mystic Seaport, complete with live music, costumed carolers, and cozy bonfires.
December 5,6,12,13,18-20, 2025
Your family can catch A Christmas Carol performance or see Mrs. Claus wandering the village. It’s the kind of annual tradition that feels timeless.
Once you’ve checked a few of these December favorites off your list, don’t miss our roundup of New Year’s Eve with Kids for even more family-friendly plans.
Free & Classic Connecticut Holiday Attractions
Free things to do doesn’t mean boring… especially in December.
These free things to do in Connecticut this December are the holiday happenings that make small-town Connecticut shine, from Santa Claus arriving by tugboat to annual traditions your kids might actually remember.
Winterfest Hartford
Bushnell Park
Hartford, CT
Bring your ice skates (or borrow theirs for free) for free ice skating at Winterfest in downtown Hartford, complete with twinkling lights and holiday music.
It’s the kind of free holiday activity that checks the “we did something festive” box and still gets everyone home for bedtime. (tired)
Christmas Village
Torrington, CT
The Christmas Village in Torrington is free annual tradition that has been spreading holiday magic since 1947, with visits from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, a toy workshop, and live reindeer.
The Christmas Village is free to visit and open December 11-24, 2025, making it one of the best free things to do with little ones in December.
Santa’s Workshop
Wickham Park
East Hartford, CT
Santa’s Workshop in Wickham Park is an old-fashioned holiday gem that opens to the community for free from December 13-23, 2025.
Monday – Friday 4-7pm Saturdays & Sundays 1-5pm
Kids can meet Santa Claus, see elves at work, and take in the cozy holiday decorations while you quietly pat yourself on the back for bringing lots of donations to support the community. (check their website to see what donations they are currently collecting)
Festival of Silver Lights
Hubbard Park
Meriden, CT
This December head to Hubbard Park for the Festival of Silver Lights, a free holiday light display with more than 350,000 lights shining across the lake and through the park.
From Nov 26 – Jan 1, 2026
You can drive the full loop or park and walk through the glowing trees for an easy, low-stress holiday night.
Greenwich Reindeer Festival
Greenwich, CT
The Greenwich Reindeer Festival is your chance to get up close with real reindeer before they head back to the North Pole.
From Nov 28 – Dec 24, 2025, snap a photo with Santa Claus, do some holiday crafts, pet the reindeer… all for FREE.
Need more ideas for those long school vacation weeks? This list of fun places in Connecticut has you covered.
Stonington Lobster Trap Tree
Stonington Borough, CT
A New England twist on tradition, the Stonington Lobster Trap Tree is built from stacked lobster that light up nightly along the waterfront.
Nov 22 – Jan 4, 2026, this 35ft FREE holiday site is lit nightly from 4:30-9:30pm.
Grab dinner nearby… we’ve rounded up the Top Family Restaurants in Stonington, CT if you need ideas.
And, if the kids love a good “wow” moment, here are the nearby themed hotel picks that totally deliver
Olde Mistick Village Holiday Lights
Mystic, CT
This charming village-style shopping district goes all out with twinkling lights, carolers, and a massive Christmas tree.
Some of the best restaurants in Mystic are located within Olde Mistick Village or check out our list of where to find the best breakfast in Mystic, when you need to start your day strong.
Amarante’s Winter Wonderland
Dayville, CT
A neighborhood favorite turned Connecticut must-see holiday light display.
The Amarante Family’s Winter Wonderland is an over-the-top walk through light display that has been dazzling New Haven since the ’60s… and yes, it’s totally free.
The family collect donations for the community so, park nearby, bundle up, and check their website to see what you should bring.
Santa Trains and Holiday Rides in Connecticut
Because sometimes the only way to get kids to sit still in December is to make the experience move with them…
From the seasonal classics like the Polar Express and the North Pole Express to a trolley ride with Mrs. Claus, these festive Santa train rides are the perfect holiday things to do in Connecticut in December
Northern Lights Limited
Railroad Museum of New England
Thomaston, CT
Climb aboard the Northern Lights Limited for a vintage train ride decked out in holiday decorations, complete with cookies, carolers, and a visit from Santa Claus himself.
Trains depart at 5pm & 7:15pm
It’s one of Connecticut’s best things to do in December and sells out early every year.
The North Pole Express
Essex Steam Train
Essex, CT
The North Pole Express is pure holiday storybook magic on the rails.
Kids get golden tickets, cocoa, and a visit from both Santa and Mrs. Claus…
The North Pole Express runs from Nov 13 – Dec 23, 2025.
A Connecticut holiday tradition families come back to year after year.
Snow Clipper Express
Danbury Railway Museum
Danbury, CT
The Snow Clipper Express at the Danbury Railway Museum is a short, kid-friendly train ride through the historic railyard that ends with a sweet visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
It runs select dates from Nov 29 – Dec 22, 2025, and tickets are $25 per person ages 2 and up.
It’s quick, festive, and perfect for little ones who want the magic without a long sit.
Winterfest & Tunnel of Lights
Connecticut Trolley Museum
East Windsor, CT
Winterfest & Tunnel of Lights turns the Connecticut Trolley Museum into a glowing holiday ride where you can choose between an enclosed trolley or an open-air one as you roll through a long stretch of lights.
After the ride, you can explore the decorated historic cars and festive displays inside the museum.
It runs select nights from Nov 28 – Dec 30, 2025, with tickets about $18–$23
Indoor Holiday Fun for Families in Connecticut
When the December weather doesn’t cooperate…these indoor holiday things to do in Connecticut will deliver the festive fix you’re looking for.
Each of these holiday happenings keeps the season fun rolling without the extra layers or frost bit fingers.
Glow Hartford
Hartford, CT
Glow Hartford is a massive indoor light display that takes over the Connecticut Convention Center from Nov 21 – Dec 23, 2025 with glowing tunnels, giant ornaments, and interactive displays your kids can actually touch.
Walk through holiday villages and scenes, meet Santa Claus, shop local vendors, and grab hot chocolate or snacks without ever stepping outside.
Gingerbread Village
Middlebury, CT
The Gingerbread Village & Christmas Bazaar at St. George’s Episcopal Church is a sweet, small-town tradition where you walk through rows of handmade gingerbread houses and pick up simple holiday treats and crafts made by parish volunteers.
It runs daily from December 6 – 13, 2025 and is free to visit, which makes it an easy, low-key outing with kids.
Holiday Express Train Show
Fairfield Museum
Fairfield, CT
Inside the Fairfield Museum, the Holiday Express Train Show is a showcase of miniature trains running through detailed New England villages, snowy mountains, and tiny Main Streets decked with lights.
The train show runs from Nov 29 – Jan 4, 2025, $5/adult, $3/child
The holiday exhibit changes every year, so there’s always something new to spot.
Festive Holiday Dining and Decorated Restaurants in Connecticut
If eating out with kids counts as a holiday activity (and honestly, it should), these are the restaurants in Connecticut with over-the-top decorations that you’ll want to sit down for.
From candlelit historic taverns to all-out dripping in tinsel dining rooms, each of these festive restaurants delivers good food, big décor energy, and family-friendly comfort during a holiday season.
Cava
Stonington, CT
Cava in Stonington is one of the best holiday restaurants in Connecticut if you want over-the-top holiday decorations, with thousands of lights, themed rooms, and multiple Christmas trees inside.
Even the ceiling sparkles at Cava… it’s one of those restaurants that feels like it’s own holiday attraction.
The Griswold Inn
Essex, CT
Founded in 1776, the Griswold Inn drips with holiday charm… candlelit dining rooms, garlands on every mantel, and a roaring fireplace that pairs perfectly with a cozy winter dinner.
It’s a great pick if you want your winter getaways to include a classic New England style.
Greenhouse Café & Tavern
Burlington, CT
Each December Greenhouse Cafe & Tavern turns its glass-roof greenhouse into a festive winter wonderland, decked with twinkling lights, ornaments, and glowing trees.
The seasonal menu and cheerful atmosphere make it a fun spot for families looking to sneak in a little holiday magic over a meal.
Sign of the Whale
Stamford, CT
Sign of the Whale in Stamford is a waterfront restaurant that transforms into a full-on Winter Wonderland each December, with lights, garlands, and oversized ornaments covering every corner.
Your family can book a heated rooftop igloo overlooking Harbor Point for dinner, drinks, and dessert… top tier festive comfort.
Don't Be Overwhelmed by All of The Things to Do in Connecticut This December
December moves fast… but even fitting in one of these holiday things to do in Connecticut can make the season feel a little less like a blur.
Everything in this list (and plenty more) is already mapped for you on the TLJ Holiday Map, so you can plan a quick drive, see what’s nearby, and actually make the most of the weekend.
Whether you want drive-thru Christmas lights, a free visit to Santa Claus, or just trying to sneak in one last cup of hot chocolate before the new year, you’ll find something here that fits your family’s speed.
Happy travels… and may your December be just the right amount of busy.
