🎅 Connecticut’s Best Events This Week to Kick Off the Holiday Season

December 02, 2024

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Good morning, Connecticut!

December is here, and the holiday magic is in full swing! This week, we’re highlighting festive events, dazzling light displays, and some key stories making headlines across the state. Let’s dive in!

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WINTER FESTIVALS & FAIRS KICK OFF IN CONNECTICUT

Celebrate the season with festive fairs and holiday fun

Connecticut is brimming with winter festivals and fairs to make your holiday season magical. From charming markets to dazzling light displays and holiday performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this December. Check out our full guide below👇

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CAN'T MISS EVENTS THIS WEEK

Check out these incredible events happening across Connecticut:

🎄 Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village (Ongoing): Wander through a beautifully illuminated village filled with holiday cheer.

🎁 Hartford for the Holidays at Downtown Hartford (Ongoing): Enjoy festive markets, light displays, and holiday performances downtown.

🦌 16th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop (Ongoing): Visit live reindeer and Santa in this family-friendly Greenwich tradition.

🛝 Stay and Play at Mitchell Library (December 3): A fun, interactive play session for kids to enjoy.

🍸 Ordinary’s Spirits of Christmas Past (Ongoing): Sip seasonal cocktails in a cozy, historic setting.

🚂 Northern Lights Limited at The Railroad Museum of New England (Ongoing): Take a magical holiday train ride featuring Santa and festive lights.

🎄 Downtown New Britain Holiday Tree Lighting at Central Park (December 3): Kick off the season with a festive tree lighting and holiday music.

🕯️ Holiday Stroll and Lantern Luminaria at Downtown Mystic (December 3): Enjoy a magical evening stroll through lantern-lit streets and holiday shops.

🍬 14th Annual Gingerbread House Festival: Snowed Inn at Wood Memorial Library (Ongoing): See stunning gingerbread creations at this charming annual display.

✨ Festival of Trees and Traditions: 50th Anniversary at Wadsworth Atheneum (Opens December 5): Celebrate the season with beautifully decorated trees and festive performances.

🌟 Glow Hartford Holiday Light Festival & Market (Ongoing): Explore one of the country’s top holiday light displays and festive shopping.

🎶 37th Annual Holiday Stroll at West Hartford Center (December 5): Enjoy live music, performances, and holiday shopping during this festive stroll.

🎅 Annual Holidays on Main in Wethersfield (December 5): Kick off the season with live entertainment, tree lightings, and holiday treats.

😂 The Ugly X-Mas Sweater Musical at Playhouse on Park (December 5): Get into the holiday spirit with this hilarious musical comedy.

📚 Storytime at Slater at Slater Memorial Museum (December 6): A fun storytime for families at a local museum.

🛍️ Holiday Market at Noah Webster House (December 6): Shop for unique holiday gifts from local artisans.

🎿 Powder Ridge Winter Festival at Powder Ridge Park (Ongoing): Celebrate the winter season with outdoor fun and family activities.

🌟 Winter Lantern Festival at Lyman Orchards Golf Club (Ongoing): Wander through dazzling light displays and festive sculptures.

🥞 Pancake Breakfast with Santa at The Shore Line Trolley Museum (December 7): Enjoy breakfast and a visit from Santa on this historic trolley ride.

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THE BEST PLACES TO SEE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN CONNECTICUT

Discover the most dazzling light displays near you

Nothing says holiday magic like Christmas lights! Check out our guide to find the best displays across Connecticut, from drive-thru experiences to walkable wonderlands.

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DID YOU KNOW?

The Gillette Castle in East Haddam was built in 1914 by actor William Gillette, famous for portraying Sherlock Holmes on stage.

5 IMPORTANT STORIES HAPPENING IN CONNECTICUT

  • Snow showers are possible across Connecticut this week.

  • Glow Hartford was named one of the best Christmas light displays in the U.S.

  • The DOT is conducting a statewide travel survey to help shape future projects.

  • Fairfield Avenue Bridge in Norwalk is set to reopen after months of construction following a fiery crash.

  • A Shelton resident is petitioning to protect Ivy Brook Greenway by designating it as a park.

Thanks!

Thank you for reading Connecticut Lifestyles today! We hope you enjoy all the holiday events and festivities happening this week. If you found this newsletter helpful, please share it with a friend and spread the holiday cheer!