🎄Tree Lightings, 🦌 Reindeer Festivals, + More This Weekend

November 29, 2024

In partnership with

Happy weekend, Connecticut! We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Now it’s time for some weekend fun, and there’s plenty of it to be had all across the state!

Here are just a few of the things you'll find below:

5-Star Grand Cancun All Inclusive Resort For Only $99

Stay 4 nights in 5-star luxury Grand Cancun beachfront accommodations for only $99. Enjoy unlimited meals, drinks & alcohol with 9 gourmet restaurants and 5 bars. Includes $100 Airfare credit. Buy now and travel anytime in the next 18 months.

CONNECTICUT BLACK FRIDAY STORE HOURS & SALES

Find the perfect place to score some Black Friday deals today!

Black Friday is upon us, and Connecticut’s malls and retailers are ready to kick off the holiday shopping season with some of the best deals of the year! Whether you’re an early bird eager to snag doorbusters or prefer to shop later in the day, Connecticut’s stores and malls are offering extended hours to accommodate all shoppers.

From major malls like the SoNo Collection and Danbury Fair Mall to popular retailers like Target, Walmart, and Macy’s, there’s something for everyone.

Get ready to tackle your holiday shopping with our complete guide to Black Friday hours across the state! 👇

This is not an advertisement.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS

Check out these exciting activities for the whole family this weekend:

🦁 Glow Wild Lantern Festival at Beardsley Zoo (Open All Weekend): Explore glowing animal sculptures and enchanting lights.

🚂 Northern Lights Limited at The Railroad Museum of New England (Multiple Weekend Departure Times): Take a magical holiday train ride with Santa and his elves.

🌟 Winter Lantern Festival at Lyman Orchards Golf Club (Open All Weekend): Experience a magical journey through illuminated displays.

📸 Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus at Star Hill Family Farm (November 29): Create lasting holiday memories with a special Santa visit.

🎅 Santa Express at Railroad Museum of New England (Opens November 29): All aboard for a magical train ride with Santa.

🔬 Thankful Friday at SHU Discovery Science Center & Planetarium (November 29): Enjoy FREE admission to SHU Discovery Science Center & Planetarium on November 29, 2024, courtesy of Aquarion Water Company.

🍬 14th Annual Gingerbread House Festival: Snowed Inn at Wood Memorial Library (Opens November 29): See intricate gingerbread houses and festive displays.

🎄 Christmas Tree Lighting at Parade Plaza (November 29): Celebrate the season with this classic holiday tradition.

🎿 Powder Ridge Winter Festival at Powder Ridge Park (Opens November 29): Celebrate the start of the ski season with winter-themed activities.

🎅 Santa Story 2 at Downtown Cabaret Theatre (November 30): A festive musical adventure starring Santa himself.

🚤 Santa Arrives by Tugboat & Lighted Boat Parade at Mystic River Park (November 30): Watch Santa make a splashy entrance followed by a boat parade.

FUN FOR ADULTS

Looking for some fun for grown-ups? Here are some great options:

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

🔮 Supernatural Secrets of Southeastern Connecticut (Ongoing): Explore Connecticut’s mysterious and haunted history.

🎄 Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village (Opens November 29): See the village transformed with magical holiday lights.

FOLLOW US!

Stay connected with us on Facebook for the latest updates, hot events, and local tips. Here’s one of the stories we’re sharing this week 👇

THE ANNUAL GREENWICH REINDEER FESTIVAL OPENS TODAY

The popular holiday tradition is back for its 16th year!

From November 29 through December 24, 2024, the Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop returns to Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses in Greenwich for its 16th year. This “North Pole on North Street” holiday event invites families to enjoy photos with Santa, meet three live reindeer, and experience festive activities in Santa’s Workshop, complete with a reindeer coloring station and letter writing to Santa.

Get all the details, including info about hours when Santa will be taking photos in our guide below👇

This is not an advertisement.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Submarine Force Museum in Groton houses the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, which you can tour today.

Thanks!

Thank you for reading Connecticut Lifestyles today! If you enjoyed this, please share it with a friend and spread the holiday spirit.