🦃Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving + Holiday Fun in Connecticut

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Happy Thanksgiving, Connecticut! The holiday season is officially kicking off across the state. From parades to Christmas attractions opening up and restaurants serving big Thanksgiving feasts, there’s a lot going on this week.

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

• Which restaurants and stores are open on Thanksgiving

• An opportunity for photos with Santa

• Family-friendly events, from winter festivals and tree lightings to gingerbread house festivals 

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CONNECTICUT RESTAURANTS THAT WILL BE OPEN ON THANKSGIVING

Find the perfect spot to enjoy a hassle-free holiday meal

Not in the mood to cook this Thanksgiving? Many Connecticut restaurants are open, offering delicious holiday meals featuring traditional turkey dinners and festive sides. Check out our guide by clicking below to make your holiday stress-free and memorable.

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FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS

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

🎭 A Christmas Story: The Musical at The Goodspeed (Multiple Dates): Enjoy this holiday classic live on stage.

🦁 Glow Wild Lantern Festival at Beardsley Zoo (Multiple Dates): Explore glowing animal sculptures and enchanting lights.

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

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

🏒 Hartford Wolf Pack vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms at XL Center (November 27): Catch exciting hockey action in Hartford.

📸 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.

🎵 Live Music with Myke Ross at Paradise Hills Vineyard (November 27): Relax with great wine and live music.

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

🏃 2024 Shoreline Turkey Trot 5K at Savin Rock Conference Center (November 28): Get active with this fun Thanksgiving Day run.

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

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STORES OPEN ON THANKSGIVING IN CONNECTICUT

Need a last-minute grocery item or holiday fix?

Many stores across Connecticut will be open tomorrow, offering convenience for those who need it. Check out our guide to see what’s open and plan ahead.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Thanks!

Thank you for reading Connecticut Lifestyles today! We wish you a happy Thanksgiving filled with joy, delicious food, and holiday cheer. If you enjoyed this, please share it with a friend and spread the holiday spirit.