🌟First Night Hartford, Food & Wine, and Silver Lights

December 25, 2025

Merry Christmas!


As the year winds down, Connecticut is going out strong with celebrations that feel equal parts festive, fun, and memorable. Whether you’re planning a big New Year’s Eve, indulging your foodie side, or soaking in classic holiday lights, these picks are a perfect way to close out the season.

What’s inside today:

🎆 A citywide New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Hartford
🍷 An early-access tasting night for food and wine lovers
✨ A free, twinkling holiday light display to enjoy all week long
đź“— This Month in CT History: When Christmas Was Against the Law in Connecticut
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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A free, all-ages New Year’s Eve celebration in the heart of the city

Hartford’s beloved New Year’s Eve tradition returns with a full afternoon and night of arts, music, and community celebration. First Night Hartford transforms downtown and Bushnell Park into a lively, walkable festival featuring live performances, interactive art, ice skating, dancing, and family-friendly activities throughout the evening.

Outdoor entertainment and fireworks are free for everyone, while a First Night button unlocks access to indoor performances and venues across the city. From early afternoon through midnight, it’s an easy, energetic way to welcome the new year without needing to leave Hartford.

An early-access tasting experience for wine and food lovers

Grand Tasting Day One at Mohegan Sun’s Sun Wine & Food Fest is the perfect way to get a first sip of one of Connecticut’s most popular culinary events. Guests can sample a curated selection of wines, craft beers, and premium spirits, paired with inspired bites from standout regional restaurants.

The evening also features live chef demonstrations on the main stage, giving attendees a chance to learn, taste, and discover new favourites before the main festival crowds arrive. It’s a relaxed but elevated experience designed for those who love bold flavours and great food stories.

✨ FESTIVAL OF SILVER LIGHTS GLOWS IN MERIDEN

A classic holiday light display perfect for an evening stroll

Hubbard Park shines once again with the Festival of Silver Lights, illuminating the park with more than 350,000 twinkling white lights. Over 200 figures and structures are wrapped in glowing displays, creating a peaceful, festive atmosphere that feels timeless and welcoming.

Open nightly from dusk to dawn and free to attend, it’s an easy stop for families, couples, or anyone looking to enjoy a quiet holiday moment before the year comes to a close. Whether you drive through or bundle up for a walk, it’s a simple tradition that never gets old.

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A drive-through winter wonderland that sparkles for a good cause

If you’re looking for a festive experience that’s easy, cozy, and big on holiday wow-factor, Hebron Lions Lights In Motion delivers. This beloved one-mile drive-through transforms the fairgrounds into a glowing winter spectacle, featuring more than one million Christmas lights perfectly synchronized to classic holiday music — all enjoyed from the comfort of your car.

Now celebrating its fifth year, this family-friendly tradition is designed for all ages (pets included) and makes a perfect evening outing or last-minute holiday plan. Even better, every ticket supports children’s charities, adding a feel-good layer to an already magical experience. With flexible ticket options, including late-night “Night Owl” entry, it’s easy to fit into your schedule before the season wraps up.

HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

When Christmas Was Against the Law in Connecticut

It’s hard to imagine now, but there was a time when celebrating Christmas in Connecticut could land you in serious trouble. In the mid-1600s, the Puritan leaders who shaped early New England society viewed Christmas not as a joyful tradition, but as a dangerous mix of pagan excess and Catholic influence. To them, it represented everything they had fled England to escape.

Under Puritan rule, Christmas was officially banned in Connecticut, along with Massachusetts and other parts of New England. December 25 was treated like any other workday, and anyone caught celebrating the holiday faced fines and punishment. The ban reflected the Puritans’ broader rejection of elaborate rituals, religious festivals, and what they saw as moral indulgence tied to holy days.

This strict stance didn’t last forever, but it took time to fade. Christmas slowly regained acceptance during the 19th century as cultural attitudes shifted and traditions evolved. By the late 1800s, the holiday had become a lively and widely celebrated occasion across the state, complete with church services, public events, and festive gatherings.

Today, Connecticut is known for its classic holiday charm, from historic town greens to candlelit streets. The fact that Christmas was once illegal here makes that transformation all the more remarkable — a reminder of how dramatically traditions, beliefs, and community life can change over time.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Fire Safe CT Urges Extra Holiday Fire Safety

State fire officials are reminding residents that the holidays are one of the most dangerous times of year for home fires. With Christmas trees, candles, cooking, and space heaters all in heavier use, Fire Safe CT is encouraging simple precautions like watering live trees daily, monitoring cooking, and using candles carefully. Officials say many holiday fires and burn injuries are preventable with basic awareness and preparation.

Buddy the Beefalo, a Connecticut Folk Hero, Has Died

Buddy, the beefalo who captured national attention after escaping a Connecticut slaughterhouse in 2020, has passed away at a Florida animal sanctuary. After spending nearly eight months roaming Connecticut woods before his rescue, Buddy lived five peaceful years at Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary. His death followed complications after becoming stuck in mud, ending a story that resonated deeply with animal lovers across the state.

Judge Blocks New Federal Housing Rule Changes

A federal judge has halted proposed changes to HUD’s homelessness assistance program after a lawsuit led by multiple states, including Connecticut. Attorney General William Tong said the changes would have dramatically reduced access to long-term housing and services. The court order requires HUD to maintain existing rules while legal challenges continue.

Lawsuit Challenges Warehouse Ban Hidden in State Budget

A developer has filed a federal lawsuit claiming a single line buried in a Connecticut budget bill was designed to block a specific warehouse project in Middlebury. The suit alleges the law violates constitutional protections and caused millions in financial losses. The case could place rare scrutiny on behind-the-scenes legislative tactics at the Capitol.

More Contagious Flu Strain Driving Hospitalizations in Connecticut

Health officials report a spike in flu cases statewide, driven largely by a more contagious Influenza A strain. Doctors are urging residents to get vaccinated, especially ahead of holiday gatherings, noting that vaccines still reduce severity and hospitalizations. Flu activity is now considered high across Connecticut, with doctors stressing caution around vulnerable populations.

Thanks!

Thanks for spending part of your day with us! We hope this roundup inspired you to get out, explore, and make the most of everything Connecticut has to offer this week.

If you enjoyed today’s email, feel free to pass it along to a friend — sharing the best local finds makes it even more fun.

P.S. Looking to partner with Connecticut Lifestyles? Just reply to this email or click here to learn how we can promote your brand to thousands of interested locals!