Kids can enjoy hands-on Hanukkah fun at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Photo courtesy of CMOM
Make Music, Hanukkah, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids
Celebrate the shortest day of the year at Marine Park's Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the Marine Park Alliance
47 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids in 2025
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
Sit on Santa's lap at Historic Richmond Town, which transforms into an old-time Dickens Village for the holidays. Photo courtesy of Historic Richmond Town
Where to Take Photos with Santa in NYC 2025
Santa is a busy man, so reservations are required to visit Santland at Macy's Herald Square in New York City in 2025. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo
Top Tips for Visiting Macy's Santaland in 2025
Until January 4th, The Paley Museum has been transformed into a five-story winter wonderland.
Santa Photos, Classic Movies, and More Holiday Magic at PaleyLand
Hundreds of tuba players converge on Rockefeller Center each December for a merry afternoon of carol playing. Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer
NYC's Most Unusual Christmas Events
The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows from NYC in 2025
The Met Opera returns to the stage with The Magic Flute this holiday season. Photo by Richard Termine/courtesy of the Met Opera
20 Best Things To Do in NYC with Kids December 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors
Enjoy the magic of Christmas in Dyker Heights as the neighborhood lights up for the festive season. Photo courtesy of Dyker Heights Lights
Best 2025 Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in NYC
Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
NYC's Coolest Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love

Suite and Spicy, Candy House Workshop, and More Fun Things To Do in CT This Weekend

Lights are bright, shows are festive, and more holiday fun comes to CT this weekend! The Nutcracker Suite & Spicy photo courtesy of the event
Lights are bright, shows are festive, and more holiday fun comes to CT this weekend! The Nutcracker Suite & Spicy photo courtesy of the event
12/10/25 - By Jennifer Coe

Looking for the best things to do in Connecticut this Christmas weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.

With the clock ticking down to Christmas, Connecticut families are squeezing in every last bit of festive fun before the holiday season slips away. Don't worry, there is plenty still going on. Grab your tickets to The Nutcracker Suite and Spicy in Hartford, an immersive show for all ages which is an updated, modernized version of the Nutcracker. Eat (and BUILD!) something sweet at the Candy House Workshop at Fairfield Museum or visit with Santa before the big day at the Holiday Party at Mill River Park. Also this weekend, sit  back, relax and take a Horse Drawn Wagon and Sleigh Rides in Portland.

Happy Holidays!

More Things To Do in Connecticut This Week with Kids:

​

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

There are some sweet treats and holiday fun to be found in Connecticut this weekend! Photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards
There are some sweet treats and holiday fun to be found in Connecticut this weekend! Photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards

Best Things To Do this Weekend in Connecticut with Kids

Holiday Movies in Stamford Town Center

Stamford
Friday, December 19, 2025
Unwind after the week and join us every Friday night in December for Stamford Moms Merry Movie Nights at Stamford Town Center!   READ MORE

Sensory-Friendly Evenings: Winter Wonder at Niantic Children's Museum

Niantic
Friday, December 19, 2025
Join NCM for a special evening, which is free for families with children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing challenges. During this event, the Museum will be made more welcoming to our more sensitive guests, along with having some quiet corners and sensory bins set-up throughout the facility. READ MORE

Winter Trail of Lights in Plainfield

Plainfield
Friday, December 19, 2025
Come one, come all, and step into a heartwarming, illuminated world at your local Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue & Sanctuary! Join Hay Burr Inn for a special Winter Trail of Lights, a unique nighttime experience where our sanctuary takes on a cozy, festive glow. This is your chance to meet our wonderful rescued horses and donkeys and enjoy the peaceful ambiance they create. READ MORE

1940s Christmas at the Coley House in Weston

Weston
Friday & Saturday, December 19 & 20, 2025
Start a  tour with live Jazz in our visitor's center while you enjoy holiday treats, made from World War II ration recipes. Then follow your tour guide, dressed in period costume, to the historic Coley House - decorated as it would have been during the 1940s, when the last three generations of the Coley family occupied the home. READ MORE

The Nutcracker Suite & Spicy in Hartford

Hartford
All weekend, December 19-21, 2025
The only immersive Nutcracker of its kind! This fun for all ages holiday show is totally unique to CT and features a fully immersive show with award-winning  projection design that enhances and interacts with the incredible professional dancing. READ MORE

Candy House Workshop at Fairfield

Fairfield
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Celebrate the magic of the season at the Fairfield Museum. Create a festive and colorful candy house with recycled materials and lots of sweet treats! READ MORE

Community Day at NBMAA: Celebrate the Holiday

New Britain
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Celebrate the holiday season with your friends and family at the Museum. READ MORE

Connecticut Christmas Festival at Westbrook Outlets

Westbrook
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Over 200 gift vendors, authors, bakers, musicians, entertainers and more. There will also be a Pokemon trading car show. Kids will enjoy Holiday Cookie Decorating with THE COOKIE JAR, face painting and Glitter Tattoos , Stuff An Animal with LEARN' STUFF, bounce house and Games and more. READ MORE

Kid's Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop at Lyman Orchards

Middlefield
Saturday & Sunday, December 20 & 21, 2025
Come out for a crafty, creative confection! Sign the kids up for a Lyman Orchards Gingerbread House Workshop built just for them! Let the kids dive into decorating their very own gingerbread house with candy, sprinkles, and icing! This tasty workshop is a perfect activity to experience the joy of the season. READ MORE

2025 Horse Drawn Wagon and Sleigh Rides in Portland

Portland
Saturday & Sunday, December 20 & 21, 2025
Enjoy a guided tour of Star Hill Family Farm on their horse drawn wagon or sleigh. The journey goes throughout the hillside of the farm, with a fireside pit stop and treat. There are many activities for kids and animals to visit while you wait. Our wagon rides also coincide with many dates Santa & Mrs. Claus are available for family photos at the farm. READ MORE

Holiday Party with Santa at Mill River Park

Stamford
Saturday & Sunday, December 20 & 21, 2025
Close out the holiday season with festive family fun at Mill River Park! Our Holiday Party with Santa returns  for two joyful afternoons filled with holiday magic. Admission is free, but registration is required, and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. READ MORE

Winter Solstice Campfire at Earthplace

Westport
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Join Our Family-Friendly Campfire Events at Earthplace! Celebrate the days getting longer with a small craft project and the warmth of a good fire. Roast marshmallows, make s’mores, and meet an animal ambassador!   READ MORE

Santa's Circus at The Palace Theater in Stamford

Stamford
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Dive into an enchanted holiday fantasy at Santa's Circus, where Santa and Mrs. Claus have curated a show filled with joy and laughter. Experience remarkable performers and awe-inspiring circus acts from around the world, all set in a Christmas wonderland aglow with sparkling lights and festive melodies. READ MORE
Make a holiday wish come true for kids in CT this weekend! Photo courtesy of The Holiday Wish Experience
Make a holiday wish come true for kids in CT this weekend! Photo courtesy of The Holiday Wish Experience

More Top Things to Do in Connecticut Right Now

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Connecticut 2025

Find the biggest and brightest light displays in CT for 2025's holiday season! READ MORE

Christmas Towns & Festive Hotels in Connecticut That Will Blow Your Mind

Explore the top Holiday destinations in Connecticut! READ MORE

Want to Know Where Hallmark Christmas Movies Are Filmed? I Found 7 Spots in CT To Visit With Your Kids

Find holiday magic at these CT spots where Hallmark movies were filmed! READ MORE

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New England 2025

Polar Express trains and trolleys are ready for Christmas magic in 2025! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Jenny Coe
Jenny Coe is a longtime Mommy Poppins writer and contributor and full-time mom to three boys. Jenny has also been a contributor at Patch and The Reminder (Hartford Courant). Here at Mommy Poppins, Jenny writes about great things for kids to do in Connecticut and New England, affordable fun, and nature experiences (her favorite!).
Recent Articles By Jenny Coe:
Read more articles by Jennifer Coe.