Catch all the family fun in Connecticut with the top things to do this Veterans Day Weekend 2025! Photo courtesy of CT Science Center
Veterans Day Weekend 2025 in Connecticut: Top Things To Do with Kids
Find the best things to do in CT this November 2025, like the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular. Photo courtesy of the event.
The Best Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids November 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Fall foliage experiences give New England families a chance to enjoy leaf-peeping in exciting ways. Photo courtesy of the Adventure Park at Storrs
Foliage Experiences in New England 2025: Fun Takes on Fall Foliage
GUIDE
CT Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2025
All will be merry and bright soon, so get your tickets to these Christmas events in Connecticut! Stamford Holiday Wish photo courtesy of the author
CT Must-Do Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out
Find fun for all ages at these Connecticut attractions, museums, and things to do! Photo courtesy of the Yale Peabody Museum
Things To Do in Connecticut That Everyone Will Love—From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
The kids can hang out and have fun with the top free things to do in Connecticut! Earthplace photo by Zoe Brown, courtesy of the center.
100 Free Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids
Our ultimate Connecticut bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut with kids! Mystic Seaport photo by author Kelly Patino
Ultimate Connecticut Bucket List: 100 Things To Do With Kids in CT
Roll on in to the top birthday party places in Connecticut for teens and tweens in 2025! Photo courtesy of Bowlero
Fun Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Tweens and Teens in 2025
By land, by sea, by river—however!— families are coming to the best Museums in Connecticut! Connecticut River Museum photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins
Best Museums for Kids in Connecticut: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums
Hop aboard for a trip through Litchfield County and fun things to do with kids! Naugatuck Railroad photo courtesy of the Railroad Museum of New England.
25 Things to Do With Kids in Litchfield, Connecticut
Find a sweet treat for the whole family at the best places for breakfast in Connecticut with kids! Photo courtesy of Hotcakes
Best Breakfast Restaurants in Connecticut
Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic, Connecticut with Kids: Top Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway
Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
GUIDE
Connecticut Guide to Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones
New England Family Travel Guide
Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things to Do for Connecticut Kids
Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
GUIDE
Connecticut Day Trips & Weekend Getaways Guide
Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm
Best Petting Zoos in Connecticut: Animals Up Close at Farms and Petting Zoos
As classic as the roller rink or modern as a VR experience, these fun indoor places are perfect spots for teens and tweens to hang out! Photo by Ally Noel
Fun Places in Connecticut Where Tweens and Teens Can Hang Out Indoors
Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
10 Family-Friendly Hotels and Spa Resorts in Connecticut
A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures
The Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Connecticut
Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.
Great Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Preschoolers
Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Canva
Kids Eat Free: Connecticut Restaurants for Every Day of the Week
Flat walking trails make Wharton Brook State Park a sure bet for kid hikers. Photo by Mommy Poppins
A Dozen Short Hikes in Connecticut for Preschoolers and Toddlers
Take a step back in time with a visit to Mystic Seaport. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel
Top Attractions in Connecticut: Best Things to See and Do with Kids
From rolling hills and lakes to scenic views and summits, there's great outdoor adventure for families at Connecticut state parks. Photo courtesy of Visit CT
25 Connecticut State Parks and Forests That Are Great to Visit with Kids
Outdoor fun and healthy activity await at one of the top Connecticut playgrounds! Jonathan's Dream playground photo courtesy of O'Brien & Sons
Top Connecticut Playgrounds That Families Will Love
Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
The Best Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries in Connecticut
Ride, splash, and have gallons of fun at the best outdoor water parks in New England! Splash Away Bay Water Park photo courtesy of Quassy Amusement Park
Best Outdoor Water Parks in New England for Family Fun
Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
Top Skate Parks in Connecticut
Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
  VIDEO
25 Preschool Science Experiments: Simple Science for Toddlers through Kindergarten Kids
Revel in nature's majesty at Webb Mountain. Photo by Ally Noel
Best Nature Centers in Connecticut To Visit with Kids
We’ve rounded up the best escape rooms in Connecticut for a fun family outing!
Awesome Escape Rooms in CT: Kid-Friendly Parties and Family Adventures
The festivities get downright magical with Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT! Photo courtesy of Dean Davids Magician
Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT That Come To You
Monster fun is popping up all over Connecticut this weekend! Photo courtesy of the East Haven Rotary Club
Hall-O-Weekend, Monster Jam, and More Fun Things To Do in CT This Weekend

Breakfast with Santa and Pictures with Santa Claus in Connecticut

Santa Claus is coming to town, for breakfast, brunch, and photos with Santa in CT! Photo by Anne Ogden for the Mystick Chamber of Commerce.
Santa Claus is coming to town, for breakfast, brunch, and photos with Santa in CT! Photo by Anne Ogden for the Mystick Chamber of Commerce.
11/15/24 - By Jennifer Coe

The 2025 holiday season is upon us, and Santa is making appearances all over the state at breakfasts with Santa and photos with Santa. The man in red is very busy this time of year, but not too busy to make the rounds at places like the Breakfast with Santa at Foxwoods or arriving on the tugboat at the Mystic Tree Lighting & Lighted Boat Parade. But best of all, you can grab a hot meal with the Big Man at family-friendly events like Brunch with Santa at Lyman Orchards, the Pancake Breakfast with Santa at Shore Line Trolley or at the Danbury Fair Mall.

Tip for this year! Book seats for your little elves now, because some of these events with Santa fill up fast! Check to see if photo opportunities require pre-registration, as many of them do. For other Santa sightings around Connecticut, check out our Must-do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Connecticut for Kids. 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Have some breakfast with St. Nick at Visits on the Farm With Santa and Friends. Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm
Have some breakfast with St. Nick at Visits on the Farm With Santa and Friends. Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm

Brunches and Breakfast with Santa - Hartford Area

Pond House Brunch With Santa

West Hartford
Saturday and Sunday, November 29-30, 2025
Breakfast with Santa is back this year, at America's oldest public garden. Enjoy a buffet as well as selections from the kitchen, as well as a visit with Santa. READ MORE

Visits on the Farm With Santa and Friends

Simsbury
Saturday and Sundays, December 6 - December 21, 2025
Visit with Santa, Mrs Claus and the Grinch (great picture opportunities!), enjoy a trolley ride with Frosty out to Reindeer land and visit our outdoor petting zoo and have a free cup of grain to feed the animals. READ MORE

Santa's Brunch at Greenhouse Tavern

Burlington
Saturday and Sundays, December 7 - December, 20, 2025
It’s officially time to make your Santa’s Brunch reservations. Gather your family and friends for a festive morning filled with delicious food, holiday cheer, and a special visit from Santa himself. Tables fill up quickly every year—don’t wait!   READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa in East Hartford

East Hartford
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Enjoy Breakfast With Santa at Harley-Davidson! They will have pancakes, bacon, sausage, donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate.  READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Stew Leonards Newington

Newington
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Families are invited to have breakfast with Santa and his friends! A buffet-style breakfast of scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, assorted bagels, fruit, and donuts will be served, accompanied by coffee and hot cocoa.  READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Holcomb Farm

West Granby
Sunday, December 20, 2025
Join Holcomb Farm for breakfast with Santa at the beautiful Holcomb Farm North Barn Pavilion. Kids will have an opportunity to visit with Santa, his elves, Mrs. Claus and of course, the Grinch! There will music, crafts, and professional, digital photos available by Allison Marie Photography. READ MORE
Make lasting holiday memories through a visit with Santa! Photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards
Make lasting holiday memories through a visit with Santa! Photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards

Brunches and Breakfast with Santa in Central Connecticut

Brunch with Santa Clause at Saybrook Point

Old Saybrook
Sunday, November 30, 2025 - Sunday, December 14, 2025
Experience the wonder of the holidays at Fresh Salt’s beloved Brunch with Santa! Gather the whole family for a joyful celebration by the waterfront, filled with festive flavors, cheerful ambiance, and a special visit from Santa himself. READ MORE

Brunch with Santa at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield

Middlefield
Saturdays and Sundays, December 6 - December 21, 2025
Treat the whole family to a holly, jolly time with a full brunch buffet featuring holiday favorites. Be sure to bring along your camera to capture magical memories with Santa and crew at Lyman Orchards! READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at the Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station

Haddam
Sunday, December 7, 2025
The Riverhouse At Goodspeed Station Breakfast With Santa is back in 2025! READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Madison Beach Hotel

Madison
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Celebrate the holidays this year with some one on one time with Santa. Meet Santa this year and share your wish list with him directly. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa and Bubble at The Learning Express

New Haven
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Come join us for a festive Brunch with Bubbles and Santa Open House. Get ready to enjoy a delicious brunch, crafts, photos and tours . And the best part? Bubbles and Santa will be there too!  READ MORE

Santa Brunches and Breakfasts in Eastern Connecticut

Breakfast with Santa at Foxwoods

Mashantucket
Saturday, November 29 - Saturday, December 20, 2025
Santa is making his list and checking it twice. But first, breakfast at Foxwoods sounds extra nice! Breakfast with Santa is back at Foxwoods as part of A Season Like No Other! Families can enjoy a festive holiday breakfast at Cedars Steaks & Oysters with a special holiday menu, Santa meet-and-greet, and photo opportunities. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa in Mystic

Mystic
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, take memorable photos with Santa, and let the kids get creative with holiday crafts. Don’t miss out on this magical experience filled with holiday cheer and enjoy the historic Haley Mansion decked out in full Holiday Splendor.  READ MORE

Brunches and Breakfast with Santa in Western Connecticut

Holiday Breakfast at Bigelow Senior Center

Fairfield
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Enjoy a toasty breakfast with a holiday atmosphere and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus too! READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Danbury Fair Mall

Danbury
Saturday, November 22, 2025
 You're Invited to Danbury Fair & Chick-Fil-A Breakfast with Santa at Kidz Klub!  Ho, ho, ho! Get ready for a magical morning filled with holiday cheer at Kidz Klub, the ultimate indoor playground.  READ MORE

Brunch with Santa in Greenwich

Greenwich
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Come have brunch with Santa! He will be there with friends to meet you and kick off the holiday season. Enjoy a brunch station and live entertainment. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa Bill the Cannon Grange

Wilton
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Come to the Grange and enjoy breakfast with Santa Bill. Tickets will include a pancake breakfast, photo opp with Santa, facepainting and music! READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Stew Leonard's in Norwalk

Norwalk
Saturday, December 13 - Sunday, December 14, 2025
Families are invited to have breakfast with Santa and his friends! A buffet-style breakfast of scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, assorted bagels, fruit and donuts, will be served accompanied by coffee and hot cocoa! READ MORE
Tis the season for twinkling lights, trimmed trees, and pictures with Santa Claus! Photo courtesy of the Historical Society of Greenwich
Tis the season for twinkling lights, trimmed trees, and pictures with Santa Claus! Photo courtesy of the Historical Society of Greenwich

Pictures with Santa Claus in Western Connecticut

Photos with Santa at the Danbury Fair Mall

Danbury
Friday, November 7 - Wednesday December 24, 2025
The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. Santa will be here starting November 7th and is located at Center Court. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase.  READ MORE

Meet Santa & Mrs Claus in Weston

Weston
Sunday, December 7, 2025
  Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus! Get a photo with them next to the 1940s Christmas Tree in the historic Coley House! Don't forget to bring Santa your holiday wish list! READ MORE

Heights and Lights in Stamford

Stamford
Sunday, December 7, 2025
From 22 stories high above Stamford Downtown, watch and cheer for Santa Claus, Rudolph, Grinch and friends as they make their descent, twisting and flying from the top of one of Stamford’s tallest buildings, Landmark Square followed by a festive fireworks show. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at the New Canaan Nature Center

New Canaan
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Come and be transported into a whole new world as the New Canaan Nature Center transforms into a Winter Wonderland filled with fun and exciting winter holiday activities for the entire family. Join NCNC to enjoy the warm festive feel the Nature Center puts on this time of year! READ MORE
Head to Yulefest in Meriden for pictures with Santa and more holiday fun! Photo courtesy of Meriden Yulefest
Head to Yulefest in Meriden for pictures with Santa and more holiday fun! Photo courtesy of Meriden Yulefest

Pictures with Santa Claus Around Southern Connecticut

Santa Express and Northern Lights Limited at the Naugatuck Railroad

Thomaston
Saturday, November 22 - Tuesday, December 23, 2025
The Naugatuck Railroad offers two different Christmas train experiences: the daytime Santa Express and the evening Northern Lights Limited.  READ MORE

Visit Santa At The Shore Line Trolley Museum

East Haven
Friday, November 28 - Sunday, December 21, 2025
Come and take a ride to visit Santa and grab your holiday photos!  Take a stroll through the decorated trolley barns and take a ride on a real antique trolley car.  The station and trolley yard will be decorated for the holidays so there are plenty of photo ops.   Dress for cool temps! READ MORE

17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop

Greenwich
Friday, November 28 - Wednesday, December 24, 2025
The 17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop presented by Jenny Allen & Kristen Studwell at Compass Real Estate is proud to once again support Kids in Crisis for the seventeenth consecutive year by donating a portion of every Photo with Santa to Kids in Crisis. READ MORE

Meriden Yulefest

Meriden
Saturday, November 29, 2025
The Meriden YuleFest once again brings the community together to kick off the holiday season with vendors for your holiday shopping, Santa comes for a visit, the elves will be around and a special visit from the Grinch himself. READ MORE

Storytelling and Santa at the Shops at Yale

New Haven
Saturdays, November 29 - Saturday, December 20, 2025
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Shops at Yale, where they will read stories to children and take photos with families. This event is free and open to the public with complimentary snacks. READ MORE
Hartford has wonderful spots for pictures with Santa in 2024! Photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins
Hartford has wonderful spots for pictures with Santa in 2024! Photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins

Pictures with Santa Claus around Hartford

Santa's Wonderland at Cabela's and Bass Pro

East Hartford
Saturday, November 1 - Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Santa arrives at Cabela’s in Bridgeport and East Hartford! Families are invited to enjoy this enchanting Christmas village offering FREE 4x6 studio-quality photos with Santa and free family holiday activities, including fun crafts and games. READ MORE

Photos with Santa at Buckland Hills

Manchester
Friday, November 28 - Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Don't miss Santa pictures at The Shoppes at Buckland Hills! Walk ups welcome every day until closing time. READ MORE

Simsbury Celebrates

Simsbury
Saturday, November29, 2025
Simsbury Celebrates is a free Community Holiday Celebration, traditionally held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. There will be a variety of events, including a parade and a spectacular fireworks show.  READ MORE

Annual Santa's Farm at Indian Rock

Bristol
Weekends, Friday, December 5 through Sunday, December 20, 2025
Celebrate the holiday season with s’mores, caroling, cookies & hot cocoa, crafts, and of course, visiting with the farm animals. READ MORE

Annual Santa's Workshop at Wickham Park

Manchester
Saturday, December 13 through December 23, 2025
Enjoy an enchanted visit with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the elves in the beautiful log cabin nestled at the highest point in the park. This is a traditional, family friendly event. There are no sponsorships or commercialization of the event and it is free for everyone.  READ MORE
Find a magical spot for your pictures with Santa Claus in 2024. Photo courtesy of Olde Mystick Village
Find a magical spot for your pictures with Santa Claus in 2024. Photo courtesy of Olde Mystick Village

Pictures with Santa Claus in Eastern Connecticut

Santa Sleigh Station in Mystic

Mystic
Saturday, November 8 - Saturday, January 3, 2026
The Elves are transforming Taquerio into Santa's Sleigh Station for the season! See Santa, take pictures, take a carriage ride and get some great eats. READ MORE

Mystic Tree Lighting & Lighted Boat Parade

Mystic
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Santa Claus is coming to Mystic with the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in Historic Downtown Mystic. Thousands gather at the Mystic River Park to watch Santa arrive!  Santa Claus comes at 2pm. The tree lighting is scheduled for 6pm. READ MORE

Holiday Carnival at Olde Mistick Village

Mystic ,br> Saturday, December 6, 2025
Stroll around the Olde Mistick Village to view custom decorated wreaths, enjoy live music, visit with Santa, find great gifts, and more.  READ MORE

Winter Wonder Day at Lyman Allyn Museum

New London
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Start your holiday season with a visit to Lyman Allyn Art Museum's Winter Wonder Day! Enjoy special crafts and activities from 11am to 1pm. Explore the museum's galleries, make fun art, and take photos with Santa. Fun for the whole family! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Weston History & Culture Center
First Congregational Church of Meriden

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.