Connecticut's Best Holiday Drive-Thrus and Christmas Lights
There is something magical about holiday and Christmas lights, and Connecticut is home to some of the grandest glowing displays in New England. There are two new holiday light displays in the state for 2021. Connecticut families can enjoy a festive, choreographed light show from the comfort of the car at the Holiday Lights Spectacular at the Amp, or head to the Holiday Stroll in Stamford for holiday-party cheer.
For DIY (but no less sparkly) holiday light displays, check out our list of Connecticut homes with amazing Christmas light displays, including the famous Wonderland of Roseville. We have more ways for kids to capture the magic of the season and enjoy safe, socially distanced family activities in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Connecticut Families, including our list of the best holiday and Christmas activities for Connecticut kids.
Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights Near Fairfield
Holiday Lights Spectacular at the Amp—Bridgeport
Thursday, November 18 - Sunday, January 2, 2022
The family-friendly Holiday Lights Spectacular will feature lasers, choreographed lighting, projection mapping, tunnels, and millions of lights. The drive-thru experience will take you into the Amp. Families will be dazzled by projection mapped moments, and even be able to drive through a laser light show inside the amphitheater. Tune the car radio to a dedicated FM station that will air a curated holiday music playlist.
A new holiday and Christmas lights tradition is starting at Mill River Park. Photo courtesy of Stamford-downtown.com
Holiday Stroll—Stamford
Select Dates Friday, November 26 - Sunday, January 9, 2022
There's a new holiday tradition in Stamford this year. Families can enjoy strolling through a festive and dazzling world of lights with more than 60 amazing larger-than-life light displays featuring a state-of-the art 30' Christmas Tree. There will also be a Christmas Village with food and beverages.
Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights Near Hartford
Magic of Lights at the Pratt & Whitney Stadium—East Hartford
Friday, November 19 - Sunday, January 2, 2022
The Magic of Lights is a spectacular 1-mile drive-thru holiday light show featuring various holiday-themed light displays showcasing the latest LED technology and digital animations.
Walk or drive through the Festival of Silver Lights in Meriden. Photo courtesy of Visit Connecticut
The Festival of Silver Lights—Meriden
Thursday, November 25 - Monday, January 3, 2022
Located at Hubbard Park, you can walk or drive the loop that goes around Mirror Lake and other tiny roads. The display is filled with more than 200 figurines and there's 350,000 twinkling white lights around the park. It is open daily. FREE
Hartford's Holiday Light Fantasia is a drive-thru that lights up smiles for 2 miles. Google photos
Holiday Light Fantasia—Hartford
Thursday, November 25 - Sunday, January 2, 2022
Holiday Light Fantasia is a much-loved Greater Hartford tradition. The 2-mile show transforms Goodwin Park into a drive-thru wonderland of holiday spirit with a beautiful collection of more than 1 million lights.
Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights in Eastern Connecticut
Festival of Lights—Mystic
Friday, December 10
Walkthrough this winter wonderland beginning at dusk when thousands of luminaries begin to light the walkways and the surrounding area. FREE
See the Fantasy of Lights in New Haven with 3D glasses for a truly eye-popping experience. Photo by Dave Pelland, Flickr
Fantasy of Lights—New Haven
Thursday, November 18 - Friday, December 31
Lighthouse Park hosts unique displays including 100,000 lights and 80 animated displays. Purchase 3D glasses so you can enjoy some the holiday lights in an even more thrilling way.
The Holiday Light Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village is the largest in Southern New England. Photo courtesy of Rileigh Outdoor Decor
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village—Mystic
Friday, November 19 - Saturday, January 30, 2022
Olde Mistick Village has created an old-fashioned Holiday Light Spectacular, and it will be the largest holiday lights display in southern New England. The village will be decorated with beautiful holiday lights throughout its entire campus of 40 shops and restaurants. Over a half-million lights will showcase archways, trees, reindeer, and elves. FREE
Original published December, 2016
Updated November, 2021