Why These Connecticut Holiday Getaways are Worth the Trip

• Options for entertainment
• Lots of restaurants with kids menus which are affordable too
• Plenty of great places (inside and out) to take memorable photos
• You are gauranteed to find Santa 

Insider Tips for Visiting Christmas Hotels & Towns in CT with Kids 

• Bring money in case parking costs extra
• Dress warmly, a lot of our places and events take place outside
• Book Your hotel early and make sure it's close to places you plan to go
• Consider differing children's ages and what will meet their Holiday needs

Christmas Towns in Connecticut Worth the Drive

Every year, Santa arrives in Mystic, CT at the Holiday Boat Parade. Photo courtesy of Mystic Chamber of Commerce

Mystic

1. The Tree Lighting and Holiday Boat Parade - Mystic

Where else does Santa arrive on a boat? Santa will arrive to his adoring fans in the afternoon and that evening the town Christmas Tree will be lit and the boats will all be lit up! It's an amazing sight!

2. Mystic Seaport - Mystic

Sparkling for Christmas, at this historic sailor's village. you can take a ride in a horse and buggy and hear the carollers singing as you pass the Cooper or the Shipcarvers Shop, just like it's really the 19th Century. Lantern Light Village brings the Seaport a-light and the mood is old-fashioned and quaint. Be transported back time as you meet local 1876 townsfolks ans stroll through the buildings.

3. Holiday Lights Spectacular - Mystic

This is the largest light display in Eastern Connecticut. Old Mistick Village is where you can see these Christmas lights as well as shop in some really unique stores like Alice in the Village, Cloak and Wand, Irish Eyes, Mystic Kite Shop and Sofia's Mystical Christmas. If it's chilly out, grab a hot chocolate at Deviant Craft Coffee and Donuts or a meal at Jealous Monk (Belgian Hand Cut Frites!). 

4. Downtown Mystic Holiday Stroll & Lantern Luminary - Mystic

Head downtown and what happens when streets are all lit up with luminaria. Browse the shops or grab a meal with the family at Friar Tucks or Harp and Hound. 

5. Shark Diving Santa Mystic Aquarium - Mystic

A rare sight! See the man in red doing his favorite hobby - underwater diving! How does he have time during such a busy month? We don't know either. 

Where to Stay in Mystic

1. Whaler's Inn: Noank House 

Large spacious rooms with King beds and a full-size pull-out couch. They also have an attached bathroom and shower (no bath). Located nearby to all the destinations. 

2. Hilton Mystic

The Hilton is reasonably priced and has a large assortment of rooms to choose from. They also have an indoor pool.

Essex

All aboard for fun in Essex, one of CT's top Christmas towns. Photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins.

1. Trees in the Rigging - Essex

Families with kids who love boats and trains will love this one. There is an amazing miniature train show at the CT River Museum - and then a festive boat parade on the water! Kids can also enjoy crafts, treats. A truly local event!

3. Ivoryton Illuminations - Ivoryton

Nearby in Ivoryton, 400.000 lights will be sparkling and the whole village will be festive and decorated. Santa will be making a grand appearance and they will be exhibiting one of Connecticut's largest, living Christmas trees.

4. North Pole Express - Essex

A favorite for families, this Santa-experience is unique and unforgettable. Twas The Night Before Christmas will be performed on the train, and each child will receive a little gift. 

Where to stay in Essex

Griswold Inn

A historic Inn and destination for sailors of the past, your family can stay in one (or two) or their 34 rooms. Suits, standard rooms and even a family-style cottage are all available to rent.

Litchfield

Santa is coming to these Connecticut holiday towns all season long.​Photo courtesy of the Naugatuck Railroad.

1. Santa Express and Northern Lights Limited - Naugatuck

Come to the Railroad Museum of New England for one their two Christmas-train excursions; one is during the day, the other at night. Both rides are 90 minutes long and include a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

2. Christmas Village - Torrington

This event has been an annual tradition for over 70 years. A magical, detailed display of Christmas sparkles and cheer, kids will meet Santa and imagine what its like to be right in the heart of where Christmas comes alive!

3. Angevine Farm - Warren

Stop by the Chrismas Barn which opens every year for shoppers. The Christmas Barn is two rooms stocked full with special gifts for your special someones such as local honey, maple syrup, handmade wreaths and more.

4. White Memorial Conservation Center - Litchfield

There is so much to do at the Conservation Center such as hiking in the woods, nature classes, llama walks and the amazing nature center. Kids will love the freedom they feel on the property and hiking in Catlin Woods. Make sure you reserve a spot a Holiday Stroll Up Apple Hill.

Where to stay near Litchfield

Mayflower Inn - Washington

Luxury accomodations with plenty of space for your family. Book for Christmas and enjoy a feast in their restaurant and you go on a Jingle Bell Hike through the local landscape.

Greenwich

See an Enchanted Village in Greenwich, Connecticut. ​Photo courtesy of the Junior League of Greenwich

1. Greenwich Reindeer Festival

The reindeer are on their way to Greenwich right now so that kids will be able to say hello! With the theme:"Family Traditions," This "North Pole on North Street" will provide an opportunity for a picture with Santa and a peek inside his workshop!

2. Greenwich Holiday Festival

Greenwich Historical Society hosts a cozy, family festival with all the holiday trimmings. Sit by a bonfire and roast smores, decorate a gingerbread cookie, wander the beautiful illuminated grounds and get a visit from you know who.When you're done there, get in the car and zoom over to the Glory Days Diner to warm up with a kid-friendly meal. 

3. The Enchanted Forest

The Junior League of Greenwich hosts this two-day event at the Greenwich Botanical Center. Decorate your very own gingerbread house, have a meet with Santa and shop, shop! Santa will be there for breakfast too, will you?

4. Ice Skating at D. Hamil Rink

For a fabulous way to enjoy the winter, get on some skates and glide around the rink. There are several open times for the public to come in and skate throughout the season. The rink is closed on Christmas Day.

5. First Light with Old Greenwich Merchants

Come to Sound Beach and experience Christmas with the Old Greenwich Merchants Association. Enjoy live music, shopping, treats, and a Merry Christmas!

Where to Stay in Greenwich

Stanton House Inn

Enjoy a High Tea in the Cady's Tea Room (as in suffragette, Cady Stanton) during the holidays. Stay in one of the historic rooms with free wifi; they are dog-friendly too.

The Connecticut River Valley

1. Christmas at the Castle - Lyme

Come to Connecticut's famous castle to see what Christmas looks like iin a castle. Located right on the Connecticut River, Gillette State Park/Castle is a great place to hike and take in nature's beauty.

2. Holiday Market - Chester

This is the market here the whole Main Street shuts down, and the local merchants are all decorated for the season. Every Sunday starting November 30, browse for goodies and gifts in the quaint and Christmassy town of Chester. There are MANY local restaurants in the same area too.

3. Florence Griswold's Holiday Magic - Old Lyme

Beautiful trees will be on display at the Florence Griswold Museum - and take advantage and have one of Miss Florence's High Teas! 

4. Saybrook Starlight Festival - Old Saybrook

A town-wide celebration of Christmas with the town itself as the backdrop. A cozy town festival with horse drawn carriage rides, activities for kids, shopping and more. Think: Gilmore Girls-style festivals.

Where to Stay in the CT River Valley

Westbrook Inn - Old Saybrook

Comfortable and classic, the Westbrook Inn's Saybrook Suite has space for a family to sleep, eat, and spread out.