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Head to Eastern Connecticut for the amazing Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village. Photo by Rileighs Outdoor Decor
Head to Eastern Connecticut for the amazing Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village. Photo by Rileighs Outdoor Decor
12/3/23 - By Jennifer Coe

'Tis the season for free holiday and Christmas events in Connecticut for kids. Are you a fan of sparkling lights, sweet gingerbread treats, or decorated trees? With so much holiday fun, December in Connecticut offers it all! Families will love attending a tree lighting or Santa parade. You can spy the intricate details on dozens of gingerbread houses and visit Santa's workshop with several locations in Connecticut. Maybe singing carols together or making Chanukah crafts is more your style. Chilly nights are perfect to drive through a magical light display. Connecticut's free holiday activities offer something for everyone this December.

If you can't get enough of the sparkle of holiday lights, consult our list of Connecticut's Best Holiday Drive-Thrus and Christmas Lights. For more holiday adventures, consult our Holiday Fun Guide and region's 25 Top Holiday and Christmas Activities. 

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The Connecticut State House in gingerbread! Event photo courtesy of the Wood Library Museum.
The Connecticut State House in gingerbread! Event photo courtesy of the Wood Library Museum.

Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Connecticut for Kids

Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden

Meriden — November 22, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Witness the illumination of more than 350,000 twinkling white lights. Enjoy more than 200 figures and buildings decorated with lights in this spectacular display.  READ MORE

The Wood Library & Museum's Annual Gingerbread House Festival

South Windsor — November 24 - December 17, 2023
One of the largest gingerbread house displays in New England features an incredible array of candy covered houses. The Festival will take place at Wood Memorial Library on Main Street in South Windsor, and rest assured that we will implement any precautionary measures to keep patrons safe. READ MORE

Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village

Mystic — November 17, 2023 - January 31, 2024
Olde Mistick Village has created an old fashioned Holiday Light Spectacular for you and your family. In fact, this event will be the largest holiday lights display in southern New England! READ MORE

Winterfest at Bushnell Park in Hartford

Hartford— November 24, 2023 to January 7, 2024
Free skating 7-days a week at Winterfest on the east side of Bushnell Park over by the Pump House. Don’t have your own skates? Winterfest has free skate rentals too. READ MORE

Gallery of Trees

Canton — November 28 - December 10, 2023
Join us at the Canton Historical Museum to celebrate the holiday season during the Annual Gallery of Trees. This holiday tradition features beautifully decorated trees generously donated by area businesses, community organizations, churches, families and individuals. READ MORE

Lisbon Santa Parade

Lisbon — December 1 - 3 2023
Sponsored by the Lisbon Fire Department, the Santa Parade will be lighting the way for Santa to visit! Santa is coming to town and will be escorted around town by the department on Dec. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. READ MORE

Night of Lights

Newington — Friday, December 1, 2023
Step into a magical world of twinkling lights, festive treats, Santa sightings, a Holiday Bazaar, live performances in the historic Banyan Bowl, and more. READ MORE

Holiday Hootenany

Manchester — Saturday, December 2, 2023
So many fun things to do and hear at the mall including the Grinch, the Bradley Farm Goats and you can ever write a note to Santa. READ MORE

Chanukah Craft Workshop @ Home Depot

Waterbury — Sunday, December 3, 2023
Join us at the Waterbury Home Depot for a Chanukah Workshop! Surrounded by piles of lumber, the smell of sawdust and the bustle of the large hardware store, kids will create do-it-yourself Chanukah craft out of wood. Accompanied by a parent, the children will don aprons, make a fun and interactive Chanukah Dreidel game to enhance holiday spirits with fun for the whole family. READ MORE

Santa at Cabela's

East Hartford — Through December 24, 2023
Bring your family to Cabela’s Christmas parade as Santa returns to open his Santa's Wonderland! Santa will be riding in on his decked out tracker boat with his elves. After you greet Santa, come into the store for crafts, activities, and more starting at 6pm! READ MORE

Heights and Lights

Stamford — Sunday, December 3, 2023
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

Food Explorers Make Gingerbread Cheesecake

Forestville — Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Food Explorers helps young children make (and eat) mini gingerbread cheesecakes. Sponsored by the Friends of the Bristol Public Library. READ MORE

Story Hour with Santa and His Elves

West Hartford — Thursday, December 7 & 14, 2023
Join us for an enchanting afternoon filled with holiday cheer at our Story Hour with Santa and his Elves event. Embark on a magical journey as Santa and his merry elves captivate everyone with heartwarming tales and festive stories. Bring all the little ones along and let their imagination soar as they listen to Santa's tales. Children will enjoy delicious hot cocoa, write their Holiday wishes with letters to Santa himself, and sing Christmas Carols with local artist, Kyle O'Connor. READ MORE

Gingerbread Houses for Kids

New Hartford — Saturday, December 9, 2023
Two sessions (11am and 1pm,) each with a capacity of 14 children. Materials provided, but please be prepared to get a little messy! READ MORE

Second Saturdays @ the Atheneum: Main Ideas

Hartford — Saturday, December 9, 2023
Did you know that an artist’s idea or concept is the primary focus of conceptual art? Tour the exhibition "Rules & Repetition" with a docent to see examples of artists using key strategies like repetition and instruction-based art-making. Then design an artwork inspired by Hartford native Sol LeWitt and join our friends from Sea Tea Improv for an interactive performance. READ MORE

Sleigh Rides with Sandy Hook Fire and Rescue

Sandy Hook — Saturday, December 9, 2023
Santa will not leave until everyone who wants a ride enjoys one. Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company will be offering free rides in antique sleigh (“Engine 12-25”) with Santa and an elf. Also enjoy children’s activities and light refreshments.  READ MORE

Annual Santa's Workshop at Wickham Park

Manchester — December 12 to December 23, 2023
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

Caroling and Parade of Lights

New Milford — Saturday, December 16, 2023
Join us on December 16th for a magical evening of festive joy at the New Milford Town Green. Co-hosted by the New Milford Commission on the Arts and Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2, our Carol Sing and Parade of Lights promises an enchanting celebration that will light up the holiday season. Don't miss the harmonious caroling and the dazzling display of lights – it's an event the whole community will cherish. READ MORE

Community Carol Sing

Mystic — Sunday, December 17, 2023
Enjoy free admission to Mystic Seaport from 10am to 4 pm with the donation of a canned food item. The Mystic Seaport Carolers will perform a holiday concert in the Greenmanville Church at 2 p.m. The Carol Sing will commence on the deck of the Thompson Exhibition Building and McGraw Quadrangle at 3 p.m. led by Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at the University of Connecticut, Jamie Spillane, and backed by The Mystic Seaport Museum Carolers, and a brass quartet. READ MORE

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