Just follow your nose (and maybe some big holiday sights) to family fun and the top things to do in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of Stamford Downtown
Stamford Parade and More Things To Do in CT This Weekend
Polar Express trains are coming to towns all over New England for Christmas 2024! Essex Steam Train Railroad photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New England 2024
GUIDE
CT Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2024
Find the best things to do in Connecticut this November, like the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular. Photo courtesy of the event.
22 Best Things To Do in Connecticut November 2024 with Kids
Groupon's online marketplace offers tons of discounts on activities for kids and families.
Save On Top-Rated Connecticut Outings and Experiences for Kids and Families
Kids meet new friends as they jump, slide, and swing at the top indoor playgrounds and play spaces in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Romp N Roll in Wethersfield
20 Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Connecticut
Grab some friends for some birthday laps around the track. Photo courtesy of RPM Raceway
Fun Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Tweens and Teens
Our ultimate family bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut before kids grow up. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
100 Things To Do in Connecticut Before Kids Grow Up
Find big fun in all shapes and sizes at free museums for kids in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of the Eli Whitney Museum
Free Museums in Connecticut To Visit with Kids
Don't sweat the weather, because the best indoor water parks in New England are waiting for year-round fun! Photo courtesy of Jay Peak Resort
Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways
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
Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm
Best Petting Zoos in Connecticut: Animals Up Close at Farms and Petting Zoos
New England Family Travel Guide
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
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
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
Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
GUIDE
Connecticut Guide to Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones
Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
10 Family-Friendly Hotels and Spa Resorts in Connecticut
Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
GUIDE
Connecticut Day Trips & Weekend Getaways Guide
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
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
Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things to Do for Connecticut 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
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
Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Bigstock
Kids Eat Free: Connecticut Restaurants with Free Meal Deals for Families

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 2024 holiday season is upon us, and Santa events for Connecticut families—like breakfasts with Santa and photos with Santa—are happening all over the state. The man in red is busy this time of year, but not too busy to make the rounds at places like the Annual Santa's Farm at Indian Rocks. Maybe you can catch sight of him arriving on a tugboat at the Mystic Tree Lighting & Lighted Boat Parade. But best of all, you can grab breakfast with Santa, at family-friendly events like Brunch with Santa at Lyman Orchards.

Tip: 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. And for some holiday fun, see our guide to Easton Farms: Christmas Tree Capital of Connecticut.

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

Santa's Brunch at Greenhouse Tavern

Burlington—Saturday and Sundays, November 30 to December 8, 2024
Brunch with Santa is back and better than ever.  There will be four dates available this year to meet with the man in red. Enjoy a buffet style brunch before heading into Santa's Workshop for crafts, cookie decorating and a chance to tell Santa what is on your wish list this year.    READ MORE

Pond House Brunch With Santa

West Hartford—Saturday and Sunday, November 30 - December 1, 2024
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

Breakfast with Santa at Delamar

West Hartford—Sunday, December 1, 2024
Enjoy Breakfast with Santa and Support The Village for Families & Children. All ages will enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet and meet n greet with Santa. Your ticket also includes children's activities, s'mores by our firepits, & holiday crafts. READ MORE

Visits on the Farm With Santa and Friends

Simsbury—Weekends, December 7 through December 14, 2024
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

Breakfast with Santa in East Hartford

East Hartford—Saturday, December 7, 2024
Enjoy Breakfast With Santa at Hartford Harley-Davidson. They will have pancakes, bacon, sausage, donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa with the First Company Governor's Horseguards

Avon—Sunday, December 8, 2024
Come join the Mounts, Troopers and our very special guest Santa Claus for a pancake breakfast. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Stew Leonard's Newington

Newington—Saturday, December 14, 2024
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

Hartland Breakfast With Santa

Hartland—Saturday, December 14, 2024
Come have a pancake breakfast at East Hartland Firehouse and do some shopping with Santa at Hartland Town Hall. Kids receive a free book from the library. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Holcomb Farm

West Granby—Sunday, December 15, 2024
Ho Ho Ho - It is here again. Breakfast with Santa at Holcomb Farm is coming up right around the corner and we are just as jolly as can be to get this festive party started. 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, December 1, 2024
Join Saybrook Marina for brunch with a very special visitor! Enjoy all the flavors of the season and snap some photos with Santa Clause while enjoying the holiday spirit. READ MORE

Brunch with Santa at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield

Middlefield—Weekends, December 7 through December 22, 2024
Treat the whole family to a holly, jolly time with a full brunch buffet featuring festive 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 Naugatuck Y

Naugatuck—Saturday, December 7, 2024
It's almost time for Santa to make his yearly visit to the Naugatuck Y. This event is open and free for ALL, however pre-registration is required for all those attending. Pancake breakfast and pictures with Santa courtesy of the Y. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at the Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station

Haddam—Sunday, December 8, 2024
Two seatings with Santa available at 10am and 11am. Choose from a huge menu, including pancakes, waffle station, bacon and fresh fruit. Hot cocoa bar and more! Complimentary photo with Santa. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Madison Beach Hotel

Madison—Sunday, December 14, 2024
Celebrate the Holiday Season with Breakfast with Santa at Madison Beach Hotel. 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

Brunch with Santa at Anthony's Ocean View

New Haven—Sunday, December 15, 2024
Sit down to brunch with the man in red. Enjoy five different food stations including pasta, breakfast, the carving station and a children's station too. Bring you camera to take pictures with Santa and each child will go home with something special.  READ MORE

Santa Brunches and Breakfasts in Eastern Connecticut

Breakfast with Santa at Foxwoods

Mashantucket—Saturday, December 7 - December 21, 2024
Santa is making his list and checking it twice. But first, breakfast at Foxwoods sounds extra nice. Step inside a Christmas wonderland and enjoy breakfast with Ol' Saint Nick at Cedars Steaks & Oysters. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Hilton Mystic

Mystic—Sunday, December 8, 2024
Ho, ho, ho! Get ready for a jolly good time at Breakfast with Santa. Join the Hilton Mystic for a festive morning filled with holiday cheer. Bring your little ones and watch their eyes light up as they enjoy a delicious breakfast with the one and only Santa Claus himself.  READ MORE

Brunches and Breakfast with Santa in Western Connecticut

Breakfast with Santa in Norwalk

Norwalk—Saturday, December 7, 2024
Bring the entire family and take the kids out to enjoy Breakfast with Santa. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Stew Leonards Norwalk

Norwalk—Saturday, December 15, 2024
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. Each child will be given a coloring book to color and will be able to take their book home. 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—November 15 - December 24, 2024
Santa will be available for photos and visits at his Headquarters located in Lower Level Center Court. Don't miss Santa pictures at Danbury Fair Mall! Walk ups welcome every day until closing time.  READ MORE

Meet Santa & Mrs Claus in Weston

Weston—Sunday, December 8, 2024
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in the historic Coley House. Get a photo with them next to the 1940s Christmas tree. Don't forget to bring your holiday wish list.  READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at the New Canaan Nature Center

New Canaan—Saturday, December 14, 2024
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. 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—Weekends, November 23 - December 23, 2024
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—Weekends, November 24 - December 23, 2023
Bring the whole family to the Shore Line Trolley Museum this holiday season for a magical Visit with Santa! Running Thanksgiving weekend and weekends in December through December 22, this festive event is packed with holiday fun. READ MORE

16th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop presented by Jenny Allen Compass

Greenwich - November 29 - December 24, 2024
Santa and his three LIVE reindeer return to Greenwich for the 16th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop. A cherished town tradition continues for the sixteenth consecutive year at this expansive nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy Santa’s Workshop. READ MORE

Meriden Yulefest

Meriden—Saturday, November 30, 2024
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 30 - December 21, 2024
B Natural Kitchen and Barnes and Noble will be offering visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus where stories will be read and selfies can be taken with Santa.  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 at Cabela's

East Hartford—November 4 - December 24, 2024
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

Photos with Santa at Buckland Hills

Manchester—November 27 - December 24, 2024
Santa's setting up at The Shoppes at Buckland Hills. See the website for his hours and click the tickets link to reserve a spot (walk-ins welcome). READ MORE

Simsbury Celebrates

Simsbury—Saturday, November 30, 2024
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 6 through Sunday, December 21, 2024
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—December 12 through December 23, 2024
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

Mystic Tree Lighting & Lighted Boat Parade

Mystic - November 30, 2024
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

Winter Wonder Day

New London—Saturday, December 7, 2024
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

Holiday Carnival at Olde Mistick Village

Mystic—Saturday, December 7, 2024
Stroll around the Olde Mistick Village to view custom decorated wreaths, enjoy live music, visit with Santa, find great gifts, and more.  READ MORE

Holiday Luminaria at the Nature Center

Mystic—Friday, December 13 - Sunday, December 15, 2024
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season to experience the peace and wonder of a winter walk in the woods. Wind through the forest on a self-guided tour of trails lit by the soft glow of nearly 1,000 luminaria. After your walk, gather by the warmth of a festive fire at our Winter Café to enjoy complimentary hot cider or cocoa. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

The First Company Horse Guardsmen
East Hartland Firehouse
Weston History & Culture Center
First Congregational Church of Meriden