'Tis the season for holiday fun and more things to do in Connecticut this weekend. Kid's Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards
Princess Tea, Carriage Rides, and More Things To Do in CT This Weekend
Cozy up to some holiday fun in Connecticut as December 2024 brings a little joy to the Nutmeg State! Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
19 Best Things To Do in Connecticut December 2024 with Kids
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Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Connecticut Families
Connecticut is full of happiness, joy, and free Christmas and holiday activities, like Santa at Cabela's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of Bass pro Shops
20 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Connecticut for Kids
Raise a hand if you're excited for the best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Connecticut! Magic of Lights photo courtesy of the XL Center
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Connecticut
Get into the spirit of the season with holiday activities like Magic of Lights at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Photo courtesy of XL Center
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Connecticut for Kids
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
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
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
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
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.
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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
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A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures
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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
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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
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Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
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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

New Year's Parties, Celebrations and Other New Year's Events for Kids

Send 2023 off in style with some family-friendly New Year's Eve activities for kids in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of First Night Hartford
Send 2023 off in style with some family-friendly New Year's Eve activities for kids in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of First Night Hartford
12/22/23 - By Kelley Heyworth

Say "goodbye" to 2024 and "hello" to 2025 with New Year's Eve events and family-friendly celebrations for kids in Connecticut! It will be a great time as a family, just visit one of the terrific light displays that are running through the New Year like Fantasy of Lights or Festival of Silver Lights. Your kids will love the Mad Hatters Party at the Clock and Watch Museum, neat! If your kids want to ring in the New Year too,  there are lots of Countdown to Noon celebrations like the ones being held in Niantic and Norwalk.

With New Year's Eve extending into the weekend, plan a New Year's adventure with our list of great Winter Day Trips To Take in Connecticut. And if the weather outside is frightful, check out our 15 Ideas for Celebrating New Year's Eve at Home with Kids.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Have New Year's fun with a noon-time countdown that leaves plenty of room for more games! Noon Year's Eve Family Celebration event photo courtesy of Nomads
Have New Year's fun with a noon-time countdown that leaves plenty of room for more games! Noon Year's Eve Family Celebration event photo courtesy of Nomads

New Year's Eve Celebrations for Kids - Hartford, New Haven, and Central, CT

Winterfest at Bushnell Park in Hartford

Hartford - FREE
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

First Night Hartford 2025

Hartford
First Night Hartford is Hartfords New Year's celebration. The day includes two spectacular fireworks shows in Bushnell Park at 6 PM and 12 AM Midnight viewed throughout the city by thousands of visitors and residents, multi-cultural activities, events, and performances READ MORE

Fantasy of Lights at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven

New Haven
The Fantasy of Lights has become a holiday tradition for thousands of families from all over Connecticut and New England. The mile-long route features over 60 displays and 100,000 lights. Many of the displays are animated and some are fitted with LED bulbs, making them more colorful and vibrant.  READ MORE

Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden

Meriden - FREE
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

New Year's Eve at Spare Time in Windsor Locks

Bristol
Join Spare Time to welcome 2025 with epic celebrations, all day and night long! All of our New Year’s Eve parties include bowling and shoe rental, hand-tossed pizza, soft drinks, AND a $10 Game Zone arcade play card for each guest. READ MORE

Children's Mad Hatters Party New Year's Eve at the Clock and Watch Museum

Bristol
Don't be late for this very important date! Join the fun at the American Clock & Watch Museum for a children's Mad Hatter's New Year's Eve tea party. There will be crafts, snacks, tea, and the chiming and ringing of the bells at noon, of course. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve Party at Messy Hands Happy Hearts

Hamden
Join MHHH to celebrate and get ready for a new year with our little mess makers. Kids will be painting disco balls, playing in the sensory stations, having fun at the photo booth, and more. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve For Kids in Windsor Locks

Windsor Locks
It's the Noon Year's Eve Party for Kids at D'n'A Art and Event Studio. Join for a fun-filled celebration as we count down to noon instead of midnight. Let your little ones enjoy exciting activities, games, and crafts to welcome the new year in style. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve Kids Party at CaveCT

Bethel
Celebrate the Noon Year with CaveCt. Ticket includes Mini-Golf, Glow Necklaces, Noise Makers, Countdown to New Year at noon with balloon drop. Special Guest appearance, Prizes, Music & Fun! READ MORE

First Day Hike at Meigs Point Nature Center

Madison
Join Bob Kuchta and Ranger Russ at Hammonasset Beach State Park on New Year's Day for an informative and fun hike. This hike takes place along the Cedar Island trail.      READ MORE
Tell the kids it's time to party like it's 2023! Countdown to Noon photo courtesy of Stepping Stones Museum
Tell the kids it's time to party like it's 2023! Countdown to Noon photo courtesy of Stepping Stones Museum

New Year's Eve Celebrations for Kids - Fairfield, Litchfield, and Western CT

"Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer" 4D at the Maritime Aquarium

Norwalk
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D uses the same stop motion animation as the beloved television classic to deliver a visually brilliant experience true to the story that has charmed audiences for generations.  READ MORE

Holiday Express Train Show

Fairfield
Young and old alike delight in the large and small scale model trains winding around spectacular winter villages and beautiful holiday scenery.  READ MORE

Kent Gingerbread Festival

Kent - FREE
The beloved Kent Gingerbread Festival is back, bringing holiday cheer and the irresistible scent of gingerbread to town! With 23 participating businesses showcasing 13 delightful gingerbread creations, this year’s festival promises to be sweeter than ever. READ MORE

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day Hours at Ski Sundown

New Hartford
Ski in the New Year with Ski Sundown. Lifts and trails will be open beginning at 8:00am.  READ MORE

Countdown To Noon at Stepping Stones

Norwalk
We’re having a rockin’ Noon Year’s Eve party at Stepping Stones! Star Factory’s DJ Lou will be in the house as we say goodbye to 2024 and ring in 2025 with great fanfare. Dance, sing and countdown to noon with us as we watch New Year’s Eve celebrations from around the world. READ MORE

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day Hours at Ski Sundown

New Hartford
Ski in the New Year with Ski Sundown. Lifts and trails will be open beginning at 8:00am.  READ MORE
Be enchanted by the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village. Photo courtesy of Riley's Outdoor Decor
Be enchanted by the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village. Photo courtesy of Riley's Outdoor Decor

New Year's Eve Celebrations for Kids - Eastern Connecticut

Countdown to Noon

East Lyme
Ring in the New Year a little early with a 250+ balloon drop at noon. Join the Museum and East Lyme Parks & Recreation for southeastern Connecticut’s premier New Year’s event for children and families. READ MORE

Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village

Mystic - FREE
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

Holiday Magic at Florence Griswold Museum

East Lyme
The Florence Griswold Museum's annual Holiday Magic celebrations return. The museum tries to make every Christmas really special because it was Miss Florence's birthday. This year there will be over 250 palettes on four stunning palette trees in the Krieble Galleries. READ MORE

Kids Countdown to New Years at Mystic Seaport

Mystic
Join Mystic Seaport Museum for a family friendly musical countdown to the New Year. Kids can make their own party hats starting at 12:00 pm, then watch a holiday  performance and ring in the new year at 3:00 pm with sparklers and confetti cannons. READ MORE

Merry Days and Jolly Nights in New London

New London
The City of New London is proud to announce the commencement of its holiday season with a calendar of events celebrating the diverse array of faiths and culture in New London.  READ MORE

Countdown to Noon with Niantic Children's Museum

Niantic
Ring in the New Year a little early with a 300+ balloon drop at noon! Join the Museum and East Lyme Parks & Recreation for southeastern Connecticut’s premier New Year’s event for children and families. READ MORE

First Day Hike at Fort Griswold

Groton
Join along New Year's Day for a First Day Hike of Fort Griswold Battlefield. Meet your guide at the front gates at noon. Please dress for the weather and bring all friends. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Meigs Point Nature Center- Hammonasset State Park
Fairfield Museum and Historical Society
Kent Chamber of Commerce
East Lyme Community Center
Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park