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Grinchmas!, The Snow Queen, and More Things To Do in CT this Weekend

Santa Claus is skipping the sleigh when he comes to town for the top fun things to do in Connecticut this weekend!
Santa Claus is skipping the sleigh when he comes to town for the top fun things to do in Connecticut this weekend!
11/29/23 - By Jennifer Coe

Looking for the best things to do in Connecticut this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

December is a month that all Connecticut families look forward to, and there is good reason! Kids are thinking about that special date at the end of the month, but they can enjoy plenty of holiday fun before then. There are several ways to see Santa Claus, from the farm to the mall (sensory friendly, and even climbing the sides of buildings (yeah, you read that correctly). For theater goers, tickets are also on sale right now for special holiday shows like Charles Dickens, The Snow Queen, or the Nutcracker. If you still are doing your shopping, Olde Mistick Village and the Lamplight Stroll might be able to help you cross that list items off the list too.

Be sure and check out our list of Must-Do Christmas Events and Holidays Activities in Connecticut. And see our Fall Fun Guide for Connecticut Kids for more ideas for fun in the sun!

More Things To Do in Connecticut This Week with Kids:

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Get out for story time and more family fun around CT! Yoshi's Big Swim Storytime at the Mystic Aquarium, Capstone Publishing photo courtesy of the event.
Get out for story time and more family fun around CT! Yoshi's Big Swim Storytime at the Mystic Aquarium, Capstone Publishing photo courtesy of the event.

Things To Do in Connecticut this Weekend with Kids

Celebrate the Holidays at PaleyLand!

Ongoing - Ny, Ny
The Paley Center's must-see holiday extravaganza fills 5 floors of the Paley with holiday fun and winter wonderland magic. Enjoy free hot chocolate, watch past and present Holiday Family Specials on the big screen, discover the magic of a classic model railroad display, and so much more. READ MORE

Bethlehem Christmas Town Festival

Friday, December 1, 2023 - Bethlehem
Highlights of the festival include vendors selling handcrafted items just in time for holiday shopping, a hayride, a free scavenger hunt, free musical entertainment, a 5K Road Race on Saturday morning sponsored by the First Mile Race Management Company, and a Christmas Tractor Exhibition and Decorating Contest in the afternoon.  Plus. a multitude of delicious food choices to make everyone’s visit complete. READ MORE

Ornament Workshop

Friday, December 1, 2023 - Newington
In this workshop, kids will learn how to create four festive ornaments. Each child will make a gingerbread man, snowman, tree with lights and a Santa ornament. Milk and cookies will be served as a snack. READ MORE

Kids Night Out YMCA

Friday, December 1, 2023 - Granby
Bring your kids to the YMCA for an exciting evening filled with fun, friends, crafts, games and super healthy (but yummy) light dinner. READ MORE

Milford Lamplight Stroll

Friday, December 1, 2023 - Milford
The town of Milford's classic New England tradition, the Lamplight Stroll is a charming holiday event and unique shopping experience for the whole family. Enjoy horse and carriage rides around the twinkling Green, yuletide carolers, and of course, a visit from Santa himself!  Downtown will be bustling with lots of holiday cheer. READ MORE

Grinchmas!

Friday, December 1, 2023 - South Windsor
Calling all Whos in Whoville! Join us for grinchy good fun and of course to meet the Grinch himself. Come to the Parks and Recreation Facility (350 Foster Street) any time from 6:30 - 8:00 PM. READ MORE

2023 Lifted Spirits Winter Festival

December 1-3, 2023 - Middletown
Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort is proud to announce the 2023 Lifted Spirits - Winter Festival. The mountain will come alive with winter magic and guaranteed snow tubing in December. Meet Santa and see his crafts in his workshop, frolic in the Snow play area and shop the artisan market. DJ's & Live Bands perform every Friday and Saturday nights. READ MORE

A Charles Dickens' Christmas at Lyman Orchards

December 1 -24, 2023 - Middlefield
Bah Humbug! It's the most wonderful time of the year. Take a delightful stroll through a classic Dickens' Christmas experience this holiday season, at Lyman Orchards. Grab a cup of hot apple cider and freshly baked donuts as you stroll the grounds of the historical Lyman Homestead, viewing light displays and meeting familiar Dickens' characters. READ MORE

Ballet Theatre Company's The Nutcracker

December 1-4, 2023 - Hartford
With the holiday season just around the corner, what better way than to get into the spirit by attending a performance of the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker by Ballet Theatre Company? Dattellas’ fresh version of The Nutcracker follows the familiar holiday storyline with many twists and turns along the way that will enchant first-time viewers and seasoned audience members alike. READ MORE

Annual Santa's Farm at Indian Rock

December 1-10, 2023 - Bristol
Walk the grounds with Santa as you eat S'mores, drink hot chocolate, and sing carols. The farm will be lit up for the holidays. Each family will have a chance to talk to Santa and take pictures. READ MORE

Snow Days Family Program

Saturday, December 2, 2023 - Hartford
Visit the Museum for a day of snowy fun. Families will design one-of-a-kind slow globes, make holiday poppers to celebrate the new year, and decorate holiday cards to send to loved ones. READ MORE

Santa on the Farm

Saturday, December 2, 2023 - Bloomfield
Santa is coming to the farm! Enjoy hot cocoa, children's arts and crafts, Christmas trees and wreaths and pictures with SANTA! Please bring a non-perishable food items to donate.  READ MORE

Pinkalicious Story Time with Author Victoria Kann

Saturday, December 2, 2023 - Bridgeport
It's beginning to look a lot like Pink-mas!  Please join Black Rock on Saturday, December 2nd for a Pink Party story time with author Victoria Kann, the award-winning illustrator and creator of Pinkalicious and Peteriffic. Wearing pink is encouraged. READ MORE

Holiday Carnival at Olde Mistick Village

Saturday, December 2, 2023 - Mystic
Stroll around the Olde Mistick Village to view custom decorated wreaths, enjoy live music, visit with Santa, find great gifts, and more.  READ MORE

Santa is Coming to Parkville!

Saturday, December 2, 2023 - Hartford
Santa is coming back to Parkville Market! Mark your calendars for our Holiday Community Celebration on Saturday, December 2, from 12-4PM (while supplies last). In partnership with Leo Clinic, you’ll get to enjoy pictures with Santa, ornament decorating, face painting, an appearance by The Grinch, and more! READ MORE

The Snow Queen

Saturday, December 2, 2023 - Litchfield
This outstanding holiday program was featured in Diane Smith’s book, A Connecticut Christmas. Artist and puppeteer Robin McCahill returns to the Carriage House at White Memorial for one performance of the Hans Christian Anderson tale of friends lost and found, visits to distant lands, travels through changing seasons, and encounters with strange and exotic characters. READ MORE

Valley Brook Community Church Live Nativity

Saturday, December 2, 2023 - Granby
Every season, Valley Brook Community Church invites the public to take part in a holiday tradition, the Valley Brook living nativity. Stop by any time during the event and follow the luminaria at your own pace. All characters and animals are real, and children can pet the animals. Music, coffee, cocoa and other treats too. Donation box will be set up for those who wish to contribute a canned good for the local food bank. READ MORE

Holiday Spectacular Ice Skating Show

Saturday, December 2, 2023 - Simsbury
Join International Skating Center for the Holiday Spectacular. Get ready to be dazzled by an enchanting evening filled with breathtaking ice skating performances, festive music, and holiday cheer. This event promises to be a magical experience for the whole family. Whether you're a fan of figure skating or simply looking for a delightful evening of entertainment, the Holiday Spectacular On Ice is sure to leave you with cherished memories.  Mark your calendars and join us for a night of joy, laughter, and incredible performances.  READ MORE

The Fantastic Toyshop

Saturday, December 2, 2023 - Hartford
It’s 1943, and it's Christmas Eve in Hartford. Virginia and her mother are preparing for the holiday. With Virginia’s father away at war, the season does not feel the same, but Virginia is still determined to make this Christmas special. READ MORE

Home Alone in Concert

Saturday, December 2, 2023 - Waterbury
Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern). Also starring Catherine O'Hara and John Candy, and nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song ("Somewhere in My Memory"), Home Alone is hilarious, heart-warming holiday fun for the entire family. READ MORE

Yoshi's Big Swim Storytime

Sunday, December 3, 2023 - Mystic
Come discover an amazing story celebrating teamwork, science, and an animal hero who swam more than 22,000 miles to her true home, the longest journey of any animal ever tracked. In addition to being awe-inspiring, Yoshi’s story underlines the importance of wildlife conservation and the power of one animal to unite people around the world for a common cause. Join Mary Wagley Copp, author of Yoshi's Big Swim: One Turtle's Epic Journey Home, as she reads her story and signs books. Learn even more about sea turtles with our Animal Rescue team! Free with general admission. READ MORE

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Sunday, December 3, 2023 - Stamford
The beloved TV classic RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL. READ MORE

Heights and Lights

Sunday, December 3, 2023 - Stamford
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

Sensory Friendly Santa at the Buckland Hills Mall

Sunday, December 3, 2023 - Manchester
Sensory Friendly Santa includes dimmed lights, lowered music and fun activities. READ MORE

Blue Back Mitten Run

Sunday, December 3, 2023 - West Hartford
The 3.1-mile road race winds through West Hartford’s decorated neighborhoods and past festive shop windows. 5K participants earn a holiday inspired warm knit beanie and enjoy delicious holiday cookies post-race in Blue Back Square. Register early (by October 15) and receive a personalized race bib with your name! Bring the kids to participate in the HMF FitKids run - a ½ mile or one mile dash to Blue Back Square. In the spirit of holiday season giving, collections will be taken for NEW winter hats, gloves, and mittens to benefit neighbors in need. Donations of cash/checks will... READ MORE

Paint with Santa

Sunday, December 3, 2023 - Plainville
Santa Claus is coming to Pottery Piazza with his Number One Elf! They are very excited to paint pottery with you, pose for photos with all the nicest kids, tell stories, and have a Santa sing-along! Advanced ticket purchase required as it is expected this will be a sold-out event. READ MORE

Chanukah Craft Workshop @ Home Depot

Sunday, December 3, 2023 - Waterbury
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

Kid's Gingerbread House Decorating

Sunday, December 3, 2023 - Stamford
Join us for a festive and fun-filled gingerbread house decorating class for kids. Let your child's creativity shine as they design and decorate their own gingerbread house. All supplies will be provided, and our friendly instructors will be there to guide and assist the kids in creating their edible masterpieces. It's the perfect activity to get into the holiday spirit.  READ MORE

Santa Photo Experience @ Westfarms

Through December 24, 2023 - New Britain
Santa is at Westfarms Mall! Beat the rush and lock in the day and time of your visit, because you don't want to miss this memorable Christmas tradition!  READ MORE
It's party time for Connecticut Kids! How To Throw a Taylor Swift Party photo by Ally Noel
It's party time for Connecticut Kids! How To Throw a Taylor Swift Party photo by Ally Noel

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Places featured in this article:

South Windsor Parks and Rec
International Skating Center of Connecticut
Steven & Alexandra Cohen Skating Center