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

Christmas Weekend 2023 in Connecticut Top Things To Do: Disney On Ice, Elf and More!

Christmas Weekend 2023 in Connecticut is ready to sparkle with holiday fun! Skating sisters from Encanto photo courtesy of Disney on Ice: Find Your Hero
Christmas Weekend 2023 in Connecticut is ready to sparkle with holiday fun! Skating sisters from Encanto photo courtesy of Disney on Ice: Find Your Hero
12/20/23 - By Jennifer Coe

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

The kids are off from school starting this weekend, and even though it's Christmas weekend, there is still a calendar-full of fun events to squeeze in before the big day. If you like ice skating (or want to try it with the family) there are several places offering public skate this weekend from Westport to Stamford. But if you'd rather leave it to the professionals, Disney on Ice: Find Your Hero is sliding into Bridgeport. For all those Buddy fans, stop in to see Elf! The Movie @ Merry Movie Night or experience Elf in Concert with the Hartford Symphony. If you still haven't seen Saint Nick in person, this is your last change to see Shark-Diving Santa at the Maritime Aquarium.

Need to know what's open on Christmas? Check out our updated list of What's Open on Christmas Day in Connecticut.

More Things To Do in Connecticut This Week with Kids:

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

All the elves, great and small, are ready for fun this Christmas Weekend! Elf photo courtesy of Warner Brothers
All the elves, great and small, are ready for fun this Christmas Weekend! Elf photo courtesy of Warner Brothers

Christmas Weekend 2023 in Connecticut

Celebrate the Holidays at PaleyLand!

Ny, Ny
Saturday, December 23, 2023
The Paley Center's must-see holiday extravaganza fills five 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

Elf in Concert with the Hartford Symphony

Hartford
Friday, December 22,2023
Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York - in full elf uniform - in search of his real father. This holiday season, relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture in Elf in Concert. READ MORE

Elf! The Movie @ Merry Movie Night

Stamford
Friday, December 22, 2023
Join us Friday night at 5 p.m. in Grand Court at Stamford Town Center for beloved holiday movies presented by Stamford Moms. December 22: Elf with a special pre-show elf appearance thanks to Cyclebar Stamford beginning at 4:15 p.m. (Photo opps available). FREE popcorn thanks to Around the World Pediatric Dentistry and a topping station thanks to Buffalo Wild Wings. READ MORE

Sensory Friendly Evening: Meet the Animals at Niantic Children's Museum

Niantic
Friday, December 22, 2023
Join us for a special evening, which is free for families with children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing challenges. Meet the Animals! Participants will have the opportunity to meet some of our Museum animals like Loki the Leopard Gecko and Mr. Rogers the Russian Tortoise along with making some animals crafts. READ MORE

"The Polar Express" 4D at the Maritime Aquarium

Norwalk
Friday, December 22, 2023
Enjoy  "The Polar Express"  in the Maritime's 4D Theater. This is a condensed version of the Warner Bros. film where you view the movie in 3D, and experience special sensory in-theater effects like snow, wind, the aroma of hot cocoa, and more. READ MORE

Jingle Jam at Creative Jam

Bristol
Friday, December 22, 2023
On December 22nd attend a merry pre-Christmas celebration and sale at Creative Jam Art Co. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as you choose from an array of holiday-themed items to paint pour or splatter. READ MORE

Hartford Wolfpack v Islanders

Hartford
Friday, December 22, 2023
See the Hartford Wolfpack face off against the Islanders. The 22nd is "Paws and Pucks" - so buy an extra seat for your pup! READ MORE

Festival of Trees

Willimantic
Friday & Saturday, December 22-23, 2023
The Mill Museum is welcoming participants to take part in a much-anticipated holiday event, the Festival of Trees. Now in its second year, the Festival of Trees features holiday trees decorated by groups, businesses and others from throughout the region. READ MORE

Connecticut Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Bushnell

Hartford
Friday & Saturday, December 22-23, 2023
The Nutmeg Ballet returns to Hartford with its timeless and exciting production of the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker. The iconic story of Clara and her magical journey ignites the imaginations of children and adults alike. See the magic yourself and make memories that will last a lifetime. READ MORE

A Sherlock Carol

Westport
Friday & Saturday, December 22-23, 2023
A Sherlock Carol is a heartwarming holiday production for all ages. Reunite with well-loved characters rom Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, now brought together in a story of intrigue and suspense, with a helping of holiday cheer. When a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Sherlock Holmes to investigate the peculiar death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his tools of deduction to get to the bottom of the crime. But it is a dark and treacherous Christmas Eve, and once again the holiday is haunted by the spirits of the past, present, and future. READ MORE

Christmas Guided Tour

Wethersfield
Friday & Saturday, December 22-23, 2023
Guided holiday house tours will be offered Thursday through Saturday. The house is decorated for the holiday season and is festive in every room! READ MORE

Cookies with Santa and the Grinch

Berlin
Saturday, December 23, 2023
Hang out with Santa and the Grinch, stuff your face with cookies, and get into the holiday spirit at this awesome kid's event.  Get ready for a festive gathering to meet the iconic duo in person. Santa Claus will be there to hear your holiday wishes and spread cheer, while The Grinch will add a touch of mischief to the event. Hot cocoa, cookies, and light refreshments included. Kids will be able to write letters to Santa and decorate an ornament to take home. READ MORE

Shark-Diving Santa

Norwalk
Saturday, December 23, 2023
Santa Claus will join the Maritime Aquarium’s dive team for some underwater holiday cheer. Santa will strap on his custom scuba outfit and enter the Aquarium’s 110,000-gallon “Ocean Beyond the Sound” exhibit, which is home to 7- and 8-foot sand tiger and lemon sharks. He’ll swim up to the exhibit window and pose with children, so bring your camera for a unique holiday photo. READ MORE

Santa Story 2 at the Cabaret Theater

Bridgeport
Saturday, December 23, 2023
At the North Pole, Jolly and Joy, two enthusiastic elves, are left in charge while Santa and Mrs. Kringle are away. Everything seems under control until disaster strikes—the workshop falls into chaos, when an evil gingerbread man launches a plot to destroy Christmas and ruin Santa’s reputation. READ MORE

Ice Carving Demonstrations

New Haven
Saturday, December 23, 2023
Saturdays during the holiday season, come down to the Yale Shoppes and see live ice carving demonstrations. A professional ice carver will be transforming two 300-pound blocks of ice into holiday-themed works of art in the Chapel Street Historic District on the following days. READ MORE

Disney on Ice: Find Your Hero

Bridgeport
Saturday & Sunday, December 23 - 24, 2023
Discover the hero inside us all when Disney On Ice returns with the magical adventures of favorite Disney stars brought to life like never before. Step inside the music and magic of Encanto with Mirabel and her family as they learn that everyone has a special gift. Sail away with Moana and Maui on their brave journey across the ocean to return the heart of Te Fiti. Join Anna and Elsa on their quest to protect their kingdom. Be inspired by the Disney Princesses with stories of courage, determination and kindness as you swim under the sea with Ariel, explore an enchanted castle with Belle... READ MORE

Public Skate at the Sports Center

Shelton
Saturday & Sunday, December 23 - 24, 2023
Lace up your skates and skate all the way from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day! READ MORE

A Christmas Carol, Ghost Story of Christmas

Hartford
Saturday & Sunday, December 23-24, 2023
Back after a three-year hiatus! The magic of Charles Dickens' returns. Spend some time with Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. READ MORE

Van "Goat" Painting

Southington
Sunday, December 24, 2023
Come Unleash Your Inner Artist. "Go-at" Painting is fun for the whole family. Participate in a fun and easy painting session led by one of the "Van Goat artists". Work with your Van Goat to make a beautiful creation together. The Farm will provide all of the supplies. Bring home a piece of art to remember a fun-filled day at the farm.   READ MORE

Open Skate at Stamford Twin Rinks

Stamford
Sunday, December 24, 2023
Stamford Twin Rinks is hosting public skating sessions throughout the week of Christmas break. Check their website for hours. Closed Christmas day. READ MORE

Christmas Day Open Skate at the Westport PAL Rink

Westport
Sunday, December 24, 2023
Take the kids skating at this outdoor rink in Westport.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Webb Deane Stevens Museum
Uni-Home Life @ Yale Shoppes