December GoList: The Best Things To Do With Connecticut Kids This Month

11/29/19 - By Mary Beth Lawlor

Connecticut families looking for fun don't have to look far this December. There are lots of great shows, holiday festivals, Santa Claus visits, reindeer sightings, holiday strolls, and more—and our favorites are curated right here for you in our GoList.

With this packed-with-fun month, it's worth it to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, where you'll find a list of each week's highlighted events. And for even more holiday fun, including where to find that perfect Christmas tree, be sure to check out our Connecticut Holiday Fun Guide. Happy Holidays!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Three Centuries of ChristmasWethersfield
Saturdays and Sundays in December
These “Three Centuries of Christmas” tours show in detail how the American holiday season has evolved over the past 300 years. Two costumed guides will provide a candlelight tour of the three elegantly appointed historic houses that comprise the museum. Check for actual dates.

Wood Memorial Library Gingerbread FestivalSouth Windsor
Now through Saturday, December 21
New England's biggest display of sweet and spicy Gingerbread Houses is returning to South Windsor's Wood Memorial Library and Museum again this year. A holiday favorite, the show opens Thanksgiving weekend. Admission is FREE.

Lantern Light Tours—Mystic
Now through Sunday, December 22
This 70-minute moving performance tour meanders through the Museum’s 19th-century maritime village. Both young and old will enjoy seasonal delights that include a traditional tavern dance, a horse-drawn carriage ride and the beautiful glow of hundreds of lanterns that light the way.

Wagon rides are part of the fun. Photo courtesy of Greenwich Reindeer Festival

Greenwich Reindeer FestivalGreenwich
Now through Tuesday, December 24
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen will be available at the Greenwich Downtown area at Sam Bridge Nursery and Garden Center for all to enjoy until Christmas.

New Haven Winter Celebrations—New Haven 
Now through Sunday, December 24 
The Shops at Yale celebrate the holiday season on the Green. Santa will visit and read stories to children and take photos with families.

A Christmas Carol—Hartford
Now through Saturday, December 28
The magic of Charles Dickens' returns for its 21st season. Spend some time with Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, and the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future.

Fantasy of Lights—New Haven
Now through Tuesday, December 31
This bright and colorful light display illuminates Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven for the holiday season. The mile long route features displays that range from a gingerbread house to a holiday dragon.

Festival of Silver LightsMeriden
Now through Wednesday, January 1
Witness the illumination of more than 350,000 twinkling white lights. Enjoy more than 200 figures and buildings decorated with the lights in this spectacular display.

Holiday Light Fantasia—Hartford
Now through Wednesday, January 1
The two mile show transforms Goodwin Park into a drive-through wonderland of holiday spirit with a beautiful collection of over one million lights. ​

Rent some skates and take a spin at Winterfest at Bushnell Park. Photo by Andy Hart 

Winterfest at Bushnell Park—Hartford
Now through Sunday, January 5
There is FREE skating seven 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.

Mr Gilbert's Railroad at the Eli Whitney MuseumHamden
Now through Saturday, January 18
Each year, the Eli Whitney Museum delves into New Haven's past to bring back a special tradition dating back more than 60 years: The AC Gilbert American Flyer Train collection. At one time more than 3,000 people worked at the Gilbert factory in Fair Haven. His products shaped imagination for three generations of American children.

Ridgefield Holiday Stroll—Ridgefield
Saturday, December 7
In addition to the music and carriage rides, some traditional Stroll favorites are back including ice sculpting, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and children’s performances at the Ridgefield Library, along with in-store raffles, holiday promotions and refreshments offered at the many local businesses and organizations.

Festival of Lights—Mystic
Friday, December 7 
Paths will be illuminated by hundreds of luminaria as guests enjoy seasonal entertainment, face painters, story tellers, hot chocolate, and even a visit from Santa.

Bethehem Christmas Festival—Bethlehem
Friday, December 6 - Saturday, December 7
This Christmas celebration features music performances, tree lighting, photos with Santa, horse-drawn hayrides, a book and cookie sale, crafts and gifts galore - indoors and out!

New Britain YWCA Winter Wonderland—New Britain
Saturday, December 7
The Yule boutique will feature free children’s activities between that will include holiday crafts, face painting, letters to Santa, children’s shopping boutique, pictures with Santa, and more!

Festival of Trees and Traditions—Hartford 
Now through Sunday, December 8
Musical entertainment and festive activities, surrounded by decorative trees and wreaths decorated by local community organizations.

Holiday in the Depot—Washington Depot
Friday, December 13
Festivities will kick off with the lighting of the town Christmas tree by a special guest at Bryan Memorial Town Hall. Caroling, goodies, photos with Santa, and lots of other fun.

Ridgefield Chorale Holiday Pops—Ridgefield 
Sunday, December 15
This year's annual fund-raising concert will feature singers from the Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club.

Living Nativity—Litchfield
Sunday, December 15
Candlelight Carol Sing, and a re-enactment of the Nativity with live animals, little angels, shepherds, choristers and a real Baby Jesus will take place.

Sunday, December 15
Join the Greenwich Historical Society for a festive holiday evening when costumed interpreters lead “candlelight” tours through Bush-Holley House, Greenwich’s only Registered National Historic Landmark. There will be live music, hot chocolate, seasonal goodies, winter-themed crafts for kids and a special appearance by Santa Claus.

The Nutcracker at the Palace is a holiday tradition for many local families. Photo courtesy of Connecticut Ballet

The Nutcracker at the Palace Theater—Stamford
Saturday, December 21- Sunday, December 22
Connecticut Ballet’s annual holiday blockbuster returns to downtown Stamford! Called ‘beguiling and a feast for the eyes,’ Brett Raphael’s production features a cast of 60 dancers and guest stars from American Ballet Theatre.

Community Carol SingMystic
Sunday, December 22
Visitors from near and far return year after year to participate in this popular holiday carol sing, which is led by former Ledyard High School choral director, Jamie Spillane, and backed by the Museum carolers and a brass quartet. There will also be exhibits, activities, and crafts at the Seaport.

Giant Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop—Ridgefield
Sunday, December 22
Join Chabad of Stamford for the lighting of the largest Menorah in Fairfield County, plus a gelt drop and giant olive oil-making press. Plus latkes, donuts, and apple cider.