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Head to Eastern Connecticut for the amazing Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village. Photo by Rileighs Outdoor Decor
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12/3/23 - By Jennifer Coe

'Tis the season for free holiday and Christmas events in Connecticut for kids. And every Connecticut mom and dad likes the sound of "free"! Santa is making the rounds and will appear at Cabelas in East Hartford (and get a free 4x6 photo), at Wickham Park and Simsbury where you can have Cookies with Santa. See REAL reindeer in Greenwich, at the 16th Annual Reindeer Festival and Santa's Workshop and take a memorable ride in Sandy Hook on a sleigh! Love the classics? See A Year Without Santa Claus on the big screen at Warner Theater. 

If you can't get enough of the sparkle of holiday lights, consult our list of Connecticut's Best Holiday Drive-Thrus and Christmas Lights. For more holiday adventures, consult our Holiday Fun Guide and region's 25 Top Holiday and Christmas Activities. 

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The Connecticut State House in gingerbread! Event photo courtesy of the Wood Library Museum.
The Connecticut State House in gingerbread! Event photo courtesy of the Wood Library Museum.

Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Connecticut for Kids

Santa at Cabela's

East Hartford
November 9 - December 24
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

Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden

Meriden
November 27, 2025 - January 2, 2025
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

The Wood Library & Museum's Annual Gingerbread House Festival

South Windsor
November 29, 2024 - December 22, 2024
One of the largest gingerbread house displays in New England features an incredible array of candy covered houses. The Festival will take place at Wood Memorial Library on Main Street in South Windsor, and rest assured that we will implement any precautionary measures to keep patrons safe. READ MORE

Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village

Mystic
November 29, 2024 - January 31, 2025
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

Winterfest at Bushnell Park in Hartford

Hartford
November 29 - January 5
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

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

Greenwich
Friday, November 29 - Tuesday, December 24
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

2024 Holiday Events at The Shops at Yale

New Haven
Friday, November 29 - Tuesday, December 24
Join us this holiday season for fun & festive experiences that are free and open to the public, along with exciting shopping rewards.  READ MORE

Mr. Gilbert's Railroad

Hamden
Friday, November 29 - Sunday, January 19, 2025
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 3/16” scale, a six-foot-tall person rises a mere inch and one-eighth above the ground. Can you imagine yourself in this miniaturized world? READ MORE

Trees in the Rigging Holiday Boat Parade in Essex

Essex
Sunday, December 1
Trees in the Rigging is back on December 1st! Join us at the Museum for a full day of holiday fun. READ MORE

A Year Without Santa Claus the Movie at the Warner Theater

Torrington
Sunday, December 1
A free holiday event for kids. See the original show on the big screen. READ MORE

Downtown Mystic Holiday Stroll & Lantern Luminary

Mystic
Tuesday, December 3
Stroll the illuminated streets of downtown Mystic during this joyful community-oriented event marked by Christmas carolling and light displays. READ MORE

Heights and Lights

Stamford
Sunday, December 8
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

Cookies with Santa in Simsbury

Simsbury
Monday, December 9
Join Gather on Hopmeadow for a heartwarming holiday event that brings the community together! Support Noah's Toy Drive to spread joy and give back this season. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate and enjoy a magical evening of festive fun. READ MORE

Annual Santa's Workshop at Wickham Park

Manchester
December 12 - December 23
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

Lisbon Santa Parade

Lisbon
December 13-15
Sponsored by the Lisbon Fire Department, the Santa Parade will be lighting the way for Santa to visit! Santa is coming to town and will be escorted around town by the department. READ MORE

Sleigh Rides with Sandy Hook Fire and Rescue

Sandy Hook
Saturday, December 14
Tolland Santa and his friends will be returning to our main station for free sleigh rides. Rides will begin at 1 and continue until at least 6 pm. Santa always promises to stay until everyone in line enjoys a ride on the sleigh. READ MORE

Caroling and Parade of Lights

New Milford
Saturday, December 14
Join us on December 16th for a magical evening of festive joy at the New Milford Town Green. Co-hosted by the New Milford Commission on the Arts and Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2, our Carol Sing and Parade of Lights promises an enchanting celebration that will light up the holiday season. Don't miss the harmonious caroling and the dazzling display of lights – it's an event the whole community will cherish. READ MORE

Chanukah Book and Craft Fair in Orange

Orange
Sunday, December 15
Your one-stop shop for Chanukah gifts and Judaica! Come stop by and get some yummy kosher food, Jewish books, and presents for family and friends. Don't miss out on some great raffle prizes and a split-the-pot raffle. READ MORE

Winter Wonder at Niantic Children's Museum (Sensory Friendly)

Niantic
Friday, December 20
The Museum will be filled with “Holiday Cheer” as attendees have the chance to participate in a variety of winter-themed activities and crafts including beaded snowflakes, marshmallow snowmen, make an ornament, melting ice and snow slime. Participants can also choose to listen to a story and make an associated craft. READ MORE

East Windsor Torchlight Parade

East Windsor
Saturday, December 21
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Holiday Season with the annual Torchlight Parade & Carol Sing brought to you by the Broad Brook Fire Department and East Windsor Parks & Recreation. READ MORE

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