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Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 in Connecticut: Road Races, Santa Visits and Light Displays

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 licks off the holiday season in Connecticut! Reindeer playdates photo courtesy Bradley Mountain Farm, and Lyman Orchards
Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 licks off the holiday season in Connecticut! Reindeer playdates photo courtesy Bradley Mountain Farm, and Lyman Orchards
11/21/23 - By Jennifer Coe

Looking for the best things to do in Connecticut on Thanksgiving Day weekend 2024? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list!

There is a full roster of holiday activities this Thanksgiving weekend in Connecticut 2024. All the seasonal events are starting this weekend! First of all, run off all those mashed potatoes at one of the road races taking place on Thanksgiving Day. Stop in at one of the several light shows that kick off this weekend in Meriden, East Hartford, Bristol and New Haven. Then feel the magic of the season at the Wood Memorial Gingerbread Exhibit or at the Night of Lights Hayride. Don't worry, if you can't fit it all in this weekend, many of these events will be running for the next few weeks.

Hopefully, you will have a chance to enjoy the company of friends and family. Have safe and easy travels if you are on the road this holiday weekend. Pass the downtime by checking out our Connecticut Holiday Fun Guide, updated with all the latest Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's Eve events for the 2024 season. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Mommy Poppins!

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Light shows are aglow across Connecticut this Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2023! Photo courtesy of the Magic of Lights
Light shows are aglow across Connecticut this Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2023! Photo courtesy of the Magic of Lights

Thanksgiving Weekend 2023 in Connecticut - Things To Do with Kids

Pequot Runners Thanksgiving Day Road Race

Southport — Thursday, November 28
This scenic and fast course offers a 5-mile run or a 2.6 mile walk that goes through the Gold Coast and has some of the state's loveliest views, including Southport Harbor. READ MORE

School’s OUT!: Collection Connection at the Mattatuck Museum

Waterbury— Thursday, November 28
School might be out for the day, but the fun is still IN at The MATT! Drop off your child for this fun-filled day-long experience. Children will be immersed in the Museum’s galleries and special exhibitions while learning about history and developing their art skills with unique materials and techniques. READ MORE

Rowayton Turkey Trot

Norwalk— Thursday, November 28
This brisk run through picturesque Rowayton has become a popular Thanksgiving Day tradition. There is a 5K course and a 1-mile option.  READ MORE

Manchester Road Race

Manchester— Thursday, November 28
A CT Tradition, decades strong! The race is a 4.748 mile long hilly course through Manchester. Fans, bands, and merriment will greet you along the way. If you don't want to run, spectating is just as fun for all ages! READ MORE

The Christmas Ride at Pumpkintown USA

East Hampton— Opens Friday, November 29, 2024
Beginning Thanksgiving weekend you’ll be able to drive your car through the Forest and see how the Pumpkinheads celebrate the holidays.  Enjoy a one- of-a- kind daytime holiday journey through the winter Pumpkintown Forest in the comfort of your own vehicle. Step back in time on this scenic 1-mile drive through a winter themed landscape where over 30 Pumpkinhead people celebrate an old-fashioned holiday season. READ MORE

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

Greenwich— Opens November 29, 2024
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

Holiday Magic at Florence Griswold Museum

Old Lyme— Opens November 30, 2024
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

The Wood Library & Museum's Annual Gingerbread House Festival

South Windsor— Opens November 29, 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

Merry Days and Jolly Nights in New London

New London— Opens November 29, 2024
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

Visit Santa At The Shore Line Trolley Museum

East Haven— Opens November 29, 2024
Come and take a ride to visit Santa and grab your holiday photos!  Take a stroll through the decorated trolley barns and take a ride on a real antique trolley car.  The station and trolley yard will be decorated for the holidays so there are plenty of photo ops.   Dress for cool temps! READ MORE

Turkey Daze & Trail Stroll

Canton— November 29-November 30, 2024
How well do you really know Meleagris gallopavo, the wild turkey, a cousin of the domesticated turkey? What is a turkey’s snood? What is a Jake? Do turkeys have beards? Take a self-guided turkey scavenger hunt or register for a guided hike at 1:30 pm. Crafts, quiz and more.  Free with admission to the Nature Center. READ MORE

Hebron Lions Lights in Motion

Hebron— Opens November 29, 2024
Hebron Lions hosts Lights in Motion, a drive-through light display for the holiday season. Set up at the Hebron Fairgrounds, visitors will enjoy over a million lights synchronized with music. READ MORE

Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce

Bristol —Opens November 29, 2024
Make Your Season Sparkle at Lake Compounce’s Holiday Lights. Bring your family and celebrate the return of New England’s Favorite Holiday Tradition. Take a stroll among hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, and marvel at the tallest Christmas tree in the state.  READ MORE

Mystic Tree Lighting & Lighted Boat Parade

Mystic— November 30, 2024
Santa Claus is coming to Mystic with the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in Historic Downtown Mystic. Thousands gather at the Mystic River Park to watch Santa arrive!  Santa Claus comes at 2pm. The tree lighting is scheduled for 6pm. READ MORE

New Canaan Nature Center's Thanksgiving Weekend Waddle

New Canaan— Saturday, November 30, 2024
Grab the entire family (and any lingering holiday visitors too) and head on down to the New Canaan Nature Center! You won’t want to miss this awesome annual event, a long-time favorite for both members & guests. Join the NCNC Naturalists for a healthy, invigorating Trail Trek to work off that holiday meal. READ MORE

Niantic Holiday Stroll

Niantic— November 25, 2023
Come celebrate Small Business Saturday and the holiday season in Niantic at the 21th Annual Niantic Holiday Stroll. READ MORE

Reindeer Goat Snuggles at Lyman Orchards with Bradley Mountain Farms

Middlefield— November 25, 2023
Have a snuggly encounter with Reindeer Goats at the Apple Barrel Farm Market! Start a new holiday tradition and come snuggle with Bradley Mountain Farm's Reindeer Goats! Relax, spread some cheer, and create wonderful holiday memories. Dress up the goats in their festive costumes, give them a brush, and take some selfies! Each 15-minute session includes goat treats for every participant. November 30th & December 27th, 10am - 1pm READ MORE

Glow Hartford - Indoor Holiday Light Festival & Market

Hartford - Opens Friday, November 29, 2024
This winter, the Connecticut Convention Center will transform into a dazzling Christmas wonderland. Glow invites you to celebrate the magic of the season at a one-of-a-kind Holiday Light Festival and Market. READ MORE

Night of Lights: Hayrides with Santa at Fairview Tree Farm

Shelton— Opens November 29, 2024
Join the farm for a magical night of holiday lights on the family favorite annual Christmas nighttime hayride. A 30-minute tractor pulled wagon will take you through our decorated and lit tree fields and holiday scenes. Visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and more!  READ MORE

Holiday Dazzle Light Parade

Putnam - Sunday, December 1 , 2024
Enjoy this fun holiday tradition through downtown Putnam with floats, music and lights galore to kick-off the holiday season in brilliant style. READ MORE
In every part of Connecticut, you can find holiday lights and family fun!
In every part of Connecticut, you can find holiday lights and family fun!

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Places featured in this article:

Niantic Town Green
Connecticut Convention Center
Steven & Alexandra Cohen Skating Center