Why Mystic, CT is the Most Magical Christmas Town Around

There are so many Christmas activities to enjoy when visiting Mystic for the holidays. And it's easy to get to from almost anywhere in Southern New England and New York. There's so much to see and do, visitors turn to the best hotels in Mystic, Connecticut for family friendly stays. The dozens of stores, shops, boutiques, and eateries in and around quaint Downtown Mystic go out of their way to treat visitors to a magical Christmas. It's no wonder Santa keeps coming back to town. 

Christmas Lights and Holiday Displays in Mystic

Mystic is known for it's New England charm, but the town pulls out all the stops at Christmas with holiday light displays. From the downtown shops to family attractions, you'll find sparkling festive lights everywhere.

 
There are so many ways to explore Mystic at Christmas! Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum

1. Downtown Mystic Holiday Stroll and Lantern Luminaria

Get your holiday shopping in with a stroll through the lovely downtown area. Carollers will be singing, shops will be open late, and the town will be lit up for the holidays.

2 Lantern Light Village at Mystic Seaport

Mystic Seaport Museum lights up the holidays every Christmas with its Lantern Light Village. Enjoy a trip to the holiday season of a bygone era, as the seaport replicates an authentic Connecticut Christmas from 1876. Holiday festivities include games, crafts, carriage rides, carolers, and maybe even a visit from St. Nick!

3. Holiday Luminaria at the Nature Center

If you need a more tranquil Christmas experience, head to the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center for the Holiday Luminaria. This magical walk in the woods features more than 1,000 luminaria, as well as free cocoa and cider!

4. Home for the Holidays at Mystic Aquarium

Visiting Mystic Aquarium is always a joyful experience. And around Christmas, Home for the Holidays at the aquarium adds a festive touch to this family fave. It's fun to see how our aquatic buddies celebrate the holidays!

5. Festival of Lights Olde Mistick Village

Stroll through the illuminated streets of Olde Mistick Village, where you can get in a little shopping with a magical atmosphere. The Festival of Lights includes live entertainment and complimentary treats.

 
They decorate everything for Christmas in Mystic, Connecticut! Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum

Magical Christmas in Mystic, CT - Santa Sightings and other Events

6. Mystic Tree Lighting & Lighted Boat Parade

Saint Nick doesn't ride his sleigh to town. Every year, Santa Claus arrives aboard the Cross Sound Ferry's Tugboat. And that's just the start of the fun! There's a Christmas tree lighting, followed by a parade of lighted boats along the Mystic River.

7. Meet Santa at Olde Mistick Village

Santa likes to swing by the Chapel Meeting House at Olde Mistick Village whenever he's in town. Stop by for a free photo op!

8. Breakfast with Santa at Hilton Mystic

Let Santa know what you really want for Christmas: fluffy French toast and yummy cinnamon buns! Breakfast with Santa includes a treat and a photo. And the Hilton is so close to top Christmas attractions, like the aquarium and Olde Mistick Village.

9. Holiday Carnival at Olde Mistick Village

Olde Mistick Village is brimming with the spirit of the season during its Holiday Carnival. Enjoy live music courtesy of a brass band. And support local charitie with some shopping at Santa's Workshop Gift Store. 

10. Kids Countdown to New Years at Mystic Seaport

Just when you think the family fun is over, ring in the New Year at Mystic Seaport. This family-friendly daytime celebration rings in the New Year a little early, with music, sparklers, and plenty of excitement.

Magical Christmas Fun Near Mystic

11. Foxwoods Resort - Mashantucket

Foxwoods isn't just a fun destination. The resort is always decked out for the holidays. So get in a little shopping, take in a show, and grab breakfast with Santa at Foxwoods.

12. Nature's Art Village - Montville

Home to Jurassic-fan-favorite Dinosaur Place, Nature's Art Village has kid-friendly shops (toys and fossils!) as well as seasonal events.

13. Holiday Magic at the Florence Griswold Museum - Old Lyme

The museum decks the halls every year. See artistry from across the country, with palletes displayed on the museum's magnificent Christmas trees.

14. Merry Days and Jolly Nights - New London

All season long, the city of New London celebrates with fun, festive, and FREE holiday celebrations!

15. Niantic Holiday Stroll - Niantic

Hit the streets of nearby Niantic for a day full of family-friendly activities, shopping specials, and more!