Activities:

A light show set to music greets you at the Main Gate every thirty minutes. As you stroll through the park, there are several light displays on trees and lawns. It is tastefully done. Clark Griswold might not approve. 

There is a moderate selection of rides open - most in the Kiddieland area. Bumper cars, carousel, kiddie roller coaster and North Pole Express train ride to name a few. I think ages 7 and up may be disappointed; it is definitely geared towards younger children. A few games such as ring toss and skee ball are also open near the rides. 

You can visit with Santa at the Winter Wonderland building, but you may not take your own pictures. Prices are steep, starting at $15 per photo. In the same area, you could decorate a cookie ($5) or a small gingerbread house ($6), or write a letter to Santa ($2) and put it in a large mailbox. My son will write his letter at home for free.

Other activities we saw around the park were ice carving demonstrations, balloon animal creations, story time with Mrs. Claus and a festive sing-a-long where kids are encouraged to come on stage and play instruments. 

Pros: 

It is a real thrill to be in the park while festive music plays and lights surround you. It is hard not to be in a good mood. Younger children (7 and under) will be thoroughly entertained by the number of rides they can go on. Also, a few gift shops were open, so you can get some shopping done and maybe purchase a season pass, which makes a fantastic gift. 

Cons:

If you aren't a season pass holder, this can turn into a costly night. I'd recommend eating at home before or after, and maybe just getting hot cocoa or a snack such as a smore or a pretzel. The other huge drawback, to no fault of Lake Compounce, is the weather. We were there on a 30-degree night, and had it not been for my four layers of clothing, I would have been pretty miserable. But if you come prepared with the correct gear it can be a very enjoyable, festive way to spend a night during this holiday season. 

When: 

Runs weekends through December 22nd. Fridays (5p-9p), Saturday/Sunday (4p-6p). 

Price: 

Adults - $14.99; children - $10.99; ages 3 and under - free. Season pass holders for 2013 or 2014 admitted free. If you buy tickets online you can save $3 per adult admission. There is also a coupon you can print on the website and save $3 off adults (Friday and Sunday) and $2 off adults (Saturday) . Parking is $8 or $15 for preferred. You can purchase a souvenir mug ($7) which gets you free refills of hot cocoa during your visit. This does not include the adult spiked hot beverages such as cider and egg nog ($6 and up). Those beverages are a welcome option on a brisk night. Free soda is not available during Holiday Lights.

Lake Compounce Family Theme Park 
186 Enterprise Drive
Bristol, CT 06010
860-583-3300