Guide: Holiday Events in Connecticut

Looking for something fun to do this holiday season? Whether it is a tree or menorah lighting or a winter festival, here is a guide to some fun, holiday events. Check before heading out, as times and dates are subject to change.
NOTE: All events are subject to change. Please follow all COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines - including possible proof of vaccination, masks and social distancing.
PAST EVENTS
New Canaan Holiday Stroll
Dec. 3 from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
Dec. 4 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Downtown New Canaan
91 Elm St.
New Canaan
Website
Dec. 3 from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
Dec. 4 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Downtown New Canaan
91 Elm St.
New Canaan
Website
A Christmas Carol
Dec. 10-12
The Wilton Playshop
15 Lovers Lane
Wilton
Phone: (203) 762-7629
Times vary
Website
Dec. 10-12
The Wilton Playshop
15 Lovers Lane
Wilton
Phone: (203) 762-7629
Times vary
Website
Holiday in the Depot and Tree Lighting
Dec. 10
Bryan Memorial Town Hall
2 Bryan Hall Plaza
Washington Depot
Time: 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Website
Dec. 10
Bryan Memorial Town Hall
2 Bryan Hall Plaza
Washington Depot
Time: 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Website
Danbury Music Centre Presents The Nutcracker
Dec. 10-12
Danbury High School
43 Clapboard Ridge Road
Danbury
Website
Dec. 10-12
Danbury High School
43 Clapboard Ridge Road
Danbury
Website
The Nutcracker on the Big Screen
Dec. 10-12
The Ridgefield Playhouse
80 E. Ridge Road
Ridgefield
Time: Show times vary
Website
Dec. 10-12
The Ridgefield Playhouse
80 E. Ridge Road
Ridgefield
Time: Show times vary
Website
City of Torrington Christmas Village Parade
Dec. 12
Armory
153 South Main St.
Torrington
Time: Kicks off at 12:30 p.m.
Website
Dec. 12
Armory
153 South Main St.
Torrington
Time: Kicks off at 12:30 p.m.
Website
The Nutcracker a Tale Retold
Dec. 12
Times: 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.
The Regina A. Quick Center
Fairfield University
Phone: (203) 384-2492
Tickets: $30-$45
Note: Virtual performances will be available.
Website
Dec. 12
Times: 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.
The Regina A. Quick Center
Fairfield University
Phone: (203) 384-2492
Tickets: $30-$45
Note: Virtual performances will be available.
Website
The Nutcracker on the Big Screen
Dec. 22
The Ridgefield Playhouse
80 E. Ridge Road
Ridgefield
Time: Show times vary
Website
Dec. 22
The Ridgefield Playhouse
80 E. Ridge Road
Ridgefield
Time: Show times vary
Website
North Pole Express
Nov. 19 - Dec. 23
The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat
1 Railroad Ave.
Essex
Times: Rides run from 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Reservations and tickets are required.
Website
Nov. 19 - Dec. 23
The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat
1 Railroad Ave.
Essex
Times: Rides run from 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Reservations and tickets are required.
Website
Christmas at Fairview Tree Farm
Nov. 26 - Dec. 22
2 Sawmill City Road
Shelton
Open 7 Days A Week from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
*Thursdays under the dark until 7 p.m.
Santa Hayrides every weekend - 12 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Horse-drawn Hayrides every weekend - 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Website
Nov. 26 - Dec. 22
2 Sawmill City Road
Shelton
Open 7 Days A Week from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
*Thursdays under the dark until 7 p.m.
Santa Hayrides every weekend - 12 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Horse-drawn Hayrides every weekend - 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Website
Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop
Nov. 26-Dec. 24
Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses
437 North St.
Greenwich
Time: Monday - Friday from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Closed Sundays
Website
Nov. 26-Dec. 24
Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses
437 North St.
Greenwich
Time: Monday - Friday from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Closed Sundays
Website
Santa Express and Northern Lights Limited at the Naugatuck Railroad
Nov. 26 - Dec. 23
Railroad Museum of New England
242 East Main St.
Thomaston
Time: Santa Express - 12 p.m. & 2:15 p.m.; Northern Lights - 5 p.m. & 7:15 p.m.
Website
Nov. 26 - Dec. 23
Railroad Museum of New England
242 East Main St.
Thomaston
Time: Santa Express - 12 p.m. & 2:15 p.m.; Northern Lights - 5 p.m. & 7:15 p.m.
Website
Trolley Museum Winterfest and Tunnel of Lights
Nov. 26 - Dec. 30
Connecticut Trolley Museum
58 North Road
East Windsor
Phone: (860) 627-6540
Times: Check website for various times
Website
Nov. 26 - Dec. 30
Connecticut Trolley Museum
58 North Road
East Windsor
Phone: (860) 627-6540
Times: Check website for various times
Website
Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce
Nov. 26-Jan. 1, 2022
Lake Compounce
185 Enterprise Drive
Bristol
Dates/times vary
Website
Nov. 26-Jan. 1, 2022
Lake Compounce
185 Enterprise Drive
Bristol
Dates/times vary
Website
Irving Berlin's White Christmas
Dec. 3-19
Center Stage Shelton
54 Grove St.
Shelton
Times and dates vary
Website
Dec. 3-19
Center Stage Shelton
54 Grove St.
Shelton
Times and dates vary
Website
The Santa Story
Dec. 4-30
Downtown Cabaret Children's Theater
263 Golden Hill St.
Bridgeport
Times and dates vary
Phone: (203) 576-1636
Website
Dec. 4-30
Downtown Cabaret Children's Theater
263 Golden Hill St.
Bridgeport
Times and dates vary
Phone: (203) 576-1636
Website
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Dec. 4 - Dec. 18
Thomaston Opera House
158 Main St.
Thomaston
Times and dates vary
Website
Dec. 4 - Dec. 18
Thomaston Opera House
158 Main St.
Thomaston
Times and dates vary
Website
City of Torrington Christmas Village
Dec. 12-24
150 Church St.
Torrington
Time: Weekdays 1 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; Weekends 12 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; Dec. 24 - 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Website
Dec. 12-24
150 Church St.
Torrington
Time: Weekdays 1 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; Weekends 12 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; Dec. 24 - 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Website
Script in Hand: A Merry Little Christmas Carol
Dec. 13-19
Westport Country Playhouse
25 Powers Court
Westport
Times vary
Website
Dec. 13-19
Westport Country Playhouse
25 Powers Court
Westport
Times vary
Website
NEW YEAR'S EVE
First Night 2022
Dec. 31
Ski Sundown
126 Ratlum Road
New Hartford
Time: Dec. 31 - 8 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Website
Dec. 31
Ski Sundown
126 Ratlum Road
New Hartford
Time: Dec. 31 - 8 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Website
Did we miss your favorite holiday event? Click here and let us know!