Holiday events are bustling and bringing fun and food across Connecticut.
Residents looking to partake in this season’s merriments do not have to look any further, as we have gone ahead and collected a list of places around the state hosting holiday-themed events and activities. From house tours to horse drawn carriage rides, there is something for everybody to enjoy this season.
This list will be updated as more events are announced, so make sure to check back to see what is new! Reach out to Blaine Callahan at [email protected] as well to advertise your local event if it is not already on this list.
38th Annual Holiday Stroll in West Hartford
The 38th Annual Holiday Stroll takes place Thursday, Dec. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Blue Black Square and West Hartford Center, according to a release.
“Get in the holiday spirit at West Hartford’s beloved New England-style Holiday Stroll, taking place throughout Blue Back Square and West Hartford Center,” according to their website. “This free, family-friendly tradition transforms the heart of town into a winter wonderland, offering something special for everyone to enjoy. Guests can meet Santa, sample delicious bites from some of West Hartford’s most popular restaurants, and join in the community Menorah Lighting. Three stages will feature live performances throughout the evening, while Victorian carolers stroll the streets to spread seasonal cheer. Families can also explore West Hartford’s fire trucks up close and take part in countless festive activities that capture the magic of the season.”
Whiting Mills’ Holiday Open House
If you love the idea of giving unique, artfully handmade gifts—especially for those hard-to-shop-for people on your list—Whiting Mills’ long-anticipated Holiday Open Studios event is the perfect place to discover your festive inspiration.
The Open House takes place on Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Whiting Mills, 100 Whiting Street, Winsted, Connecticut—an award-winning creative community housed in a charming, historic brick mill dating back to the 1800s.
Stepping inside Whiting Mills during the holidays is like walking into a magical winter wonderland. With halls beautifully decorated for the season, visitors can embark on a holiday treasure hunt across dozens of studios filled with handcrafted wares. Whether you’re seeking elegant pottery, aromatic candles, intricately woven baskets, or whimsical curiosities, you’re bound to find heartfelt gifts that are sure to become cherished keepsakes.
If you are unable to make it to the annual Open Studios, the Makers Shoppes at Whiting Mills are open every Sunday through Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tina’s Baskets and Woven Arts welcomes shoppers Saturdays and Sundays from 11 to 4 p.m. through December.
Homes for the Holidays Holiday House Tour at Wethersfield
The Homes for the Holidays Preview Party is set for Friday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. in the Silas Deane House according to a release: “This is a rare opportunity to experience our historic homes come alive with music and merriment. Gather with us to enjoy seasonal bites and beverages, festive carolers, and candlelight tours of the WDS houses decorated by professional designers — a perfect way to start the holiday season on a high note.”
Tickets are $125 per person, with Patron tickets at $250 or $500 for two, according to a release.
Shoppers across CT line up for Black Friday deals. This year many sales don’t end after one day.
The Homes for the Holidays House Tour takes place the following day Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to a release, with “private homes, the Silas Robbins Inn, masterfully redecorated by Sal Modifica of Modifica Interiors, the Buttolph-Williams House — complete with re-enactors — the rarely-opened Hurlbut-Dunham House, and all three WDS houses, each beautifully decorated for the season. Designers from both the Wethersfield area and New York will lend their talents. Box lunches are available for advance purchase, and the Holcombe Education Center will be open all day with cocoa, cookies, and festive music. The Gift Shop will also be open for your holiday shopping – where members can save 25% on all store purchases that day!”
Tickets are $70 a person with tour plus boxed lunch tickets at $95, according to a release: “To avoid paying processing fees, select “Other” from the drop down box at checkout.” A check can also be sent to Webb Deane Stevens Museum 211 Main Street Wethersfield, CT 06109 with Preview Party or Holiday House Tour in the memo line.
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides in Wethersfield
Beginning the weekend after Thanksgiving (Nov.28-30), the Town of Wethersfield will be partnering with Double M Ranch Horse Drawn Carriage Rides to deliver free rides in two spectacular locations in the Town of Wethersfield on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. These rides will continue through the New Year’s, during the long weekends of Friday-Sunday throughout the month of December, on the following dates (Dec.5-7, Dec. 12-14, Dec. 19-21 and Dec. 26-28). A perfect addition to the holiday season, with so many local businesses to visit for shopping or a bit to eat when you are through with your ride! These rides are free of charge.
On Friday and Saturday, the route being followed for this historic ride will run along Main Street to River Road and back. On Sunday, the route the Horse & Carriage will take is to circle the Broad Street Green. Some rides will be in a small, old fashioned carriage designed for smaller groups and others will be a slightly larger hay ride style wagon.
In case of inclement weather (snow, ice), the event could be temporarily cancelled and rescheduled to dates in January. Keep an eye on the Town of Wethersfield official website, official Facebook page and official Instagram for announcements.
Charles Dickens at New Haven Museum
On Saturday, Dec.13, 2025, the New Haven Museum (NHM) will usher in the Christmas season with two programs focusing on Dickens—the author’s wildly popular visit to New Haven and his renowned work, “A Christmas Carol.” Entry for both events is free with regular museum admission.
The festivities will begin with a special “What’s in the Whitney Library?” program, “New Haven Holidays.” Librarian Emma Norden will offer a glimpse of Christmas past from the Whitney Library collection from 12 to 4 p.m. Visitors will view a charming collection of holiday treasures—from handmade Christmas cards from the early 1900s to greetings from overseas soldiers during WW1. It will also include an astonishing article from the December 24, 1950, New Haven Register recounting Dickens’s 1868 Elm City reading of the “Christmas Carol,” replete with rioting crowds and a ticketing scandal so colossal that the entire appearance was rescheduled and re-ticketed. Register here.
At 2 p.m., visitors will gather in the auditorium for a one-man performance of Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol” as performed by Michael Rose. In his 90-minute cut of the perennial holiday favorite, Rose embodies over a dozen characters, from Ebeneezer Scrooge to Tiny Tim to the three ghosts of Christmas. The performance will be on Saturday, Dec.13, 2025, at 2 pm., with a reception at 1:30 p.m. Register here.
Dino-Lights: A Holiday Festival at The Dinosaur Place in Montville
Dino-Lights: A Holiday Festival features “an enchanting trail illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights and populated by life-sized, festive dinosaurs,” according to a release. “The unique experience offers holiday cheer and excitement for the whole family.”
Here is what you can look forward to, according to a release:
- Dazzling Illuminated Trail where guests can walk alongside lights, music & dinosaurs
- Giant Lighted T-Rex Tower, a 2.5-story Playscape designed for children to climb, explore, and burn off some holiday energy (ages 2 – 12). Also, Spinosaurus Spiral a climb and slide playscape will be open.
- Dozens of Festive Photo opportunities perfect for capturing that unique Christmas card moment
- Santa will be spreading Peppermint Joy with free festive photo ops
- Hot Chocolate to keep spirits warm*
The event runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4 to 8 p.m., according to a release, and runs Saturday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Jan. 4. Admission is $25 a person. Tickets can be reserved online, and make sure to dress warm.