Explore Connecticut’s Winter Festivals
There’s magic in the air as New England anticipates its first snowfall of the season. When the landscape is dusted with the warmth of nostalgia and anticipation before the New Year, small towns gather for seasonal festivities.
Communities around Delamar are preparing to revisit their own yearly traditions and everyone is welcome to join! Here are a few festivals that we’ve kept near our hearts over the years:
Winter Festival – North Haven
November 27
Turn holiday shopping into a fun seasonal experience by visiting the Winter Festival at the North Haven Fairgrounds. With over 30 local vendors and crafters, there will be plenty of unique and thoughtful gifts to delight anyone. There will also be a holiday story read by Mrs. Claus and an exciting fire truck visit from Santa. Bring the whole family to enjoy live entertainment, decorated trees, basket raffles, and festive food & drinks!
Bethlehem Christmas Town Festival – Bethlehem
December 3 – 4
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree has a competition in Connecticut! Showcasing an 85-foot tree in the Town Green, the Bethlehem Christmas Town Festival has the largest Christmas Tree in the area. View the tree and listen to live music as you peruse the vendors and indulge in tasty seasonal snacks. Children can participate in festive crafts, a scavenger hunt, and take a train or hayride through the town. You can even take your very own photo with Santa!
Festival of Trees and Traditions – Hartford
December 2 – 12
Established by the Women’s Committee in 1973, this dazzling festival transforms the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum into a winter wonderland. Wander through galleries filled with vast collections of art while admiring a breathtaking display of holiday trees and wreaths contributed by local community members, artists, and organizations.
During your visit, enjoy live music and dance performances with a weekend visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visit the Festival of Trees and Traditions to gather inspiration for your own holiday decorations or purchase one to raise funds for the museum.
While The Festival of Trees and Traditions will be open from December 2 until the 12, it will be closed Monday through Wednesday.
Lantern Light Village – Mystic
December 10-11, 17-18, 20-22
Travel back in time by visiting the Lantern Light Village! Explore the grounds and learn about the differences between modern and 19th-century holiday celebrations. Gaze at holiday lighting displays, listen to live music, ride in a horse and carriage, gather around a fire pit, and welcome a visit from St. Nicholas! Find yourself immersed in the holiday tradition with themed stories, crafts, and games.
Make sure you dress warm since the experience is nearly entirely outdoors regardless of weather conditions. Some portions of the grounds are lit with only kerosene lanterns in the spirit of a 19th-century ambiance, so you may want to bring a flashlight.
Fantasy of Lights – New Haven
Fantasy of Lights in New Haven
November 18 – December 31
Experience the holiday spirit in a COVID-safe fashion with the whole family. In its 27th year, the Fantasy of Lights is a mile-long display of light formations presented by Goodwill of Southern New England. Drive through the installation and marvel at the familiar characters, intricate scenes, and seasonal themes that are thoughtfully constructed.
Many of the light displays are animated, with some using LEDs which makes them even more colorful and vibrant. For a fun escapade through a dazzling world of light while contributing to a greater cause, the Fantasy of Lights is a sight to behold this year!
Santa’s Arrival – Fairfield
November 28
Come visit our table during Santa’s Arrival. Children can meet with Santa, share their holiday wishes, and receive a small gift. There will also be a horse and wagon ride, festive DJ music, and local businesses perfect for holiday shopping. For a dazzling theater production, the Fairfield Theatre Company will present Home Alone at the Warehouse.
West Hartford Holiday Stroll – West Hartford
December 2
Join us in Blue Back Square for the West Hartford Holiday Stroll. Discover a range of local entertainment, activities, and vendors. Children can visit Santa & Mrs. Claus, Anna & Elsa, and the whole family can view exciting performances by The Greater Hartford Dance Academy, The Ballet Theatre Company, School of Rock, and more.
Holiday Fun in Connecticut
Some of the warmest moments occur during the coldest season. Share a magical winter experience with your family and bond through joyous community-driven activities. After sledding your way through a day of holiday merriment, visit Delamar for an indulgent dining experience or curl up around our fire pits and sip our signature winter cocktails.