New London Other Christmas Activities 2026

Experience a magical holiday kickoff as Santa Claus arrives by tugboat at Mystic River Park. Children can share their wishes with Santa by the Christmas tree, with opportunities for photos. The day also features a bustling artisan market on Cottrell...

Experience the magic of the Old Saybrook Torchlight Parade, a cherished holiday tradition for over 50 years. Held on the second Saturday in December, this unique event illuminates the night with marchers carrying torches. Enjoy captivating performances by Fife &...

Experience a magical evening at the annual Winterfest Light Parade! This free event brings the community together with dazzling floats, twinkling lights, and festive music. Capture holiday spirit with pictures with Santa, enjoy seasonal treats from local vendors, and participate...

All aboard the North Pole Express™ for a magical nighttime train journey to the North Pole! This enchanting experience includes festive sing-alongs, delicious hot chocolate, and sugar cookies. Children will receive a special gift from Santa Claus, and are encouraged...

Get ready for the Holiday Dazzle Light Parade, a spectacular event that illuminates Putnam with festive cheer. This beloved tradition marks the official start of the holiday season, bringing the community together for a dazzling display of lights and holiday...

Get ready to unleash your creativity at the annual Gingerbread House Contest in Downtown Putnam! This festive event invites individuals, families, and groups to design and build dazzling gingerbread houses for a chance to win cash prizes. It's a wonderful...

Lace up your running shoes for Santa's Run, a beloved holiday road race in Glastonbury. This festive event welcomes participants of all ages to enjoy a fun 5k run or walk. Whether you're a seasoned runner or looking for some...

Get ready for the annual Holiday Stroll in Downtown Wallingford on December 4th, 2026! This beloved community event invites everyone to experience the festive spirit as they stroll through the heart of downtown. Discover local businesses and enjoy the holiday...

The North Haven Winterfest returns to the fairgrounds for a delightful end-of-year celebration. This family-friendly event features over 30 local craft vendors, exciting activities like face painting, kids' crafts, and games, plus festive tree decorating and hayrides. Visitors can also...

Transform retired books into charming holiday decorations and whimsical woodland creatures. Participants will learn simple folding and crafting techniques to create their choice of a Christmas tree, angel, or hedgehog. No prior artistic experience is needed for this creative night...

Get into the holiday spirit with Santa Saturdays in Putnam! These special events offer a wonderful opportunity for families to meet Santa Claus and his elves. Each Saturday features a unique theme and festive activities, creating magical holiday memories for...

Get ready for the magical 'Santa Lights Up Putnam' event! Join the community as Santa arrives to illuminate the town for the holiday season. Enjoy the spectacular Holiday Dazzle Light Parade, festive treats, and a chance to participate in the...

Barcelona invites families to embrace the holiday spirit with a wealth of free Christmas activities for children. Explore enchanting light displays, visit historic Christmas markets like Fira de Santa Llúcia, and immerse yourselves in magical experiences such as Magic Days...

Experience the magic of the West Hartford Holiday Stroll, a cherished New England-style tradition. This free, family-friendly event transforms West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square into a winter wonderland. Enjoy live music, festive activities, and the chance to meet...

Step into a festive wonderland at the Newington Historical Society's Holiday Open House. The historic Kellogg-Eddy House will be beautifully adorned with seasonal decorations, offering a charming glimpse into holiday traditions of the past. Enjoy warm hospitality with delicious punch...

The 67th Annual Trinity College Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols offers a comforting and hopeful start to the holiday season for the Greater Hartford community. This cherished service blends scripture readings with sacred music, performed by talented student ensembles...

Winterfest Hartford transforms Bushnell Park into a magical winter wonderland, offering free public ice skating, lessons, and rentals. This beloved annual tradition brings the community together for festive outdoor fun, with special appearances by Santa and local performers, creating cherished...

Lace up for the CLA Blue Back Mitten Run, a festive 5K tradition that winds through West Hartford's charming, decorated neighborhoods. This popular event, which has sold out in past years, welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities...

Winterfest Hartford provides free learn-to-skate sessions in Bushnell Park for all ages, including skate rentals.

Winterfest Hartford offers free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park. The event includes free learn-to-skate classes and photos with Santa.

A 3-day silent retreat, guided by the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, is offered this Advent for young men.

A weekend retreat focused on exploring vocation includes Mass, adoration, spiritual direction, and workshops.

Embark on a delightful holiday scavenger hunt through Stonington Borough, running from November 22 to December 31, 2025. Discover hidden buoys at various participating locations, collect stamps on your postcard, and submit it for a chance to win one of...

Step into a festive wonderland at Mystic Aquarium's 'Home for the Holidays' event. This seasonal celebration offers a unique opportunity to explore captivating marine exhibits and enjoy special holiday-themed activities. It's a perfect outing for families looking to combine the...

Join the community in Dixon Square for Santa's official arrival via fire trucks, marking the festive start to the holiday season. This beloved annual tradition welcomes Santa Claus, the 'Winter Lady,' and other holiday characters to greet children and families....

Santa's Christmas Tree Farm LI offers a classic holiday experience where families can select and cut their own Christmas trees. Beyond tree cutting, they can enjoy ice skating, pony rides, and bouncy houses. The farm also features a Christmas shop...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Wickford Holiday Concert, featuring a special performance by The Lafayette Band as part of the Wickford Festival of Lights. This free event promises an evening filled with festive cheer and musical...

Join the Mansfield Downtown Partnership for their annual Winter Welcome event, a free celebration for all ages to usher in the new season. This festive gathering features a variety of activities, including musical performances, interactive displays, and a special appearance...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Annual Newport Illuminated Boat Parade. Watch as beautifully decorated boats light up Newport Harbor, creating a dazzling spectacle of nautical holiday spirit. This beloved event brings a unique festive charm to...

Step back in time with a visit to The Shore Line Trolley Museum, where you can ride historic trolleys along scenic routes. Experience seasonal events, from fall-themed excursions to festive holiday rides. Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing a vast collection of...

Unleash your creativity this holiday season by crafting a beautiful and reusable paper floral arrangement. Led by expert Jennie Sadler of Love of Plants, this workshop provides all necessary supplies and guidance to create a unique piece of art for...

Get ready for the return of the Festival de la Infància in Barcelona! This exciting event is packed with games, learning opportunities, and adventures for the whole family. While full details are still to be announced, attendees can anticipate an...

St. George's School hosts two cherished Christmas events: the 68th Service of Lessons & Carols and the 114th Annual Christmas Festival. Both events take place in the stunning St. George's Chapel, offering a blend of traditional carols, seasonal readings, and...

Get ready for the Annual Gingerbread House Festival, a beloved event that transforms the Wood Memorial Library and Museum into a wonderland of edible art. This festival showcases an array of imaginative and meticulously crafted gingerbread houses, offering a delightful...

Join The Learning Experience New Haven for a delightful 'Breakfast With Bubbles' open house. This festive event offers a wonderful opportunity to meet Santa Claus and enjoy a special breakfast spread. It's a chance to explore their facilities and embrace...

Discover the rich heritage of Kwanzaa at this community celebration, honoring Pan-African and African American culture. Explore the seven principles, symbols, and colors that define this meaningful observance. Enjoy traditional activities like drumming, storytelling, and a festive Karamu feast, fostering...

Discover the historic Boar's Head Festival, a unique celebration steeped in tradition. This event features a symbolic procession and a blend of music and ceremony, offering a memorable experience for all attendees.

Embark on a magical holiday journey aboard the Candy Cane Express Cruise! This enchanting experience is perfect for families, offering a festive escape on the water. Children will delight in the onboard entertainment and holiday spirit, making it a memorable...

Young men are invited to immerse themselves in a profound 3-day silent retreat, designed to foster spiritual growth and prepare for Christmas. Following the methodology of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, participants will engage in deep reflection and...

Little princes and princesses can delight in a magical Holiday Princess Tea Party. They will dance and sing with their favorite princesses in an elegant ballroom setting, enjoying a formal white glove tea service complete with finger sandwiches and sweet...

Join the City of New Haven for a meaningful Hanukkah celebration with an official menorah lighting ceremony on the New Haven Green. This event is a key part of the city's diverse holiday programming, offering a moment of reflection and...