34 Things to Do in Connecticut This December Last Updated: November 2022

Active Adventure

1. Shred the slopes. Break out your skis, snowboards, and tubes for some downhill thrills at Mohawk Mountain Ski Area in Cornwall, Mount Southington Ski Area in Southington, Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort in Middlefield, and Ski Sundown in New Hartford.

2. Get your steps in. Don’t let the cold keep you from being active. Warm up your muscles on any one of Connecticut’s hiking trails.

3. Enjoy ice skating. Sharpen your blades and practice your balance at the International Skating Center of Connecticut in Simsbury or book a skate time at Danbury Ice Arena or at Northford Ice Pavilion located in Northford.

4. Go cross-country. Swap the downhill runs for a peaceful glide through nature when cross-country skiing at White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield and Winding Trails Cross Country Ski Center in Farmington.

5. Break the ice. Visit a local bait shop before cutting the ice to fish for bass, pike, and perch at Bantam Lake or Lake Waramaug. You might even stop by Cabela's for some extra gear.

Arts & Culture

6. Appreciate the arts. Let the arts move and inspire you. Check out art exhibitions at New Britain Museum of American Art, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, or even view art outside by exploring the Sculpture Trail at Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London or visiting these photo-worthy outdoor murals.

7. Meander a winter market. Find some fresh and local goodies at the Guilford Farmer's Market or the Westport Winter Farmers' Market.

8. Make holiday ornaments. Get crafty Christmas-style and attend an ornament-making workshop at the Guilford Art Center in Guilford.

9. Practice your aim. If you want to try something new, challenge your friends, or just unleash some built-up stress, try your hand at axe throwing at Montana Nights Axe Throwing in Newington or Blue Ox Axe Throwing in Bridgeport.

Food and Drink Adventures

10. Go on a foodie tour. Indulge in Connecticut's authentic and tasty pizza, chocolate, or chowder trails.

11. Dine fireside. There are dozens of fireside dining options in Connecticut where you can toast the cold days and nights hearthside. From pubs and shoreline inns to fine dining, warm up to these destinations.

12. Put your pinkies up at tea. Rid yourself of the winter cold with a hot cup of tea at Alice in the Village in Mystic. Or, enjoy holiday tea in the decorated Barnes Museum in Southington.

13. Tour craft distilleries. Sample homemade flavors from moonshine to gin, whiskey, and vodka at these Connecticut distilleries.

14. Devor comfort food.  As the weather cools down, heat up with comfort food favorites from mashed potatoes and mac 'n cheese to chicken wings and pizza.

Family Fun

15. Pick-your-own tree. Bring your axe, put on your heaviest layers, and head to Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree Farm in East Hampton, Lou's Christmas Tree Farm in Orange, and Yurechko Tree Farm in Griswold to chop down this year’s perfect tree.

16. Light up the night. Attend the tree lighting at Foxwoods on December 3, hosted by special guests Chevy Chase and Jojo!

17. Enjoy indoor adventures. From trampoline parks and indoor golfing to virtual reality experiences, ropes courses, even destinations to smash old items, stay warm inside and have tons of fun with these indoor activities. 

18. See Santa. Take pictures with the man in red this year at Wickham Park’s 40th Annual Santa's Workshop. Or visit Santa aboard a train at the Railroad Museum of New England.

19. And don't forget the reindeer! At the 14th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival, where you can take pictures with Santa in addition to meeting reindeer.

20. Challenge yourself. Test your skills and your nerve indoors at the Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park in Danbury, or break a sweat testing your problem-solving skills at Adventure Rooms in Middletown.

21. Love the lights. Look at thousands of dazzling holiday lights, right from your car, at Hartford’s Holiday Light Fantasia, Magic of Lights in East Hartford, or Lights in Motion in Hebron.

22. Go on a sleigh ride. Round up the kids and embark on a festive sleigh ride, pulled by horses.

23. Walk in a winter wonderland. Stroll through communities across the state transforming their shops and streets into magical winter towns. Check out Olde Mistick Village’s Holiday Lights Spectacular, the Bethlehem Christmas Town Festival, or the Glow Gardens in Hartford.

24. See a 4-D holiday experience. Watch The Polar Express in 4-D at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. Enjoy a multi-sensory film experience for the holidays.

25. Attend Hartford's Holiday Market. All month long, downtown Hartford will be celebrating the holiday season with holiday-themed activities, vendors, pop-up kiosks, special weekend events, and more. Don't miss the very first Winterfair — it's sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

26. Celebrate Hanukkah. Attend Menorah lightings and more this season. Find events for the whole family here.

Rest and Relaxation

27. Make holiday wreaths. Learn to craft your very own holiday wreath at the Trumbull Nature & Arts Center.

28. Do some yoga. Realign your mind, body, and spirit to help handle the stress of the holidays at the Salt Cave of Darien or Charym Yoga Studio in Litchfield.

29. Find some small-town holiday spirit. Discover Connecticut’s winter charm when you stroll, shop, dine, or stay in one of its picturesque towns.

30. Pamper yourself. Take a break from the mess and stress of the holidays and enjoy a massage, facial and more at spas like Spa at Norwich Inn, Mayflower Inn & Spa, and Delamar West Hartford.

31. Go holiday shopping. Connecticut has plenty of outdoor malls such as Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets, The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk, and Shoppes at Farmington Valley, where you can find the perfect presents for your family and friends. For even more thoughtful and unique gifts, try shopping local.

Romantic Escapes

32. Hallmark hotspots. You’ll feel like you’re falling in love all over again when you visit the magical small towns that Hallmark and Lifetime movie lovebirds have walked through on-screen during the holidays.

33. Take a winter retreat. Essex, Madison, and Greenwich are just a few of Connecticut’s historic and charming towns that offer the perfect winter getaway for you and that special someone.

34. Snap wintry photos together. Plan a romantic road trip to these Instagram-worthy winter spots and capture a few sweet moments in the stunning scenery.