Follow the Lights to Holiday Cheer! Last Updated: November 2023
Holiday cheer is upon us in Connecticut! Get in the holiday spirit by getting out and experiencing some of the brilliant holiday lights festivals and displays around the state. Enjoy a festive, magical and memorable outing sure to delight audiences of all ages.
Find even more holiday events here.
Start a Family Tradition
A holiday experience for people of all ages. Enjoy Magic of Lights in East Hartford, from the comfort of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path. At every turn, the magical route is overflowing with spectacular light displays that bring your favorite holiday themes and characters to life.
Glow Gardens
Join in on a fun, one-of-a-kind, family-friendly indoor festival of lights! Dazzling light gardens, glowing activities, delectable seasonal treats, and live entertainment are all in store for you at Glow Gardens.
Holiday Lights Spectacular
See Olde Mistick Village transformed into a holiday wonderland. Explore the Holiday Lights Spectacular with over a half-million lights that will decorate the square of shops and restaurants for families and holiday enthusiasts to enjoy. And don't miss Olde Mistick Village's Holiday Carnival on December 2 and Santa meet & greet on December 9!
Small Town Holiday Cheer
Kick-off the holiday season with Trees in the Rigging Boat Parade in Essex. Watch a parade of vessels dressed out in holiday lights along the Connecticut River on November 26.
On December 9, in the shoreline town of Niantic, families will enjoy the holiday festivities during the Niantic Light Parade.
The annual Torchlight Parade in Old Saybrook is also on December 9, kicking off the holiday season with musicians, more than 20 floats, and marching groups for the entire family to enjoy.