With Thanksgiving arriving this week, the holiday season is officially upon us (yay!). If you are a planner (like us!) then you are already researching outing ideas and making sure you and your family have time to enjoy all of your favorite destinations.
As always, we wanted to save you some time and help you get started on your list by pulling together a post with all of the holiday destinations we’ve covered on the site. This year’s list has lots of variety including train displays, planetarium shows, trolley rides, visits with Santa, tree cutting, and more.
And the good news is that we aren’t just listing outings for you, we are linking back to our original post which contains all of the details you need for a relaxing family outing.
We hope that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you enjoy our 2016 Holiday Guide!
Shawna & Mandy
The Christmas Village
Torrington, Connecticut
December 11-24, 2016
Visit Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elves, and live reindeer at this holiday destination. Don’t let the long line out front make you turn around, it is worth the wait! Santa takes his time visiting with each child and even gives them a gift. A visit to the Christmas Village is FREE, but donations are accepted.
Find out more details in our post from 2013!
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Winterfest
Bushnell Park
Hartford, Connecticut
November 25, 2016 – January 8, 2017
Though budget cuts almost caused this event not to happen, the generous support of people and businesses has it is back again this year! Not only will FREE ice skating and FREE skate rentals be offered, but there will be FREE learn-to-skate lessons a few Saturdays in December. You can also visit with Santa Claus on Saturdays & Sundays at the carousel.
Check out our posts from 2011 and 2012 for more details.
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Holiday Express Train Show
Fairfield Museum
Fairfield, Connecticut
December 2, 2016 – January 8, 2017
This fun event features multiple train displays, festive trees, and beautiful holiday decorations. It is a magical experience for any train-loving child (or adult!).
Check out our post from 2014 for more information.
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Bright Nights
Forest Park
Springfield, Massachusetts
November 23, 2016 – January 1, 2017 (closed November 28 & 29)
To our north is where you will find one of our favorite holiday light displays. Visitors can enjoy the holiday spirit from the warmth and comfort of their car or get out for a quick visit with Santa Claus.
Check out our post from 2012 for more information.
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Holiday Lights
Lake Compounce
Bristol, Connecticut
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 25 – December 18, 2016
If you prefer walking through a beautiful holiday light display, then a visit to Lake Compounce should be on your to-do list this holiday season. Not only is the park decorated in lights, but several park rides are open as well. Add in a visit with Santa, a ride on the train, and a few sweet treats and this outing will become a family tradition.
Check out our post from 2013 for more details.
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Image provided by the Wadsworth Atheneum.
Festival of Trees and Traditions
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Hartford, Connecticut
December 2-11, 2016 (FREE on December 10th)
For the 43rd year, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art will be decked out for the holidays with unique trees and more. While the event runs for two weeks, a great time to visit is during Second Saturdays, a FREE event held on December 10th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Families can enjoy the beautifully decorated trees and also learn about holiday traditions around the world through a variety of activities.
Check out our post from 2012 for more information on the Second Saturdays program.
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Winterfest
Connecticut Trolley Museum
East Windsor, Connecticut
Friday to Sunday, November 25 – December 30, 2016
If trolleys and trains are a hit in your house, then this would be a great family outing for you. Ride a trolley through the tunnel of lights then head inside to warm up, visit with Santa, and check out the large variety of train displays. So many things to keep the kids entertained!
Check out our 2012 blog post for more information.
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Image provided by the Wood Memorial Library
6th Annual Gingerbread House Festival
Wood Memorial Library
South Windsor, Connecticut
November 25 – December 10, 2016 (closed on Tuesday & Wednesday)
Stop by this sweet library to see their beautiful display of gingerbread houses. You can even bid on one to take home for yourself!
Check out our post from 2013 for more information.
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Holiday Train Display
Amato’s Toy Store
Middletown, Connecticut
Mostly Saturday and Sunday from November 19 – December 31, 2016
Cross a few things off your shopping list at this old-fashioned toy store and then head downstairs to check out their holiday train display. The exhibit is FREE but they ask that guests donate a bag of non-perishable food for the Amazing Grace food pantry.
See our post from 2013 for more information.
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Bees, Fleas, and Trees
Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree
Litchfield, Connecticut
November 26 – December 18, 2016
A cut-your-own Christmas tree location that has been in business since 1973! Its name comes from the things raised on the farm: bees, goats, and trees (of course!). One interesting fact about this destination is that it is owned by the parents of the famous writer, Elizabeth Gilbert. Find a selection of her books for sale right inside their barn and be sure to grab a cup of hot cocoa while you are there.
See our post from 2012 for more information.
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Festival of Silver Lights
Hubbard Park
Meriden, Connecticut
November 22, 2016 – January 2, 2017
This FREE holiday light display is a fun family experience. Go before sunset and let the kids play on the nearby playground. Then bundle up for a walk or ride through the park!
See our post from 2012 for more information.
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Holiday Light Fantasia
Goodwin Park
Hartford, Connecticut
November 24, 2016 – January 1, 2017
Visit this light display at Goodwin Park and help support the Channel 3 Kids Camp! The two-mile show includes over 1 million lights for you and your family to enjoy.
See our post from 2011 for more information.
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Santa’s Workshop
Wickham Park
Manchester, Connecticut
December 10, 11, and 14-23, 2016
Perched on the highest hill in beautiful Wickham Park sits a not-to-be-missed holiday destination. There you will find Santa’s Workshop filled with Christmas decor, model train sets, cookies, hot cocoa, and, of course, the big man himself — Santa Claus.
See our post from 2011 for more information.
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Coward Farm
Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree
Southwick, Massachusetts
Opens for the holiday season on November 25, 2016
Start your own family tradition by cutting down a Christmas tree at this picturesque destination located right over the Connecticut state line. They make it easy by providing all of the tools you need.
See our post from 2015 for more information.
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Laser Holidays Show & Season of Light
Glastonbury Planetarium
Glastonbury, Connecticut
December 27 – 29, 2016
Shawna discovered this unique experience last year and once again they are offering a holiday show. This year the schedule is shortened with only a few shows at the end of the month, but it would certainly be a fun way to round out the season!
See our post from 2015 for more information.
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The Nutcracker
The Hartt School
Hartford, Connecticut
December 9 – 18, 2016
This show offers the perfect opportunity to introduce a child to the art of ballet. The venue is small, the costumes are stunning, the music is familiar, and the afternoon showtime is perfect. Buy your tickets early as the matinees are typically the first show to sell out.
See our post from 2014 for more information.
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