Out and About Mom’s 2019 Holiday Guide

Please note: Some of the businesses/organizations included in this list are currently or have been Out and About Mom sponsors. No additional compensation was received for this post and all opinions expressed by this blogger are 100% her own.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we want to be sure you and your family have an opportunity to spend time together and enjoy some of the amazing holiday activities in our area! So, once again, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite holiday destinations to share with you. There are the old standbys–the ones we keep going back for year after year, plus plenty of new holiday fun to start fresh family traditions.

Most of these are places we’ve visited with our own families and documented on the site. And we’ve even experienced many of the holiday events as well. So not only are we sharing these holiday happenings, but we’re also providing all the details you need to hopefully make it an easy and enjoyable outing for you and your family. Think of it as our little gift to you this holiday season 🙂

Happy Holidays from all of us at Out and About Mom!

Bright Nights

Forest Park
Springfield, Massachusetts
November 27, 2019 – January 5, 2020 (closed December 2 & 3)
Get the kids in their pajamas, make some hot chocolate and popcorn and make the drive right over the Connecticut border for one of our favorite holiday light displays. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the holidays from the warmth of their car or get out for a quick visit with Santa Claus. Opening night is just $6 per car and other nights are either $20 or $25 per car. Tuesday, December 10th is $10 per car. Purchase advance tickets for $16 at Big Y World Class Market or use this coupon for a $3 discount. Check out our post from 2012 for more information.

Lake Compounce Holiday Lights

Lake Compounce
Bristol, Connecticut
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from now – December 22, 2019
Bundle up for an evening visit to Lake Compounce. Over 1 million holiday lights will be on display! Plus children can ride several attractions and enjoy a visit with Santa. Check out our post from 2013 for more details.

Festival of Silver Lights

Hubbard Park
Meriden, Connecticut
November 26, 2019 – January 1, 2020
This FREE holiday light display is a fun family experience featuring over 350,000 lights! Go before sunset and let the kids play on the nearby playground. Then bundle up for a walk or ride through the park! The lights are on nightly from 5 pm to midnight. Stop by on November 26th for the lighting ceremony taking place at 5:30 pm. See our post from 2012 for more information.

Holiday Light Fantasia

Goodwin Park
Hartford, Connecticut
November 28, 2019 – January 1, 2020
Visit this light display at Goodwin Park and help support the Channel 3 Kids Camp!  The two-mile show is open every night and includes over 1 million lights for you and your family to enjoy. Cost is $15 per car but you can get $2 off by using this coupon.  Santa visits every Friday and Saturday from 5-8 pm. Also, be sure to look for Flurry on your adventure. Report back on his location and you will be entered for a chance to win an iPad. See our post from 2011 for more information.

Fantasy of Lights

Lighthouse Point Park
New Haven, Connecticut
November 15 – December 31, 2019
Turn your radio station to 87.9 and enjoy the beautiful light display over the 1-mile route at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven. This is another great light display supporting a great cause, Goodwill of Southern New England. It is open nightly and the cost is $10 per car (cash only). See our post from 2013 for more information.

Christmas Festival of Lights

Edaville USA
Carver, Massachusetts
November 18, 2019 – January 1, 2020
Experience the most magical light displays featuring MILLIONS & MILLIONS of lights. Stroll into Thomas Land and catch a Christmas Show at Tidmouth Sheds! Take a step back in time at Dicken’s Village. And don’t forget to stop by and visit Santa Claus, grab a hot cocoa, and enjoy all rides and attractions. One ticket gives you access to all rides, attractions and light displays. Check their calendar for daily events. Read our 2016 post for additional details about this venue.

Winter Wonderland

Southwick’s Zoo
Mendon, Massachusetts
November 29 – December 29, 2019 Friday, Saturday, & Sunday; 4:30pm-9:30pm
Visitors can ride the train through the enchanted forest to admire dazzling holiday light displays, visit with Santa Claus at his house, meet Santa’s furry friends in the petting zoo, find Rudy the Reindeer in the Adventure Maze, hang out with Christmas characters such as Frosty the Snowman, purchase delectable treats from the Gingerbread Bakery, enjoy live entertainment, and more! New for 2019: This year’s Winter Wonderland guests will be amazed by the Cirque de Holiday performance in the heated holiday tent. Cirque de Holiday is included with Winter Wonderland admission. Check out our 2018 post for a sneak peek at this venue.

Bees, Fleas, and Trees

Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree
Litchfield, Connecticut
November 30, 2019 – December 22, 2019
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 (with fleas!), and trees. 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. Bring cash too for your tree. They are open Saturday and Sunday from 9 am – 4:30 pm and Thursday and Friday from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. Prices range from $19-$49. This destination will definitely get you into the holiday spirit! See our post from 2012 for more information.

Coward Farm

Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree
Southwick, Massachusetts
Opens for the holiday season on November 29, 2019
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 and trees are all just $55 plus tax. Pre-cut trees are also available for a variety of prices and be sure to check out their gift barn for even more holiday goodies. They open for the season on November 29th and are open daily. See our post from 2015 for more information.

Dzen Tree Farm

Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree
South Windsor, Connecticut
Open November 29 – December 24, 2019
This destination can be a little difficult to find because there are similarly named tree farms in the area, but look for the “live reindeer” signs and you should find it easily. And of course, that means you can visit live reindeers while you are there! Trees are just $55 each (including tax) and supplies for cutting them down and securing them to your car are available there. This year they will open on November 29 and run through December 24, 2019. See our post from 2013 for more information.

Hazen Tree Farm

East Hampton, Connecticut
Open on Saturdays and Sundays
We’ve only visited this destination for their FREE and beautifully decorated outdoor walking trail but we know they also offer reasonably priced cut-your-own Christmas trees (cash only). So visit for a walk on the beautiful trail (see our post from 2017 for more details) and maybe pick up a tree while you are there!

Fairfield Museum’s Holiday Express Train Show

Fairfield, Connecticut
December 6, 2019 – January 5, 2020
Special opening night event on December 6th
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!). Visit on opening night (12/6) and also enjoy cider, cookies and a craft activity. Check out our post from 2014 for more information.

Connecticut River Museum’s Holiday Train Show

Essex, Connecticut
November 26, 2019 – February 23, 2020
This fun family destination is located in the adorable town of Essex. The train display is FREE with museum admission and museum admission is FREE for children under 6 years of age. Visit this museum to learn more about the beautiful history of the Connecticut River and see this wonderful holiday train exhibit which is celebrating its 26th year! Check out our post from 2015 for more information.

Santa’s Trolley Winter Wonderland 

The Shoreline Trolley Museum
East Haven, Connecticut
November 29-30 & December 1 and weekends December 7-22, 2019
Take a trolley ride to the North Pole where kids visit with Santa, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, receive a small gift and more! Open Saturday and Sunday through December 22nd. Visit during the day when it is usually less crowded or in the evening when the twinkle lights are on. The cost is $10 per person. See our post from 2016 for more information.

Connecticut Trolley Museum’s Winterfest

East Windsor, Connecticut
Select nights, November 29 – December 29, 2019 (Santa departs after 12/22)
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.

Trainland Holiday Display

Amato’s Toy Store
Middletown, Connecticut
Visit this old-fashioned toy store to let your kids create their holiday wish list. Then take them downstairs to visit the store’s amazing holiday train display. Check Amato’s Facebook page for train running times. FREE with donation of a nonperishable food item to benefit a local food bank. See our post from 2013 for more information.

Northern Lights Limited & Santa Express Train

Railroad Museum of New England
Thomaston, Connecticut
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from the day after Thanksgiving to the weekend before Christmas Eve
Hop aboard the daytime Santa Express or enjoy the evening Northern Lights Limited. As the train travels through the cold winter wilderness, passengers will be able to visit with Santa, play with his Elves, and receive a special gift from Santa’s toy bag. Make your plans now! This is a very popular event and tickets do sell out. We haven’t experienced this particular train ride, but you can get a venue preview from our 2014 pumpkin patch train ride.

The Christmas Village

Torrington, Connecticut
December 8-24, 2019
Visit Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elves, and live reindeer at this amazing 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. Be sure to bring warm clothes, hats, and gloves as you will be waiting outside for a bit. Find out more details on their Facebook page and in our post from 2013!

Yankee Candle Village

South Deerfield, Massachusetts
Get into the holiday spirit any time of year with a visit to the festive Yankee Candle Village. Make your own candles, see the train displays, and visit Santa when he is in town. Be sure to check their website for special holiday events! See our post from 2018 for more details.

Bushnell Park’s Winterfest

Hartford, Connecticut
November 29, 2019 – January 20, 2020
Winterfest is such a great family event! Enjoy FREE ice skating and FREE skate rentals along with FREE learn-to-skate lessons. You can also visit with Santa Claus on Saturdays & Sundays at the carousel and receive a FREE picture. Carousel rides will be available for $1. Check out our posts from 2011 and 2012 for more details.

Festival of Trees and Traditions

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Hartford, Connecticut
November 29 – December 8, 2019
For the 46th year, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art will be decked out for the holidays with unique trees and more. 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 this venue.

Santa’s Workshop

Wickham Park
Manchester, Connecticut
December 13-23, 2019
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. If it is cold outside, be sure to bundle up as the line can take a while as Santa does not rush your visit. The event is FREE but visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable item to donate to the local food pantry. Cash donations are also accepted for the cookies and hot cocoa provided. See our post from 2011 for more information.

Stew Leonard’s Holiday Events

Newington, Norwalk and Danbury, Connecticut Locations
November 29 – December 19, 2019
You will find many holiday activities at Stew Leonard’s including kids cooking classes, holiday workshops, breakfast with Santa and more. Everything kicks off on November 29th with the Newington location tree lighting event at 4:30 pm. Then a variety of activities continue through December 19th. Check out their events page for details on what is happening at the Newington location and the other Stew Leonard’s locations in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. See our post from 2013 on the Stew Leonard’s Toddler Cooking Class and our tour of the Newington Stew Leonard’s store from 2011 for more information on this destination.

Poppers and Holiday Traditions

Connecticut Museum and Historical Society
Hartford, Connecticut
December 7, 2019 from 10:00am-1:00pm.
Join the CHS for their annual popper craft! Make your very own popper to use as a gift, a New Year’s Eve noisemaker, or a holiday party favor. This program is free and great for children of all ages. Check out our 2012 visit to this museum for a sneak peek!

Blue Back Square Holiday Stroll

Blue Back Square
West Hartford, Connecticut
December 5, 2019, from 5:00-8:00 pm
This is a FREE family-friendly event held at Blue Back Square and West Hartford Center. Bundle up and come and enjoy the sites and sounds of the holiday season while strolling through the local shops and restaurants. Meeting Santa & Mrs. Claus and see the holiday tree lighting. There is a lot to see and enjoy at this annual event!

Winter Wonderland

New Canaan Nature Center
December 14, 2019 from 11:00am to 2:00pm
Be transported into a whole new world as the New Canaan Nature Center transforms into a Winter Wonderland filled with fun and exciting winter holiday activities for the entire family. Check out our 2016 visit to the New Canaan Nature Center for more information on this destination.

Winterfest at Mystic Aquarium

Mystic, Connecticut
December 26, 2019 – January 1, 2020
Visit one day or many and delight in the magic of the season with different activities every day including ice sculpture artists, pictures with Santa, a sing-a-long with the Snow Sisters, live music performances and even a toast to the New Year with apple cider bubbly! Check their website for a full schedule of daily events. Check out our 2017 Mystic Aquarium visit for more information about this venue.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wishes

Webster Bank Arena
Bridgeport, Connecticut
December 8, 2019 @ 2:00pm
Cirque Musica presents Holiday Wishes brings a holiday story to life in a full theatrical cirque event for the entire family. Featuring the world-renowned cast of Cirque Musica with your favorite holiday hits all performed LIVE by a full symphony orchestra. Find details in our recent post.

Celebrations Around the World (New Year’s Celebration)

Imagine Nation Museum & Early Learning Center
Bristol, Connecticut
December 31, 2019 from 9:30am to 2:00pm
Ring in the New Year celebrating cultures from around the globe! Festivities will include creating an English “cracker”, making and breaking a pinata, dancing, a visit from Father Time & Baby New Year, and more! March in the New Year’s parade at 11:30am. Gather in Imagine Nation Times Square and count down for the ball drop at 12:00 noon! Doors open at 9:30am, Museum closes at 2pm. Due to the popularity of this event, please plan to arrive by 11:30am to ensure enough time to participate in the festivities. Additional parking is available in the Upson Street commuter lot and in the lot across from Imagine Nation on Church Street. Skip the line- purchase your tickets in advance! Admission: $6/members, $12/non-members *Please note- Library and ACM reciprocal passes will not be accepted for this event* Check out our 2017 visit to Imagine Nation for additional details.

9th Annual Gingerbread House Festival 

Wood Memorial Library
South Windsor, Connecticut
November 29 – December 21, 2019 (closed on Tuesday & Wednesday)
Stop by this sweet library to see their beautiful display of gingerbread houses. Enjoy musical performances, story times with special guests, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the festival. See the schedule for details on what is happening each day (and make a note for next year to check out their gingerbread house workshops offered earlier in November!). This event is FREE. Check out our posts from 2013 and 2017 for more information.

Gingerbread House Workshop for Children

Lyman Orchards Middlefield, Connecticut
Sessions: Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7, 8, 15, 16, 21, 22 @ 9am, 10:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm
Your kids will adore decorating premade gingerbread homes with dozens of different candies and lots of gooey icing. And the best part is, you won’t have to clean up your own kitchen afterwards! While you’re there, be sure to grab a meal at the delicious Apple Barrel restaurant and shop for some unique holiday gifts from the store. You can also reserve a spot for Brunch with Santa. Read about our sweet adventure at Lyman Orchards for a sneak peek!

Gingerbread Competition at the Springfield Science Museum

Springfield, Massachusetts
November 29 – December 31, 2019
Be amazed by dozens of gingerbread creations! This year’s theme is “Hollywood & the Holidays.” Browse the entries in this annual contest while enjoying the festive surroundings (think twinkling trees and colorful murals) with plenty of photo ops. While you’re there, also visit any (or all!) of the other Springfield Museums, including the Dr. Suess Museum–one admission price includes all five museums! Find out about additional holiday events on their website. Check out our post from the the 2014 event for a sneak peek.

Chanukah Party at River Bend Bookshop

Glastonbury, Connecticut
December 8, 2019
All-day party starts at 10:30am; Story & Craft at 1:00pm
River Bend Bookshop is holding an all-day Chanukah party, with a special story and craft hour at 1:00 pm. Snacks, stories, and everything you need to get ready for the holiday will be at the bookshop! While you’re there, browse their wonderful selection of books for children and adults (books make great holiday gifts!), as well as their lovely Judaica collections. Free and open to all. Registration requested for planning purposes. Please register here. You can also check out our 2019 post for more details about this venue.

Simsbury Celebrates

Simsbury Public Library
Simsbury, Connecticut
November 30, 2019 from 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Stop by the children’s department to get ready for Chanukah! Learn how to play the dreidel game, make a colorful dreidel, make cards to share with others, and enjoy a PJ Library story. FREE and open to all. You can check out our post on the Simsbury Library for a venue preview.

Eight Nights Rolled Into One

Mandell JCC
West Hartford, Connecticut
December 15, 2019 various events from 1:00-4:30pm
Enjoy a variety of events including pickle-making, Chanukah art, card making, a festive snack and building a giant menorah out of canned food that will benefit the local food pantry. RSVP/Registration needed for certain activities. Some events are FREE but donation items are requested. Please see their website for details.

Menorah Painting Party

Glazed Pottery Painting & Art Studio
Glastonbury, Connecticut
December 8, 2019 @ 3:00pm
Create a hand-painted menorah! Experienced artists will guide you in choosing paints and using special techniques to create a one-of-a-kind piece. The cost of this event is $40, which covers one menorah, paints, and assistance from staff members. Refreshments will be served! Advance registration required. Please visit the Classes Page of their website to find this event and book your spot. Check out our 2019 post for additional details about this venue.

Fire on Ice

Blue Back Square
West Hartford, Connecticut
December 22, 2019 @ 4:00 pm
Observe a master ice-carver sculpt a giant menorah at the “Fire on Ice” event held at Webster Walk in Blue Back Square (near Barnes & Noble). The super-sized menorah will be lit as part of this FREE event, which is open to all and also includes: 3-D Dreidel Printing, Chanukah nails manicure, glow in the dark face painting, free raffles and prizes, arts and crafts, doughnuts and more. Activities for all ages!

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