Experience the holiday season in Bridgeport with our guide. Discover all the essential festive events. For those born and raised in Bridgeport and those just arrived, our guide illuminates the city's festive offerings.
One highlight of this season is the enchanting Santa Express, where families can embark on a magical train ride with Santa himself, making memories along the way. Another delightful experience is the unique All Aboard the Snow Clipper, featuring a whimsical journey that captures the essence of winter magic. And the Holiday Train Rides at the Railroad Museum of New England are something you definitely don't want to miss, providing an engaging glimpse into holiday traditions. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Bridgeport
- Santa Express (Thomaston)
- Holiday Train Rides at the Railroad Museum of New England (Thomaston)
- All Aboard the Snow Clipper (Danbury)
- Mystic Seaport Holiday Activities (Mystic)
- Holiday Express Train Show (East Windsor)
- Christmas in CT – A Holiday Gift Expo (Naugatuck)
- Olde Mistick Village Holiday Events (Mystic)
- Visit Santa At The Shore Line Trolley Museum (East Haven)
- Palace Theatre Holiday Shows (Stamford)
- Lighthouse Point Park Holiday Lights (New Haven)
See these and even more events listed below!
Bridgeport Holiday Light Displays
Olde Mistick Village Holiday Events
What to Expect:
Largest holiday light display in southern New England.
Description:
Olde Mistick Village offers a variety of holiday events, including the Holiday Lights Spectacular, Holiday Carnival, and Meet Santa. These events feature carolers, holiday light displays, and festive activities for all ages.
Where: Mystic | More Info: Olde Mistick Village Holiday Events
Lighthouse Point Park Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling nighttime light display supporting community development.
Description:
Lighthouse Point Park Holiday Lights features a dazzling display of lights, supporting Goodwill of Southern New England's mission to strengthen communities by supporting individuals of all abilities through person-centered employment, training, and services. The event is open to families and people of all ages, with admission fees for cars, family vans, minibuses, and full-size buses.
Where: New Haven | More Info: Lighthouse Point Park Holiday Lights
Bridgeport Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas in CT – A Holiday Gift Expo
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and handcrafted items from 200 vendors.
Description:
The Christmas in Connecticut Holiday Gift Expo at the Naugatuck Event Center features over 200 vendors offering unique gifts, handcrafted items, and commercial products. Meet Santa and enjoy food trucks amidst a festive atmosphere.
Where: Naugatuck | More Info: Christmas in CT – A Holiday Gift Expo
Bridgeport Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Shows in Bridgeport
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local and international talent in holiday-themed performances.
Description:
The Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport hosts a variety of holiday shows, including concerts and theatrical performances. These events feature talented artists and ensembles, offering a rich cultural experience for the community.
Where: Bridgeport | More Info: Holiday Shows in Bridgeport
Downtown Cabaret Theatre Holiday Shows
What to Expect:
Award-winning children's theatre with a twist on classic tales.
Description:
Downtown Cabaret Theatre presents a variety of holiday shows, including "Santa Story 2" and "Cabaret Comedy Series," featuring classic tales and musical tributes that cater to all ages.
Where: Bridgeport | More Info: Downtown Cabaret Theatre Holiday Shows
Palace Theatre Holiday Shows
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Palace Theatre presents World Ballet Company's Nutcracker, a family-friendly performance featuring a multinational cast of 50 professional ballet dancers. The show is accompanied by Tchaikovsky's timeless score and includes over 150 hand-crafted costumes and lavish hand-painted sets.
Where: Stamford | More Info: Palace Theatre Holiday Shows
Legacy Theatre Holiday Shows
What to Expect:
Guided self-reflection of Ebenezer Scrooge amidst the Christmas season.
Description:
Legacy Theatre presents a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," featuring Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey amidst the 1800s English Christmas season. This annual rendition, adapted and directed by Artistic Director Keely Baisden Knudsen, brings the classic tale to life with music by Keely Baisden Knudsen and David Bell.
Where: Stamford | More Info: Legacy Theatre Holiday Shows
Milford Arts Council Holiday Events
What to Expect:
Smooth jazz holiday concert with world-class musicians.
Description:
Milford Arts Council presents Jay Rowe's Ho Ho Ho Holiday Show, featuring smooth jazz and holiday cheer with a lineup of renowned musicians.
Where: Milford | More Info: Milford Arts Council Holiday Events
Bridgeport Other Holiday Activities
Santa Express
What to Expect:
Seasonally decorated train with Santa visits and special gifts for children.
Description:
The Santa Express is an afternoon train ride where families can visit Santa Claus and his elves. Each child receives a special gift from Santa's toy bag. The train is lighted and seasonally decorated, offering a festive atmosphere with visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus, singing along to Christmas carols, and hot chocolate.
Where: Thomaston | More Info: Santa Express
All Aboard the Snow Clipper
What to Expect:
Personalized gift-giving experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
All Aboard the Snow Clipper offers a personalized gift-giving experience where Santa and Mrs. Claus hand out the first gifts of Christmas. The event includes a short train ride through historic Danbury Railyard, museum exhibits, and a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy hot chocolate, marshmallows, and fresh baked cookies in the railyard.
Where: Danbury | More Info: All Aboard the Snow Clipper
Holiday Express Train Show
What to Expect:
Haunted trolley ride with paranormal investigations.
Description:
The Connecticut Trolley Museum offers a variety of events, including the Curse of the Rails haunted trolley ride, Pumpkin Patch activities, and Winterfest celebrations with the Tunnel of Lights. These events provide a unique blend of historical and festive experiences for visitors of all ages.
Where: East Windsor | More Info: Holiday Express Train Show
Visit Santa At The Shore Line Trolley Museum
What to Expect:
Meet Santa in a historic trolley setting.
Description:
Visit Santa at the Shore Line Trolley Museum, where you can meet the jolly old elf in a historic setting amidst vintage trolleys and scenic tracks.
Where: East Haven | More Info: Visit Santa At The Shore Line Trolley Museum
Holiday Train Rides at the Railroad Museum of New England
What to Expect:
Historic train ride with scenic river views and industrial heritage.
Description:
Embark on a festive journey through the Naugatuck Valley aboard historic trains, passing by industrial landmarks and scenic river views.
Where: Thomaston | More Info: Holiday Train Rides at the Railroad Museum of New England
Christmas Dinners and Buffets in Bridgeport
What to Expect:
Live organ music and a historic banquet space.
Description:
The Polo Inn in Bridgeport offers a traditional Christmas dinner and buffet, featuring a three-manual Rodgers 360 Theatre Organ and a variety of seasonal dishes.
Where: Bridgeport | More Info: Christmas Dinners and Buffets in Bridgeport
Mystic Seaport Holiday Activities
What to Expect:
Immersive lantern light and sound displays in a 19th-century atmosphere.
Description:
Explore Mystic Seaport Museum's Lantern Light Village, an outdoor, self-guided experience featuring evocative lantern light displays, seasonal traditions, and festive activities like holiday cookies, carolers, and old-time dances.
Where: Mystic | More Info: Mystic Seaport Holiday Activities
Fairfield Museum and Historical Society Holiday Events
What to Expect:
Historical lectures and exhibits on witch trials.
Description:
The Fairfield Museum and Historical Society offers a variety of holiday events, including the 2024 Fall Speaker Series on Connecticut Witch Trials, Accusations, and Exoneration Efforts, and other educational activities that bring the whole family together for fun and educational experiences.
Where: Fairfield | More Info: Fairfield Museum and Historical Society Holiday Events
Indian Rock Nature Preserve Holiday Activities
What to Expect:
Holiday events in a natural preserve setting.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season amidst nature at Indian Rock Nature Preserve, featuring family gatherings, corporate functions, and wedding receptions in a serene natural setting.
Where: Bristol | More Info: Indian Rock Nature Preserve Holiday Activities
Lyman Orchards Holiday Events
What to Expect:
Interactive haunted attraction and local beer tastings.
Description:
Lyman Orchards offers a variety of seasonal activities including a Corn Maze Beer Tasting, live music at 1741 Pub & Grill, Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides, and an interactive haunted attraction. Visitors can also enjoy petting farms and trackless train rides.
Where: Middlefield | More Info: Lyman Orchards Holiday Events
Bradley Mountain Farm Holiday Activities
What to Expect:
Unique holiday activities on a historic dairy farm.
Description:
Bradley Mountain Farm offers a variety of holiday activities, including Goat Cuddle Therapy, Goat Yoga, and Soap Making Workshops, set amidst a historic dairy farm.
Where: Southington | More Info: Bradley Mountain Farm Holiday Activities
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Stratford (3 miles)
- Trumbull (4 miles)
- Fairfield (5 miles)
- Milford (8 miles)
- Westport (9 miles)
- Shelton (11 miles)
- East Norwalk (12 miles)
- Darien (16 miles)
- New Haven (16 miles)
- East Haven (18 miles)
- North Stamford (19 miles)
- Stamford (20 miles)
- Danbury (20 miles)
- Branford (21 miles)
- Hamden (21 miles)
- East Northport (22 miles)
- Smithtown (22 miles)
- Naugatuck (22 miles)
- North Haven (23 miles)
- Centereach (23 miles)
- Coram (24 miles)
- Commack (24 miles)
- Lake Ronkonkoma (24 miles)
- Hauppauge (24 miles)
- Huntington Station (25 miles)
- Holbrook (26 miles)
- Cheshire (27 miles)
- Central Islip (27 miles)
- Medford (27 miles)
- Dix Hills (27 miles)
- Waterbury (27 miles)
- Guilford (27 miles)
- Brentwood (28 miles)
- Port Chester (28 miles)
- Deer Park (30 miles)
- East Patchogue (30 miles)
- Harrison (31 miles)
- Shirley (31 miles)
- Plainview (31 miles)
- White Plains (31 miles)
- Bay Shore (32 miles)
- Meriden (32 miles)
- Glen Cove (32 miles)
- West Babylon (33 miles)
- West Islip (33 miles)
- Hicksville (33 miles)
- Ossining (35 miles)
- Lindenhurst (35 miles)
- Greenburgh (35 miles)
- Copiague (36 miles)
- Bristol (36 miles)
- East Meadow (37 miles)
- Massapequa (38 miles)
- Mount Vernon (38 miles)
- Middletown (38 miles)
- Peekskill (39 miles)
- Garden City (39 miles)
- Uniondale (39 miles)
- New Britain (39 miles)
- Hempstead (40 miles)
- Wakefield (40 miles)
- Merrick (40 miles)
- Yonkers (41 miles)
- Throgs Neck (41 miles)
- Franklin Square (41 miles)
- Freeport (41 miles)
- New City (42 miles)
- Farmington (42 miles)
- Bayside (42 miles)
- Van Nest (42 miles)
- The Bronx (42 miles)
- Parkchester (42 miles)
- Unionport (42 miles)
- Whitestone (42 miles)
- Baldwin (42 miles)
- Queens Village (43 miles)
- Kings Bridge (43 miles)
- Elmont (43 miles)
- Rockville Centre (43 miles)
- Fordham (43 miles)
- Torrington (43 miles)
- Newington (43 miles)
- East Tremont (43 miles)
- University Heights (44 miles)
- College Point (44 miles)
- Tremont (44 miles)
- Fresh Meadows (44 miles)
- Cambria Heights (44 miles)
- Hollis (44 miles)
- Oceanside (44 miles)
- Hunts Point (44 miles)
- West Torrington (44 miles)
- Morris Heights (44 miles)
- Morrisania (45 miles)
- Spring Valley (45 miles)
- Valley Stream (45 miles)
- Melrose (45 miles)