Experience the top holiday highlights in Guilford! Our guide showcases all the must-see events. From Guilford natives to wandering souls, our guide is your key to holiday magic.
Popular Events: The Guilford Holiday Fest invites families to enjoy an array of seasonal activities, including festive crafts and local vendors. Another delightful event features artisans showcasing unique gifts at the Waterbury Holiday Craft Fair, perfect for finding that special something. And the Stonington Holiday Stroll & Marketplace is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering charming walks through beautifully decorated streets with seasonal treats and merriment. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Guilford
- Stonington Holiday Stroll & Marketplace (Stonington)
- Waterbury Holiday Craft Fair (Waterbury)
- Guilford Holiday Fest
- Norwich Winterfest & Christmas Market (Norwich)
- Holiday Expo at Guilford Art Center
- Santa Express (Thomaston)
- All Aboard the Snow Clipper (Danbury)
- A Christmas Carol at the Hartford Stage (Hartford)
- A Magical Cirque Christmas at the Garde Arts (New London)
See these and even more events listed below!
Guilford Holiday Markets and Shopping
Stonington Holiday Stroll & Marketplace
What to Expect:
Community carol singing and competitive holiday window decorations.
Description:
The Stonington Holiday Stroll & Marketplace is a festive event where community carolers gather to sing Christmas carols, and Santa makes a special visit. Local merchants keep their shops open late, competing for the best window decorations in the Borough A-Glow contest. The event includes a tree lighting ceremony at Wadawanuck Square, with seasonal decorations placed around the Stonington Free Library and Cannon Square.
Where: Stonington | More Info: Stonington Holiday Stroll & Marketplace
Guilford Holiday Fest
What to Expect:
Unique gifts from hundreds of American artists.
Description:
Guilford Art Center's Holiday Expo 2024 offers a diverse array of handcrafted holiday gifts from hundreds of American artists, makers, and designers. The event features a wide range of items including accessories, candles, ceramics, clothing, fiber art, glassware, homewares, jewelry, leather goods, Christmas ornaments, soaps, specialty foods, and stationery. The expo supports local and national talent, with new items added throughout the season.
Where: Guilford | More Info: Guilford Holiday Fest
Holiday Expo at Guilford Art Center
What to Expect:
Unique gifts from local and national artists.
Description:
The Holiday Expo at Guilford Art Center features handcrafted holiday gifts from hundreds of American artists, including jewelry, ceramics, and unique Christmas ornaments. Shoppers can explore a variety of craft categories and support local artists while enriching the community with the arts.
Where: Guilford | More Info: Holiday Expo at Guilford Art Center
Waterbury Holiday Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Unique local crafts and baked goods.
Description:
The Waterbury Holiday Craft Fair is a festive event where local Vermont businesses showcase handmade crafts, jewelry, baked goods, and more. Bring the kids to get their photo taken with Santa, and enjoy door prizes and a variety of unique items.
Where: Waterbury | More Info: Waterbury Holiday Craft Fair
Norwich Winterfest & Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights and festive music create a joyful atmosphere.
Description:
Norwich Winterfest & Christmas Market offers a variety of handmade crafts, unique gifts, and delicious seasonal treats. Explore stalls at the Norfolk Showground, enjoy live performances, and meet Santa Claus amidst twinkling lights and festive music.
Where: Norwich | More Info: Norwich Winterfest & Christmas Market
Guilford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol at the Hartford Stage
What to Expect:
Classic adaptation with sensory-friendly, open-captioned, and audio-described performances.
Description:
A classic adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" directed by Michael Wilson, featuring Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
Where: Hartford | More Info: A Christmas Carol at the Hartford Stage
A Magical Cirque Christmas at the Garde Arts
What to Expect:
World-class entertainers performing holiday music with awe-inspiring circus acts.
Description:
A variety show featuring world-class entertainers performing your favorite holiday music, with awe-inspiring performances for all ages.
Where: New London | More Info: A Magical Cirque Christmas at the Garde Arts
Guilford Other Holiday Activities
Santa Express
What to Expect:
Seasonally decorated train with special gifts for each child.
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 decorated seasonally and offers various classes of service including coach, lounge, and premium coach options.
Where: Thomaston | More Info: Santa Express
All Aboard the Snow Clipper
What to Expect:
Personalized gift-giving experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
Join the Danbury Railway Museum for a personalized gift-giving experience aboard the Snow Clipper. Enjoy artifact displays, model railroads, and a festive railyard with hot chocolate and cookies. Santa and Mrs. Claus will hand out the first gifts of Christmas, making it a memorable holiday event for kids.
Where: Danbury | More Info: All Aboard the Snow Clipper
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Branford (7 miles)
- East Haven (10 miles)
- North Haven (12 miles)
- New Haven (13 miles)
- Hamden (13 miles)
- Meriden (18 miles)
- Cheshire (18 miles)
- Middletown (19 miles)
- Milford (20 miles)
- Shelton (21 miles)
- Naugatuck (23 miles)
- Stratford (25 miles)
- New Britain (26 miles)
- Waterbury (27 miles)
- Trumbull (27 miles)
- Bridgeport (27 miles)
- Newington (28 miles)
- Wethersfield (29 miles)
- Glastonbury (29 miles)
- Bristol (30 miles)
- Montville Center (30 miles)
- New London (31 miles)
- Farmington (31 miles)
- Fairfield (32 miles)
- Hartford (33 miles)
- West Hartford (33 miles)
- Coram (33 miles)
- East Hartford (34 miles)
- Manchester (35 miles)
- Shirley (35 miles)
- Norwich (35 miles)
- Medford (37 miles)
- Westport (37 miles)
- Centereach (37 miles)
- South Windsor (37 miles)
- Bloomfield (37 miles)
- Holbrook (39 miles)
- Windsor (39 miles)
- Lake Ronkonkoma (39 miles)
- Windham (39 miles)
- East Norwalk (39 miles)
- East Patchogue (40 miles)
- Mansfield City (40 miles)
- Smithtown (40 miles)
- Danbury (41 miles)
- Hauppauge (42 miles)
- Torrington (42 miles)
- Darien (43 miles)
- West Torrington (44 miles)
- Central Islip (44 miles)
- East Northport (44 miles)
- Commack (44 miles)