Plan your festive season in Hartford with our itinerary guide. Discover all the top holiday events and activities. Whether Hartford is your hometown or your holiday destination, our guide ensures you enjoy all the festivities.
Popular Events: Experience the magic of the holiday season with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve," a captivating blend of music and storytelling that has become a holiday tradition. Another highlight is the Pentatonix's "Hallelujah It's a Christmas Tour," featuring their signature vocal harmonies alongside contemporary arrangements of beloved carols. And don't forget Straight No Chaser's Holiday Tour, known for its engaging performances and comedic flair. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Hartford
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve (Uncasville)
- Pentatonix: Hallelujah It's a Christmas Tour (Uncasville)
- Magic of Lights (East Hartford)
- Straight No Chaser's Holiday Tour (Uncasville)
- A Christmas Carol
- Macauley Culkin's A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin (Wallingford)
- Mystic Seaport Holiday Activities (Mystic)
- The Nutcracker
- Lake Compounce Holiday Lights (Bristol)
- Holiday Train Rides at Essex Steam Train (Essex)
See these and even more events listed below!
Hartford Holiday Light Displays
Magic of Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through holiday lights with life-sized dinosaurs and iconic characters.
Description:
Magic of Lights is a drive-through holiday lights experience featuring spectacular light displays, including larger-than-life Holiday Barbie, Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs. The event offers a unique and dazzling holiday celebration with over a mile of spectacular light displays.
Where: East Hartford | More Info: Magic of Lights
Olde Mistick Village Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Largest holiday light display in southern New England.
Description:
Olde Mistick Village is decorated with over half a million lights showcasing archways, trees, reindeer, and elves. The event is open every night throughout the holiday season, offering a festive atmosphere for families and holiday enthusiasts.
Where: Mystic | More Info: Olde Mistick Village Holiday Lights
Lighthouse Point Park Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling nighttime display with thousands of twinkling lights and animated displays.
Description:
Lighthouse Point Park Holiday Lights features a dazzling display of thousands of twinkling lights, animated displays, and festive decorations, transforming the park into a breathtaking spectacle.
Where: New Haven | More Info: Lighthouse Point Park Holiday Lights
Lake Compounce Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Connecticut's tallest Christmas tree and nightly light shows.
Description:
Lake Compounce Holiday Lights features Connecticut's tallest Christmas tree, nightly light shows, and a variety of family-friendly rides and activities, including Santa's Workshop and festive treats.
Where: Bristol | More Info: Lake Compounce Holiday Lights
Connecticut Trolley Museum Holiday Trolley
What to Expect:
Holiday trolley ride through a tunnel of lights with traditional Christmas carols.
Description:
The Connecticut Trolley Museum's Winterfest and Tunnel of Lights features over 15,000 lights, closed trolley cars, and an open sleigh car for a festive holiday experience. The event includes traditional Christmas carols, decorated halls, and a Visitor Center with model train layouts and lights.
Where: East Windsor | More Info: Connecticut Trolley Museum Holiday Trolley
Hartford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Macauley Culkin's A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin
What to Expect:
Exclusive post-show photo opportunity with Macaulay Culkin.
Description:
Join Macaulay Culkin for a special screening of Home Alone, followed by an exclusive moderated interview and audience Q&A. Relive iconic scenes and dive deep into behind-the-scenes stories and insights with the star himself.
Where: Wallingford | More Info: Macauley Culkin's A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin
Pentatonix: Hallelujah It's a Christmas Tour
What to Expect:
Acclaimed a cappella quintet performing holiday classics.
Description:
Pentatonix brings their signature a cappella harmonies to the Mohegan Sun Arena with their "Hallelujah It's a Christmas Tour," featuring a blend of classic and modern holiday songs.
Where: Uncasville | More Info: Pentatonix: Hallelujah It's a Christmas Tour
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
What to Expect:
Epic rock opera with elaborate light and pyrotechnic displays.
Description:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents "The Lost Christmas Eve," an all-new version of their iconic rock opera, featuring complex light shows, pyrotechnics, and a poignant story of redemption and family reunion.
Where: Uncasville | More Info: Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Straight No Chaser's Holiday Tour
What to Expect:
Energetic a cappella performance with flawless harmonies.
Description:
Straight No Chaser brings their iconic a cappella harmonies to the Mohegan Sun Arena, blending holiday classics and pop favorites in a dynamic performance that showcases their musical prowess and energetic stage presence.
Where: Uncasville | More Info: Straight No Chaser's Holiday Tour
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Classic adaptation with sensory-friendly and accessible performances.
Description:
A Christmas Carol at Hartford Stage brings Charles Dickens's heartwarming classic to life with Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. This timeless tale of redemption is a perfect holiday entertainment.
Where: Hartford | More Info: A Christmas Carol
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker is a timeless ballet production featuring Clara's iconic journey, captivating audiences with its rich storytelling and elaborate sets.
Where: Hartford | More Info: The Nutcracker
Holiday Train Rides at Essex Steam Train
What to Expect:
Live musical performance of "The Night Before Christmas" on a steam train.
Description:
Embark on a holiday journey aboard the Essex Steam Train, where every coach transforms into a stage for a live musical performance of "The Night Before Christmas." Celebrate the season with Santa and Mrs. Claus, festive sing-alongs, hot chocolate, and sugar cookies. Each child receives a small gift from Santa, and children are invited to wear their favorite pajamas.
Where: Essex | More Info: Holiday Train Rides at Essex Steam Train
Mystic Seaport Holiday Activities
What to Expect:
19th-century holiday traditions in a 19th-century seaport village setting.
Description:
Explore Mystic Seaport Museum's Lantern Light Village, where you can immerse yourself in evocative lantern light and festive traditions from the past and present. Enjoy holiday cookies, carolers, old-time dances, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a visit with Saint Nick amidst a 19th-century atmosphere.
Where: Mystic | More Info: Mystic Seaport Holiday Activities
Hartford Other Holiday Activities
Fairfield Museum and Historical Society Holiday Events
What to Expect:
Historical events celebrating Fairfield's rich heritage.
Description:
The Fairfield Museum and Historical Society offers a variety of holiday events, including lectures, music, and special exhibitions that delve into the rich history of Fairfield, Connecticut. These events provide a unique opportunity to engage with the community and explore the complex history of the area.
Where: Fairfield | More Info: Fairfield Museum and Historical Society Holiday Events
The Shore Line Trolley Museum Holiday Trolley
What to Expect:
Historic trolleys decorated for the holiday season.
Description:
The Shore Line Trolley Museum Holiday Trolley offers a nostalgic holiday experience with historic trolleys decorated for the season, providing a unique blend of history and festive atmosphere.
Where: East Haven | More Info: The Shore Line Trolley Museum Holiday Trolley
Bradley Mountain Farm Holiday Activities
What to Expect:
Unique goat-themed holiday activities on a historic farm.
Description:
Bradley Mountain Farm offers a variety of holiday activities, including goat yoga, cuddle therapy, and soap-making workshops. Visitors can participate in fun events like goat strolls and snuggles, and explore the historic farm with its unique animal encounters.
Where: Southington | More Info: Bradley Mountain Farm Holiday Activities
Flamig Farm Holiday Activities
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday event with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch.
Description:
Visit Flamig Farm for a holiday celebration featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch, with trolley rides, a petting zoo, and delicious food.
Where: West Simsbury | More Info: Flamig Farm Holiday Activities
Indian Rock Nature Preserve Holiday Events
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a natural setting with Santa visits and family activities.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Indian Rock Nature Preserve with family-friendly activities, including visits with Santa, hot chocolate, and crafts, set amidst a natural and serene environment.
Where: Bristol | More Info: Indian Rock Nature Preserve Holiday Events
Lyman Orchards Holiday Events
What to Expect:
Interactive haunted attraction and local beer tastings.
Description:
Lyman Orchards offers a variety of holiday events, including horse-drawn wagon rides, petting farms, and interactive haunted attractions. The orchards also feature live music and beer tastings, providing a diverse range of activities for all ages.
Where: Middlefield | More Info: Lyman Orchards Holiday Events
Wood Memorial Library & Museum Holiday Events
What to Expect:
Largest gingerbread house festival in New England with edible villages and historical building replicas.
Description:
Wood Memorial Library & Museum hosts the 13th Annual Gingerbread House Festival, featuring gingerbread houses, fantasy trains, and edible villages created by regional artisans and community members. The event offers a unique holiday experience with historical building replicas and a Ye Olde Gingerbread Shoppe selling holiday-themed gifts and treats.
Where: South Windsor | More Info: Wood Memorial Library & Museum Holiday Events
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- West Hartford (3 miles)
- Wethersfield (4 miles)
- East Hartford (4 miles)
- Bloomfield (5 miles)
- Newington (5 miles)
- South Windsor (5 miles)
- Glastonbury (5 miles)
- Windsor (7 miles)
- Farmington (8 miles)
- Manchester (8 miles)
- New Britain (9 miles)
- Middletown (14 miles)
- Bristol (15 miles)
- Enfield (15 miles)
- Meriden (17 miles)
- Cheshire (21 miles)
- Agawam (21 miles)
- Torrington (23 miles)
- Mansfield City (23 miles)
- Waterbury (24 miles)
- Springfield (24 miles)
- West Torrington (24 miles)
- West Springfield (24 miles)
- Westfield (25 miles)
- Chicopee (27 miles)
- Naugatuck (27 miles)
- North Haven (27 miles)
- Windham (28 miles)
- Hamden (28 miles)
- North Chicopee (29 miles)
- Ludlow (29 miles)
- Holyoke (31 miles)
- Guilford (33 miles)
- Montville Center (34 miles)
- New Haven (34 miles)
- Branford (34 miles)
- East Haven (35 miles)
- Norwich (36 miles)
- Shelton (37 miles)
- Northampton (39 miles)
- New London (41 miles)
- Milford (42 miles)
- Amherst (43 miles)
- Trumbull (45 miles)