Everything you need for the holidays in New Britain is in our comprehensive guide. Discover all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're a familiar face or a fresh visitor, our guide unlocks the festive spirit of New Britain.
One highlight of the season is the New London Winter Market, where local artisans come together to showcase their crafts and seasonal treats. As you stroll through the charming stalls, you can find unique gifts and delightful refreshments. The Putnam Light Parade & Christmas Market features a vibrant procession of illuminated floats, creating a magical atmosphere throughout the night. And the East Haddam Holiday Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a great selection of local foods and handmade items. Check out the rest of the page for more details on these and other fun events and activities!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around New Britain
- Putnam Light Parade & Christmas Market (Putnam)
- New London Winter Market (New London)
- East Haddam Holiday Market (East Haddam)
- A Magical Cirque Christmas at the Garde Arts (New London)
- Elf at the Warner Theatre (Torrington)
- A Christmas Carol at Hartford Stage (Hartford)
- Winterfest Hartford (Hartford)
- All Aboard the Snow Clipper (Danbury)
- Santa Express (Thomaston)
- Holiday Carnival at Olde Mistick Village (Mystic)
See these and even more events listed below!
New Britain Holiday Light Displays
New London Winter Market
What to Expect:
Twisting trail of holiday bliss with twinkling lights and Christmas trees.
Description:
Downtown New London transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with Christmas displays, holiday BINGO, Santa visits, and festive activities.
Where: New London | More Info: New London Winter Market
Putnam Light Parade & Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Vibrant light parade with festive floats and music.
Description:
The Putnam Light Parade & Christmas Market features a spectacular display of twinkling lights, colorful floats, and merry music, celebrating the holiday season with community spirit.
Where: Putnam | More Info: Putnam Light Parade & Christmas Market
New Britain Holiday Markets and Shopping
East Haddam Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local produce and handmade crafts.
Description:
The East Haddam Holiday Farmers Market is an annual event held at the East Haddam Grange Hall, offering a variety of local produce, handmade crafts, and seasonal items. Vendors can choose from 6x6 indoor booths or 10x10 outdoor spaces.
Where: East Haddam | More Info: East Haddam Holiday Market
Holiday Carnival at Olde Mistick Village
What to Expect:
Live music and Santa's gift store for children.
Description:
Join Olde Mistick Village for a festive holiday celebration featuring carolers, a brass band playing holiday favorites, and Santa's special appearance. The event includes Santa’s Workshop Children’s Gift Store where kids can buy great gifts for their family and friends.
Where: Mystic | More Info: Holiday Carnival at Olde Mistick Village
New Britain Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol at Hartford Stage
What to Expect:
Classic adaptation with a diverse cast and special performances for accessibility.
Description:
A classic adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" directed by Michael Wilson, featuring Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
Where: Hartford | More Info: A Christmas Carol at Hartford Stage
Elf at the Warner Theatre
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday musical production for young performers.
Description:
Young performers ages 7-14 bring Elf Jr. The Musical to life at the Warner Theatre, led by industry professionals who teach storytelling, character development, and collaboration while building confidence.
Where: Torrington | More Info: Elf at the Warner Theatre
A Magical Cirque Christmas at the Garde Arts
What to Expect:
World-class circus acts and holiday music.
Description:
A variety show featuring world-class entertainers performing holiday music and awe-inspiring circus acts, perfect for all ages.
Where: New London | More Info: A Magical Cirque Christmas at the Garde Arts
New Britain Other Holiday Activities
Santa Express
What to Expect:
Seasonally decorated train with visits from Santa and his elves.
Description:
The Santa Express is an afternoon train ride where passengers can visit Santa Claus and his elves, enjoy hot chocolate, and receive a special gift from Santa's toy bag.
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 the historic Danbury Railyard, visits to the museum interior with artifact displays and model railroads, and a no-rush meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy a walk through the railyard with hot chocolate, marshmallows, and a fresh baked cookie.
Where: Danbury | More Info: All Aboard the Snow Clipper
Holiday Stroll Open House - Keeler Tavern Museum
What to Expect:
Interactive historical tours with costumed interpreters.
Description:
Explore the first floor of the centuries-old Keeler Tavern Museum at your own pace. Costumed interpreters will share stories about the site's former residents, and fun activities like a partridge scavenger hunt and take-home crafts will engage younger visitors. The event features period rooms reflecting historic traditions and ways of living from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.
Where: Ridgefield | More Info: Holiday Stroll Open House - Keeler Tavern Museum
Candy House Family Workshop - Fairfield Museum and History Center
What to Expect:
Hands-on candy house building with recycled materials.
Description:
Create a colorful candy house using recycled materials and lots of sweet treats in a fun and creative workshop.
Where: Fairfield | More Info: Candy House Family Workshop - Fairfield Museum and History Center
Build-a-Train Family Workshop - Fairfield Museum and History Center
What to Expect:
Hands-on model train building and painting.
Description:
At the Fairfield Museum and History Center, build and paint your own wooden model train while creating an immersive, wintry landscape. This hands-on workshop is perfect for families to enjoy together.
Where: Fairfield | More Info: Build-a-Train Family Workshop - Fairfield Museum and History Center
Winterfest Hartford
What to Expect:
Free ice skating and learn-to-skate classes in a festive holiday setting.
Description:
Winterfest Hartford offers free ice skating, free skate rentals, and free learn-to-skate classes in Bushnell Park. The event also features various activities like Santa's Workshop and community caroling.
Where: Hartford | More Info: Winterfest Hartford
Santa Made Me Do IT 5K
What to Expect:
Combines a 5K road race with a festive holiday festival.
Description:
The Santa Made Me Do It 5K is a festive road race and 2-mile walk held in conjunction with the Bethlehem Christmastown Festival. The event features a free kids fun run and offers shuttle buses for runners and spectators.
Where: Bethlehem | More Info: Santa Made Me Do IT 5K
Blue Back Mitten Run
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed 5K with personalized race bibs and festive neighborhood route.
Description:
The CLA Blue Back Mitten Run is a festive 5K event that winds through West Hartford's decorated neighborhoods, offering holiday-inspired mittens and delicious cookies post-race. It includes a kids' run and supports local charities.
Where: West Hartford | More Info: Blue Back Mitten Run
Gingerbread House Festival – Friends of Wood Memorial Library and Museum
What to Expect:
Unique edible creations by regional artisans and community members.
Description:
The Gingerbread House Festival at Wood Memorial Library and Museum features intricate gingerbread houses, edible villages, and historical building replicas created by regional artisans and community members. Visitors can explore the festival during expanded hours on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 AM to 7 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM. The event is free and open to the public, with optional entry donations and opportunities to support the festival through raffle tickets and gift shop purchases.
Where: South Windsor | More Info: Gingerbread House Festival – Friends of Wood Memorial Library and Museum
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Newington (4 miles)
- Farmington (5 miles)
- West Hartford (7 miles)
- Wethersfield (8 miles)
- Hartford (9 miles)
- Meriden (9 miles)
- Bristol (9 miles)
- Glastonbury (10 miles)
- Middletown (10 miles)
- Bloomfield (12 miles)
- East Hartford (12 miles)
- Cheshire (13 miles)
- South Windsor (14 miles)
- Windsor (15 miles)
- Manchester (15 miles)
- Waterbury (16 miles)
- Naugatuck (19 miles)
- North Haven (19 miles)
- Hamden (19 miles)
- Torrington (20 miles)
- West Torrington (22 miles)
- Enfield (24 miles)
- New Haven (26 miles)
- Guilford (26 miles)
- Branford (26 miles)
- East Haven (27 miles)
- Shelton (29 miles)
- Mansfield City (29 miles)
- Agawam (29 miles)
- West Springfield (32 miles)
- Springfield (32 miles)
- Westfield (32 miles)
- Windham (32 miles)
- Milford (34 miles)
- Chicopee (35 miles)
- Montville Center (35 miles)
- Trumbull (36 miles)
- North Chicopee (37 miles)
- Norwich (38 miles)
- Stratford (38 miles)
- Ludlow (38 miles)
- Holyoke (38 miles)
- Danbury (39 miles)
- Bridgeport (39 miles)
- New London (41 miles)
- Fairfield (44 miles)