Spread holiday joy in New Haven with our guide. Discover all the events and activities that make this season special. Whether you're a familiar face or a fresh visitor, this guide unlocks the holiday treasures of New Haven.
Popular events during this festive season include the City of New Haven Tree Lighting & Holiday Village, where twinkling lights and seasonal cheer create a warm atmosphere for all. Featuring charming booths and delicious treats, the Fantasy of Lights brightens the city's parks with immersive displays of color and creativity. And the Storytelling & Selfies with Santa & Mrs. Claus is something you definitely don't want to miss, providing a heartwarming experience for families. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around New Haven
- City of New Haven Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
- Magic of Lights at Pratt & Whitney Stadium (East Hartford)
- Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village (Mystic)
- Ice Carving Competition & A Cappella Concert
- Storytelling & Selfies with Santa & Mrs. Claus
- Fantasy of Lights
- Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet at the Oakdale (Wallingford)
- A Christmas Carol at the Legacy Theatre (Stamford)
- West Haven Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony (West Haven)
- All Aboard the Snow Clipper (Danbury)
See these and even more events listed below!
New Haven Holiday Light Displays
Fantasy of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling nighttime light display supporting community programs.
Description:
Fantasy of Lights is a dazzling holiday light display at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, Connecticut, featuring vibrant LED lights and supporting Goodwill of Southern New England's mission to strengthen communities.
Where: New Haven | More Info: Fantasy of Lights
City of New Haven Menorah Lighting
What to Expect:
Synchronized lighting of a historic menorah.
Description:
The City of New Haven Menorah Lighting is a significant holiday event featuring a beautifully lit menorah, symbolizing the spirit of the season.
Where: New Haven | More Info: City of New Haven Menorah Lighting
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village
What to Expect:
Largest holiday lights display in southern New England.
Description:
Olde Mistick Village is transformed into a holiday spectacle with over half a million lights decorating its 40 shops and restaurants. The event showcases archways, trees, reindeer, and elves, creating a festive atmosphere every night throughout the season.
Where: Mystic | More Info: Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village
Magic of Lights at Pratt & Whitney Stadium
What to Expect:
Dazzling drive-through holiday light displays with digital animations.
Description:
At Pratt & Whitney Stadium, Magic of Lights features over a mile of spectacular light displays, including a larger-than-life Holiday Barbie display and life-sized dinosaurs celebrating Prehistoric Christmas. The event offers a unique drive-through experience with digital animations and LED technology, making it a memorable holiday experience for all ages.
Where: East Hartford | More Info: Magic of Lights at Pratt & Whitney Stadium
Madison Tree Lighting on the Green
What to Expect:
Special visit from Santa Claus with hot cocoa and candle lighting.
Description:
The Madison Tree Lighting on the Green is a community event featuring live music, ice sculpting demonstrations, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Enjoy holiday and non-holiday music performances by the DHHS Encore Chorus and Larry Stevens Band.
Where: Madison | More Info: Madison Tree Lighting on the Green
Orange Holiday Festival with the Lighted Tractor Parade and Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Unique parade of lighted tractors celebrating the holiday season.
Description:
The Orange Holiday Festival features a Lighted Tractor Parade and Tree Lighting, showcasing beautifully decorated tractors and festive holiday spirit.
Where: Orange | More Info: Orange Holiday Festival with the Lighted Tractor Parade and Tree Lighting
Walnut Beach Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community caroling and treats during the tree lighting ceremony.
Description:
Join us at the Walnut Beach Arch for our annual tree lighting with Santa. The tree will be lit at 5 PM, accompanied by treats and carols sung by the community. All are welcome to celebrate the holiday season.
Where: Milford | More Info: Walnut Beach Tree Lighting
New Haven Holiday Markets and Shopping
City of New Haven Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with local artisans and Santa.
Description:
The City of New Haven Tree Lighting & Holiday Village is a family-friendly event featuring holiday entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a variety of local artisans selling their crafts and merchandise. This event supports local entrepreneurs and offers a range of retail goods perfect for holiday gifts.
Where: New Haven | More Info: City of New Haven Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
Wallingford Holiday Stroll
What to Expect:
Live entertainment and unique shopping gems.
Description:
Downtown Wallingford transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with live entertainment, unique shopping gems, and delicious cuisine.
Where: Wallingford | More Info: Wallingford Holiday Stroll
New Haven Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Ice Carving Competition & A Cappella Concert
What to Expect:
Live ice carving competition with Yale a cappella performances.
Description:
Witness 5 professional ice carvers transform 900lbs of ice into spectacular sculptures under the BIG TENT on Broadway Island. Enjoy live performances by Yale University a cappella groups.
Where: New Haven | More Info: Ice Carving Competition & A Cappella Concert
A Christmas Carol at the Legacy Theatre
What to Expect:
Guided self-reflection amidst the Christmas season in 1800s England.
Description:
Legacy Theatre presents a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, directed by Keely Baisden Knudsen. This classic tale follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he undergoes a transformative journey during the Christmas season in 1800s England. The production features original music by Keely Baisden Knudsen and David Bell, bringing the timeless story to life with a talented cast.
Where: Stamford | More Info: A Christmas Carol at the Legacy Theatre
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet at the Oakdale
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre features a world-famous two-act ballet with masterful music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The production includes an award-winning international cast, technically supreme dancing, and whimsical puppetry. It promises to be a true celebration of love and peace with breathtaking acrobatics and lavish costumes.
Where: Wallingford | More Info: Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet at the Oakdale
NHSO: Holiday Extravaganza
What to Expect:
Classic holiday music performed by a symphony orchestra.
Description:
The New Haven Symphony Orchestra presents a joyous celebration of holiday music, featuring beloved classics from The Nutcracker and Polar Express, with special guests from the Fairfield County Children's Choir.
Where: New Haven | More Info: NHSO: Holiday Extravaganza
New Haven Ballet Presents the Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
New Haven Ballet presents a full-length production of The Nutcracker, featuring New York City Ballet stars Sara Adams and Harrison Coll, with elaborate sets, costumes, and Tchaikovsky's timeless score.
Where: New Haven | More Info: New Haven Ballet Presents the Nutcracker
NHSO: Handel’s Messiah
What to Expect:
Traditional oratorio performance with a renowned choir.
Description:
The New Haven Symphony Orchestra presents Handel's Messiah, featuring the ethereal voices of Christ Church Choir in a traditional oratorio. Conducted by Alasdair Neale, this performance showcases the symphony and choir in a celebration of music and faith.
Where: New Haven | More Info: NHSO: Handel’s Messiah
New Haven Holiday Giving Opportunities
Community Choral Concert and Baby Toy & Coat Drive
What to Expect:
Community-driven charity event with a musical performance.
Description:
The Community Choral Concert and Baby Toy & Coat Drive is a heartwarming event where community members come together to support local families in need by collecting baby toys and coats, while enjoying a festive concert featuring a community choir.
Where: New Haven | More Info: Community Choral Concert and Baby Toy & Coat Drive
New Haven Other Holiday Activities
Storytelling & Selfies with Santa & Mrs. Claus
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit The Shops at Yale to read stories to children and take photos with families from 1:00-3:00 PM. This event is free and open to the public with free snacks.
Where: New Haven | More Info: Storytelling & Selfies with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Chapel Street Ice Carving Demonstrations
What to Expect:
Live ice carving demonstrations by skilled artisans.
Description:
Witness skilled artisans transform ice into intricate sculptures, showcasing their craftsmanship in a public display.
Where: New Haven | More Info: Chapel Street Ice Carving Demonstrations
Strolling Connecticut Yuletide Carolers
What to Expect:
Live holiday music performances by local carolers.
Description:
Strolling Connecticut Yuletide Carolers bring holiday cheer with traditional songs performed by local musicians.
Where: New Haven | More Info: Strolling Connecticut Yuletide Carolers
Santa Express
What to Expect:
Special gifts from Santa's toy bag for each child.
Description:
The Santa Express is an afternoon train ride where parents and kids can visit Santa Claus and his elves. Each child receives a special gift from Santa's toy bag. The train travels through the cold winter wilderness, offering a unique experience with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
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 visits to the museum interior, a short train ride through historic Danbury Railyard, and a 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
West Haven Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Commemoration of the Jewish Festival of Lights with a menorah lighting ceremony.
Description:
The West Haven Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony is a celebration of the Jewish Festival of Lights, commemorating the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees. The event features the lighting of a menorah, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
Where: West Haven | More Info: West Haven Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Firelight Festival at Henry Whitfield House State Museum
What to Expect:
Interactive public art project celebrating cultural diversity.
Description:
The Firelight Festival at Henry Whitfield House State Museum features live music, cultural performances, and interactive art installations celebrating local diversity and community.
Where: Guilford | More Info: Firelight Festival at Henry Whitfield House State Museum
Light Up West Haven on the Green
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday lighting display.
Description:
Light Up West Haven on the Green is a vibrant community event featuring festive lighting and decorations, creating a beautiful atmosphere for residents and visitors.
Where: West Haven | More Info: Light Up West Haven on the Green
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- East Haven (4 miles)
- Branford (6 miles)
- Hamden (6 miles)
- North Haven (7 miles)
- Shelton (9 miles)
- Milford (9 miles)
- Guilford (13 miles)
- Cheshire (13 miles)
- Stratford (14 miles)
- Naugatuck (14 miles)
- Trumbull (15 miles)
- Bridgeport (16 miles)
- Meriden (17 miles)
- Waterbury (18 miles)
- Fairfield (21 miles)
- Middletown (23 miles)
- Westport (25 miles)
- Bristol (25 miles)
- New Britain (26 miles)
- Danbury (28 miles)
- East Norwalk (28 miles)
- Farmington (29 miles)
- Newington (29 miles)
- Coram (31 miles)
- Wethersfield (31 miles)
- Darien (32 miles)
- Centereach (32 miles)
- Glastonbury (32 miles)
- West Hartford (33 miles)
- Hartford (34 miles)
- North Stamford (34 miles)
- Medford (34 miles)
- Smithtown (34 miles)
- Lake Ronkonkoma (34 miles)
- Holbrook (35 miles)
- Shirley (35 miles)
- Torrington (35 miles)
- East Northport (36 miles)
- Hauppauge (36 miles)
- Stamford (36 miles)
- East Hartford (37 miles)
- West Torrington (37 miles)
- Bloomfield (37 miles)
- Commack (37 miles)
- East Patchogue (38 miles)
- Central Islip (38 miles)
- Manchester (39 miles)
- South Windsor (39 miles)
- Brentwood (40 miles)
- Huntington Station (40 miles)
- Windsor (40 miles)
- Dix Hills (41 miles)
- Montville Center (42 miles)
- New London (43 miles)
- Deer Park (43 miles)
- Bay Shore (44 miles)
- Port Chester (44 miles)