Get ready for a festive adventure in New London with our holiday guide. For New London devotees and casual admirers, this guide is your compass to seasonal wonders.
Embrace the magic of the holidays with a visit to The Nutcracker, a beloved performance that enchants audiences with its timeless tale and exquisite choreography. The New London Winter Market offers an array of local crafts and seasonal treats, perfect for finding unique gifts and enjoying the community spirit. And the Putnam Light Parade & Christmas Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring dazzling lights and festive entertainment. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the New London Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around New London
- The Nutcracker (Various)
- New London Winter Market
- All Aboard the Snow Clipper (Danbury)
- Santa Express (Thomaston)
- Putnam Light Parade & Christmas Market (Putnam)
- Holiday Train Rides at Railroad Museum of New England (Thomaston)
- Holiday Train Rides at Danbury Railway Museum (Danbury)
- East Haddam Holiday Market (East Haddam)
- Mystic Seaport Holiday Activities (Mystic)
See these and even more events listed below!
New London Holiday Light Displays
New London Winter Market
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities and community involvement.
Description:
Downtown New London transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with Christmas light displays, holiday BINGO, a festive parade, and visits with Santa. Local businesses offer deals and activities, while families can enjoy wagon rides and a live food drive.
Where: New London | More Info: New London Winter Market
Putnam Light Parade & Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Vibrant light parade and festive market in downtown Putnam.
Description:
The Putnam Light Parade & Christmas Market features floats, music, and an array of lights that illuminate downtown Putnam, accompanied by a Christmas market filled with local vendors selling handmade crafts and unique holiday gifts.
Where: Putnam | More Info: Putnam Light Parade & Christmas Market
New London 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, featuring local vendors selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and seasonal items. The market offers both indoor and outdoor booth spaces, accommodating vendors with varying needs.
Where: East Haddam | More Info: East Haddam Holiday Market
New London Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Pacific Northwest Ballet presents George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, featuring Tchaikovsky's classic score, gorgeous costumes and scenery, and impressive performances. The event includes a picture-perfect lobby and a 25-minute intermission.
Where: Various | More Info: The Nutcracker
Mystic Seaport Holiday Activities
What to Expect:
19th-century holiday traditions combined with modern festivities.
Description:
Explore Mystic Seaport Museum's Lantern Light Village, where you can immerse yourself in 19th-century holiday traditions and modern-day festivities. Enjoy festive lighting displays, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, and holiday-themed activities like stories, crafts, and games. The event features a theatrical performance, "Holiday Heirlooms," and offers a unique blend of historical and contemporary holiday experiences.
Where: Mystic | More Info: Mystic Seaport Holiday Activities
New London 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 families can visit Santa Claus and his elves, with each child receiving 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 historic Danbury Railyard, museum exhibits, and a festive 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 Train Rides at Danbury Railway Museum
What to Expect:
Personalized gift-giving experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
At the Danbury Railway Museum, experience a personalized gift-giving experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy the museum's interior, including a Letters to Santa coloring station and operating model railroads. Take a short train ride through the historic Danbury Railyard and meet Santa for the first gifts of Christmas. The event includes hot chocolate, marshmallows, and fresh baked cookies.
Where: Danbury | More Info: Holiday Train Rides at Danbury Railway Museum
Holiday Train Rides at Railroad Museum of New England
What to Expect:
Historic train rides with educational exhibits.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with scenic train rides through the Naugatuck River Valley, offering a glimpse into the region's rich railroad heritage.
Where: Thomaston | More Info: Holiday Train Rides at Railroad Museum of New England
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Montville Center (9 miles)
- Norwich (12 miles)
- Windham (24 miles)
- Mansfield City (29 miles)
- South Kingstown (30 miles)
- Guilford (31 miles)
- Middletown (32 miles)
- Coventry (32 miles)
- North Kingstown (35 miles)
- Glastonbury (36 miles)
- Manchester (36 miles)
- Branford (38 miles)
- Wethersfield (38 miles)
- West Warwick (38 miles)
- Meriden (39 miles)
- North Haven (39 miles)
- East Hartford (40 miles)
- Newington (40 miles)
- East Haven (40 miles)
- New Britain (41 miles)
- Hartford (41 miles)
- Hamden (41 miles)
- Newport (42 miles)
- South Windsor (42 miles)
- Warwick (43 miles)
- Cheshire (43 miles)
- New Haven (43 miles)
- West Hartford (43 miles)
- Windsor (44 miles)
- Johnston (44 miles)