Enjoy the festive wonders of Stratford with our detailed event guide. Whether you're rediscovering Stratford or seeing it for the first time, this guide maximizes your holiday enjoyment.
Popular Events: Experience the magic of the Santa Express, where families can enjoy a whimsical train ride that captures the spirit of the season. Featuring local vendors and crafts, the Waterbury Holiday Craft Fair offers unique gifts and handmade treasures perfect for holiday shopping. And the Stonington Holiday Stroll & Marketplace is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its charming atmosphere and delightful seasonal treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Stratford
- Waterbury Holiday Craft Fair (Waterbury)
- Stonington Holiday Stroll & Marketplace (Stonington)
- Santa Express (Thomaston)
- Guilford Holiday Fest (Guilford)
- All Aboard the Snow Clipper (Danbury)
- Norwich Winterfest & Christmas Market (Norwich)
- Holiday Lights - The Bronx Zoo (Bronx)
- Festival of Lights at Harvest Moon (New Milford)
See these and even more events listed below!
Stratford Holiday Light Displays
Festival of Lights at Harvest Moon
What to Expect:
Illuminated forest with interactive light displays.
Description:
At Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, the Festival of Lights transforms the orchard into an illuminated forest with over half a million brilliant lights, featuring whimsical creatures, light-changing orbs, thematic installations, and interactive light displays.
Where: New Milford | More Info: Festival of Lights at Harvest Moon
Holiday Lights - The Bronx Zoo
What to Expect:
Wildlife-themed lantern trails and interactive light experiences.
Description:
The Bronx Zoo transforms into an illuminated spectacle with millions of lights and hundreds of wildlife lanterns, featuring seven lantern trails representing nearly 100 animal and plant species. The event includes interactive glowing walls, LED swings, and ocean-themed light panels, along with family-friendly entertainment, seasonal treats, and classic holiday music.
Where: Bronx | More Info: Holiday Lights - The Bronx Zoo
Stratford Holiday Markets and Shopping
Stonington Holiday Stroll & Marketplace
What to Expect:
Community carol sing and competitive window decorations.
Description:
The Stonington Holiday Stroll & Marketplace is a festive community event featuring a tree lighting ceremony, community carol sing, and a holiday stroll down Water Street with local merchants competing for the best window decorations. The event includes a special visit from Santa and seasonal decorations around Cannon Square and the viaduct.
Where: Stonington | More Info: Stonington Holiday Stroll & Marketplace
Guilford Holiday Fest
What to Expect:
Unique gifts from hundreds of American artists.
Description:
The Guilford Holiday Expo at the Guilford Art Center features handcrafted holiday gifts from hundreds of American artists, including accessories, candles, ceramics, clothing, and more. Shoppers can find unique items and support local artists while enjoying various shopping experiences.
Where: Guilford | More Info: Guilford Holiday Fest
Waterbury Holiday Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Unique gifts from local artisans and vendors.
Description:
The Waterbury Holiday Craft Fair offers a variety of local vendors selling handmade items, including jewelry, baked goods, and decorative pieces. Bring the kids to get their photo taken with Santa and enjoy door prizes. This event is a great opportunity to shop for unique gifts and support small local businesses.
Where: Waterbury | More Info: Waterbury Holiday Craft Fair
Norwich Winterfest & Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights, festive music, and holiday crafts.
Description:
Norwich Winterfest & Christmas Market features handmade crafts, unique gifts, and delicious food in a festive atmosphere with live performances and holiday activities.
Where: Norwich | More Info: Norwich Winterfest & Christmas Market
Stratford Other Holiday Activities
Santa Express
What to Expect:
Special gifts and visits with Santa and his elves.
Description:
The Santa Express is an afternoon train ride where families can visit Santa Claus and his elves. Passengers enjoy comfortable seating in restored New England Railroad cars, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, and receive special gifts. The train is lighted and seasonally decorated, and children can sing along to Christmas carols.
Where: Thomaston | More Info: Santa Express
All Aboard the Snow Clipper
What to Expect:
Personalized gift-giving experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
At All Aboard the Snow Clipper, families can enjoy a personalized gift-giving experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event includes a short train ride through the historic Danbury Railyard, followed by a meet and greet with Santa, where each child receives their first gift of Christmas. The museum interior features artifact displays, antique railroad cars, and interactive exhibits like the Letters to Santa coloring station. After the train ride, guests can enjoy a walk through the railyard with hot chocolate, marshmallows, and fresh-baked cookies.
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!
- Bridgeport (3 miles)
- Milford (5 miles)
- Trumbull (5 miles)
- Fairfield (7 miles)
- Shelton (9 miles)
- Westport (12 miles)
- New Haven (14 miles)
- East Norwalk (15 miles)
- East Haven (15 miles)
- Branford (18 miles)
- Darien (19 miles)
- Hamden (19 miles)
- North Haven (20 miles)
- Naugatuck (21 miles)
- North Stamford (22 miles)
- Danbury (22 miles)
- Centereach (23 miles)
- Coram (23 miles)
- Stamford (23 miles)
- Smithtown (23 miles)
- East Northport (23 miles)
- Lake Ronkonkoma (24 miles)
- Guilford (25 miles)
- Cheshire (25 miles)
- Commack (25 miles)
- Hauppauge (25 miles)
- Holbrook (26 miles)
- Waterbury (26 miles)
- Medford (26 miles)
- Huntington Station (27 miles)
- Central Islip (27 miles)
- Dix Hills (28 miles)
- Brentwood (28 miles)
- Meriden (30 miles)
- East Patchogue (30 miles)
- Shirley (30 miles)
- Port Chester (30 miles)
- Deer Park (31 miles)
- Bay Shore (32 miles)
- Plainview (33 miles)
- Harrison (34 miles)
- West Babylon (34 miles)
- West Islip (34 miles)
- Glen Cove (34 miles)
- White Plains (34 miles)
- Bristol (35 miles)
- Hicksville (35 miles)
- Middletown (36 miles)
- Lindenhurst (37 miles)
- Copiague (37 miles)
- New Britain (38 miles)
- Ossining (38 miles)
- Greenburgh (38 miles)
- Massapequa (39 miles)
- East Meadow (39 miles)
- Farmington (40 miles)
- Garden City (41 miles)
- Uniondale (41 miles)
- Mount Vernon (41 miles)
- Newington (41 miles)
- Peekskill (42 miles)
- Hempstead (42 miles)
- Merrick (42 miles)
- Wakefield (42 miles)
- Torrington (43 miles)
- Freeport (43 miles)
- Franklin Square (43 miles)
- Yonkers (44 miles)
- Throgs Neck (44 miles)
- West Torrington (44 miles)
- Baldwin (44 miles)
- Bayside (44 miles)
- Wethersfield (44 miles)
- New City (45 miles)
- Van Nest (45 miles)
- The Bronx (45 miles)
- West Hartford (45 miles)
- Whitestone (45 miles)
- Unionport (45 miles)
- Parkchester (45 miles)
- Queens Village (45 miles)
- Rockville Centre (45 miles)