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Untermyer Gardens Conservancy's Grand Holiday Illumination has become a Yonkers tradition. Photo courtesy of the conservancy
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Cirque Dreams' festive acrobats never fail to amaze. Photo courtesy of Cirque Dreams
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Celebrate with family and friends at Crabtree's Kittle House in Chappaqua. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
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The holiday market at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts features more than 75 craft and food vendors. Photo courtesy of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
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Ridge Hill's tree lighting ceremony will include live music and entertainment. Photo courtesy of Ridge Hill
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Enjoy glorious views on the Walkway Over the Hudson. Photo by Fred Schaeffer/courtesy of the Walkway.
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Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Connecticut 2025

Raise a hand if you're excited for the best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Connecticut! Magic of Lights photo courtesy of the XL Center
Raise a hand if you're excited for the best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Connecticut! Magic of Lights photo courtesy of the XL Center
11/24/24 - By Jennifer Coe

The best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Connecticut have arrived for 2025! Light displays, like the Holiday Wish Express, are some of the most magical experiences during Connecticut's holiday season. Sparkling lights and imaginitive displays put the whole family in a festive mood. You won't have far to drive for one of these big, special events, like the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mystick Village. Christmas light shows in Connecticut return again, like Glow Hartford and Fantasy of Lights at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven. So Read on for our picks for the best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Connecticut.

There are also Spectacular Neighborhood Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights in Connecticut to enjoy this season. If you are looking for more things to do this holiday season, be sure to check out the Must-do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities for Connecticut Kids. Want even more holiday fun?  Follow our Facebook  and Instagram pages for updated events.

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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

There's magic in the air at these Connecticut holiday light displays! Holiday Lights photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
There's magic in the air at these Connecticut holiday light displays! Holiday Lights photo courtesy of Lake Compounce

Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows 2025 - Hartford Area

Magic of Lights at Pratt & Whitney Stadium

East Hartford
November 26, 2025 - January 6, 2026
Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of East Hartford’s new holiday tradition. One carload, one price. READ MORE

Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce

Bristol
November 28 - December 28, 2025
Bring the family for one last memory-making visit to Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce. The event will be retired after 2025, so don’t miss your last chance to mingle among a half million twinkling lights throughout the park. READ MORE

Glow Hartford - Indoor Holiday Light Festival & Market

Hartford
November 21 - December 21, 2025
This winter, the Connecticut Convention Center will transform into a dazzling Christmas wonderland. Glow invites you to celebrate the magic of the season at a one-of-a-kind Holiday Light Festival and Market. READ MORE

Night of Lights

Newington—FREE
Friday, December 5, 2025
A great holiday tradition! Enjoy free hot coco and official welcome from our Mayor.  And of course a tree lighting with Santa's big arrival at 6:20p. READ MORE

Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights at the Connecticut Trolley Museum

East Windsor
November 28 - December 30, 2025
Halls are decked inside and outside at the Connecticut Trolley Museum with more than 15,000 lights for this annual event. Guests board enclosed trolley cars for a ride down a tunnel of lights as they sing traditional Christmas carols with their trolley car operators. READ MORE
Give the gift of holiday magic with a visit to these light shows in CT! Photo courtesy of The Holiday Wish Experience
Give the gift of holiday magic with a visit to these light shows in CT! Photo courtesy of The Holiday Wish Experience

Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows 2025 - Fairfield area

Holiday Wish Express in Stamford

Stamford
November 22 - December 28, 2025
All aboard for an all-new magical journey to the North Pole! Experience the Holiday Wish Express like never before with new featured themed areas, delightful new characters, and so much more! Don’t miss the largest indoor Christmas event in the Northeast—where holiday magic comes to life! READ MORE

Night of Lights: Hayrides with Santa at Fairview Tree Farm

Shelton
November 29 - December 21, 2025
Join Fairview Tree Farm for a magical night of holiday lights at their annual Christmas nighttime hayride! A 30-minute tractor pulled wagon will take you through our decorated and lit tree fields and holiday scenes. Visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and more! Holiday Spirit throughout our farm! Sit by a cozy bonfire while sipping on tasty treats. READ MORE

Festival of Lights at Hope River Farm

Fairfield
December 5 - 21, 2025
Hope River Farms annual Festival of Lights returns for December 2025. Come with the family and enjoy the holiday lights show. Stroll around the farm, enjoy the characters, and sit by the fire with hot chocolate. READ MORE

Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows 2025 - New Haven Area

Fantasy of Lights at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven

New Haven
November 21 - December 31, 2025
The Fantasy of Lights has become a holiday tradition for thousands of families from all over Connecticut and New England. The mile-long route features over 60 displays and 100,000 lights. Many of the displays are animated and some are fitted with LED bulbs, making them more colorful and vibrant.  READ MORE

Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden

Meriden—FREE
November 28, 2025 - January 1, 2026
The Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden, Connecticut, is a beloved annual event that transforms the park into a magical winter wonderland with over 300,000 sparkling lights. Each year, the festival features an array of displays, including illuminated animals, trees, and intricate holiday scenes, all beautifully arranged around the park’s lake and walkways.  READ MORE
Mistic lights up with Christmas light shows every year! Photo courtesy of Olde Mistick Village
Mistic lights up with Christmas light shows every year! Photo courtesy of Olde Mistick Village

Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows 2025 - Eastern Connecticut

Hebron Lions Lights in Motion

Hebron
November 28 - December 28, 2025
Hebron Lions hosts Lights in Motion, a drive-through light display for the holiday season. Set up at the Hebron Fairgrounds, visitors will enjoy over a million lights synchronized with music. READ MORE

Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village

Mystic—FREE
November 21, 2025 - January 31, 2026
Olde Mistick Village has created an old fashioned Holiday Light Spectacular for you and your family. In fact, this event will be the largest holiday lights display in southern New England! READ MORE

Downtown Mystic Holiday Stroll & Lantern Luminary

Mystic—FREE
December 2, 2025
Stroll the illuminated streets of downtown Mystic during this joyful community-oriented event marked by Christmas carolling and light displays. READ MORE

Holiday Luminaria at the Nature Center

Mystic
December 12 - 14, 2025
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season to experience the peace and wonder of a winter walk in the woods. Wind through the forest on a self-guided tour of trails lit by the soft glow of nearly 1,000 luminaria. After your walk, gather by the warmth of a festive fire at our Winter Café to enjoy complimentary hot cider or cocoa. READ MORE

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About the Author

Jenny Coe
Jenny Coe is a longtime Mommy Poppins writer and contributor and full-time mom to three boys. Jenny has also been a contributor at Patch and The Reminder (Hartford Courant). Here at Mommy Poppins, Jenny writes about great things for kids to do in Connecticut and New England, affordable fun, and nature experiences (her favorite!).
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