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Christmas Weekend 2024 in Connecticut Top Things To Do: Winterfest, Santa Events, and More!

Suit up for the top things to do this Christmas Weekend in Connecticut! Shark-Diving Santa photo courtesy of the Maritime Aquarium
Suit up for the top things to do this Christmas Weekend in Connecticut! Shark-Diving Santa photo courtesy of the Maritime Aquarium
12/20/24 - By Jennifer Coe

Looking for the best things to do in Connecticut this Christmas weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.

The countdown is ticking, and it's almost time for the Reindeer to make an appearance in Connecticut. In the meantime, kids can sled at Winterfest at Powder Ridge Park in Southington. Staying with the outdoor theme, Santa is making an appearance at the Horse Drawn Wagon Rides at Starr Hill Farm and The Festival of Lights at Hope River Farm. Or maybe head to the Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt at Lachat Farm. Or stay nice and toasty indoors at the Santa Pizza Party Extravaganza. 

Happy Holidays!

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The weather outside won't be frightful this Christmas Weekend! Princess Pop Up with Elsa at Giggling Pig. Photo courtesy of the event.
The weather outside won't be frightful this Christmas Weekend! Princess Pop Up with Elsa at Giggling Pig. Photo courtesy of the event.

Christmas Weekend 2024 in Connecticut

Holiday Movies in Stamford Town Center

Stamford
Friday, December 20
Unwind after the week and join us every Friday night in December for Stamford Moms Merry Movie Nights at Stamford Town Center.  Complimentary popcorn will be provided thanks to YogaSix Stamford. Movies will play in Grand Court on a brand new video wall with a better picture than ever. READ MORE

Winter Wonder at Niantic Children's Museum (Sensory Friendly)

Niantic
Friday, December 20
The Museum will be filled with “Holiday Cheer” as attendees have the chance to participate in a variety of winter-themed activities and crafts including beaded snowflakes, marshmallow snowmen, make an ornament, melting ice and snow slime. Participants can also choose to listen to a story and make an associated craft. READ MORE

The Christmas Story Onstage at the Goodspeed

East Haddam
Friday, December 20
Goodspeed unwraps a glittering musical version of the beloved movie classic just in time for the holidays. The only thing little Ralphie wants for Christmas is a BB gun. But to get it, he must navigate all the obstacles of the yuletide season. READ MORE

Lantern Light Village at Mystic Seaport

Mystic
Friday & Saturday, December 20-21
Take a journey through time this holiday season at Mystic Seaport Museum! What connects the festive seasons of bygone days to the present? The spirit of love that enchants us all. Love for each other, for seasonal traditions of every kind, for twinkling lights and carolers. READ MORE

Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt at Lachat Town Farm

Weston
Friday & Saturday, December 20-21
Grab your flashlight, put your festive holiday detective hat on and come solve the candy cane mystery at Lachat Farm. Candy canes are hidden in the woods and meadow, and we need your help to find them. READ MORE

Festival of Lights at Hope River Farm

Fairfield
Friday & Saturday, December 20-21
Hope River Farms annual Festival of Lights started in December. Come with the family and enjoy our holiday lights show. Stroll around the farm and enjoy holiday light show, characters and sit by the fire and sip a chocolate while making a delicious smore. READ MORE

Winterfest at Powder Ridge Park

Southington
December 20-22
Join us for the ultimate holiday celebration at Winterfest! From thrilling day and night tubing to a snow play area for kids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Winterfest offerings include: Day & Night Tubing: Night tubing includes a DJ and an out-of-this-world laser light show! Kids’ Snow Play Area: Featuring FREE intro lessons to skiing and snowboarding! Artisan Market: Shop unique holiday gifts from local makers. Visits with Santa: A chance to meet Santa himself! Ice Bar: Warm up with seasonal drinks in our cozy igloo. Food Trucks: Enjoy a variety of tasty... READ MORE

Winterfest at Bushnell Park in Hartford

Hartford
December 20-23
Free skating 7-days a week at Winterfest on the east side of Bushnell Park over by the Pump House. Don’t have your own skates? Winterfest has free skate rentals too. READ MORE

Piglet's Princess Party with Snow White at Giggling Pig

Milford
Saturday, December 21
Join GP for an absolutely magical play date with Snow White. This 60 minute playdate will feature a meet & greet, storytime and sing along with Snow White plus a Snow White inspired-themed play doh bar, enchanting sensory tables, and a very special take home keepsake. READ MORE

Horse Drawn Wagon Rides at Starr Hill Farm

Portland
Saturday, December 21
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting Star Hill Family Farm on special days for 2024, and typically some elves and other holiday characters tend to also visit when Santa is around. READ MORE

Santa Pizza Party Extravaganza at Designs by Lee

Stamford
Saturday, December 21
A fun-filled pizza party experience at Designs by Lee featuring delicious Coalhouse Pizza. Kids will have a blast making their own pizzas and decorating cookies from Treats Bella. There will also be kids' crafts and plenty of fun activities for everyone to enjoy. READ MORE

Cocoa and Crafts: The Coffeemonsters Book

Hartford
Saturday, December 21
Did you know coffee stains can be used to make silly monsters? Or that these monsters each have their own backstories and adventures? Sip hot cocoa and munch on treats while enjoying a reading of The Coffeemonsters Book, written by Stefan Kunhigk. Coffee will be available for the adults! Then, families will make their own book of coffee-stain monsters and short stories. READ MORE

Science Solvers: Ducks at the Bruce Museum

Greenwich
Friday & Saturday, December 21-22
Ducks! – Learn about duck and duck adaptations in this in this workshop. A drop-in program designed for children aged 4 and up and their families. Participants will explore simple science concepts and subjects while partaking in fun, kid-friendly experiments, projects, and crafts inspired by the Museum’s collections and exhibitions.  READ MORE

Shark-Diving Santa at the Maritime Aquarium

Norwalk
Saturday & Sunday, December 21-22
Santa Claus will be diving with sand tiger sharks in the Aquarium’s “Ocean Beyond the Sound” during the month of December. See Santa dive on most Saturdays and Sundays. READ MORE

Kid's Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop at Lyman Orchards

Middlefield
Saturday & Sunday, December 21-22
Come out for a crafty, creative confection! Sign the kids up for a Lyman Orchards  Gingerbread House Workshop built just for them.Let the kids dive into decorating their very own gingerbread house with candy, sprinkles, and icing. This tasty workshop is a  perfect activity to experience the joy of the season. 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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