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Holiday & New Years Events Calendar 2025-26

New England’s lively cities, snug towns, and snow-swept mountains are a perfect backdrop for holiday celebrations and traditions at the end of 2025. Come enjoy classic favorites, like stage performances of A Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker, or local traditions such as the festive lighting of the Nubble Lighthouse in Maine. Lodgings offer plenty of ways to combine a holiday getaway with pastimes like skiing, shopping, or theater-hopping.


Christmas in Stowe - Visit New England Holiday Events Calendar 2024-25

Find the dates you plan to travel or simply search the full events list below.

-= Featured Events =- Children & Families Christmas Dance Museums Performing Arts and Theater
We welcome the events that are open to the public. Click here to Submit your Event for FREE

-= Featured Events =-

Brand-New Christmas Celebration with Dinosaurs & Lights Comes to Montville, CT

Nov 29, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026 1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike on Route 85, Montville, CT 06370

ID of the event
Like Christmas? Like Dinosaurs? Then you will love Dino-Lights:
A Holiday Festival at The Dinosaur Place in Montville, CT.

Step back in time and into a winter wonderland as you walk an enchanting trail illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights and populated by life-sized, festive dinosaurs. The unique experience offers holiday cheer and excitement for the whole family.

The celebration features:
• Dazzling Illuminated Trail where guests can walk alongside lights, music & dinosaurs
• Giant Lighted T-Rex Tower, a 2.5-story Playscape designed for children to climb, explore, and burn off some holiday energy (ages 2 – 12). Also, Spinosaurus Spiral a climb and slide playscape will be open.
• Dozens of Festive Photo opportunities perfect for capturing that unique Christmas card moment
• Santa will be spreading Peppermint Joy with free festive photo ops
• Hot Chocolate to keep spirits warm*

Dress warmly and prepare to step into the magical prehistoric wonderland of The Dinosaur Place this holiday season!

Check out the map of the event and reserve your tickets at NaturesArtVillage.com/dino-lights.
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 4:00PM - 8:00PM
$25/person
860-443-4367

Children & Families

Annual Santa Breakfast, Dec 21

Dec 7, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025 Madison Beach Hotel,94 West Wharf Road Madison, CT 06443

Make holiday memories at this magical Breakfast with Santa event! Children can enjoy a delicious breakfast and meet Santa Claus in person, share their Christmas wishes, and take a memorable photo.

Ticket Includes:
Breakfast with Santa
Meet-and-greet photo opportunity
Special treat bag for each child

Additional Information:
Tickets are required for each guest
Seating is open, reserved by groups, communal-style
Complimentary valet parking available

Tips: Bring your camera and consider writing a letter to Santa ahead of time
9:00am to 11:00am
$64.80 | $59 per person (inclusive) | Children under 3: Free
203-245-1404

Winter Wonderland: A Family Friendly Experience

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025 1 Plank Rd Waterbury, CT 06705

Step into the magic of the season with Winter Wonderland: A Family-Friendly Experience — an enchanting one-hour holiday adventure for all ages! Meet Santa and his cheerful helpers, sip on delicious hot cocoa, and make memories as whimsical Christmas characters come to life. Filled with laughter, music, and holiday cheer, this festive show captures the warmth and wonder of the season. Bring the whole family and let your hearts sparkle with the joy of Winter Wonderland!
10:30am & 2:00pm
$20 General, $10 10 & Under, $60 Family 4-Pack
203-757-4676

Winter Wonderland: A Family Friendly Experience

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025 1 Plank Rd Waterbury, CT 06705

Step into the magic of the season with Winter Wonderland: A Family-Friendly Experience — an enchanting one-hour holiday adventure perfect for all ages! Meet Santa and his cheerful helpers, enjoy a warm cup of hot cocoa, and watch whimsical Christmas characters come to life. Filled with music, laughter, and festive cheer, this heartwarming show celebrates the joy and wonder of the holidays. Bring the whole family and let your hearts sparkle in this unforgettable Winter Wonderland!
10:30am & 2:00pm
$20 General, $10 10 & Under, $60 Family 4-Pack
203-757-4676

Holiday Magic at Lyman Orchards

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025 3 Lyman Road middlefield, CT 06455

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the Lyman Homestead Holiday Experience, where the season comes alive with sparkling charm and festive family fun. Your adventure begins at the Apple Barrel Farm Market with rich hot chocolate and signature bakery treats. Then, bundle up for a cozy horse-drawn wagon ride to the historic Lyman Homestead, beautifully decorated from room to room with twinkling lights, garlands, and Christmas trees—including a few that magically snow!

Inside, explore the glowing living room, library, dining room, and parlor at your own pace while cheerful holiday music fills the air. Enjoy festive photo ops, kids’ crafts, letters to Santa, and charming seasonal touches designed to delight visitors of all ages.

After your visit, return to the Apple Barrel for free live performances, or stop by 1741 Pub & Grill at Lyman Orchards Golf Club to savor a delicious meal and festive drinks.

Tickets:
Horse-drawn wagon rides included with admission.

Free Apple Barrel Performances:
Sat, Dec 13 — 11:30 AM–12:30 PM: Christmas Carols by Paperhouse Productions

The full experience lasts about 45 minutes (or up to an hour with reindeer goat playdates).
No outside food or drinks. No refunds.
Sponsored by Liberty Bank.
Saturday and Sunday 10AM- 2:30pm (arrive before 2 PM)
$15 per person, Kids under 2 are free.
860-349-6033

Winter Princess Holiday Tea

Dec 21, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025 Madison Beach Hotel 94 West Wharf Road Madison, CT 06443 Madison, CT 06443

Celebrate the holiday season with a magical princess tea! Perfect for children and families, this festive event invites little ones to dress in taffeta, Mary Janes, fancy hats—or their favorite princess attire—and enjoy an enchanting afternoon of tea, treats, and holiday fun.

Ticket Includes:
Tea menu featuring pastries, tea sandwiches, scones, and beverages (tea & hot cocoa)
Winter Princess photo opportunity
Story time with the Princess
Craft take-away for each child
Includes gratuity and sales tax; Eventbrite fees additional

Additional Information:
Open seating, communal-style; groups are encouraged to notify event organizers of size and ages of children
1 tea tower per party

Complimentary valet parking available
2:00pm to 4:00pm
$65 per person Family Four Pack: $225 (min 4 / max 4) Children under 3: Free
203-245-1404

Christmas

17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop

Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 24, 2025 Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses 437 North Street, Greenwich, CT 06830

Celebrate the magic of the season at the 17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop — a beloved town tradition! Visit Santa and his three LIVE reindeer at “The North Pole on North Street,” enjoy festive family photos, and explore the expanded Santa’s Workshop filled with fun activities like reindeer coloring, letters to Santa, raffles, and more.

Families and pets are welcome — bring your dog for a photo with Santa and receive a complimentary doggy gift bag (weekdays only). A portion of all photo proceeds supports Kids in Crisis.

Join the celebration during the We’re Back Party Days on November 28–29, then enjoy the holiday magic through December 24.

Instagram @GreenwichReindeerFestival
Facebook @GreenwichReindeerFestival
Monday - Friday, 12pm - 6pm. Saturday, 9am - 6pm. Christmas Eve, 9am - 3pm. Closed Sundays.
Refer to the website to learn more.

Advent Calendar Giveaway - New Haven, CT

Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025 1 State Street New Haven, CT 06511

With Christmas just five days away, don’t miss “The Spirit of Christmas” exhibit! Visit and you may receive a free gift from our larger-than-life Advent Calendar—available first-come, first-served.

During your visit, enjoy:
  • “The Spirit of Christmas” exhibition
  • “Away in a Manger: The Creation of Nativity Scenes”
  • Christmas Tree Festival—vote for your favorite decorated tree!
Celebrate the season with festive displays, interactive experiences, and holiday cheer for the whole family.
10:00AM to 4:00pm
Free
230-865-0400

Dance

CONNectic DANCE: Nutcracker Suite & Spicy

Dec 19, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025 The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum, 600 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103 Hartford, CT 06103

Now in its sixteenth year, Nutcracker Suite & Spicy offers a bold, high-energy twist on the holiday classic. This innovative production fuses ballet, hip-hop, tap, and contemporary dance to deliver a fresh urban edge, stunning visuals, and plenty of heart.

Choreographed and directed by Carolyn Paine with projection design by Emmy-winning artist Ryan Glista, this show is a festive must-see for audiences of all ages.

Registration: Required through conneticdance.com
7:00pm
General Admission: $50; 10 Ticket Group Rate: $300
860-278-2670

Museums

1940s Christmas Tours of the Coley House

Dec 19, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025 104 Weston Road Weston, CT 06883

Step back in time this holiday season with a historic tour of the Coley House. Begin in the visitor’s center with live jazz from the duo On The Count of Two while sampling festive treats made from World War II ration recipes.

Follow your guide, dressed in period costume, through the Coley House decorated as it would have been in the 1940s, exploring authentic holiday decorations from the era. Learn how World War II shaped American holiday traditions and enjoy original radio broadcasts featuring Bing Crosby and Judy Garland.
12/19: 6pm & 7:30pm 12/20: 4:30pm, 6pm & 7:30pm
$15 members, $25 non-members
203-226-1804

Performing Arts and Theater

CONNectic DANCE: Nutcracker Suite & Spicy

Dec 19, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025 The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum, 600 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103 Hartford, CT 06103

Nutcracker Suite & Spicy returns for its sixteenth year, bringing a bold, high-kicking twist to the holiday season! Experience a fusion of ballet, hip-hop, tap, and contemporary dance that combines jaw-dropping visual magic, irreverent fun, and plenty of heart.

Choreographed and directed by Carolyn Paine, with projection design by Emmy-winning artist Ryan Glista, this urban-spirited production offers a fresh take on a holiday classic.

Registration required: conneticdance.com
Dec 19 & 20 - 7:00pm / Dec 21 - 2:00pm
General Admission: $50; 10 Ticket Group Rate: $300
860-278-2670