What's Open on Christmas Day in CT: A List of Awesome Things To Do

If you are wondering what's open on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve in Connecticut, there are light shows and fun things to do and see. When the "most wonderful" time of year is here, and decorations are up, menus are planned, and most gifts are wrapped, you may be thinking about some activities that will help you cherish family time. This list of 17 events happening on and around Christmas Day in Connecticut is sure to have something for everyone, from Christmas Eve skating and a reindeer festival to a much-loved free light show.

With media issues fixed and "It's a Wonderful Life" cued up, I'm ready for Christmas! No matter what you celebrate, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or a combination, have a wonderful holiday season and enjoy as much as you can with our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Connecticut Families.

Things To Do on Christmas Eve in Connecticut

1. Holiday Model Train Show

Essex—Now through Saturday, February 24, 2024

This model train show fills the entire 3rd floor of the Connecticut River Museum. Come see a running, 26-foot layout with scenery, people, and vehicles. 

2. Holiday Express Train Show

Fairfield—Now Through Sunday, December 31, 2023

Come see the winter wonderland train show. The annual tradition is back to delight both children and adults.

3. Christmas Village

Torrington—Now Through Sunday, December 24

This Christmas Village features individual rooms to meet both Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, a toy shop with elves hard at work, reindeer, seasonal lights and displays, and of course, hot chocolate. 

4. Holiday Magic

Old Lyme—Now Through Sunday, December 31, 2023

Come experience the Magic of Christmas at the Florence Griswold Museum. The Griswold House will be decorated for Christmas in turn-of-the-century style with many different Christmas trees on display. Miss Griswold's Artist Tree features painted pallettes by 200 artists.

5. Public Skating

Stamford—Friday, December 24

Enjoy some family skating before Christmas and over the holiday break. Stamford Twin Rinks will be open on during the Christmas break week, but not Christmas Day.

6. Celebrate the Holidays at PaleyLand

NYC—Sunday, December 24, 2023

Head to the city on Christmas Eve to enjoy some holiday fun!

7. Holiday Wish Express

Stamford—Sunday, December 24, 2023

Climb aboard a virtual train ride for a magical journey to the North Pole.

Things To Do on Christmas Day in Connecticut

  
See the magic of Connecticut's light displays this Christmas Day! Photo by Jaime Sumersille for Mommy Poppins.

8. Magic of Lights

East Hartford—Now Through Sunday, December 31, 2023

Enjoy the all-new drive-through 'Blizzard Tunnel' as well as returning favorite displays, including '12 Days of Christmas,' 'Winter Wonderland,' and 'The Night Before Christmas.' 

9. Fantasy of Lights

New Haven—Now Through Sunday, December 31, 2023

The mile-long route features more than 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. 

10. Forest of Illusions

Hartford—Now Through Friday, December 31

This winter, the Connecticut Science Center has created a magical wonderland with mind-bending optical illusions. 

11. Public Skate at The Sports Center

Shelton—Sunday, December 24 - Monday December 25, 2023

Lace up your skates on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

 
The much loved Festival in Meriden is free. Photo by Rowan Jacobs, Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

21. Festival of Lights.

Meriden—Now Through Monday, January 1, 2024

Come and see 350,000 twinkling lights. There will be 200 figures and buildings decorated for onlookers to enjoy.  

13. Public Skating

Westport—Monday, December 25, 2023

Yes, you can skate on Christmas Day at the PAL Rinks. From 12pm-1:30pm you can bring out your family to get some fresh air and exercise.

14. Winterfest at Bushnell Park

Hartford—Monday, December 25, 2023

Bring the family out to enjoy one of Hartford's beloved holiday traditions!

15. Hebron Lions Light in Motion

Hebron—Through Sunday, December 31, 2023

See a spectacular drive-thru light display at the Hebron Fairgrounds!

Things To Do on Christmas Day Weekend in Connecticut

16. Shark Diving Santa & "The Polar Express 4D"

Norwalk—Now Through December 31, 2023

Enjoy a day of festive fun at the Maritime Aquarium. On Christmas Eve, you can sneak a peak at Santa swimming with the sharks and check out a screening of the Polar Express 4D. 

See some live reindeer this holiday season in CT

17. Annual Reindeer Festival & Santa's Village 

​Greenwich—Now through Friday, December 24
Santa and his reindeer are available to see your children. Your kids can have their pictures taken with Santa, and ride on a Winter Wonderland Carousel. 

Originally published on 12-22-2011.

Updated 12-2021; 12-2023
Photo courtesy of Ally Noel.