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.
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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.