6 Best Family-friendly Christmas Activities in Connecticut

December 2, 2022

The holiday season is all about being with loved ones, which often includes children. Being around kids during Christmas is special, and their excitement about the holidays is contagious! If you have little ones in tow, here are six of the best family-friendly Christmas activities in Connecticut.

Glow Hartford

If you’re looking for an event perfect for all ages, head to Glow Hartford. From little children up through grandparents, everyone can experience the wonder of the holiday season in one place. Shop holiday artisan vendors, see thousands of Christmas lights, get something to eat, and hear live music all under one roof. There’s also a scavenger hunt and Santa’s workshop area to delight the kids.

North Pole Express

They’ve seen the movie, now take them to a live experience on a real train ride! Wear PJs and prepare for a magical rendition of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” There will also be hot chocolate, live singalongs, and sugar cookies. However, one of the best parts about the North Pole Express is that Santa and Mrs. Claus are on hand to say hello. Bonus: Santa has a gift for each child!

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Land of Sweets Gingerbread House Festival

Wow your kids as they look at the intricate displays of mini houses made of gingerbread. This is the twelfth year that the Friends of Wood Memorial Library and Museum are hosting their Land of Sweets event, which is free to the public. After viewing the creations, go home and decorate a gingerbread house of your own. Many grocery and craft stores sell kits that you can make and include all ingredients.

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Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop

Most children only dream of seeing Santa’s reindeer, but the Greenwich Reindeer Festival lets kids see them in real life up close. This Connecticut holiday event is 14 years in the making, which is why it’s become a family favorite. Santa is also on hand for photos with your child or your dog.

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Lantern Light Village

Bundle everyone up and have an outdoor experience viewing thousands of twinkling bulbs at Lantern Light Village at the Mystic Seaport Museum. Journey through time via various light displays from holidays past and present. There is also live music, fire pits, and horse and carriage rides. As a special surprise, Santa is also on site for your kids to interact with.

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Christmas Town Festival

Although it’s not the same Bethlehem of the Bible, Connecticut’s own town is celebrating the holidays in a big way. The Christmas Town Festival is an annual event that includes musical entertainment, over 70 vendors, DIY crafts, tree lighting, and a scavenger hunt. There’s so much to do that it attracts many visitors, so there’s free parking, and a shuttle at the fairgrounds to make it easy to get to the main event.