December is here and the holiday season has officially commenced! To celebrate, the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut would like to announce this winter’s must-see family-friendly entertainment, cozy dining spots, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking for festive winter activities, cheery adventures, or Instagram-worthy holiday displays, we’ve got something for everyone.
Get ready to explore the many Winter Wonders that await you!
Featured Holiday Festivities
Here’s a sneak peek at what Chamber ECT members are hosting this December and January:
City of New London
Explore charming downtown shops with discounts, live entertainment, and free gift wrapping. Don’t miss Thames River Gallery’s “Christmas at the Gallery” for cookies, cocoa, and creative holiday gifts!
- Dec. 14 – Santa Shopping Stroll
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Check off ice skating, acapella, breakfast, and booze from your Christmas list.
- Dec. 1, 8, 15 – Boozy Brunch
- Dec. 7 – Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Dec. 7, 14, 21 – Breakfast & Photos with Santa
- Dec. 14 – Big Little Holiday Party
Garde Arts Center
From classics to modern masterpieces, Garde has a show for every festive mood!
- Dec. 14 & 15 – The Nutcracker
- Dec. 21 – A Christmas Story
- Dec. 22 – Wishin’ & Hopin’
- Jan. 25 – Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra
Hilton Mystic
Enjoy a breakfast with Kris Kringle himself or ring in the New Year with some local tunes.
- Dec. 8 – Santa Breakfast
- Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve Bash with Wicked Peach
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
Brunch with princesses or party like it’s the ‘70s—either way, you’ll have a blast.
- Dec. 7, 14, 21 – Holiday Princess Jubilee
- Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve 70’s Soiree
Mohegan Sun
Participate in this year’s mix and mingle, holiday pop entertainment, and restaurant delights up until Mohegan’s big NYE gala.
- All Dec. – Countdown to Cheer
Mystic Seaport Museum
Experience holiday lights, sing carols, or let the kids countdown in style!
- Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22 – Lantern Light Village
- Dec. 22 – Community Carol Sing
- Dec. 31 – Kids Countdown to New Years
Mystic Aquarium
Support a heartwarming cause while getting free admission or enjoy lights and music with the mammals.
- Dec. 4 – Holiday Food Drive
- Nov. 29 – Dec. 31 (Select Evenings) – Home for the Holidays: Lights Extravaganza
Olde Mistick Village
Get festive with carnival fun and meet the jolly man in red!
- Dec. 7 – Holiday Carnival
- Dec. 14 & 15 – Meet Santa
Supercharged Racing Powered by Mohegan Sun & Topgolf Swing Suite at Foxwoods Resort Casino
Get out of the house and take your skills to the track or the golf swing suite for fun challenges and discounts.
- All season long – Hot Deals & Competition
Tamarack Lodge
Catch new and old tunes live every Friday in December at Tamarack.
- Dec. 6, 13, 20 – 2024 Music Series
TreeTrails Adventures
Winter won’t stop the adventure! The course is open through the New Year.
- Dec.–Jan. – Cold Weather Climbs
Friendly reminder: winter hours may apply. Check venue websites for updates.
But the magic doesn’t stop there! These festive events aren’t the only thing that’s picturesque.
Memorable Movie Destinations
For those who haven’t heard, the CT Office of Tourism is commemorating the 20+ Hallmark, Netflix, and Lifetime Christmas movies filmed here within the past decade. Visit over 40 towns featured on the silver screen from the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail. Who knows, you might spot some behind-the-scenes of your favorite holiday flicks right in your hometown.
While you’re out and about, don’t forget to enjoy some local wines!
Sip Worthy Spots
While the CT Winter Wine Trail kicks off in January, you can still explore vineyards now. Stayed tuned on CTWine.com for details on the 2025 trail’s kick-off dates and participating wineries.
In the meantime, visit those nearby awing illuminations that make it easy to combine a little sparkle with your wine tasting.
Inviting Holiday Light Displays Near You
From festive shopping villages to mile-long light shows, there’s no shortage of sparkle this season.
- Nov. 22 – Jan. 31 – Holiday Lights Spectacular (Olde Mistick Village)
- Nov. 22 – Dec. 31 – Holiday Light Show (Mystic KOA)
- Dec. 20 & 29, Jan. 4 – Winter Trail of Lights (Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue)
- Nov. 23 – Jan. 5 – Lobster Trap Tree (Stonington Borough)
Community traditions continue on the streets too!
Fan-Favorite Parades
- 12/2 – Montville
- 12/7 – Lebanon
- 12/7 – Ledyard/Gales Ferry (Jeep Tour)
- 12/14 – Niantic
No matter which direction you head, wowing Winter Wonders await!
With so much to discover, we hope this gives you inspiration for planning your next seasonal outing. Be sure to use the Chamber ECT Business Directory and CTVisit.com for more details on these holiday happenings. And remember, choose local to help keep spirits bright!
Attention Chamber ECT Members: Want to be featured next season? Reach out to our Communications Manager at marketing@chamberect.com.