Christmas Lights 2024-2025 in Connecticut

Connecticut's historic towns and villages provide a picturesque setting for family Christmas photos. Embrace the holiday cheer and festive spirit by exploring some of the finest light displays in New England. Experience the magic of the season in New Haven, Lake Compounce, and Hartford, where you'll find some of the most spectacular Christmas lights in the state.

Fantasy of Lights at Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven (November 16–December 31, 2024)

Fantasy of Lights at the Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven has been a holiday tradition for thousands of families in Southern New England for over twenty years. The dazzling nighttime drive-through display supports easter seals and educational, employment, social, and recreational programs for people with disabilities and other challenges. The illuminated Lighthouse Point Park looks magical, with over 60 animated displays and 100,000 lights. Most displays have eco-friendly LED bulbs. To take the experience to the next level, you can rent a pair of 3D glasses.

Operating hours are Sunday through Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm and Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm. Admission fees are $10 for cars and family vans, $25 for minibusses, and $50 for full-size buses.

Magic of Lights at the Pratt & Whitney Stadium, East Hartford (November 22, 2024–January 4, 2025)

The Magic of Lights is a mesmerizing 1-mile (1.6-km) drive-through holiday lights experience to celebrate the season. The route features holiday-themed light displays with favorite characters of the season using the latest LED technology. Countless LED lights and digital animations like drive-through Blizzard Tunnel, 12 Days of Christmas, and The Night Before Christmas are worth attending.

The Magic of Lights at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford operates from 5 pm to 9 pm, Monday through Thursday. It extends its hours from 5 pm to 10 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, offering visitors a spectacular evening experience throughout the week.

Glow Hartford at the Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford (November 29–December 29, 2024)

Glow Hartford is a festive indoor holiday event designed for families to come together, laugh, and explore beneath the glow of over 1,000,000 lights. Walk through stunning illuminated structures and enchanting gardens, offering the perfect backdrop for family photos and selfies. With interactive activities to keep kids entertained for hours, adults can relax with a drink, enjoy delicious food, and take in live entertainment. Be sure to enjoy a free photo with Santa and glide over the twinkling Eiffel Tower, the majestic Taj Mahal, or London Bridge.

Tickets for adults between the ages of 16 and 64 are priced at $30, while children aged 5 to 15 can enjoy entry for $20. Little ones under the age of 5 receive free admission.

Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights at Connecticut Trolley Museum, East Windsor (November 29–December 30, 2024, on selected dates)

A festive trolley ride during the holiday season is a must-have experience in Connecticut. Hop on "electric sleigh" and join the motormen in singing traditional Christmas carols. Enjoy the festive illumination as the trolley makes its way through the Tunnel of Lights. Trolley Museum Visitors Center transforms into a Winter Wonderland with model trains, decorations galore, hot cocoa, and Christmas entertainment. This year marks the 45th anniversary of Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights, a cherished family holiday tradition. Both the interior and exterior are adorned with over 15,000 sparkling lights.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, as they will not be available for sale at the Trolley Museum on the day of the event. Each ticket grants admission to Winterfest and secures a designated departure time for the trolley ride through the Tunnel of Lights. Departure times vary based on the type of trolley (open or closed), with member rides scheduled for 6 pm and 6:30 pm. Visitors are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes before their selected departure time.

Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce, Bristol (November 29–December 29, 2024, on selected dates)

Lake Compounce Family Theme Park in Bristol transforms into a fairytale land when covered by over a million spectacular, shimmering lights. The holiday season in the park offers excellent entertainment for all ages. There is a spectacular light show every half hour, accompanied by your favorite holiday music. Kids and adults can decorate cookies, build a gingerbread house, and write a letter to Santa. Ride the North Pole Railway or sing along to classic Christmas carols. Kiddie Land gathers children to listen to stories told by Mrs. Claus, and finally, you can visit the Winter Wonderland Starlight Theatre to tell Santa your Christmas wish.