I have more fun holiday things to do in CT for you! This one involves Christmas lights. Remember when you were a kid and for fun, after dinner, everyone would get in the car and drive around town looking at the lights on everyone’s houses? Well, we kind of have the same thing to share; but some locations are dedicated drive-through locations for viewing lights and listening to music. Check them out!
Holiday Things To Do in CT – Holiday Lights
Here are some of the drive-through and walk-through holiday lights you can visit in Connecticut.
Magic of Lights – Renchtler Field, East Hartford
Magic of Lights is a drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience the Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of East Hartford’s favorite holiday tradition. One carload, one price.
Location:
East Hartford, CT
Nov. 23rd – Jan. 1st, 2023
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Prices:
$18.00 per vehicle for Advance purchase online on weekdays Monday – Thursday ($25 at the gate)
$22.00 per vehicle for Advance purchase online any day of the week ($30 at the gate).
$60.00 per limo/party busy for Advance online purchase any day of the week ($70 at the gate).
Purchase Tickets
Fantasy of Lights – Lighthouse Point, New Haven
I’ve been to this location several times and it’s always been a staple of ours. My grandmother loved going there to see the holiday lights. This location is presented by Goodwill of Southern New England, and is in its 26th season! Ticket proceeds benefit Goodwill of Southern New England.
It’s a 15-minute ride through the mile-long display of lights. With over 100,000 bulbs, the displays light up Lighthouse Point Park with 60 animated displays using energy-saving LEDs that are brighter, more colorful, and more vibrant.
Location:
Lighthouse Point Park
2 Lighthouse Road
New Haven, CT 06512
Sunday – Thursday 5 pm-9 pm | Friday & Saturday 5 pm – 10 pm
Prices:
Car/Family Van $10
Minibus $25
Full-size Bus $50
Credit cards are accepted for payment. Purchase tickets online.
American Lantern Festival – Lyman Orchards, Middlefield
Last year was the first year they did this and apparently, it was a big hit because they are doing it again! Middlefield’s “must-see” lighted holiday attraction, the Dazzlingliffe Lantern Festival will be open from December 6 – January 31 from dusk-9:30 pm daily!
Enjoy more than 400 illuminated lantern displays on a winding 1 mile-walking path. Adventure through a vibrant wonderland of animals, insects, reptiles, plant life, and more – all inspired by the 2000-year-old Asian art of lantern making. The event soundtrack brings each unique section to life!
There will be snacks and beverages available for purchase as well!
Location:
Lyman Orchards
70 Lyman Road
Middlefield CT
5 pm to 9 pm daily
Prices:
All Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Children 3 and younger: Free
Children ages 4-12: $20.00 per person
Ages 13 and up: $25.00 per person
Groups of 10+: 10% off
Follow them on Facebook for discounts from time to time like Durham Night.
Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce
Visit the amusement park and see all 300,000 lights adorning the park! Plus they have all of these other activities taking place at the park:
- Photos with Santa in the Starlight Theater
- Ride the North Pole Railway
Closed on 12/31 due to the Firework Spectacular - Select children’s and family rides open (unless weather is prohibitive)
- Nightly appearances by special costumed guests
- Face painting, snow globe making, plus many more fun seasonal activities for the whole family
- Shops filled with holiday gifts perfect for everyone!
- Themed foods and drinks for the entire family
There are also several rides open depending on the weather and temperatures. Some rides include:
- Boocifer’s Haunted Holiday at Ghost Hunt
- Wave Swinger
- North Pole Express
Closed on 12/31 due to the Firework Spectacular - Carousel
- Twister
- Bumper Cars
- American Flyers
- Zoomer’s Gas N’ Go
- Kiddie Swinger
- Fantasy Carousel
- Drum Circus
- Flying Elephants
- Jolly Jester
- Kiddie Coaster
- Little Critters
- Little Dare Devils
- Rainbow Riders
Be sure to visit their website for special information on different themed nights and events.
Location:
Lake Compounce
185 Enterprise Drive
Bristol, CT
Fridays 5 pm to 9 pm
Saturdays and Sundays from 4 pm to 9 pm
Prices:
Junior (under 52″) $19.99
Children 3 and Under are Free
Adult (over 52″) $24.99
Seniors (Ages 65+) $19.99
Holiday Light Fantasia – Goodwin Park, Hartford
All proceeds for the Holiday Light Fantasia go to the Channel 3 Kids Camp. The display has been an event going back to 1999. It’s a drive-through 2 mile light show with a winter wonderland vibe.
Location:
Goodwin Park
1106 Maple Avenue
Hartford CT
Thursdays to Sundays 5 pm to10 pm
Prices:
$16.00 per car if purchased online
$20.00 at the gate
Festival of Silver Lights – Hubbard Park, Meriden
We always make a trip to Hubbard Park. I especially like to visit this location when it is snowy outside. This event is free and open to everyone. You can park your car and walk through the park as well. This is a great place to go have a family picture done for your holiday cards!
Location:
Hubbard Park
999 West Main Street
Meriden CT
Starts at Sunset every day
Prices:
FREE!
I hope you get the chance to visit one of several of these great light displays between now and the New Year! I definitely have a frew on my list that I’d like to go see!
Next week I will share locations to enjoy a Sleigh Ride or Hay Ride! Subscribe to my newsletter to be sure you receive the latest and greatest news!