Bundle up and head to the Shoreline’s charming villages, where twinkling lights, Santa sightings, and cheerful carolers set the scene for the season.

Olde Mistick Village Holiday Light Spectacular – Mystic, through 1/31/26: Get your sparkle on and wander through over half a million twinkling lights, sip, shop, and soak up the magic nightly at New England’s brightest (and free) tradition.

Stonington Lobster Trap Tree at Stonington Town Dock from thru 1/4/2025: Experience this sparkling seaside masterpiece honoring the town’s fishing roots and making the perfect backdrop for your holiday photos.

Christmas in East Haddam Village, 12/8, 5:30 – 8:30pm: Be there when Santa flies into Goodspeed Airport then enjoy the tree lighting, carols, tasty bites from Twin Beaks, and festive photo ops.

Downtown Mystic Holiday Stroll & Luminaria, 12/9, 5 – 7:30pm: Experience the magic of Downtown Mystic! Enjoy carolers, Santa’s grand stroll, late-night shopping, and sweet treats as the streets glow with holiday cheer. Free and open to all!

Stonington Village Holiday Stroll on 12/5, 5:30pm: Kick off December in Stonington! Join the tree lighting, community carol sing, and Santa’s visit in Wadawanuck Square, followed by the beloved holiday stroll down Water Street.

Guilford Tree Lighting on 12/5: Grab mittens and get ready for magic on the Guilford Green as the tree lights sparkle, Santa arrives, and joyful tunes fill the green. It will be a festive kickoff you won’t want to miss.

First Friday in Chester  on 12/5, 4 – 9pm: Celebrate First Friday in style! Chester’s merchants roll out festive menus, new art shows, live music, and merry shopping vibes throughout the village.

Ivoryton Illuminations, 12/6, 5:30 – 8:00pm: Santa’s coming to Ivoryton! See the village glow with thousands of twinkling lights, music, and one spectacular tree, plus dazzling pixel displays for a magical night the whole family will love.

Old Saybrook Starlight Festival, 12/6: Gather in Old Saybrook for the Starlight Festival and enjoy a day of seaside cheer, the Heroes Tree Lighting on December 5, and cozy weekend dining specials throughout town.

Light up Deep River Vehicle Light Parade and Holiday Stroll, 12/6 3-7pm: Don’t miss the Vehicle Light Parade, tree lighting, Santa, shopping, and family fun. Register your festive wheels today and join the parade.

Lyme Academy’s 5th Annual Holiday Enchantment and Tree Lighting, 12/6, 3-5pm: Join the fun with live music, Santa visits, fire pits, s’mores, and hands-on holiday crafts with Lyme Academy artists, a festive afternoon of art, music, and merry memories!

Westbrook Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, 12/7, 4pm: Enjoy the parade, tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus, ice carving, s’mores, carriage rides, crafts, and cozy community fun.

New Haven Tree Lighting & Holiday Village  on 12/4, 5:00pm: The Elm City shines bright! Enjoy the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Santa and Mrs. Claus, local gifts, and weekend-long festivities at the Holiday Village on the New Haven Green.

Mystic Village Festival of Lights, 12/12, 4 – 10pm: Bask in the glow of thousands of luminaries while enjoying live music, treats, and holiday magic around every corner.

Niantic’s 37th Annual Light Parade, 12/13 from 6 – 8pm: Don’t miss New England’s largest and longest-running holiday spectacle, bursting with lights, music, and merriment!