Holiday Happenings in Mystic Country

Rejoice! The festivities at Olde Mistick Village have returned for yet another year to make the holidays even more magical. The Holiday Lights Spectacular is the largest holiday lights display in southern New England with over half a million lights showcased throughout the village. This festive event runs through the end of January 2026.

On December 12 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. is the annual Festival of Lights, a long-term tradition at Olde Mistick Village where visitors can stroll the walkways as they are brilliantly lit by thousands of luminaries. On December 13 and 14, meet Santa in the Olde Mistick Village Meeting House from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

At Mystic Seaport Museum, the Lantern Light Village takes place on select dates from December 5 through December 20, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (9:00 p.m. on Saturdays!). This outdoor free-roaming experience is designed to exemplify the differences between the modern and 19th century holiday seasons. Take a journey through time as you seamlessly transition between the holidays you experience today and the holidays of the past. Enjoy festive lighting displays, live music, horse and carriage rides, fire pits, a visitation from St. Nicholas, and more - including holiday-themed stories, crafts, and games.

The centerpiece of Stonington’s holiday cheer is their 5th annual lobster trap tree. Decked out in twinkling lights and beautifully-painted buoys by local artists and Stonington families, the lobster trap tree makes for a very Instagrammable backdrop and is definitely worth checking out. Check it out until January 4, 2026.

All month long, the town is also hosting the Find the Buoy Holiday Scavenger Hunt. Participants can win one of five exciting prizes this year including: a tote from the Stonington Free Library filled with gift cards to participating Stonington Borough shops and restaurants - worth $1,290; a week of half-day camp or two sailing lessons at New England Science and Sailing (NESS); a sterling silver buoy charm necklace designed by Maggie Lee Designs; four tickets to La Grua Center concert; and two art lessons with Nina, courtesy of Repertoire Stonington. For details on how to enter, click here.

The City of New London will be hosting an array of diverse and multicultural holiday events this year as part of their “Merry Days and Jolly Nights” series. The series kicks off with a Christmas tree lighting on November 28th at 5 p.m. at the Parade Plaza. Enjoy festive lights, jolly carolers, visits from Santa and more to get in the holiday spirit. November 29 is Small Business Saturday in New London. Stroll the downtown, shop for your loved ones, and support small businesses - all while seeing the deals local stores have for the holidays! Head to the Parade Plaza for a Menorah Lighting on December 14th and a Kwanzaa-Kinara lighting on December 26th - both at 5 p.m. on each night. 

To see what else is happening in New London this holiday season, click here. 

Participate in Niantic's 22nd annual Holiday Stroll on November 29 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring more than 25 shops and restaurant specials, roaming characters, town carolers, contests, live music and more, visitors can stroll Niantic's Main Street, shop for the holidays, and support the town's small businesses. The day will conclude with Santa and Mrs. Claus' arrival at the Liberty Green just in time for a tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m.! 

The Niantic Light Parade, one of New England’s largest and brightest holiday light parades, is back for its 37th year! The parade takes place on December 13 at 6 p.m. Earlier that day, runners can partake in the Niantic Jingle Bell 5K at McCook Point Park.