Light Up the Season in Mystic Country

Join the Stonington Village at the Wadawanuck Square on Friday, December 5, at 5:30 p.m. for a town tree lighting ceremony, including community carol singers and a special visit by Santa. Immediately following the ceremony will be the annual holiday stroll down Water Street, where merchants will keep their shops open late for an exciting “Best Dressed Holiday Window” for the Borough A-Glow contest and welcoming jolly visitors. This event is free and open to all!

Come on down to the Rose City for their annual holiday light parade on Saturday, December 6, with activities starting at 4 p.m. Town businesses and organizations will light the inner-city streets with decorated floats and vehicles to spread cheer. 

Griswold is celebrating their 26th anniversary of the Snowflake Parade this year. Join them for this annual event on Saturday, November 22, beginning at 5 p.m.; the parade route will commence at Griswold Middle School, lead through Slater Avenue, Main Street, and Ashland Street, and end at Veterans Memorial Park. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will also make a grand appearance following the parade!

Manchester's annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 29. The festivities will begin at 4:15 p.m. at Silk City Coffee for caroling and a FREE hot cocoa with Santa Claus himself! Attendees can also bring home a free commemorative ornament (while supplies last). Another round of caroling will take place at 5 p.m. outside Center Church, while holiday treats and family activities will occur inside the church. The tree will light up at 5:45 p.m. and festivities will run until 6:30 p.m.!

A local favorite, Olde Mystic Village will host a stroll through its many pathways of luminaries amongst dozens of its beloved shops on Friday, December 12 from 4-10 p.m. Featuring live entertainment and complimentary treats that can be found in the Meeting House, there’s sure to be something for everyone in the whole family to enjoy!

Niantic’s 37th annual light parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 13 and will begin at 6 p.m. at the corner of Columbus Avenue, proceed down Main Street (Route 156) to Pennsylvania Avenue (Route 161), and end on Grand Street. Public parking will be available at the Municipal parking lot on Hope Street, the Town Hall on Pennsylvania Avenue, Cini Park on Main Street (under the bridge), Methodist Street, and the Niantic Center School on West Main Street. Before and after the parade, be sure to stop by the nearby restaurants, holiday shops, or even catch an afternoon matinee beforehand at the cinema. The town of Niantic looks forward to welcoming guests for this all-day affair!

Woodstock’s Annual Winter Festival will take place on Saturday, December 13. A wide variety of the town’s businesses will be present to offer kids activities, promotions, refreshments, and more! The full event will be happening from 1-5 p.m. with a goal of showcasing the Woodstock businesses and organizations that make the community special. Attendees can pick up a "passport" at any participating business and follow the map to visit as many locations as possible, finishing with prize drawings and a Tree Lighting at The Mansion at Bald Hill!

Visit Hay Burr Inn of Plainfield, on select nights to tour a fantastic half-mile long woodland, holiday light trail and visit with the rescue’s precious horses and donkeys. During this time of year, volunteers gather to set up and showcase their deeply cared for animals; therefore, the non-profit asks all for donations in lieu of an admission fee, and all proceeds go towards the care and upkeep of their rescues. If you’re looking for a great outdoor walk-through spot and believe in not only the magic of the season but in fostering second chances, Hay Burr Inn’s event is surely one for you. All events will take place from 5-8 p.m. on December 19 and 28, 2025, and January 3, 2026.

If you’ve been on Instagram lately, you’ve likely seen this viral holiday sensation, which has been awing taking locals and visitors alike. Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce’s annual Lobster Trap Tree display opens up to the public on November 22, 2025 and will be open from 4:30-9:30 p.m. each day until January 4, 2026. Comprised of 420 total buoys (gifted from business and community members sponsors, decorated by local artists and community children, dedicated to commercial fisherman of the area, and placed in memoriams), this display is certainly worth the visit – and a photo or two! Parking can be found on the town fisherman docks on high street, various streets, at the Dodson’s Boat Yard, and at The Point (beyond the lighthouse).

The Holiday Lights Spectacular returns to Olde Mistick Village and will run from November 28, 2025 through January 31, 2026. Over a half-million lights adorn the village square of shops and restaurants for families and holiday enthusiasts to enjoy. Stroll around the village with your leashed pet even after stores and restaurants are closed. Parking is free too! Come one, come all and take in over a half-million lights at the largest holiday light display in southern New England!