During the holidays, many of Connecticut’s historic homes sparkle with seasonal finery. Get your reindeer and sleigh ready - here’s a tour of notable chimneys to slide down.
The Stowe Center and the Mark Twain House join forces and open their doors to families for an old-fashioned Christmas experience as the clans of Harriet Beecher Stowe and Mark Twain might have enjoyed them. Both houses, which are located on adjacent lots, will be decked with family decorations, Christmas trees, garlands and more – with many special events as well.
Next, get to nearby Wethersfield, where the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum will be holding “Three Centuries of Christmas” tours through December. The museum sits at the center of one of Connecticut’s most notable historic districts, including 50 houses built before the American Revolution.
After dark, Goodwin Park in Hartford will be ablaze with a Holiday Light Fantasia. A two-mile drive will take you past whimsical holiday sights over 35 scenes and 200 individual displays. Similarly, The Festival of Silver Lights is on view in Meriden’s Hubbard Park.
Next day, you can head west to Torrington, where the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum is festooned with traditional Victorian garlands, decorated trees and floral arrangements. The mansion itself is a spectacular sight as well. Another holiday highlight can be found further west, where the 18th-century Keeler Tavern Museum in Ridgefield features holiday decorations, special luncheons and a seasonal boutique.