Celebrate the Holiday Season in Greater New Haven

Experience the magic of the holidays across Greater New Haven, where festive lights, music, markets, and traditions bring every town to life. From dazzling displays like Fantasy of Lights and Meriden’s Festival of Silver Lights to enchanting performances such as Scrooge and Marley at the Legacy Theatre and The Nutcracker by New Haven Ballet, there’s joy and wonder for all ages.

Shop locally at the Holiday Expo at Guilford Art Center, explore the Holiday Events & Promotions at The Shops at Yale, and enjoy classic community gatherings — tree lightings in Branford, Guilford, North Haven, and Madison, the Orange Lighted Tractor Parade, and Milford’s beloved Lamplight Stroll. Families can visit Santa at the Shore Line Trolley Museum or enjoy weekend magic at Lyman Orchards.

The season also features diverse celebrations, from the Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony and Fire & Ice Chanukah to festive concerts including NHSO’s Holiday Extravaganza and Ireland With Michael LIVE. Whether you’re seeking nostalgic charm or new traditions, the Greater New Haven region offers countless ways to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Check out our holiday event list at https://visitnewhaven.com/events-calendar/annual-events/ 

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Largest Pizza Party! 
New Haven has officially made pizza history! On Friday, September 12, the A-1 Toyota Apizza Feast at the New Haven Grand Prix hosted the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt for the Largest Pizza Party—and the city delivered. With more than 5,000 participants gathered on the New Haven Green, the celebration far surpassed the previous record of 3,357 set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in January 2023. Every slice, every rule, and every participant counted toward this remarkable achievement, making New Haven the new world champion of pizza parties.

Shoreline:
The shoreline features beautiful beaches, including two beachfront state parks: Silver Sands Beach State Park in Milford and Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison. West Haven boasts a 1.5-mile boardwalk along its sandy shores, while Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven offers both a carousel and a lighthouse. There are several excellent restaurants with water views, such as Stowe’s Seafood and Shell & Bones. Additionally, just off the coastline, you can enjoy attractions like the Adventure Ropes Course, the Shore Line Trolley Museum, and Stony Creek Brewery.

City:
The New Haven Green is the heart of downtown and an ideal starting point for exploring the city. Many cultural and entertainment venues, as well as a variety of restaurants and retail stores, are just a short walk away in this easily navigable city. There are several shopping districts to explore, including the Chapel Street Historic District, which features numerous unique shops showcasing local products. 

When it comes to dining, you’ll find over 130 restaurants within a 10-minute walk from the Green, offering cuisine from around the world, including Italian, Japanese, French, Latino, and much more. As night falls, you can choose from a range of activities, including concerts, theater performances, and lively cocktail spots.

Rural:
If you're searching for an outdoor destination that won’t leave you with sandy feet, consider heading inland, where the offerings change with the seasons. Hamden’s Sleeping Giant State Park features a 1.5-mile trail that leads to the mountaintop, providing beautiful views of Long Island Sound. For a more off-the-beaten-path outdoor experience, explore the various trails available in the area. 

Serving the following cities and towns:  Bethany, Branford, Cheshire, Clinton, Durham, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Killingworth, Madison, Meriden, Middlefield, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Wallingford, West Haven and Woodbridge.