Let’s Go Holiday Shopping!
Whenever you start your holiday gift searches, there are so many great places to shop 'til you drop in Connecticut. From high-end malls to open-air shopping districts, outlet centers featuring designer names to small town main streets filled with charming local boutiques, here's a list of shopping hot spots around the state.
Find Top Names and Big Savings at the Outlets
Clinton Premium Outlets, Clinton
Along the Connecticut shoreline, this charming outdoor village center is conveniently located on I-95 en route to Boston or New York. Enjoy savings of 25% to 65% off everyday prices at more than 70 designer and name-brand outlet stores, such as Adidas, Calvin Klein, Coach Outlet, Cole Haan Outlet, Dooney & Bourke, Express Outlet, Kate Spade, Michael Kors Outlet, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and more.
Westbrook Outlets, Westbrook
Just half a mile from the Connecticut shoreline, this outlet center features brand name outlet stores including Williams Sonoma Outlet, Old Navy Outlet, Eddie Bauer, J. Crew Factory, Loft Outlet, and many more. Dine at the on-site restaurants, and visit the 12-screen on-site movie theater, too.
Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods, Mashantucket
Now there’s another great reason to visit Foxwoods! Shop over 50 brands including American Eagle Outfitters, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach, Eddie Bauer, Gap, H&M, J. Crew, Kate Spade, LOFT, Michael Kors, Old Navy, Nike, Skechers, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, and more.
Get Something for Everyone at the Mall

Shops at Somerset Square, Glastonbury
Browse this open air shopping center filled with retail shops, health and beauty salons and charming eateries. Shops include J. Jill, Chico’s, francesca's and White House Black Market. Don’t miss Chipotle for a quick bite or Max Fish for a lingering lunch.
Shop Westfarms, West Hartford
The area’s premier shopping destination features anchor stores Nordstrom, Macy's, and JC Penney, along more than 100 stylish retailers and restaurants, including Anthropologie, Apple, California Pizza Kitchen, J.Crew, LEGO, Lucky Brand, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Pottery Barn, Tiffany & Co., Tommy Bahama and more.
Shoppes at Buckland Hills, Manchester
An exciting shopping, dining, and entertainment experience, this mall’s anchor stores include JCPenney, and Macy's, as well as, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Zumiez, Barnes & Noble, and many more. The large food court offers a carousel for children to ride and a large play area. And one of the Hartford area’s top comedy clubs, the Funny Bone, is on the ground floor. You can even spend an overnight at the Fairfield by Marriott.
Stamford Town Center, Stamford
In the heart of Stamford, this mall offers a mix of over 70 retailers and services. Stores include Banana Republic, Express, Macy’s, Michael Kors, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Sephora, Victoria's Secret, and XXI Forever. Deliciously diverse dining options include The Capital Grille.
Danbury Fair, Danbury
Built on the site of the legendary Danbury Fairgrounds, you’ll find one of the largest shopping malls in Connecticut, offering dozens of retailers and eateries. Home to a double-decker carousel for kids, as well as retail favorites Apple, American Eagle, Gap, Ann Taylor Loft, L.L. Bean, Banana Republic, and many more.
SoNo Collection, Norwalk
The SoNo Collection has to offer, including an expansive selection of your favorite fashion retailers and an abundance of one-of-a-kind art and entertainment experiences in Fairfield County.
Enjoy the Outdoors at these Shopping Districts

Blue Back Square, West Hartford
This unique shopping and dining destination in the heart of West Hartford is anchored by Crate & Barrel, Barnes & Noble, and Cinepolis Cinemas. With upscale restaurants such as The Cheesecake Factory, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, and World of Beer.
The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk
With an outstanding collection of more than 60 of the most coveted national specialty retailers and restaurants in a pedestrian friendly (and dog friendly) environment, the Promenade resembles a traditional New England village. You’ll find a variety of fashion brands and home retailers, as well as LL Bean and Apple stores.
Shoppes at Farmington Valley, Canton
This open-air shopping destination offers dozens of specialty stores and unique eateries amid sunlit streetscapes, lush landscaping, oversized potted plants, park benches and more. Stores include Chico’s, J. Crew, Old Navy, Barnes & Noble, Talbots, Clarks and more. Dining options range from Ben & Jerry’s to Flatbread Company and Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Niantic Main Street Shopping
Stroll a collections of shops offering everything from home decor and custom embroidery to pet supplies, women's clothing, coastal gifts, books, and more.
Connecticut's Favorite Shopping Towns
Part of Connecticut’s attraction has always been its small town centers, filled with personality, history, and charm. And what draws visitors, again and again, are the shops, boutiques, and artisans that reward browsers and buyers alike.
Whether you’re planning a girls’ trip or looking for a great way to spend a day with family, here are a few towns that offer great shopping (and dining) districts: including Greenwich, Stonington Borough, Litchfield, and Old Saybrook.
Holiday Gifts That Don't Come In A Box
Making your list, checking it twice, and still not sure what to give friends and family this year? More and more people these days are looking for experiences.
Here are some interesting, magical, and memorable gift ideas. Maybe your loved ones want to meet Mystic Aquarium's residents up close, eat their way through New Haven's rich culinary scene, or check off that bucket-list experience with a skydiving lesson!
Even if your recipient can't redeem their present immediately, the adventure will be worth the wait!
Gifts That Give Back
This holiday season, consider gifts that benefit more than just their recipients. Your purchases, or donations, support important philanthropic causes right here in Connecticut — helping your community as you place presents under the tree.
MerchCT.com: Connecticut's official merch store is a great way to gift state pride, with apparel celebrating its pizza prowess, oyster trail, and more. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the select charity of your choosing, including local organizations like the Connecticut Humane Society, Hands on Hartford, Connecticut Foodshare, the Connecticut Children's Foundation, and others.
Home For Good: Thrift with purpose. At this West Hartford thrift store, proceeds directly support Journey Home’s mission to end homelessness in the Capital Region of Connecticut. The store is stocked with donated secondhand furniture, home decor, dining items and other housewares, helping generate revenue to fund Journey Home's community programs year-round.
Good Cause Gifts: As a social enterprise of Futures Inc., Good Cause's boutique blends beautiful, curated gifts with powerful purpose. Every purchase directly supports inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, empowering them to thrive in meaningful, community-based jobs.
Gifts of Love Holiday Gift Shop: Want to make the holidays even brighter for local families? The Gifts of Love Holiday Shop in Avon collects new, unused gifts to bring joy to its clients and their families. Your generosity ensures that parents can provide meaningful gifts for their children—and that every member of the household feels cared for and celebrated.
Made In Connecticut
Your search for a thoughtful, unique, never-to-be-forgotten gift is over! We’ve scoured Connecticut from north to south and east to west to come up with this guide that should cover most of your gift-giving (and gift-getting) bases.
Treat your gift recipients to Connecticut-produced food and drink, candy and sweets, fashion and accessories, home goods and decor, and much more. See our full guide here!
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