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Get Ready for Connecticut’s Iconic Holiday Kickoff: The Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular this Sunday, Nov 24.
The 2024 Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular, one of the largest parades of its kind in the country with 15 giant helium balloons and more than 100,000 spectators annually, will take place this Sunday, November 24. The 31st annual event is scheduled to begin at noon at the intersection of Summer and Hoyt Streets, will proceed down Summer to Broad to Atlantic and will conclude on Atlantic Street south of Federal Street.
After the Parade why not check out the Glow Wild Lantern Festival at Connecticut’s Beardsleys Zoo! The festival is wrapping up December 15, so this is on the top of my bucket list! Grab your tickets here.
Holiday Light Experiences
Here’s a calendar-ordered list to help plan your festive adventures:
Glow Wild Lantern Festival at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo (Bridgeport): Open till Dec 15.
Winter Lantern Festival (Middlefield):Nov 15 – Feb 9
A dazzling display of lanterns and art installations at Lyman Orchards.
Fantasy of Lights at Lighthouse Point Park (New Haven):Nov 22 – Dec 31
A spectacular drive-through featuring over 100,000 twinkling lights.
Magic of Lights at Pratt & Whitney Stadium (East Hartford):Nov 22 – Jan 4
A mile-long drive-through light show with themed displays and holiday music.
Holiday Wish Express (Stamford):Nov 23 – Dec 24
Embark on a magical train ride to the North Pole in an all-new experience.
Hebron Lions Lights in Motion (Hebron):Nov 24 – Dec 31
A vibrant drive-through experience choreographed to holiday tunes.
Festival of Silver Lights (Meriden):Nov 27 – Jan 2
Stroll through Hubbard Park’s glittering lights, featuring over 300 displays.
Olde Mistick Village Holiday Lights Spectacular (Mystic):Nov 29 – Jan 31, 2025
A charming stroll through a historic village lit up for the holidays.
Hartford Glow: Holiday Light Festival & Market (Hartford):Nov 29 – Dec 29
Enjoy artisan markets, light installations, and festive food trucks.
Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce (Bristol):Nov 29 – Dec 29
A beloved tradition with dazzling lights, rides, and Santa visits.
Winter Fest and Tunnel of Lights (East Windsor):Nov 29 – Dec 30
A nostalgic holiday ride through the New England Air Museum’s lighted displays.
Night of Lights Merry Christmas Hayride (Shelton):Nov 30 – Dec 22
A delightful hayride through Fairview Tree Farm’s glowing displays.
Lantern Light Village at Mystic Seaport Museum:Dec 6 – Dec 22
Experience the magic of a 19th-century holiday village lit by lanterns.
Christmas Town Festival (Bethlehem):Dec 6 – Dec 7
Explore Bethlehem’s charming festival with crafts, food, and caroling.
Festival of Lights at Hope River Farm (Fairfield):Dec 6 – Dec 21
Wander through dazzling displays at this family-friendly farm event.
Christmas Village (Torrington):Dec 8 – Dec 23
Meet Santa in this charming holiday wonderland.
Create Your Own Holiday Trail of Fun
Discover why Fairfield County is one of the best places to celebrate the season! Check out Fairfield After Dark’s full Holiday Events Directory here for more details on these and our Holiday Events Calendar here
Make this season magical and create memories that last a lifetime!
