Every year we try to pick a night or two to get the kids into PJs, bring along some warm/hot cocoa, and hop in the car to venture out and find some amazing holiday light displays. Is this a tradition for your family, too? Here's a helpful guide to several displays in our area and a bit beyond for those of you willing to take a bit of a further drive.
NOTE: Some of these were submitted by readers and fans and we haven't yet had the opportunity to drive to all of them to confirm if they are happening again this year. Please email us if you either learn that a display is no longer there or if you find a new one to add to our list!
| FAIRFIELD COUNTY |
DANBURY
Downtown Danbury
Head down Main Street in Danbury to see plenty of lights. Worth the drive-through on your way to the mall or on your way to some other holiday light displays like those over on King St. and Gregory St. as well as down Hollandale Road.
NEWTOWN
Neighborhood Holiday Lights Tour, Newtown
RIDGEFIELD
Downtown Ridgefield
23rd Annual Holiday Stroll! Friday, Dec. 1 & 2
Also, throughout December, you can just drive along Main St. and take it all in. And if the weather is nice, park and stroll along to enjoy it longer. Then head over to the corner of Ridgebury Rd. and Shadow Lake Rd.
NEW MILFORD
Holiday Lights Contest - Dec. 16 & 17
New Milford residents are decorating their houses for some friendly competition! You can drive around and view all of the entries on December 16 and 17 from 5PM-9PM. Voting is online and closes on Dec. 21
FAIRFIELD
Wonderland at Roseville, Fairfield
Hours for season 2023 season: Sunday-Thursday 5pm to 9pm, Friday-Saturday 5pm to 10pm.
Open from November 24 - December 30. Check the Facebook page for weather updates.
This is a residential neighborhood. Please read the driving/parking info on the Facebook page.
Festival of Lights, Hope River Farm in Fairfield
Take a stroll around the farm and take in the holiday light show! Sing-a-long with Buddy the Elf by the fire each and enjoy smores! Smore kits are available at the snack shop along with some other tasty treats!
6PM to 9PM on these dates. Dec. 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th. $10 per person.
SHELTON
Night of Lights Merry Christmas Hayride! - Fairview Tree Farm in Shelto
Nighttime Christmas hayride. A 30-minute tractor-pulled wagon takes you through the Farm's decorated and lit tree fields and holiday scenes. Visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and sit by a cozy bonfire while sipping on tasty treats. November 25 through December 23. 5PM - 8:00PM Tickets are $24-$27
| FURTHER AWAY BUT WORTH THE DRIVE |
Magic of Lights, East Hartford
A drive-thru light show at the Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Runs through December 31. Vehicle rates: $25 weekday; $30 weekend. Buy online in advance.
Glow Hartford, Connecticut Convention Center
Indoor holiday light festival and a market. Interactive light gardens, illuminated structures, seasonal food and drinks, family-friendly activities, a festive holiday market, and daily live entertainment. Plus a FREE photo with Santa and ride on the trackless “Glow-comotive” train. November 18th through December 23rd.
Festival of Silver Lights, Meriden
A spectacular display with 350,000 white lights and more than 200 lighted characters and buildings throughout Hubbard Park. Displays in trees, on the ponds, and nestled in the natural habitat. Admission is Free. Through January 1st, 5 pm-Midnight. 1,000 West Main Street, Meriden, CT.
Lake Compounce Holiday Lights, Bristol
Take a stroll among hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, meet Santa himself, make your own Snow Globe and Stuff-A-Bear! That’s not all: enjoy a variety of your favorite rides and games, including a ride aboard the North Pole Railway.
Cost: $19.99 per person as of 11/28/23
Fantasy of Lights, New Haven
Lighthouse Point Park. Over 100,000 bulbs in 60 animated light displays, including LED bulb displays for extra vibrant attractions to drive through. Sun-Thurs: 5PM-9PM; Fri/Sat: 5PM-10PM. Through Dec. 31. $10 Admission per car.
Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights at the Connecticut Trolley Museum, East Windsor, CT
Join motormen in singing traditional Christmas carols as the trolley makes its way through the "Tunnel of Lights". When you return, head inside the Visitors Center which has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland complete with model trains, decorations galore and holiday music. Friday-Sunday, 5-9PM. Through Dec. 30. Tickets must be purchased in advance. $16 per person for Closed Trolley; $21 per person for Open Trolley. Members receive discounted rates.
Festival of Lights at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, North Salem, NY
Visit the Farm this holiday season for a magical, one-of-a-kind, walk-through light experience! The orchard is transformed into an illuminated forest full of marvelous structures and festive decorations! Over half a million brilliant lights set the farm aglow in the form of whimsical creatures, light-changing orbs, thematic installations, and interactive light displays. Open through December 31st from 4PM-9PM. General Pricing $22, Child (age 3-12) $17, 2 and under are free.
