There are many great holiday light displays in Connecticut and each one is unique in its own way. But there is one place that simply embraces the spirit of the season and converts itself into an enchanting holiday experience. Each year this Christmas village in Connecticut adds more lights, more decorations, and more activities to their celebration. It is a magical place that sparkles with cheer and glows with color. So visit Essex, Connecticut at Christmas to take a closer look!
Ivoryton is a village located in Essex. Its historic district is on the National Register of Historic Places. The community comes together each year to create a magical Christmas village.
Ivorytown Playhouse/Jonathan Steele Photography
The village of Ivoryton lights up the holiday with more than 400,000 lights. Visitors can listen to 101.5 FM on their car radios and see the lights dance to the music.
Facebook/Ivoryton Village Alliance
Ivoryton Illuminations will shine throughout December until early January, so you have quite a window of time to enjoy the twinkling lights. But the whole village comes out for a spectacular holiday exhibition on opening day in early December, and you won’t want to miss out.
Facebook/Ivoryton Village Alliance
In past years, the Ivoryton library has hosted several activities, including writing letters to Santa, creating cards for servicemen and women, holding a toy drive, and hosting a stocking stuffer $1 book sale. In 2022, you never know what you might get, so keep an eye on the Ivoryton Library website to find up-to-date information as the time of celebration draws near.
Facebook/Ivoryton Village Alliance
Last year the Circle K farm provided a petting zoo on the green near the light-decorated gazebo. What a pleasant treat to find in this magical Christmas village.
Facebook/Ivoryton Village Alliance
If you are feeling a little chilly, stop by the Ivoryton Tavern and Cafe for a cup of warm apple cider.
Facebook/Ivoryton Village Alliance
The Six Summit Gallery has also showcased an art show titled Wonderland that featured a collection of Alice in Wonderland fine art.
Facebook/Ivoryton Village Alliance
If you love Christmas music, the patio of the playhouse typically hosts a community Christmas Carol Sing. You can also can make Christmas crafts with the elves at the Playhouse throughout the evening.
Facebook/Ivoryton Village Alliance
Keep your eyes open for the arrival of Santa; he tends to come out around 6 p.m. This Christmas village welcomes St. Nick with lots of enthusiasm.
Facebook/Ivoryton Village Alliance
The lighting of Connecticut’s largest living Christmas tree will also take place. It is quite a sight to behold.
Facebook/Ivoryton Village Alliance
There are elves hiding all over this Christmas village, and you can participate in a scavenger hunt to find them all. You can pick up a card at the library to participate, but go quickly as you must find all the elves by 7 p.m.
Facebook/Ivoryton Village Alliance
Of course, you will find live music and street eats in Ivoryton. It is also a perfect time to take a stroll and check out the holiday street market on Summit Street.
Facebook/Ivoryton Village Alliance
The wonderful celebration will end during the opening night. If you can’t make it, don’t worry because you can always plan a trip to see the lights that make this Christmas village sparkle and shine throughout the whole month of December into early January.
Facebook/Ivoryton Village Alliance All merchants in Ivoryton will be collecting non-perishable food items to benefit the Shoreline Soup Kitchen through early December. Please consider donating while you are visiting this enchanting village. For more information about Ivoryton Illuminations, you can visit their website.
So make sure to visit Essex, Connecticut at Christmas for this lovely holiday celebration in the Ivoryton Village.
Ivorytown Playhouse/Jonathan Steele Photography
Facebook/Ivoryton Village Alliance
All merchants in Ivoryton will be collecting non-perishable food items to benefit the Shoreline Soup Kitchen through early December. Please consider donating while you are visiting this enchanting village. For more information about Ivoryton Illuminations, you can visit their website.
For even more places in Connecticut that become simply magical during the wintertime, check out these unforgettable festivals.
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Address: Ivoryton, Essex, CT, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas In Connecticut October 27, 2022 Chris Dodge What are some other great places to visit in Connecticut for Christmas? Christmastime is simply magical in New England. From the charming small towns to the history that dates back to some of the earliest in our country, Connecticut has some very obvious perks during the holiday season. For one, you can experience a nice light snowfall on Christmas Eve near a beautiful harbor. Christmas in Connecticut is simply just romantic. So we have a few suggestions for you to make the most of your Christmastime. Consider spending some time in one of our top 10 Christmas towns. Each one creates a marvelous display of Christmas celebrations and lights. If you want to enjoy the holidays from the comfort of your own car, you can do that at any of these 5 drive-thru Christmas light events. If you prefer the classic charm of a New England small town then we suggest any of these 7 small towns to celebrate in. Any one of these towns is slower-paced and gives a more intimate way of enjoying Christmastime. For a truly unique Christmas experience, try hopping on a trolley and taking a tour of some incredible Christmas lights. Then, of course, you can always enjoy the good old classic neighborhood Christmas light drives. We found some great ones for you.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas In Connecticut
October 27, 2022
Chris Dodge
What are some other great places to visit in Connecticut for Christmas? Christmastime is simply magical in New England. From the charming small towns to the history that dates back to some of the earliest in our country, Connecticut has some very obvious perks during the holiday season. For one, you can experience a nice light snowfall on Christmas Eve near a beautiful harbor. Christmas in Connecticut is simply just romantic. So we have a few suggestions for you to make the most of your Christmastime. Consider spending some time in one of our top 10 Christmas towns. Each one creates a marvelous display of Christmas celebrations and lights. If you want to enjoy the holidays from the comfort of your own car, you can do that at any of these 5 drive-thru Christmas light events. If you prefer the classic charm of a New England small town then we suggest any of these 7 small towns to celebrate in. Any one of these towns is slower-paced and gives a more intimate way of enjoying Christmastime. For a truly unique Christmas experience, try hopping on a trolley and taking a tour of some incredible Christmas lights. Then, of course, you can always enjoy the good old classic neighborhood Christmas light drives. We found some great ones for you.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmastime is simply magical in New England. From the charming small towns to the history that dates back to some of the earliest in our country, Connecticut has some very obvious perks during the holiday season. For one, you can experience a nice light snowfall on Christmas Eve near a beautiful harbor. Christmas in Connecticut is simply just romantic. So we have a few suggestions for you to make the most of your Christmastime. Consider spending some time in one of our top 10 Christmas towns. Each one creates a marvelous display of Christmas celebrations and lights. If you want to enjoy the holidays from the comfort of your own car, you can do that at any of these 5 drive-thru Christmas light events. If you prefer the classic charm of a New England small town then we suggest any of these 7 small towns to celebrate in. Any one of these towns is slower-paced and gives a more intimate way of enjoying Christmastime. For a truly unique Christmas experience, try hopping on a trolley and taking a tour of some incredible Christmas lights. Then, of course, you can always enjoy the good old classic neighborhood Christmas light drives. We found some great ones for you.
