Undoubtedly the holidays in New England offer some of the coziest vibes in the country. However, the cold that comes with the season isn’t always our favorite part. But despite the chilly weather, you can still enjoy the holidays with these drive-thru Christmas lights in Connecticut. Regardless of age, these are perfect for the whole family, and with enough pre-planning, you can visit each one. So, snuggle up in your coziest Christmas pajamas and watch the twinkling lights from the comfort of your car. With this in mind, there’s no excuse not to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.

  1. Fantasy of Lights, New Haven

Fantasy of Lights/Facebook

Fantasy of Lights/Facebook Benefiting Goodwill of Southern New England, this beautiful drive-thru display in Connecticut serves a great cause. Significantly more fun than simply writing a check for a charity, this is a great way to brighten your season. Watch in awe as Lighthouse Point Park shimmers with twinkling lights along a mile-long trail. Of course with gorgeous wreaths, trees, and characters, it certainly shines! When you visit remember that prices vary based on the size of your vehicle and the attraction is open at different times each day. Be sure to check out the website for more information. Lighthouse Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT 06512, USA

  1. Holiday Light Fantasia, Hartford

Holiday Light Fantasia/Facebook

Holiday Light Fantasia/Facebook As long as you love to be dazzled, you’ll appreciate one of the best drive-thru Christmas lights displays in Connecticut! Hartford’s Holiday Light Fantasia offers a two-mile pathway illuminating Goodwin Park with impressively created characters and scenes. All in all, this display with over one million lights and 200 individual displays might just be the most impressive in the state. Goodwin Park Road, Goodwin Park Rd, Hartford, CT, USA

  1. Magic of Lights, Wallingford

Magic of Lights - Oakdale/Facebook

Magic of Lights - Oakdale/Facebook Since the holiday season comes and goes so quickly, we recommend you do as much as you can to soak it up without delay while it’s here. To do that, consider cruising down candy cane lane and soaking up the astonishing sights. Magic of Lights in Wallingford utilizes high-tech LED lights and digital animations to impress everyone who visits. While it’s not the North Pole, it might just be the closest you can get. Wallingford, CT 06492, USA

  1. Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights, East Windsor

Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights/Facebook

Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights/Facebook Every year, The Connecticut Trolley Museum showers visitors with Christmas spirit. Though there are lots of options for Christmas spirit throughout the state, we think this is one of the best. First climb aboard an electric sleigh or toboggan, then immerse yourself in the wonder around you. Together with a visit to the festive visitor’s center, you’ll feel like you’re immersed in a winter wonderland! Connecticut Trolley Museum, 58 N Rd #9606, East Windsor, CT 06088, USA

  1. Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park, Meriden

Lisa Jacobs/Flickr

Bianca Morales/Google Images While Hubbard Park astonishes visitors throughout the year, it’s especially gorgeous during winter. Of course that’s when the area comes alive with 350,000 silver lights! Visitors can drive or walk through this jaw-dropping display making it perfect for spectators of all ages. Most importantly, The Festival of Silver Lights is completely free! Hubbard Park Drive, Hubbard Park Dr, Meriden, CT 06451, USA

Now that you’ve read our choices what are some of your favorite drive-thru Christmas lights displays in Connecticut? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Fantasy of Lights/Facebook

Benefiting Goodwill of Southern New England, this beautiful drive-thru display in Connecticut serves a great cause. Significantly more fun than simply writing a check for a charity, this is a great way to brighten your season. Watch in awe as Lighthouse Point Park shimmers with twinkling lights along a mile-long trail. Of course with gorgeous wreaths, trees, and characters, it certainly shines! When you visit remember that prices vary based on the size of your vehicle and the attraction is open at different times each day. Be sure to check out the website for more information.

Lighthouse Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT 06512, USA

Holiday Light Fantasia/Facebook

As long as you love to be dazzled, you’ll appreciate one of the best drive-thru Christmas lights displays in Connecticut! Hartford’s Holiday Light Fantasia offers a two-mile pathway illuminating Goodwin Park with impressively created characters and scenes. All in all, this display with over one million lights and 200 individual displays might just be the most impressive in the state.

Goodwin Park Road, Goodwin Park Rd, Hartford, CT, USA

Magic of Lights - Oakdale/Facebook

Since the holiday season comes and goes so quickly, we recommend you do as much as you can to soak it up without delay while it’s here. To do that, consider cruising down candy cane lane and soaking up the astonishing sights. Magic of Lights in Wallingford utilizes high-tech LED lights and digital animations to impress everyone who visits. While it’s not the North Pole, it might just be the closest you can get.

Wallingford, CT 06492, USA

Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights/Facebook

Every year, The Connecticut Trolley Museum showers visitors with Christmas spirit. Though there are lots of options for Christmas spirit throughout the state, we think this is one of the best. First climb aboard an electric sleigh or toboggan, then immerse yourself in the wonder around you. Together with a visit to the festive visitor’s center, you’ll feel like you’re immersed in a winter wonderland!

Connecticut Trolley Museum, 58 N Rd #9606, East Windsor, CT 06088, USA

Lisa Jacobs/Flickr

Bianca Morales/Google Images

While Hubbard Park astonishes visitors throughout the year, it’s especially gorgeous during winter. Of course that’s when the area comes alive with 350,000 silver lights! Visitors can drive or walk through this jaw-dropping display making it perfect for spectators of all ages. Most importantly, The Festival of Silver Lights is completely free!

Hubbard Park Drive, Hubbard Park Dr, Meriden, CT 06451, USA

Additionally, you might want to consider enjoying more of what the state offers for the season. Start with the 10 most enchanting, magical Christmas towns in Connecticut.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Christmas in Connecticut October 24, 2022 Michelle S. Can I ride the Polar Express in Connecticut? One of the most wonderful ways to soak up the Christmas season is by hopping aboard the magical Santa Express at The Railroad Museum of New England. This seasonal event allows visitors to ride the rails on a decorated, vintage 1891 Rutland. Complete with hot chocolate and pajamas, this is a great way to enjoy the season. Should I go hiking in winter in Connecticut? Without a doubt, the answer is yes! Throughout the year, Connecitut offers beautiful trails and scenic views, but there’s something particularly magical about the winter season. This time of year typically sees less crowds, which means peace and quiet that you might not find during the popular spring and summer seasons. There are plenty of trails that shine when the temperatures dip, so be sure to get out there while you can. What are the best Christmas towns in Connecticut? Connecticut is a fantastic place to be when the holiday season arrives. From walkable holiday light displays to enchanting frozen landscapes, the wintery mix of fun you can have here is unmatched. And, no matter where you are in the state, there’s likely to be an atmospheric Christmas town to warm your heart. For instance, Milford has one of the most brightly lit town centers. And Greenwich offers an entire festival dedicated to reindeer. Our favorite Christmas town in Connecticut might be Mystic. But with its seaside location and annual illuminated boat parade, this is one town that’s sure to lift your spirits.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

Christmas in Connecticut

October 24, 2022

Michelle S.

Can I ride the Polar Express in Connecticut? One of the most wonderful ways to soak up the Christmas season is by hopping aboard the magical Santa Express at The Railroad Museum of New England. This seasonal event allows visitors to ride the rails on a decorated, vintage 1891 Rutland. Complete with hot chocolate and pajamas, this is a great way to enjoy the season. Should I go hiking in winter in Connecticut? Without a doubt, the answer is yes! Throughout the year, Connecitut offers beautiful trails and scenic views, but there’s something particularly magical about the winter season. This time of year typically sees less crowds, which means peace and quiet that you might not find during the popular spring and summer seasons. There are plenty of trails that shine when the temperatures dip, so be sure to get out there while you can. What are the best Christmas towns in Connecticut? Connecticut is a fantastic place to be when the holiday season arrives. From walkable holiday light displays to enchanting frozen landscapes, the wintery mix of fun you can have here is unmatched. And, no matter where you are in the state, there’s likely to be an atmospheric Christmas town to warm your heart. For instance, Milford has one of the most brightly lit town centers. And Greenwich offers an entire festival dedicated to reindeer. Our favorite Christmas town in Connecticut might be Mystic. But with its seaside location and annual illuminated boat parade, this is one town that’s sure to lift your spirits.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

One of the most wonderful ways to soak up the Christmas season is by hopping aboard the magical Santa Express at The Railroad Museum of New England. This seasonal event allows visitors to ride the rails on a decorated, vintage 1891 Rutland. Complete with hot chocolate and pajamas, this is a great way to enjoy the season.

Should I go hiking in winter in Connecticut?

Without a doubt, the answer is yes! Throughout the year, Connecitut offers beautiful trails and scenic views, but there’s something particularly magical about the winter season. This time of year typically sees less crowds, which means peace and quiet that you might not find during the popular spring and summer seasons. There are plenty of trails that shine when the temperatures dip, so be sure to get out there while you can.

What are the best Christmas towns in Connecticut?

Connecticut is a fantastic place to be when the holiday season arrives. From walkable holiday light displays to enchanting frozen landscapes, the wintery mix of fun you can have here is unmatched. And, no matter where you are in the state, there’s likely to be an atmospheric Christmas town to warm your heart. For instance, Milford has one of the most brightly lit town centers. And Greenwich offers an entire festival dedicated to reindeer. Our favorite Christmas town in Connecticut might be Mystic. But with its seaside location and annual illuminated boat parade, this is one town that’s sure to lift your spirits.