Looking for things to do over Thanksgiving Weekend in Connecticut? Me too! With family coming into town, I’m all excited to plan some extra special activities. If you’re looking to plan some family fun, read on to see what is happening around the state.
We also put together a fun Key:
- * Free
- ?? Toddler Friendly
- ? Kid Friendly
- ???? Fun For the Whole Family
- ? YA/Adult Event
- ? Holiday Event
- ? Thanksgiving Event
- ?♂️Race/Athletic Event
- ? Accessible for All
- ? Train/Trolley Ride
- ? Outdoor Event
- ? Show/Theater Event
Photo Credit: Glow Hartford
Light Shows and Trolley Rides
- Glow Wild, Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport ???? ??
- Magic of Lights, East Hartford ???? ? ?
- Glow Gardens Hartford at the Connecticut Convention Center ???? ? ?
- Winterfest and Pictures with Santa at the Connecticut Trolley Museum ????? ????
- Northern Lights Limited & Santa Express at the Railway Museum of New England ? ? ?? ? ????
- Visit with Santa at the Shoreline Trolley Museum????? ????
- Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce ???? ? ?
- Lifted Spirits at Powder Ridge Park ???? ? ? ?♂️
- November 22: Hubbard Lights Festival* ???? ?? ?
Photo Credit: Florence Griswold Museum
Museums and Cultural Events
- Explore Connecticut History at The Pequot Museum ???? ?
- Nov Holiday Magic at the Florence Griswold Museum (Afternoon Tea Special after Nov. 28th too!) ???
- Nov. 24-26 Elf at the Connecticut Science Center ???? ??
Photo Credit: Stonington Lobster Trap Tree, Mystic Lighted Boat Parade
Parades and Festivals
- Nov. 19: Stamford Spectacular Parade* ???? ? ?
- Nov. 25: Mystic Lighted Boat Parade (Santa Arrives by Tugboat!)* ???? ??
- Nov. 25: Stonington Lobster Trap Tree Lighting* ???? ??
- Nov. 25: Simsbury Celebrates 2023* (Fireworks included!) ???? ??
- Nov. 25: Meriden Yulefest* ???? ?
Photo Credit: Clyde’s Cider Mill, Star Hill Family Farm
Must Try Local Foods and Farms Events:
Delicious Farm Food:
- Gotta’s Farm and Cider Mill, Portland
- Clyde’s Cider, Mystic
- Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm, Moosup
- Holbrook Farm, Bethel
Cool Dining Experiences:
- Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, Newington: Rent an Igloo, sit by a Harry Potter Inspired Fireplace, or enjoy the great outdoors- the choice is yours!
- Cava Southington– AMAZING Winter Wonderland Display
Events and Activities:
- November 18-19: Thanksgiving Farmers Market- The Farm Truck at Hein Farm ????? ?
- Star Hill Family Farm* ? ????????
- Fair Weather Growers ? ?? ? ???? ?
- Farmer’s HayRide, Broadbrook ?? ???? ?
- Dzen Tree Farm and Rockin Reindeer Cafe ? ?? ? ???? ?
Photo Credit: Manchester Road Race
Active Adventures:
Check out one of our favorite fall foliage hike or enjoy an accessible walk with the whole family. There are tons of ways to Opt Outside and enjoy time with the family!
Climbing/Adventure Parks
- Nov. 24-25: Bridgeport Discovery Park Climbing Adventure?♂️? ?
- November Weekends: Glow in the Park, Tree Trails Mystic?♂️? ?
Runs:
- Nov. 23: Thanksgiving Day O’BRiley 5K Turkey Trot in Historic Collinsville?♂️? ?
- Nov. 23: Rotary Club of Orange Thanksgiving Day 5K?♂️? ?
- Nov. 23: Roxbury Road Race Series?♂️? ?
- Nov. 23: Run Turkey Run- Hamden?♂️? ?
- Nov. 23: Open Doors Outdoors’ Run and Rack, South Glastonbury?♂️? ?
- Nov. 23: Manchester Road Race, Manchester?♂️? ?
- Nov. 23: Shoreline Turkey Trot, West Haven ?♂️? ?
- Nov. 25: Newtown Turkey Trot ?♂️? ?
Photo Credit: The Bushnell
See a Show:
- Nov. 21- Dec. 3: MOULIN ROUGE the Musical at the Bushnell ? ? ?
- Nov. 24: El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico at Waterbury’s Palace Theater ? ? ?
- Nov. 10-Dec.30: Dreamgirls at the Goodspeed Opera House ? ??
- Nov. 24-Dec. 24: A Christmas Carol at the Hartford Stage ???? ? ? ?
- Nov. 24- Dec. 16: World Premiere of The Salvegers at Yale Rep. Theater ? ? ?
- Nov. 25: Jessica Lynn’s Very Merry Country Christmas at Warner Theater, Torrington ? ? ? ?
Library Fun:
- November 20-25: Thanksgiving Craft at the Durham Public Library*
- November 21: Dinosaur Glow Lamps at Cromwell Library*
- November 24: Family Storytime at Mystic and Noank Library*
- November 25: Saturday Storytime at the Mansfield Library*
This list is still under construction ? ? It will be updated throughout the season.
As always, do your own research and it’s better to be safe-than-sorry. Check with organizers before you go. Pack extra snacks and an extra sweater. Be prepared for anything!
