Santa is here and joining families for breakfast, brunch and photo sessions all over the state! Indulge in the merry festive spirit with your family and enjoy these events at a town near you! So, here is a roundup of Weekend activities with kids in Connecticut:
Fri Dec 6, 7:30 PM- 9:30 PM, Sat, Dec 7 (2 PM, 7 PM), Dec 8 (2 PM): Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Oakdale Theatre (Wallingford, CT)
Cirque Holidaze is A Holiday Gift for the Entire Family that is both a Broadway musical and new cirque adventure wrapped up in an electrifying live stage spectacular. Over 300 imaginative costumes, 20 world-class astonishing acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites celebrate Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas and New Year’s in a 2 hour breathtaking spectacle. Audiences of all ages will marvel at soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats and extravagant theatrical production numbers at the comfortable Oakdale Theatre.
More info here
Friday Dec 6, 6 PM- 8 PM: Winter Wonderland, 2019 (Meriden, CT)
The Council of Neighborhoods and the Meriden Police Dept. NI Unit Officers are planning the event on Friday December 6th. Join for ornament decorating, pictures with Santa, Rudolph and Frosty and much more fun activities! All families and children are welcome to attend! The event is free of charge!
More info here
Friday Dec 6, 7 PM- 8:45 PM: DJ Skate Nights at Veterans Memorial Skating Rink (West Hartford, CT)
Go Ice skating for all ages at DJ Skate Nights with the hottest tunes playing! Veterans Memorial Skating Rink is a friendly, clean, safe, and comfortable environment for everyone and currently offers the most public skating sessions in the area.
Rental skates available at an additional charge of $4.00
More info here
Fridays, Dec 6-Aug 14, 9:30 AM-11 AM: Playful Learners Playgroup at Imagine Nation (Bristol, CT)
Families with children ages 36 months and under are invited to the weekly Playful Learners Playgroup at Imagine Nation!
Participants receive half-price admission and may enjoy access to all museum studios.
Playful Learners Playgroup begins with gross motor free play in Imagine Nation’s Kinetic Studio from 9:30-10:30am. An age-appropriate staff-facilitated workshop is held at 10:30am. Admission for Playful Learners Playgroup is $5.00 per person, Imagine Nation Members and children under one are FREE!
Check www.imaginenation.org/calendar for the full Playful Learners schedule
Fri, Dec 6, and Sat Dec 7, 10 AM-5 PM: Gallery of Trees at Canton Historical Museum (Collinsville, CT)
View dozens of beautifully decorated trees and try to win one! Free admission. Open daily. See more info at www.cantonmuseum.org. Times may vary.
Fri, Dec 6 (5PM-7PM) and Sat, Dec 7 (1 PM-3:30 PM): Visits with Santa (Newington, CT)
Santa has agreed to take a break from the North Pole and swing into Newington to hear your child’s biggest wishes for Christmas gifts this year! Get in the holiday spirit with your family and enjoy pictures with Santa at the Mortenson Community Center! This is a perfect photo opportunity, so don’t forget your cameras! This is a FREE community event hosted by Newington Parks and Rec.Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Town’s food bank.
More info here
Sat Dec 7 and Sun Dec 8, 10 AM: Santa’s Farm (Bristol, CT)
Hop aboard the Holiday Hay wagon for a trip to Santa’s house to have your photo taken. Enjoy the splendor of Indian Rock’s indoor Winter Wonderland hall of decorated Christmas trees, an indoor waterfall, and a post office for letters to Santa. Enjoy Hot Chocolate as you savor tasty treats from the Bake Sale or visit the Arts & Crafts Gift Shop. Have fun at Kids Holiday Craft Center and visit the animals.
Families are asked to dress appropriately for the hay ride. The event is rain/snow/shine.
$8 per person
Children 12 mos. and under are FREE
More info here
Saturday, Dec 7, 9 AM-11 AM: Breakfast With Santa (Hartford, CT)
Gather your family and friends for a memorable morning at The Bushnell’s Breakfast with Santa. Take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy breakfast, carolers, crafts and more. Christmas lists accepted at the North Pole Post Office!
Saturday Dec 7, 10 AM-2 PM: Winter Fan Fest (Hartford, CT)
Yard Goats to Host Winter FanFest on Saturday, December 7th at Dunkin’ Donuts Park– Free Event includes Behind the Scenes Tours, Arts & Crafts, Batting Cages, Mascots & more!
This free event is open to the public and will include behind the scenes tours of Dunkin’ Donuts Park, Arts & Crafts, Yard Goats mascots Chompers and Chew Chew, and Fancy Pants-the-goat from Circle K Farm of East Hampton. Fans will also have the opportunity to test out the indoor climate control professional batting cages that the Yard Goats use.
The Yard Goats will also be collecting non-perishable food items for Hands on Hartford’s food pantry. Fans that donate will receive 10% off merchandise in the team store.
More info here
Saturday, Dec 7, 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM (Recurring event): Polar Express Pajama Storytime (Simsbury, CT)
Wear your holiday jammies and head to the The Storyteller’s Cottage, Simsbury, for a festive evening! Santa’s elves will read the Polar Express in the library, followed by cookie decorating in the kitchen and dining room, then a chance to visit with Santa by the fireplace. Every child takes home a wrapped book 🙂
Cost: $15 per child
More info here
Saturdays, Dec 7-Jan 18, 10 AM-11 AM (Recurring event): Learn to skate (Hartford, CT)
Want to learn how to skate this winter? Head to the Winterfest Hartford rink in Bushnell Park for Free Learn To Skate Every Saturday from Champions Skating Centers instructors. Lessons are open to future skaters of all ages, and the skates are free too.
Skating lessons will be held on Saturdays beginning December 7, and be offered every weekend through the close of Winterfest Hartford (December 7, 14, 21, 28, January 4, 11 & 18).
Arrive early to get your free skate rentals. All skaters must fill out a waiver before their lesson
Saturday Dec 7, 6 PM-9 PM (Recurring event): Northern Lights (Mystic, CT)
This December, Mystic Aquarium lights up during Northern Light! A sea of lights leads the way through a mesmerizing journey along the Aquarium’s outdoor pathways. See Arctic animals in a whole new light – quite literally – as you stroll to theatric music in search of hand-crafted lanterns that bring Arctic animals to life!
Snap selfies and meet the Snow Sisters every Thursday, Father Christmas on Fridays and Petey the Penguin each Saturday. Pulling inspiration from the most spectacular natural light display there is – the aurora borealis – Northern Lights is sure to be just as magical and inspiring.
Tickets now on sale!
More info here
Saturdays, Dec 7-Dec 21, 6 PM-7:30 PM: Goats N’ Pajamas at Bradley Mountain Farm (Southington, CT)
Come with your family to put the herd to bed, cuddle with your favorite goat, and experience pure silliness together. You will be brushing the goats, feeding them, and putting pajamas, tutus, and other costumes on the goats. . We will end the night with a goat cuddle session and feeding the whole herd hay as their Good Night snack. All ages are welcome! $15 p/ person
See details here
Sat, Dec 7 and Sun, Dec 8, 5 PM (Recurring event): Winterfest (East Windsor, CT)
The Connecticut Trolley Museum presents Winterfest 2019 and the “Tunnel of Lights”. Halls are decked both inside and outside with over 15,000 light bulbs. Outside, closed trolley cars transport jolly guests down a tunnel of lights as they sing traditional Christmas Carols with their trolley car operators. For an open air view of the “Tunnel of Lights,” one open sleigh car is lit up entirely with holiday lights. Be sure to dress warm and bring blankets.
Inside the Visitor Center is a Winter Wonderland where Santa meets and greets children inside a historic caboose. Multiple model train layouts, both large and small are located in the main hall.
Admission prices are $15 for adults, $14 for seniors (62+), $11 for children (ages 4-12), $4 for children (3 & under).
More info here
Sunday, Dec 8, 5 PM-6:20 PM (Recurring Event): Northern Lights Limited (Thomaston, CT)
Experience the magic of the Christmas season aboard Northern Lights Limited trains! Departing under the cover of nightfall, the entire train is illuminated in a soft, cheerful glow as it glides through the winter wilderness. After a quick stop at the North Pole to pick up Mr. & Mrs. Claus, each child will get to meet Santa and his elves along with receive a special gift from Santa’s toy bag!
Pricing and more details at: http://www.rmne.org/northern-lights-limited-santa-express/
Sunday, Dec 8, 9 AM-11 AM: Anna and Elsa Character Event at Extreme Air (Cheshire, CT)
Anna and Elsa are visiting Extreme Air! Get ready for lots of jumping, singing, dancing and MORE! Make sure to buy your tickets online at www.jumpextremeair.com AHEAD OF TIME!
More info here
Sunday, Dec 8, 9 AM-2:45 PM (Recurring Event): Brunch with Mr. AND Mrs. Claus at Lyman Orchards (Middlefield, CT)
Santa & Mrs. Claus invite children and their families to visit them in the festively decorated Lyman Homestead. You’ll enjoy a delicious buffet-style brunch prepared in the Homestead kitchen by the Apple Barrel chefs. And you’ll delight in a very private meeting with Santa & Mrs. Claus in the Homestead’s Library!
Get complimentary family photos clicked by professional photographer with Santa & Mrs. Claus!
Pre-paid reservations are required (call 860.349.6043)
More info here
Sunday, Dec 8, 9 AM-1 PM: Breakfast with Santa and The Grinch (East Windsor, CT)
Head over to Flower Power farm for their annual Breakfast with Santa and The Grinch.
Get your ticket with a purchase of $25 +
6 PEOPLE PER TICKET!!!! You can get your ticket at any time during the season and of course during the event.
Don’t forget take your camera to get your picture with Santa and/or The Grinch!
More info here
Sunday, Dec 8, 9 AM-11 AM: Christmas village opening parade (Torrington, CT)
Welcome Santa and Mrs Claus, along with Elmer, Skippy and Tippy, back to their Home in Torrington. The parade starts at the Amory and continues along Main St., up to mason, then right on up to Christmas Village here in Torrington.
More info here
Sunday, Dec 8, 11 AM-3:30 PM: Brunch with Santa (Portland, CT)
Annual brunch with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, hosted by St. Clements Castle, is a special treat for all the kids! Both seatings fill up fast!
Seatings: 11am and 1:30pm
Adults: $38.99
Children: $16.99
Children 3 and under: FREE
Make your pre-paid reservation online at: www.stclementsevents.com or CALL: 860-342-0593 ext. 233
More info here
