Central Square Theater - various times
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Cape Cod Central Railroad Depot - various times Pick
The Polar Express Train Ride Station - various times Pick
Cape Cod Central Railroad Depot - various times Pick
Conway Scenic Railroad - various times Pick
Cape Cod Central Railroad Depot - various times Pick
Harvard Museum of Natural History - 9:00 AM
Grove Hall Branch Boston Public Library - 10:30 AM
Faneuil Hall - 10:00 AM
Cape Cod Central Railroad Depot - various times Pick
Harvard Museum of Natural History - 9:00 AM
American Ancestors - 10:00 AM
Faneuil Hall - 10:00 AM
Harvard Museum of Natural History - 9:00 AM
Boston Children's Museum - 9:00 AM
American Ancestors - 10:00 AM
Faneuil Hall - 10:00 AM
Cape Cod Central Railroad Depot - various times Pick
Conway Scenic Railroad - various times Pick
Granite State Scenic Railway - various times Pick
The Polar Express Train Ride Station - various times Pick
Cape Cod Central Railroad Depot - various times Pick
Conway Scenic Railroad - various times Pick
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Connecticut Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year’s with Kids
Every year, after the holiday busyness is over, winter break makes a sudden appearance and families have to shift gears quickly! Let us help you get through school vacation with some really fun things to do! Don't be afraid of bundling up and getting outside (our family loves a snowy, Winter hike) - see the amazing Shepaug Dam Eagles or go for a New Year's Hike in Broad Brook. The kids will also enjoy the Holiday Laser Spectacular Lasers planetarium show at the Stamford Nature Center or Tiny Creatures, Big Lives Exhibit at Bruce Museum, and you know they will flip to see "Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer" in 4D at the Maritime Aquarium.
You can even still get in to see many of the drive-through light shows through the first of the New Year and in fact, it's a great time to go because the crowds have diminished considerably.
For even more ideas to keep the entire family entertained during school break, bookmark the Mommy Poppins events calendar and our Connecticut Holiday Fun Guide. Follow us on Instagram for our latest finds.
OUR LATEST VIDEOS
More Family Holiday Guides for Connecticut
- Best and Brightest Holidays Displays in Connecticut
- 50 Awesome Winter Activities for Kids in Connecitcut
- 10 Family Ski Resorts In or Around Connecticut
Tips for Enjoying Winter Break in Connecticut
- Plan ahead of time and reserve your space/tickets a couple of days before if required
- Get your kids buy-in for events that may be new, loud or stimulating.
- Try and do one activity for each age range you have in the house - no complaining!
- Dress warm and pack snacks!
FAQ - Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year’s in Connecticut
Q: What are the best family-friendly events between Christmas and New Year’s in Connecticut?
A: Definitely take in a drive-through light show before the season is over, take advantage of local library programs and go snow tubing!
Q: Are there any FREE things to do with kids after Christmas in Connecticut?
A: Absolutely! Libraries are free and so is Winterfest in Hartford, Bald Eage Viewing in Southbury, and Menorah Lightings.
Q: What indoor activities are open between Christmas and New Year’s?
A: Many indoor play spaces are open after Christmas, as well as trampoline destinations and museums.
Q: Do holiday light displays stay open after Christmas?
A: Yes, many stay open until the first few days of January.
Q: What family events are happening on New Year’s Eve in Connecticut?
A: Several Connecticut libraries and children's museums are holding special "Noon" Years Eve events.
Q: Are museums, zoos, or attractions open during winter break in Connecticut?
A: Yes, Beardsley Zoo is open, museums reopen (some with special vacation hours) and even planetariums in Connecticut.
Q: What’s the best day trip from Connecticut during Christmas break with kids?
A: Oh, so many! Try the Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield, EcoTarium in Worcester, Massachusetts, or the amazing Holidays at the Newport Mansions.
Head out for New Years fireworkd in Connecticut over the break. Photo courtesy of First Night Hartford
Top Family Events and Activities in Connecticut During Winter Break - Hartford Area
1. First Night Hartford 2026 — Hartford
December 31, 2025
Take the family to see the the 6pm fireworks show in Hartford at Connecticut's biggest celebration of the New Year!
2. Wild Side of Winter — North Canton
December 29-31, 2025
Take in some "wild" nature at Roaring Brook Nature Center's vacation days, and get the kids outside for some exploration over Christmas break.
3. Winterfest at Bushnell Park in Hartford — Hartford
December 28, 2025-January 4, 2026
Go ice skating at Hartford's outdoor rink, with free skate every day from 11am to 8pm!
4. New Year's Day hike in Broad Brook — Broad Brook
January 1, 2026
The American Heritage River Commission rings in the New Year with a two-and-a-half mile hike to work off some of those extra holiday calories!
5. Christmas Ride at Pumpkintown USA—East Hampton
Through December 28, 2025
There's still time for another spin through Pumpkintown USA between Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Christmas Vacation in CT: Things To Do in Fairfield and Litchfield Counties
6. Model Train Exhibit at Gallery 25 —New Milford
Through December 28, 2025
Embrace the Holiday spirit at this historic railroad building with its Christmas-themed miniature train display.
7. Stepping Stone Museum's Wonder Snow —Norwalk
Through December 31, 2025
Play in the snow without going outside at this fun exhibit at one of Connecticut's top spots for family fun!
8. New Year's Eve and New Year's Day Hours at Ski Sundown —New Hartford
Through December 31, 2025
Celebrate the New Year with some skiing at this family-friendly Connecticut ski resort with special holiday hours.
9. "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" 4D at the Maritime Aquarium —Norwalk
Through January 4, 2026
Take in an extra-special 4-D version of the Holiday classic, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, at the Maritime Aquarium.
10. Holiday Laser Spectacular at the Stamford Nature Center —Stamford
Through December 28, 2025
Take in a wild laser-themed planetarium show at Stamford Nature Center between Christmas and New Year's.
11. Holiday Movies at Stamford Town Center—Stamford
December 26, 2025
The last showing of Stamford Town Center's annual holiday movies, Lilo & Stich, will take place on Boxing Day 2025.
12. Shark-Diving Santa at the Maritime Aquarium — Norwalk
Through December 28, 2025
Think the weather outside is frightful?? Head to the Maritime Aquarium for a day of fun and a chance to see Santa swimiming with sharks!
13. Holiday Wish Express — Stamford
Through December 28, 2025
Any extra wishes to make before the holiday season has passed? The Holiday Wish Express (the largest indoor Christmas event in the region) will be around for a little while longer!
There are so many hands-on activites for school break this Christmas in CT. Winter break craft fun photo courtesy of Canva
Christmas Vacation in Connecticut: Things To Do in Eastern CT
14. Stonington Vacation "Camp" — Stonington
December 26, 2025 - January 2, 2026
Get the kids some engaging activities over Christmas break in Connecticut at the Stonington Community Center.
15. Countdown to Noon with Niantic Children's Museum — East Lyme
December 31, 2025
Ring in the New Year (at a very age-appropriate hour for the little ones!) at the East Lyme Community Center.
16. Annual Train Show at the CT River Museum — Essex
Through December 30, 2025
Enjoy the fine details and expert craftsmanship at the Connecticut River Museum's annual show, featuring big fun on a miniature scale!
17. All About Owls at Denison Pequotsepsos Nature Center — Mystic
December 26, 2025
On the day after Christmas 2025, Myatic's Denison Pequotsepsos Nature Center hosts a special encounter with some incredible birds!
18. Charlie Brown at Foxwoods
December 27, 2025
Head on down to Foxwoods for a one-of-a-kind stage show fit for kids. Charlie Brown at Foxwoods will be in production between Christmas and New Year's.
19. Santa Visits at the Mystic Aquarium — Mystic
Through December 31, 2025
When Santa is done with making the rounds at Christmas, he'll be swinging by the Mystic Aquarium for a little extra holiday fun!
20. Wizarding Week at Niantic Children's Museum — Niantic
December 22 - December 30, 2025
FREE with museum admission, young witches and wizards can work on their potion game while making wands and hats.
Connecticut's Christmas break brings Mr. Gilbert's Classic Train Exhibit. Photo courtesy of the Eli Whitney Train Museum.
Christmas Vacation in Connecticut: Things To Do near New Haven
21. Bald Eagle viewing at Shepaug Dam — Southbury
All winter
Bundle up and spot a bald eagle soaring out in the wild (don't forget your binoculars!) at the Shepaug Eagle Viewing Site in Southbury.
22. Farm Visits at Mr. Donald's Farm — Orange
Through December 27, 2025
With a barnyard play area & fun kids activities, a trip to Mr. Donald's farm is great way to get out between Christmas and New Year's in Connecticut!
23. Mr. Gilbert's Railroad — Hamden
Through January 25, 2026
Give the kids a remarkable look at Connecticut history at Mr. Gilbert's Railroad, the classic train exhibit at the Eli Whitney Museum.
24. Pilgrimage Center for their Family Day — New Haven
December 28, 2025
The Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center squeezes in one more day of Christmas magic before New Year's 2026.
Get in some holiday lights while you still can this Christmas vacation. Photo courtesy of Hebron Lights in Motion
Are There Holiday Light Shows and Outdoor Attractions Still Open After Christmas in Connecticut?
25. Fantasy of Lights at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven — New Haven
Through December 31, 2025
See the lights at one of Connecticut's most beloved Christmas light shows right on the shore.
26. Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village — Mystic
Through January 31, 2026
Connecticut has one of the largest display of holiday lights in all of New England, and it keeps shining on after Christmas Day 2025!
27. Hebron Lights in Motion — Hebron
Through December 31, 2025
Hebron's unique light display is back and running, and the lights don't go out until 2025 is all done!
28. Magic of Lights at Pratt & Whitney Stadium — East Hartford
Through January 3, 2026
Keep celebrating the season over Christmas vacation with Connecticut's signature drive-thru light display in East Hartford
29. Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden — Meriden
Through January 1, 2026
From Christmas to New Year's, the 300,000 Silver Lights at Hubbard Park will be twinkling with holiday magic.
30. Winterfest and Tunnel of Lights at the Connecticut Trolley Museum East Windsor
Through December 30, 2025
Ride the trolleys and take in the holiday light displays at the CT Trolley Museum's annual light show.
31. Dino Winter Lights Festival—Montville
Through January 4, 2026
The Dinosaur Place knows that dinosaurs and Christmas fun are a winning combination for Connecticut kids!
32. Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce—Bristol
Through December 28, 2025
One of Connecticut's top spots for family fun, Lake Compounce, will have the Holiday Lights shining bright well after Christmas Day 2025.
An earlier version of this post by Jacqueline Miller ran in 2019.
Updated December 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
