CONNECTICUT, USA — It's the final weekend of 2023!
If you don't have any plans to round out the year this weekend, here are some things to check out that are happening around Connecticut.
Don't miss your chance to be a part of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters Global Tour as they hit the court in Hartford on Friday! See the Globetrotter stars live as they dribble, spin, and dunk their way past their relentless rivals, the Washington Generals. See Hammer, TNT, Bulldog, Cheese, Torch, Hot Shot, Jet, Wham, and Thunder as they run circles around the Generals and bring the hype to the crowd! There are two showtimes at the XL Center, one at 2 p.m. and another at 7 p.m. Learn more and book tickets here.
Join the cast of Cirque du Soleil as they celebrate dreams this weekend at the Mohegan Sun Arena! From Thursday to Saturday, the Cirque Dreams Celebration show is one that all ages and families can enjoy. As the lights dim and the music swells, a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters will come to life! The performance features a world-renowned cast of performers accompanied by an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, acrobatics, and much more! Learn more about the performance and purchase tickets here.
It's the final weekend to catch a ghostly glimpse of the holidays past in Mystic! Join Seaside Shadows on the Ghost of Christmas Past Tour for their final leg this weekend with the final day being Saturday. Ghost stories are one of the oldest holiday traditions, with roots dating back to Solstice celebrations. Walk by lantern light as the tour features true stories of history and mystery. Guests will be able to capture evidence of paranormal phenomena in the town and take a step back in time! Tours begin at 7 p.m. Learn more and book tickets here.
It's also the final weekend to catch the Magic Lights display at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field! The stadium shines bright while guests weave through the 1-mile drive-through holiday lights display. The final day to catch the display is Sunday! Ticket prices vary, as well as times. Learn more about the event and book tickets here.
We're entering 2024, but to celebrate, kick it back to 1954 at the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Museum for New Year's Eve! The museum's '50s-themed celebration will host a night of trains, libations, mystery, dining, dancing, and champagne to toast at midnight. The experience begins with a swanky cocktail hour aboard one of their vintage train cars. Returning to Essex Station, guests will be welcomed to the Dickinson Ballroom for a decadent dining experience! The event will also host a 1950s prom with the Murder Mystery Company. It's a party that will have you swinging and jiving your way into the new year. The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1. Learn more about the event and admission here.
It's the last weekend to experience Home for the Holidays - Lights Extravaganza at Mystic Aquarium! Wave at the whales as you begin your holiday stroll through the aquarium's outdoor and indoor habitats while taking in the sights and sounds of the holiday themes! Refreshments will also be available for purchase, countless photo opportunities and even some surprise guests! The last day of the event is Saturday. Learn more here.
And finally, step into the new year with First Day Hikes on Jan. 1! The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and its partners are encouraging residents to get outside on New Year's Day to walk, hike, and enjoy nature safely. In-person and self-guided hikes and programs will be offered at 17 state parks and forest locations. You can see updated locations on the DEEP website.
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These aren't the only events happening this weekend in the state. To see more ideas, head to CT Visit.
See you next year!
Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
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