HARTFORD, Conn. — The rain from Thanksgiving will clear out for this weekend, giving you and friends and family the perfect chance to explore events happening around Connecticut!
Head down to Mystic River Park on Saturday to see the Santa Tugboat and Lighted Boat Parade! Admission is free. Between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Santa Arrives by Tugboat, and then the tree lighting and boat parade will happen between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. This is a beloved tradition in Mystic!
While there, check out the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village. The shopping and dining village will transform into a holiday wonderland with trees adorned with bright lights and tall arches and light displays spread throughout the village. The display is open nightly.
Also down at the shore is another light display: the Lobster Trap Tree in Stonington has returned for a fourth season! The tree of stacked lobster traps will feature hand-painted buoys from professional artists and local families. The lighting will kick off the season on Saturday, starting at 4:30 p.m., and the tree will be accessible day and night until Jan. 5, 2025. The tree is located at 1 High Street in Stonington.
It's a dazzling sight to behold at Lyman Orchards! Happening this weekend and lasting until Feb. 9 is the Lyman Orchards Winter Lantern Festival! It's a bright world featuring over 1,000 Chinese lanterns, all handmade by artisans with decades of experience. This is a whimsical, outdoor walk-through experience to light up and warm up the season! There's something to captivate visitors of all ages, and it will also feature seasonal treats!
If you're looking for even more ways to get into the holiday spirit this weekend, CT Visit launched Connecticut's first-ever Christmas Movie Trail! You can find the trail map here, and it features 22 filming locations across the state that residents can visit and feel like they're in a holiday movie of their own!
Get dazzled this season at Glow Wild at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo! This event runs until December 15 and takes you on a journey through a wonderland of illuminated, larger-than-life lanterns inspired by the zoo's wild world. This display spans the width and breadth of the zoo's 30 acres, and guests are invited to walk through the glowing corridors. The display features flora and fauna that will light up the night sky and is designed for all ages to enjoy!
