Connecticut’s got a knack for packing early December with things to do—holiday lights, live shows, and a bunch of quirky local events. Whether you’re after big-name concerts, small-town traditions, or just a way to dodge cabin fever, there’s something on the list for you. This guide? It’s more of a choose-your-own-adventure for the week—music, outdoor fun, or maybe a slice of local history.
You’ll jump between national acts at huge venues and smaller, more personal performances that really show off Connecticut’s vibe. There’s a mix of old-school seasonal favorites and new stuff worth checking out. Planning ahead can make your week a lot less hectic—just a tip from someone who’s circled the parking lot one too many times.
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1) Jessica Simpson live at Foxwoods Resort & Casino
Why not kick off your Sunday night at the Premier Theater in Mashantucket? Jessica Simpson’s back on stage for her “Come On Over Tour” on December 7, 2025, at 8:00 PM. It’s been a while since she toured, so you’ll get both the classics and some holiday tunes.
Since the theater’s inside Foxwoods Resort & Casino, you can grab dinner or try your luck before the show. December weekends get busy, so snagging dinner reservations is wise.
Simpson’s also lighting up Foxwoods’ annual Christmas Tree on December 6, so if you’re a fan, you’ve got two shots to see her. The theater’s setup means even the “bad” seats are pretty close to the stage. Just plan for traffic and check ticket availability early.
2) Earth, Wind & Fire concert in Connecticut
Earth, Wind & Fire hits the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Show starts at 7 p.m., tickets from about $62 (CT Insider). The arena seats 10,000, but it’s comfy and parking’s not a headache.
If you love classic R&B, soul, and funk, you’ll get all the hits, tight harmonies, and that unmistakable live sound. The crowd’s usually lively but never out of control.
Arrive early—traffic near Mohegan Sun can get ridiculous. There’s plenty to eat on site, so grab a meal before or after. Want to see where else they’re playing? Check out the official event page for tour dates.
3) Glow Hartford holiday light show at Connecticut Convention Center
Glow Hartford lights up the Connecticut Convention Center in downtown Hartford from November 21 to December 23. The whole place turns into a maze of lights, oversized decorations, and holiday-themed fun. This year’s twist: Santa’s Sleigh Adventure—a little extra story for the kids. Details are on the official Glow Hartford site.
Families come for the interactive gardens, glowing displays, and activities for little ones. Free Santa photos, a trackless “Glow‑comotive” train, and hands-on exhibits keep kids busy. WTNH ranks it as a top pick for the season.
Weekdays are quieter if you hate crowds. Timed entry keeps the lines from getting too wild. Nearby parking garages mean you won’t freeze on your way in.
It gets packed on weekends, so brace yourself for a crowd. But since it’s indoors, you don’t have to worry about the weather ruining your plans.
4) Landmark Community Theatre’s ‘Miracle on 34th Street’
Step into the Thomaston Opera House for Landmark Community Theatre’s Miracle on 34th Street. Shows run December 6–21, with both evenings and matinees. The Opera House, at 158 Main Street, sits in a town that feels like it’s straight out of a holiday card.
The story’s familiar—Santa, faith, and a bit of courtroom drama—but seeing local performers on stage gives it a cozy, personal touch.
Tickets start at $26 (plus fees) and you can grab them from Landmark Community Theatre. Evening shows kick off at 7; Sunday matinees at 2. Early or weekday shows are usually less crowded. Parking’s tight, so get there ahead of time and maybe grab a coffee nearby.
5) Holiday Magic event at Lyman Orchards
Lyman Orchards in Middlefield hosts its Holiday Magic event at the Homestead on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It’s a classic New England holiday—think wagon rides, decorated rooms, and photo ops, all at a relaxed pace.
There’s a kids’ craft table and some small performances near the Apple Barrel market. Honestly, the bakery treats and hot cider are half the reason to go. More details live on the event listing.
Crowds are moderate, but Saturday mornings fill up fast. On-site parking helps, but arriving before noon is your best bet. Holiday Magic at Lyman Orchards is low-key and friendly—just a genuine, small-town holiday outing.
6) Bingo Unleashed at SantaCon
Bingo, but make it wild: Bingo Unleashed SantaCon hits Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Doors open at 6, games kick off at 8:30. It’s bingo, but with DJs, costumes, and a party vibe.
Expect crowds in Santa hats, blinking lights, and maybe some questionable dance moves. Three bingo games, live music, contests—definitely not your grandma’s bingo. Tickets start at $47.30 and come with a glow kit, snacks, and a shot at prizes (MSN event listing).
You need to be 21+. It’s loud, a little chaotic, but you’ll probably make a friend or two. If you like your holiday events a little offbeat, this one’s hard to beat.
7) Nutcracker ballet performances around Connecticut
Nutcracker season is in full swing, with productions all over Connecticut. Each one pulls in local dancers and some pros, so you’ll get a different spin depending on where you go.
The New Haven Ballet’s show at the Shubert Theatre runs December 12–14, 2025—family-friendly and easy if you’re in the area.
In Stamford, the Connecticut Ballet’s version at The Palace Theatre is December 13–14, with guest artists from big-name companies.
Closer to Hartford? The Bushnell’s Nutcracker runs the same weekend, and you get live music from the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. There’s even a meet-and-greet in the lobby for the kids.
Out east, Eastern Connecticut Ballet performs in New London at the Garde Arts Center, also December 13–14. Boston Ballet guests and a coastal setting—what’s not to like?
8) Broadway-style circus production
Looking for something different? The Cirque Dreams Celebration at Mohegan Sun mashes up circus acts, theater, and holiday spectacle. Acrobatics, wild costumes, music—basically a holiday show with way more flips.
Families, couples, and anyone tired of the same old musical will find something to like here. The production leans more Broadway than circus tent, so it feels polished. Seats fill up fast on weekends, so don’t wait if you want good ones.
If you’re after something more low-key, Connecticut’s got plenty of local theater and touring shows. But if you want energy, this circus production brings it.
9) Visit the five-foot model of a giant Amazonian ant
Ever wanted to see an ant up close—like, really close? The Bruce Museum in Greenwich has a five-foot-long model of a giant Amazonian ant that’s all about the details. Massive mandibles, crazy eyes, and a stinger you can’t miss.
The model’s about 35 times bigger than the real thing and represents the Dinoponera gigantea—one of the world’s largest ants. Females can reach over 3 cm, which is already impressive, but seeing it scaled up is something else.
There’s a smell-based display that lets you experience how ants communicate. Families seem to love the hands-on science angle. It’s a quick visit, but honestly, it’s memorable and a little weird—in a good way.
10) Explore Groton’s historic sites and waterfront
Groton’s got history, water views, and a working shoreline that still feels pretty authentic. Start at Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park—old ramparts, a memorial tower, and a view over the Thames River that actually makes you think about the past.
Next up, the Submarine Force Museum, where you can tour the USS Nautilus—the first nuclear-powered sub. You get a peek into the tight quarters and learn about Groton’s deep ties to the U.S. Navy. No wonder they call it the “Submarine Capital of the World.”
Head toward downtown Mystic (yep, part of Groton) for a stroll along the harbor. Shops and restaurants hug the water—perfect for slowing down. The Mystic Seaport Museum is nearby, with recreated 19th‑century docks and preserved ships.
If the weather’s decent, finish at Bluff Point State Park. The trails wind through woods and open up to views of Long Island Sound. It’s peaceful—a good spot to just take it all in and realize how much Groton still revolves around the sea.
Tips for Planning Your Week in Connecticut
Getting around easily, staying ready for the weather, and having quick access to local updates can really make your Connecticut trip better. A bit of planning—sorting out transportation, packing for the cold, and knowing where to find event info—goes a long way.
Best Ways to Get Around Connecticut
Driving gives you the most freedom to roam around the state, from the coast to the countryside. Highways like I‑95 and I‑84 get you between cities fast, while smaller roads wind through those postcard-perfect villages. You’ll find car rentals at Bradley International Airport and in bigger spots like Hartford or New Haven.
If you’d rather not drive, commuter trains like Metro‑North and Shore Line East connect coastal towns and help you dodge heavy traffic. Public buses link most downtowns, but their evening schedules can be spotty—definitely check the times before counting on them.
Rideshares and taxis are easy to grab in cities, though prices jump in the more remote areas. For folks who like being outside, lots of towns keep up decent bike routes, but let’s be honest: winter’s chill and short days mean biking’s really just a daytime thing.
How to Dress for December Weather
December’s no joke here: cold air, damp snow, and a sharp wind off the Sound. Daytime temps hover in the upper 30s°F, and nights dip below freezing. Bring layers so you’re not freezing outside or roasting indoors.
A waterproof winter coat is a must. Add insulated gloves and shoes with good grip—sidewalks get icy. A knit hat and scarf make a big difference when you’re walking around outdoor markets or checking out holiday lights. I’d keep a pair of thin gloves or a small umbrella stashed in your bag, just in case the weather flips.
If you’re heading out to see covered bridges or stroll along the shore, go for clothes that dry fast—nothing worse than soggy jeans. Towns usually plow and salt the main roads, but sidewalks? They can stay slick, so non-slip soles are your friend.
Finding Local Events and Updates
Tourism sites and local calendars are your best bet for up-to-date happenings. CTvisit’s 38 Things to Do in Connecticut This December is a solid place to start. For week-to-week ideas, The Best Things to Do in Connecticut This Week mixes in festivals, concerts, food events—pretty much everything.
Town social media pages are surprisingly useful for last-minute changes or weather updates. Downtown business groups in places like New Haven, Mystic, and West Hartford often post about hours and parking—worth a quick check.
Libraries and community centers usually have bulletin boards packed with flyers for local markets and craft fairs. If your hotel has a concierge, ask them about smaller neighborhood events—sometimes those hidden gems don’t make it online but offer a real taste of the area.
Dining and Local Cuisine in December
Connecticut’s food scene in December leans into comfort—think hearty, local ingredients and a bit of holiday flair. Restaurants across the state roll out winter menus that feel both fresh and cozy.
Seasonal Food Specialties
Winter’s all about New England seafood, roasted veggies, and meats from nearby farms. You’ll spot classics like clam chowder, lobster mac and cheese, and apple cider–braised pork. Many towns serve up maple desserts and butternut squash soups with herbs from local greenhouses (yep, they grow year-round).
Indoor farmers’ markets keep going, offering fresh dairy, root veggies, and artisan breads—perfect for holiday dinners. Wineries along the Connecticut Wine Trail pour spiced reds and small-batch ciders that hit the spot on a chilly night. Honestly, it’s a great month to try out those pop-up dinners and seasonal menus blending coastal and inland flavors.
Restaurants and cafes talk a lot about sustainability, highlighting partnerships with local farms on their winter menus. Expect a little less fresh produce and more preserved treats—pickled beets, jams, and cheeses from Litchfield or New Haven counties show up everywhere.
Noteworthy Winter Dining Experiences
A bunch of Connecticut restaurants really go all out for the holidays, decking out their dining rooms with festive decor and themed menus. Some places get downright immersive—think twinkling lights everywhere, cozy corners, and seasonal cocktails. If you’re curious, you can check out a few of them here: CT restaurants decorated for the holidays.
This December, there’s a buzz around new spots popping up—seven new restaurants to check out made the list, and honestly, some of them are already making waves with reworked comfort food and ridiculously good pastries from local bakeries that just keep expanding.
If you’re after something a bit quieter, some boutique inns and coastal places serve prix-fixe menus with wintery ingredients like brussels sprouts, roasted duck, or cranberry relishes. These spots usually fill up fast, especially if you want a candlelit dinner in towns like Essex or Mystic—so, yeah, booking ahead is probably smart.
December in Connecticut just feels different—between the festive pop-ups and those tucked-away countryside spots, there’s this real focus on authenticity and a genuine sense of community. And the presentation? Always thoughtful, sometimes even a little surprising.
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