CT Theme Park Ends 175-Year Family Tradition, Shocking Locals

# Lake Compounce to End Holiday Lights Tradition After 2025 Season

Lake Compounce, tucked away in Bristol, Connecticut, has long been a favorite spot for families craving a mix of thrills and holiday spirit. The park just dropped some big news: after the 2025 season, they’re pulling the plug on their beloved Holiday Lights event. It’s a move that’s left a lot of folks surprised, maybe even a little heartbroken. For 175 years, those sparkling lights have lit up the winter for generations.

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A Farewell to a Connecticut Holiday Tradition

Families from Hartford, New Haven, and all over the state have made Lake Compounce part of their winter routine for decades. The Holiday Lights event, with its thousands of twinkling bulbs, basically turned the whole park into a snowy fairy tale.

What to Expect for the Final Season

The last Holiday Lights will run for a month, starting November 28, 2025. Connecticut’s tallest Christmas tree will be decked out in lights and ornaments. There’ll be seasonal rides, holiday games, crafts, and—of course—kids can share their wish lists with Santa. Tickets for this last hurrah start at $34.99, and little ones under 3 get in free.

People from Waterbury to Danbury aren’t hiding their disappointment. Social media’s already filling up with stories and old photos:

Family trips every December, bundled up and grinning
Marriage proposals under the shimmering lights
Kids meeting Santa for the very first time
Cousins and grandparents gathering from all corners of the state

New Ownership Brings Changes

Lake Compounce decided to end Holiday Lights not long after Herschend took over in March. Herschend, who also co-owns Dollywood Parks & Resorts, hasn’t said much about what’s next for winter. Park reps have dropped hints about new attractions, but details are still under wraps.

Recent Improvements and Concerns

There’ve been a few upgrades lately—contactless ticket kiosks, a bigger gift shop, a new toy store, and even a full-time landscaping director. These changes are supposed to make visits better for everyone, even those coming in from Stamford or Greenwich.

But not everyone’s thrilled. Some folks from Torrington and nearby towns say the park‘s slipping a bit. They’ve noticed more rides closed than usual this year. It’s got people wondering what direction the new owners are taking.

Looking to the Future

Even as Holiday Lights fades out, Lake Compounce is still hyping up its other events. The Halloween bash, Phantom Fall Fest, just keeps getting bigger, and thrill-seekers from all over Connecticut seem to love it.

Lake Compounce has been a Northeast landmark since 1846. The park still boasts the legendary Boulder Dash rollercoaster—often called one of the world’s best wooden coasters—and Crocodile Cove water park, a summer staple for families from Meriden and beyond. Some things, at least, aren’t changing anytime soon.

Community Response

The announcement sparked a real grassroots push from some dedicated fans. They’re urging the park to rethink its decision.

Many folks say Holiday Lights isn’t just another event—it’s a treasured part of Connecticut’s culture. For generations, families have built memories there that stick with them.

Lake Compounce is getting ready for this big change. Plenty of Connecticut residents are already planning one last trip to Holiday Lights in 2025, hoping to give this tradition the send-off it deserves after almost two centuries of bright winters.

Here is the source article for this story: CT theme park announces end to 175-year beloved family tradition

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