The Top Connecticut Christmas Tree Lightings | Connecticut Charm

Nothing makes you feel more like you’re living in a Hallmark movie than a small town Christmas tree lighting. The small towns in Connecticut capture the quintessential Christmas in New England feeling. These historic little towns have been celebrating the holidays for centuries. Every town in Connecticut has it’s own version of a town tree lighting ceremony and no matter where you go you will have a splendid time, but there are a few that truly top my list for the best tree lightings.

These are my favorite small town tree lightings:

Bethlehem -Bethlehem is known as the “Christmas town” and it isn’t just because of the town’s name. This little town really knows how to bring in the holiday season. Their tree lighting is a full weekend event where they have a holiday gift and craft fair, horse drawn carriage rides, and food trucks all weekend long for a Christmas Festival. The tree lighting is the very first night and they also open numerous buildings for events, including an open house in the historic one room school. For the tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Clause parade down main street to the tree. My cousin’s business, The Brother’s Tree Service, is responsible for putting the lights on the tree.

Mystic -This tree lighting at the Riverfront Park is memorable because it is next to the historic drawbridge and after the lights go up the bridge opens for the holiday boat parade. Now that is quite the send off.

Stonington -The Stonington tree is a large tree made out of lobster traps and there is even a door for visitors to walk inside! This makes for one popular and unique tree lighting experience.

Litchfield -This tree lighting usually takes place the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The Litchfield Holiday Stroll is more than just a tree lighting. There are crafts for children, free hot cocoa provided by the local fire department, horse drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa and anyone can join the group of carolers singing through town all the way to the tree lighting. It is an all around joyful experience for the whole family.

New Milford -Anyone who loves Gilmore Girls will love this town tree lighting, and not just because it takes place near the town gazebo. The park is lit up and people gather for an extraordinary tree lighting experience.

Monroe – One of the smallest towns on this list, the Monroe tree lighting is simply lovely and gives you the best of small town New England vibes for the holidays. For those who prefer a quieter atmosphere, this is the charming little town tree lighting ceremony for you.

Milford -Milford has two tree lightings; the big one in the town green and a lobster trap tree at Lisman Landing. The lobster trap tree is a new tradition, started by the Milford Arts Council just last year. This sweet shoreline town holds a special place in my heart because my grandparents lived here. This is the town where my parents grew up. If you love the holidays by the shore, this is the place to be. The town also hosts a holiday lantern stroll.

Niantic -Another shoreline town making this list, Niantic has a sweet tree ceremony by the town gazebo as well. What I adore about this town tree lighting is that it also comes with a holiday stroll through town. The shops are open for the holidays and there is also a used bookshop open to the public. A tree lighting by the water in a beautiful small town with a book shop nearby is my idea of a beautiful New England Christmas.

If Christmas in the city is your holiday jam, there are numerous beautiful cities in Connecticut to see a classic Christmas tree lighting. These are my personal favorites:

Stamford -The Stamford center is just so beautiful, especially during the holidays when all the parks and the waterfront is covered in holiday lights. Stamford has the best night life in Connecticut and the tree lighting is no exception.

Hartford -For a classic big city Christmas, look no further than the Hartford tree lighting. The park is large and beautiful and the surrounding buildings are historic too. This tree lighting gives you the best of that New England Christmas feeling as well as the bigger city vibes for the holidays.

Norwalk -Another maritime Christmas tree lighting, the Norwalk tree lighting is a big one and popular too.  This shoreline city is fun and eclectic.

New Haven – New Haven is one of the largest cities in Connecticut, so if you live a distance from Hartford and are looking for a bigger city tree lighting experience, this is the one for you. This historic city will give you all the Christmas in the city feels.

I hope this list gave you some great ideas and tree lightings to add to your holiday check list. Did I miss your favorite Connecticut Christmas tree lighting? Tell me about your favorite in the comments below.