Best Christmas Light Shows Connecticut 2025: Top 15 Dazzling Displays to Visit

11) Joshua’s Christmas Display

I stopped by Joshua’s Christmas Display in Plainville and found a small, local setup that puts a real focus on charity. Local residents organize it and welcome neighbors to come see the decorations.

The yard and house are covered in colorful, festive lights. This display only runs during December, and there’s no entry fee, but they do accept donations for a local cause.

Parking is usually just on the street, so it can get tight if a lot of people show up. I’ve noticed they post updates and hours on their Facebook page, so it’s smart to check there or message them before heading over—especially if you’re coming from out of town.

Rating: 5 (2 reviews)
Location: 15 Hillscrest Rd, Plainville, CT 06062
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
December	Evenings	15 Hillscrest Rd, Plainville, CT	Donation	Hotels in Plainville	Visit Website

12) The Holiday Wish Express – Stamford

I go to The Holiday Wish Express every year for its indoor Christmas experience at Stamford Town Center. The whole thing takes over more than 20,000 square feet, so it’s honestly the largest indoor holiday event like this in the Northeast.

The event runs from late November right up to Christmas Eve. The main attraction? The Holiday Wish Express virtual train ride.

I hop on a replica train and get whisked away on a virtual trip to the North Pole, passing snowy scenes and glowing lights. There are themed rooms, each decked out with Christmas displays and interactive surprises.

Families from all over the region show up, and there’s stuff to do for every age. I like that I can wander from room to room at my own pace and just soak it all in.

Rating: 4.8 (91 reviews)
Location: 100 Greyrock Pl, Stamford, CT 06901
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Nov 23 – Dec 24, 2024	Not listed	100 Greyrock Pl, Stamford, CT 06901	Not listed	Hotels in Stamford	https://www.theholidaywish.com/

13) Magic of Lights – East Hartford

I always check out Magic of Lights in East Hartford when December rolls around. This drive-through holiday light show takes place at the Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field.

Giant animated light figures, tunnels, and themed sections fill the course. The event runs for several weeks before Christmas, and most cars take about 20 to 30 minutes to get through.

Tickets are sold per vehicle, and buying online usually gets you in faster. Crowds get big on weekends, so I’d say go early in the evening if you can.

Food and snacks are available, but you can’t get out of your car during the show. If you want to stay overnight, there are a few hotels nearby like Hampton Inn & Suites East Hartford and Holiday Inn Hartford Downtown Area.

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (booking.com)	Website
Mid-November – Early January	5:00 PM – 10:00 PM	615 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118	$30-$40 per vehicle	Hampton Inn & Suites East Hartford, Holiday Inn Hartford Downtown Area	Visit Website

Rating: 4.3 (3596 reviews)
Location: XL Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103
Contact: (860) 249-6333
Website: Visit Website

14) Cava Restaurant – Southington

I visit Cava Restaurant in Southington every holiday season, mostly just to see the wild Christmas light displays inside and out. Each year, they transform almost every room with themed decorations and thousands of holiday lights.

Sometimes there are animatronic figures or color-changing ornaments tucked into the décor. It’s a little over the top, but in a good way—definitely not your standard restaurant vibe.

Cava serves Italian food—think fresh pasta, aged steaks, and seafood. The place gets packed for group dinners during the holidays, so you’ll want to plan ahead if you’re coming with friends.

The wine list goes on forever, and they make desserts in-house. I can’t resist the tiramisu, honestly.

Seating fills up fast around Christmas, so I always tell people to book a reservation early. The energy is high, but it’s still comfortable enough for families or smaller groups if you don’t mind a little holiday chaos.

Rating: 3.4 (3718 reviews)
Location: 1615 West St, Southington, CT
Contact: (860) 628-2282
Website: Visit Website