Christmas Markets Connecticut 2024: Best Holiday Shopping Spots

56) Holiday Marketplace at Old Saybrook High School, Old Saybrook

Get ready for a festive experience at the Holiday Marketplace at Old Saybrook High School. This event brings together a collection of vendors offering unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious treats.

You can explore a variety of stalls featuring local artisans. Whether you’re looking for holiday decorations or one-of-a-kind presents, you’ll find something special here.

This marketplace is also great for families. There are often activities for kids, making it a fun outing for everyone.

Here’s when you can visit:

Date	Address	Time	Price
Dec 6 – 7, 2024	Old Saybrook High School, Old Saybrook, CT	9:00 AM – 4:00 PM	Free

57) New Canaan Holiday Ramble, New Canaan

Imagine wandering through a cozy holiday market with unique gifts, cheerful music, and a warm sense of community. That’s the New Canaan Holiday Ramble, hosted by the New Canaan Nature Center. This market is a beloved event that kicks off the holiday season with style.

You’ll find one-of-a-kind items, including jewelry, clothing, and candles. These perfect gifts will make your holiday shopping a breeze. The market buzzes with festive tunes, like those from the School of Rock bringing holiday cheer to the air.

The setting itself is magical, nestled within the natural beauty of the New Canaan Nature Center’s 40 acres. It’s an experience that combines shopping with a touch of nature, providing a refreshing break from the usual crowded malls.

Plan a visit, and you might just find yourself discovering something special for everyone on your list. Plus, admission is free, making it an event you won’t want to miss.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices
November 18, 2024	New Canaan Nature Center, 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT 06840	10:00 am – 5:00 pm	Free Admission

58) Ellington Winter Market, Ellington

You definitely need to check out the Ellington Winter Market in Ellington, Connecticut. This market runs through the colder months and offers a cozy vibe with local produce, farm products, baked goods, and artisan items.

Located at 72 Maple Street, the market includes over 40 full-time vendors. Every week, there’s something new to enjoy, whether it’s specialty foods or live music. Kids will have a blast with the Kids POP Club and Youth Market Day events.

The market is set up on Saturdays, making it a perfect weekend activity. It’s a great spot for picking up fresh vegetables, handcrafted wares, and delicious snacks. Plus, the new location helps make your visit even more enjoyable, with easy access and plenty of parking.

Here’s all the must-know info:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices
Saturdays	72 Maple St, Ellington, CT	9:00 AM – 12:00 PM	Free Admission

59) Ridgefield Home for the Holidays, Ridgefield

Step into the magic of the Ridgefield Home for the Holidays event. This charming tour takes place on December 2, 2023, and showcases the most beautiful historic homes in Ridgefield. This year, experience a fresh collaboration with Tiger Hollow and the Ridgefield Historical Society, making it even more special.

One of the highlights is the Benedict House and Shop. It’s listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and offers a peek into Ridgefield’s colonial past. The structure sits above Rockwell Road and consists of two of the oldest surviving buildings in Ridgefield.

The tour includes three time slots for visitors: 9 am, 11 am, and 3 pm. Make sure to grab your tickets early.

Adding to the holiday spirit, there’s a Preview Party on December 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy festive activities, music, and perhaps some holiday treats while you anticipate the main event.

For those interested, the Hallmark Channel’s “Coming Home for Christmas” featured Main Street Ridgefield, adding a touch of movie magic to the town.

Date	Address	Times	Prices
Dec 2, 2023	Ridgefield, CT	9 am, 11 am, 3 pm	Varies, get tickets early
Dec 1, 2023	Ridgefield, CT	6 pm – 9 pm	Preview Party Details

60) Hartford Winterfest, Hartford

Hartford Winterfest is back and promises to bring the magic to Bushnell Park. Opening on November 29, 2024, this festive event offers free ice skating, skate rentals, and learn-to-skate classes.

Every year, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, filled with twinkling lights and holiday decorations. The free activities make it a perfect outing for families.

Don’t miss the special events and performances that keep the spirit lively. It’s a great way to enjoy the holiday season without breaking the bank.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices
Nov 29, 2024 – Jan 20, 2025	Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT	11:00 AM – 8:00 PM	Free

Check out more about Hartford Winterfest here.