Christmas Markets Connecticut 2024: Best Holiday Shopping Spots

51) Greenwich Winter Wonderland, Greenwich

Greenwich Winter Wonderland is one of the best places to get into the holiday spirit. Located in the heart of Greenwich, this festive favorite offers a bit of everything for everyone.

You’ll love strolling through the beautiful winter market at Christ Church Greenwich from December 1-3. The market is filled with unique crafts and gifts, perfect for holiday shopping.

Don’t miss the Festival of Trees hosted by the Greenwich Historical Society. From December 8-10, admire beautifully decorated trees and enjoy festive activities.

On December 10, enjoy the annual Holiday Festival from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. This event includes family-friendly tours of the Bush-Holley House and a visit from Santa Claus.

Prepare for a magical experience, whether you’re shopping for gifts, admiring holiday decorations, or spending time with family.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices
Dec 1-3	Christ Church, Greenwich	varies	varies
Dec 8-10	Greenwich Historical Society	varies	varies
Dec 10	Greenwich Historical Society	4:30 pm – 7:30 pm	Free

52) Norfolk Christmas Festival, Norfolk

The Norfolk Christmas Festival is a must-see event. This charming town transforms into a winter wonderland filled with holiday spirit. The festival includes a Christmas market with local vendors selling handmade crafts and tasty treats.

You can enjoy live music, carol singing, and festive decorations throughout the town. Santa Claus makes a special appearance, arriving in style by boat at Wells Quay. It’s a magical experience for all ages.

Bring your family to enjoy the mulled wine and hot chocolate while you stroll through the market. The fireworks over the marshes add an extra sparkle to your visit. Every corner of the festival brims with holiday joy.

Exploring the Norfolk Christmas Festival is a delightful way to get into the holiday mood. Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts or just soaking in the festive atmosphere, you’ll find something to love.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices
Nov 29-30, 2024	Wells Quay, Norfolk	Fri: 5pm-10pm Sat: 10am-10pm	Free entry

53) Bethlehem Christmas Town Festival, Bethlehem

The Bethlehem Christmas Town Festival in Connecticut is a must-visit holiday event. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to this charming town to experience the festive lights and joyful atmosphere.

The festival kicks off its 2024 celebrations with an opening ceremony and tree lighting at 6:00 PM on Friday. You’ll be greeted by Chaz from the “Chaz and AJ Show” on WPLR radio.

Expect to find plenty of special events, like a hayride and the popular Roaming Railroad choo-choo train ride. There are also more than 70 vendors selling handcrafted goods, perfect for finding unique holiday gifts.

Don’t miss the shuttle service that runs from the Bethlehem Fair Grounds. It starts at 8:30 AM on Saturday, so you can easily get to the Green and join the fun without worrying about parking.

Here’s a handy table with all the details you’ll need:

Date	Address	Time	Price
Dec 6-7, 2024	36 Main Street S., Bethlehem, CT	Fri 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM	Free

54) Southington Holiday Light Parade & Market, Southington

The Southington Holiday Light Parade & Market is a must-see event during the holiday season. Held in the charming town of Southington, this event is a bright spot on your festive calendar.

You’ll find the Bright Lights Christmas Festival is the main attraction. It takes place around the Town Green, which is beautifully decorated with dazzling lights.

Expect a family-friendly atmosphere. The parade and market feature local vendors, holiday treats, and live entertainment. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts and enjoy the festive spirit.

Civic organizations play a big role, bringing the community together. You’ll see performances, local talent, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Don’t miss the highlight of the evening: the spectacular light displays. Walk through the light trails and enjoy the magic of the season.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices
Dec. 1, 2024	75 Main St, Southington, CT	5:30 PM – 8:00 PM	Free to attend

55) Bridgeport Holiday Stroll, Bridgeport

The Bridgeport Holiday Stroll is a beloved annual event in Bridgeport, Connecticut. This festive market is a great way to kick off the holiday season. You can expect the Plaza to be filled with holiday cheer and decorations.

The market stalls feature over 25 local vendors and artisans. They offer a variety of handmade gifts, crafts, and holiday treats. It’s a perfect place to find unique presents for your loved ones.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are always a big hit. They will be available for photos, which you can purchase to capture the memory. The kids will love meeting them, and the photo line opens at 4:00 PM.

There are also horse-drawn carriage rides that add to the festive atmosphere. You can enjoy a cozy ride around the plaza, surrounded by the sounds of holiday music.

Here’s the important information for you:

Date	Address	Time	Prices
Dec 2, 2024	3800 Block of Bridge Road	4:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Photos with Santa: $10
	Suffolk, VA 23435		Carriage Rides: $5 per person

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.