Connecticut has 5 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Holiday Enchantment in Hartford on November 14 to Santa Claus Is Coming to the Library! in Bridgeport, on December 16. 2 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in every state.
The short version
- 5 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Connecticut for 2026, in Stamford, Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven
- First: Holiday Enchantment, Hartford, November 14. Runs latest: Holiday Enchantment, Hartford, through December 23
- Free: The Hip Hop Nutcracker Shubert Family Workshop and Santa Claus Is Coming to the Library!
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Connecticut Christmas train rides page.
Connecticut Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 5 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Stamford, Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven
- Season
- November 14 to December 23, 2026
- Free events
- 2
- Kinds of events
- Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday parade, holiday story time and tree lighting
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Connecticut Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Holiday Enchantment in Hartford on November 14; the last runs to December 16. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Holiday EnchantmentHartford · Nov 14 to Dec 23
- Stamford Downtown Parade SpectacularStamford · Nov 21 to Nov 22
- The Hip Hop Nutcracker Shubert Family WorkshopNew Haven · Dec 5
- Heights & LightsStamford · Dec 6
- Santa Claus Is Coming to the Library!Bridgeport · Dec 16
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Connecticut? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Stamford
2 confirmed events for kids in Stamford, soonest first.
Stamford: Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular
Holiday paradeStamford Downtown Special Services District · Stamford
- Host
- Stamford Downtown Special Services District (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Downtown Stamford, Hoyt Street at Summer Street, Stamford, CT 06901
- When
- Sat November 21 (3 to 6 pm) and Sun November 22 (noon to 2 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Check the host's page
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular is the official kickoff to the holiday season in Stamford and one of the largest parades of its kind in the country. Expect giant helium balloons, award winning marching bands and dance groups moving through downtown on Sunday afternoon, November 22, from noon to 2 pm.
The night before, on Saturday, November 21, from 3 to 6 pm, the Point72 Giant Balloon Inflation Party on Hoyt Street at Summer Street lets kids see the giant balloons up close as they are filled. That pre parade event includes live music and performances, and Santa makes a special appearance to greet the crowd. Families with young children who want to see Santa should plan on the Saturday inflation party, while the Sunday parade is the main spectacle with its balloons and bands.
Parent tip: Go to the Saturday balloon inflation party if you want to see Santa. Arrive early on parade day for a good curbside spot.
See dates and details from Stamford Downtown Special Services District (opens in a new tab)Stamford: Heights & Lights
Tree lightingStamford Downtown Special Services District · Stamford
- Host
- Stamford Downtown Special Services District (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Landmark Square and Latham Park, Landmark Square, Stamford, CT 06901
- When
- Sunday, December 6, 2026
- Cost
- Check the host's page
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Heights and Lights is one of Stamford Downtown's signature holiday events. Families gather below Landmark Square to watch and cheer as Santa Claus, Rudolph, the Grinch and friends make a daredevil descent from 22 stories up, twisting and flying down the side of one of the city's tallest buildings. A festive fireworks show follows the rappel.
Afterward, Santa and friends march up Bedford Street to Latham Park for holiday music and the lighting of Stamford's Holiday Tree, so families can follow along on foot. The organizers had not posted start times yet, so check the event page closer to the date. For parking, the page suggests Stamford Town Center, the Bell Street Garage, the Summer Street Garage or the Landmark Garage via Atlantic Street, and advises avoiding the Bedford Street Garage because of construction.
Parent tip: Times were still to be announced, so check the page before heading out. Park at Stamford Town Center, Bell Street, Summer Street or Landmark Garage rather than Bedford Street.
See dates and details from Stamford Downtown Special Services District (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Bridgeport
1 confirmed event for kids in Bridgeport, soonest first.
Bridgeport: Santa Claus Is Coming to the Library!
Story time with SantaFreeBridgeport Public Library · Bridgeport
- Host
- Bridgeport Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Bridgeport Public Library, Burroughs-Saden Library, 925 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604
- When
- Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 5:30 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 0 to 12
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa is coming to the Burroughs-Saden Library, Bridgeport's main library downtown, for an evening visit with local kids. Children can tell him what they would like for Christmas and ask any questions they have about life at the North Pole. The library says that if the group is on the nice list, Santa might even read a story or two.
Parents are encouraged to bring a camera for a photo with Santa. The visit is for ages 0 to 12 and is part of the library's 2026 Holiday Season series, which also includes a Help Us Decorate Our Christmas Tree activity in the Children's Room through December. Parents and caregivers must stay with their children for the whole program, and the library photographs its programs for social media, so let staff know if you prefer not to be included. For questions, call 203-576-7400 ext. 408.
Parent tip: Bring your own camera for Santa photos. Kids can also add a decoration to the Children's Room Christmas tree while you are there.
See dates and details from Bridgeport Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Hartford
1 confirmed event for kids in Hartford, soonest first.
Hartford: Holiday Enchantment
Santa and Mrs. ClausConnecticut Science Center · Hartford
- Host
- Connecticut Science Center (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Connecticut Science Center, 250 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103
- When
- Sat November 14, Sat November 14 (11 am to 3 pm), Sun November 15 (11 am to 3 pm), Sat November 21 (11 am to 3 pm), Sun November 22 (11 am to 3 pm), Fri November 27 (11 am to 3 pm), Sat November 28 (11 am to 3 pm), Sun November 29 (11 am to 3 pm), Sat December 5 (noon to 2 pm), Sun December 6 (11 am to 3 pm), Sat December 12 (11 am to 3 pm), Sun December 13 (11 am to 3 pm), Sat December 19 (11 am to 3 pm) and Sun December 20 (11 am to 3 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Included with general admission
- Ages
- Whole family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday Enchantment turns the Connecticut Science Center on the Hartford riverfront into a season long holiday celebration. New this year is Enchanted Lights, an interactive floor of colorful lights that reacts as kids stomp, jump and dance. There is also an indoor sock skating rink, holiday photo backdrops, seasonal science demonstrations with snowy reactions, and the Winter Wonder Lab maker space where kids craft a festive project to take home.
Santa visits on select Saturdays and Sundays, sometimes joined by Mrs. Claus, for photos and holiday wishes. Most Santa sessions run 11 am to 3 pm, with a shorter noon to 2 pm visit on December 5. Everything is included with general admission, and it is also the last chance to see the Sharks exhibition. Parking is in the Science Center Garage with its entrance on Grove Street.
Parent tip: Check the Santa schedule before you go, since he only visits on listed weekend dates. Kids will want socks for the skating rink.
See dates and details from Connecticut Science Center (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in New Haven
1 confirmed event for kids in New Haven, soonest first.
New Haven: The Hip Hop Nutcracker Shubert Family Workshop
Holiday story timeFreeNew Haven Free Public Library · New Haven
- Host
- New Haven Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- New Haven Free Public Library, Stetson Branch, 197 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families with children 0 to 12
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Shubert Theatre brings a free family workshop to the Stetson Branch of the New Haven Free Public Library to celebrate its holiday show, The Hip Hop Nutcracker. Activities may include a story time, arts and crafts, and a dance activity inspired by the show, held in the branch's Young Minds Discovery Room on the first floor.
Every child goes home with a goodie bag and a free book from Read to Grow. The workshop is listed for families with children from babies through age 12, and it lasts one hour on a Saturday afternoon. A related Shubert workshop for ages 6 to 11 is also held at the Mitchell Branch on Wednesday, December 2, from 4 to 5 pm, where registration is requested. Both are a gentle way to introduce kids to the Nutcracker story before the holidays.
Parent tip: Each child receives a free book and goodie bag. If Saturday does not work, the Mitchell Branch version on December 2 asks families to register.
See dates and details from New Haven Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)Near a state line? Our guides to Christmas events for kids in New York, Christmas events for kids in New Jersey and Christmas events for kids in Rhode Island list more confirmed events, and the national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonConnecticut Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Connecticut in 2026?
We confirmed 5 Christmas events for kids in Connecticut for 2026 on each host’s own page: Holiday Enchantment in Hartford (November 14), Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular in Stamford (November 21), The Hip Hop Nutcracker Shubert Family Workshop in New Haven (December 5), Heights & Lights in Stamford (December 6) and Santa Claus Is Coming to the Library! in Bridgeport (December 16). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Stamford, Connecticut?
For families in and around Stamford, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular (Sun, Nov 22, 12 to 2 pm; balloon inflation party Sat, Nov 21, 3 to 6 pm, see the host for cost); Heights & Lights (Sun, Dec 6, time to be announced, see the host for cost). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Stamford section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Bridgeport, Connecticut?
For families in and around Bridgeport, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Santa Claus Is Coming to the Library! (Wed, Dec 16, 5:30 to 7 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Bridgeport section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Hartford, Connecticut?
For families in and around Hartford, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Enchantment (Nov 14 to Dec 23; Santa on select weekends, included with general admission). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Hartford section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in New Haven, Connecticut?
For families in and around New Haven, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: The Hip Hop Nutcracker Shubert Family Workshop (Sat, Dec 5, 2 to 3 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the New Haven section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Connecticut?
Yes. 2 of the 5 events here are free: The Hip Hop Nutcracker Shubert Family Workshop in New Haven and Santa Claus Is Coming to the Library! in Bridgeport. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Connecticut this December?
Santa appears at Holiday Enchantment in Hartford (November 14), Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular in Stamford (November 21), Heights & Lights in Stamford (December 6) and Santa Claus Is Coming to the Library! in Bridgeport (December 16). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Connecticut?
Holiday story times on this page: The Hip Hop Nutcracker Shubert Family Workshop in New Haven and Santa Claus Is Coming to the Library! in Bridgeport. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Which Connecticut Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Santa Claus Is Coming to the Library! in Bridgeport (Ages 0 to 12).
How much is Holiday Enchantment in Hartford?
Included with general admission. Holiday Enchantment is on Sat November 14, Sat November 14 (11 am to 3 pm), Sun November 15 (11 am to 3 pm), Sat November 21 (11 am to 3 pm), Sun November 22 (11 am to 3 pm), Fri November 27 (11 am to 3 pm), Sat November 28 (11 am to 3 pm), Sun November 29 (11 am to 3 pm), Sat December 5 (noon to 2 pm), Sun December 6 (11 am to 3 pm), Sat December 12 (11 am to 3 pm), Sun December 13 (11 am to 3 pm), Sat December 19 (11 am to 3 pm) and Sun December 20 (11 am to 3 pm), 2026 at Connecticut Science Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
When is Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular in Stamford in 2026?
Sat November 21 (3 to 6 pm) and Sun November 22 (noon to 2 pm), 2026, at Downtown Stamford. The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.
How much is The Hip Hop Nutcracker Shubert Family Workshop in New Haven?
Free. The Hip Hop Nutcracker Shubert Family Workshop is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 2 to 3 pm at New Haven Free Public Library, Stetson Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
When is Heights & Lights in Stamford in 2026?
Sunday, December 6, 2026, at Landmark Square and Latham Park. The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.
How much is Santa Claus Is Coming to the Library! in Bridgeport?
Free. Santa Claus Is Coming to the Library! is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 5:30 to 7 pm at Bridgeport Public Library, Burroughs-Saden Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Connecticut?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Connecticut Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
