My Favorite Holiday Light Shows
(and What to Do Nearby)
December in Connecticut is one of my personal favorite times of year—in part because it’s the brief few weeks that I don’t count calories. Plus (and I’m sure you agree) it’s perfectly acceptable to drink eggnog every single day. It’s also the month when holiday light displays glow to life across the state.
Some shows charge an admission that supports great causes;
others are free, offered purely out of hometown generosity. Below are four of
my favorites—the places I go to with visiting family and friends year after
year—along with nearby things to do.
PAID LIGHT SHOWS
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| Lighthouse Point Park - Fantasy of Lights |
Fantasy of Lights (New Haven)
Presented by Goodwill of Southern New England, Fantasy of
Lights has become a shoreline holiday tradition—one of those Connecticut
experiences that quietly defines the season. Celebrating its 30th year, this
mile-long, drive-through wonder transforms Lighthouse Point Park into a glowing
tunnel of animated displays, LED sculptures, and whimsical scenes.
Roll down the window (just a crack… it is December) and
enjoy the salty air. Turn on the holiday music (classic carols on SiriusXM
channel 71) and ease the car through the illuminated arches. The best part?
Your admission supports Goodwill’s mission, helping people with disabilities
and other barriers get the support and job training they need. It’s a feel-good
night in every sense.
Hours:
Sun–Thu: 5pm–9pm
Fri–Sat: 5pm–10pm
Through December 31
Admission:
Car/Family Van $10
Minibus $25
Full-Size Bus $50
Location: Lighthouse Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Road, New
Haven
Nearby To-Do:
• After passing through the final illuminated arch head ten minutes east and
settle into Rosso Vino in Branford for a cozy Italian dinner.
 |
| Hebron - Lights in Motion |
Lights in Motion (Hebron)
Sponsored by the Hebron Lions, Lights in Motion is one of
those joyful surprises you don’t quite expect from a quiet town. It’s a
drive-through experience that seems to grow more imaginative every year—twinkling
tunnels, oversized glowing ornaments, sparkling woodland creatures, and
whimsical vignettes. It has the feel of a homespun carnival feel, and the Lions
put extraordinary effort into making it family-friendly and festive.
Because the event dates and pricing shift throughout
December, it’s worth checking their website before you head out: https://www.lionslightsinmotion.org/admission-hours
Location: Hebron Fairgrounds, 347 Gilead Street, Hebron
Nearby To-Do:
• Before darkness falls, take a hike at Gay City State Park. The easy-walking trails
weave past the ruins of an old mill town—stone foundations, chimneys, cellar
holes.
FREE LIGHT SHOWS
 |
| Glastonbury - Lights on Eastbury Pond |
Lights on Eastbury Pond (Glastonbury)
This one might be my favorite…it’s just down the street from
my house. Lights on Eastbury Pond is the creation of a single Glastonbury
family who decided years ago to transform their backyard into a winter
fantasy—trees of light, glowing figures, shimmering strands all reflecting in
the pond, waterfall and stream, and all created with love and commitment rather
than big budgets.
Hours: Nightly after dark through December
Location: Eastbury Pond Parking Area, 39 Fisher Hill Road, Glastonbury
Nearby To-Dos:
• Before visiting, head about 14 miles to Bolton and load up at Fish FamilyFarm Creamery. Their eggnog is legendary and the second best in Connecticut
(Arethusia Farm, with locations in Bantam and New Haven, is best—but they tend
to run out early in the season). Bring a cooler; you’ll want one because you’ll
also want butter, cheese, eggs, whatever calls to you.
• After the lights, treat yourself to dinner at Bricco Trattoria (124 Hebron
Avenue).
 |
| Chester's Lighted Stars |
Chester Stars (Chester)
Few things in Connecticut match the enchantment of Chester’s
lighted stars. Each winter, dozens of handmade, glowing stars are hung along
Historic Main Street, illuminating the village with a soft glow. They sway
gently over the shops, cafés, galleries, and restaurants, giving the whole town
a magical, old-world charm. Walking Chester’s main street under these stars
feels like stepping into It’s a Wonderful Life.
Dates: December through February 14
Hours: Sunset to ~9pm or later
Location: Main Street, Chester
Nearby To-Dos:
• Make a quick pre-Chester hop to Main Street in Essex for last-minute shopping
and a cocktail in the Tap Room at the legendary Griswold Inn, welcoming
travelers since 1776.
• For dinner back in Chester, choose among three of my favorites:
– River Tavern – locally sourced dishes
– Grano Arso – upscale Italian
– Otto’s – excellent pizza in a casual setting
December feels too short for all the things you want to do.
But these four light displays—and their perfect nearby pairings—can fit neatly
into good health practices, great dinners out and, in the case of Chester and
Essex, great shopping excursions.
Thinking about a move to Connecticut? Or maybe you're already here and ready to upsize, downsize, resize—or rightsize. Wherever you're headed, I'm here to help. The search for a home is more than a transaction—it’s a journey, and I’d be honored to take it with you.
Let’s talk.
David Mayhew, REALTOR®
Pearce Real Estate, 18 Church Street, Guilford, CT 06437
dmayhew@hpearce.com, call or text 203.533.5621
Licensed in the State of Connecticut #RES.0784723