12 Days Of Cheer In Branford: Making This A December To Remember

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Branford. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Branford feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.

1. Drive along the Reindeer Route to see Branford’s holiday spirit.

Beginning Dec. 10, you can find the best holiday displays in Branford along the Reindeer Route. The route will start at the Menorah and Holiday Tree on the Town Green. If you would like to sign up to participate in the Reindeer Route, you can sign up through Dec. 8. There will be prizes for homes and businesses with the most original, colorful and creative displays.

2. See ‘Scrooge and Marley’ at The Legacy Theatre.

The Legacy Theater is presenting the musical "Scrooge and Marley" on select dates throughout December. This story is a prequel to Charles Dickens’ classic "Christmas Carol" story and tells the history of how Scrooge and Marley became partners in business while exploring themes of sacrifice and redemption. Tickets start at $36.50 and are available online.

3. Support local vendors at Winterfair in nearby New Haven.

Head to the Winterfair at New Haven Union Station to browse items from local vendors and small businesses. Winterfair will be open Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 29 through Dec. 21, from 11 AM to 4 PM. Each market day will feature over 30 vendors, with over 100 businesses participating throughout the event.

4. Hear cozy bedtime stories read by Mrs. Claus.

Grab a blanket and some hot chocolate for bedtime stories read by Mrs. Claus. On Fridays in December, along with Monday, Dec. 22 and Christmas Eve, Mrs. Claus will read a story beginning at 6 PM. Each night will feature a new story. You can sign up with the Town of Branford Department of Parks and Recreation to receive a video link for bedtime stories.

5. Sip a latte from Common Grounds.

They take coffee seriously at Common Grounds, all the way from the beans to the finished brew. Common Grounds starts with green coffee beans and roasts them to perfection to ensure each cup is smooth and balanced. Their menu includes espresso drinks, brewed coffee and Italian sodas. Common Grounds' Branford location (1096 Main Street) is open Monday through Saturday from 6 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 6 AM to 8 PM.

6. Take a hike on the Branford Trolley Trail.

Following the route of a historic electric trolley, the Branford Trolley Trail winds through tidal wetlands with views of the surrounding salt marshes. The trail is wide and flat and crosses an iconic iron trestle bridge. The trail is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along.

7. Ride the trolley all the way to Santa.

All aboard at the Shore Line Trolley Museum for a heated trolley ride to Santa! Holiday trolley rides run every hour from 11 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 28 through Dec. 21. Tickets are free for toddlers, $13 for kids ages 2 to 18, $15 for seniors and $16 for adults. Visit the website for timed ticket reservations.

8. Find small-batch wines at Rose Vineyard and Winery.

Just up the road in North Branford, the Rose Vineyard and Winery is dedicated to creating handcrafted wines while employing sustainable farming practices. The Rose Family has been farming since 1644 and has grown to include a market, winery and vineyards. The Vineyard will be lit up for the season so it’s a great spot to enjoy a cozy holiday outing.

9. Find books and gifts at Breakwater Books in nearby Guilford.

Along with a thoughtful selection of books, Breakwater Books offers puzzles, games, stationery, journals and other reading-related items. This shop also hosts author signings and events, including the 2025 Pre-Tree Lighting Storytime with Live Music on Dec. 5 at 5 PM. Breakwater Books is also dedicated to donating 5 percent of its proceeds to local organizations like the GFFE and Guilford ABC.

10. Have fun with Public Skate days at Northford Ice Pavilion.

Take a ride over to Northford to do some laps around the rink at Northford Ice Pavilion. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 to 1:30 PM, you can stop by for public skate sessions. Admission is $10, and rental skates are available.

11. Shop for unique gifts at Gracious Gifts and Home.

Featuring goods from local artisans, Gracious Gifts and Home on Montowese Street carries crafts, gift baskets, home goods, jewelry and more. They also have an outreach program for “exceptional artists,” with handcrafted pottery, shell art and candles made by artists with disabilities. Gracious Gifts and Home is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 AM to 5 PM.

12. Create your own painted pottery at Fired Up Branford.

Express your creativity and create a piece of painted pottery at Fired Up Branford on Main Street. You can pick out a piece of pottery from their inventory, then grab a brush to create your own unique work of art. Fired Up Branford is open from Tuesday through Sunday, and the studio fee is $7 per painter. Walk-ins are welcome (although reservations are recommended). Check out their events page for upcoming holiday season activities like a visit from Santa, a kids’ movie night/pizza party showing “A Boy Called Christmas” and a New Year’s Eve party.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Branford!

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