Seasonal & Holidays
12 Days Of Cheer In Clinton: Making This A December To Remember
Celebrate the season all month long with local lights, cozy stops, markets and hometown holiday charm.
The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Clinton. 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 Clinton 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. Savor seasonal dishes and local wine at Chamard Vineyards Bistro.
Clinton’s Chamard Vineyards offers a warm winter escape where guests can pair French-inspired, farm-driven dishes with estate-made wines in a cozy, candlelit setting. The bistro’s seasonal menu highlights local ingredients — think handmade Parisian gnocchi with brown-butter sage or camembert en croûte baked to perfection. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, settling in for a lingering dinner, or celebrating a special occasion, the vineyard’s calm atmosphere feels especially inviting this time of year. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends when holiday dining fills quickly.
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2. Get a jump on holiday shopping at Clinton Premium Outlets.
Clinton Premium Outlets makes winter errands easier with more than 70 designer and name-brand stores offering 25–65 percent off daily. Shoppers can browse everything from outerwear and accessories to gift sets and stocking stuffers, with seasonal sales posted on the center’s “Deals & Steals” page. The open-air layout keeps the afternoon relaxed, and extended holiday promotions mean there’s always something new to browse. Before you go, check the directory online to map out your must-visit stores.
3. Cruise through a dazzling show at Fantasy of Lights.
Just about 30 minutes from Clinton, Fantasy of Lights turns New Haven’s Lighthouse Point Park into a glowing drive-through experience filled with animated holiday scenes, tunnels, characters and shoreline-themed displays. Visitors remain in their cars the entire time, making it a cozy option for chilly nights or family outings with little ones. The show runs nightly through Dec. 31, with hours from 5:00–9:00 p.m. on weekdays and until 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is $10 per car, and proceeds support Goodwill of Southern New England.
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4. Capture holiday memories with Santa at Connecticut Post Mall.
Connecticut Post Mall, roughly 35 minutes from Clinton, offers daily Santa photo sessions in its Center Court through Dec. 24. Families can reserve a time slot online to cut down on waiting and unlock perks like select photo discounts and a personalized digital message from Santa. Pet owners can join the fun during the Monday Pet Photo Nights on Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 from 4:00–7:00 p.m., and those needing a calmer setting can visit during the Sensory-Friendly Santa hour on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 9:00–10:30 a.m.
5. Add cozy at-home cheer with virtual storytime featuring Mrs. Claus.
Branford Parks & Recreation is once again offering its Bedtime Stories with Mrs. Claus, delivering families a simple, at-home way to add some holiday magic to their week. After signing up, you’ll receive new prerecorded storytime each week, featuring cheerful readings that kids can watch whenever it works for your schedule. The format is simple, flexible and perfect for winding down after a busy December day.
6. Share breakfast and a trolley ride with Santa at The Shore Line Trolley Museum.
A short trip from Clinton brings you to the Shore Line Trolley Museum’s festive holiday breakfasts, complete with a warm morning meal and personal visits from Santa. Kids can chat with him table-side before everyone boards a vintage trolley for a narrated ride through the museum’s historic tracks and winter scenery. Morning seatings are offered at 8:30 and 9:30 a.m., giving families two solid options to plan around the rest of their December outings.
7. Book a themed winter igloo at Dockside Igloo Park.
About 30 minutes from Clinton, Dockside Brewery in Milford transforms its waterfront patio into a full Igloo Park with heated domes decorated in themes ranging from Grinch-inspired whimsy to speakeasy glamour and “Buddy the Elf” overload. Each igloo seats up to six and includes heaters, with a required minimum spend varying by day. Guests get 2.5 hours to enjoy food, cocktails and Bluetooth-enabled playlists inside their dome. Holiday-themed igloos remain available through early January, and reservations are held with a credit card.
8. Experience historic holiday charm at Lantern Light Village in Mystic.
Lantern Light Village — about 35 minutes from Clinton — transforms Mystic Seaport Museum into a glowing 19th-century holiday scene lit by lanterns, fire pits and music. Visitors can explore the decorated village, meet characters inspired by A Christmas Carol, enjoy crafts and live music aboard the Charles W. Morgan, and even ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Timed entry runs from 5:00–8:30 p.m. (until 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays), with tickets ranging from $17–$40 depending on date and age. Children 3 and under are always free.9. Wander through the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village.
About 35 minutes from Clinton, Olde Mistick Village hosts the Holiday Lights Spectacular, the largest holiday light display in southern New England. More than half a million lights switch on at 5:00 p.m. nightly and stay up through the end of January 2026, decorating the open-air village of shops and restaurants. Stores are open until 8:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays leading up to Christmas, and leashed pets are welcome. Admission and parking are both free, so you can take your time exploring the displays at your own pace.
10. Celebrate the season with ‘White Christmas’ at The Goodspeed.
A 30-minute trip from Clinton brings you to East Haddam’s Goodspeed Opera House, where Irving Berlin’s White Christmas runs on select dates through Dec. 31. The classic musical follows two entertainers teaming up with a sister act to save a Vermont inn, featuring beloved songs like “Sisters,” “Count Your Blessings” and the iconic “White Christmas.” With a 2.5-hour run time including intermission, it’s an ideal festive outing for families or date nights. Tickets can be booked online, and many December performances sell out early.
