Ellington Winterfest Returns with a Full Day of Holiday Magic

Here’s a roundup of everything happening at Ellington Winterfest in Ellington, CT on Saturday, December 6, 2025 — a full day of holiday fun across town. I’ve organized it by time and location to help you plan your day. Patch+2Cloudinary+2

🎉 Morning — Start the Day with Shopping & Holiday Cheer

Ellington Farmers Market at Ellington High School

• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Over 40 vendors selling farm products, baked goods, specialty foods, artisan wares, and holiday gifts — ideal for fresh produce, baked treats, or early Christmas shopping. Patch+2Patch+2

Ellington Historical Soci

ety / Nellie McKnight Museum

• 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM: The museum is open all day for Winterfest. Inside, you’ll find the Holiday Marketplace — including “Nellie’s Mercantile” with local artisan goods and Ellington-themed gifts, and a “Holiday Boutique” of pre-loved holiday décor and treasures.
• The building will be decorated for the holidays, offering a cozy, historic atmosphere, perfect for browsing, mingling, or just enjoying some seasonal spirit. Ellington Historical Society+1

☀️ Midday / Early Afternoon — Family Activities, Crafts, and Winterfest Cafe'

Hall Memorial Library

• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Holiday Ornament Workshop for children aged 4–12 (with multiple sessions). Great for kids to get creative and make ornaments for the season. Cloudinary+1

Ellington Congregational Church

• 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Public viewing of the annual Gingerbread House Contest — a fun opportunity to see creative (and edible!) holiday house designs from community members.
• 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Bell Choir performance and holiday music program. Ellington Congregational Church+1
• 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Winterfest Café: comfort-food favorites like mac & cheese, chili, grilled cheese, chicken noodle soup, hot chocolate, and desserts — perfect for a warm, family-friendly meal. Ellington Congregational Church+1

🌲 Late Afternoon & Evening — Lights, Parade, Music & Festive Magic

Town Green – Tree Lighting Ceremony

• 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Festivities begin with welcome remarks (including from Mrs. Claus and the Winterfest Committee), musical entertainment by local musicians and school chorus, plus the arrival of Santa around 4:20.
• Around 4:45 PM, Santa, Mrs. Claus and their helpers will officially light the town holiday tree — a beautiful moment that often marks the start of the official “holiday season” in Ellington.

Torch Light Parade on Main Street

• 5:15 PM: A festive parade of lights down Main Street — a bright, cozy, community-centered way to celebrate with neighbors, families and friends.

Back at the Museum — Evening Festivities

• 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM: At the Nellie McKnight Museum and grounds: enjoy the “Peppermint Pub,” sweet treats (cupcakes from MH Bakes), a food truck from Chick-fil-A, hot chocolate, and a bonfire — ideal for warming up after the parade or holiday shopping.
• Good opportunity to mingle with neighbors, relax, and enjoy a cozy winter evening in a historic and festive setting.

🎭 Night — A Show to Wrap Up the Day

Opening Knight Players at Ellington High School Auditorium

• 7:30 PM: The evening’s highlight — a theatrical performance of They Promised Her the Moon. A lovely way to end a community holiday day with drama, laughter, or heartwarming scenes (depending on the play).

🎯 Why It’s Worth Going — A Few Highlights

• Something for everyone — families with kids, couples, seniors, local artisans and history lovers; from crafts and shopping to food, music, and theatre.
• Free and accessible — events and are free and open to the public.
• Local charm and community spirit — Ellington’s Holiday Marketplace, gingerbread contest, bonfire & “Peppermint Pub,” and small-town parade all highlight the best of small-town holiday warmth.
• Great mix of daytime fun + evening festivity — giving families and friends plenty of time to mix and match events through the day.