Join in the Joy with Holiday Lights 2025 at Lake Compounce

One of the most magical traditions in Connecticut, Holiday Lights, returns to Lake Compounce for its 13th and final season. Guests can stroll through more than half a million sparkling lights, ride their favorite family attractions, visit Santa in the Starlight Theatre, and see Connecticut’s Tallest Christmas Tree lighting up the park’s main entrance nightly. The tree stands 100 feet tall and boasts more than 120 thousand white lights.

The magic of the season is glowing once again as Lake Compounce transforms into a winter wonderland. Southern New England’s only Theme Park Holiday Event will offer only 14 days to celebrate the joy of the holidays with the entire family surrounded by dazzling light displays, decked midways and festive food and drink options.

This year’s event provides all the sparkle and joy fans have come to love, including meet and greets with Santa, reindeer and holiday Kyle the Crocodile. In Santa’s Village, kids can watch the magic unfold with incredible holiday balloon creations, create a letter to Santa, or play holiday cornhole.

In addition to hundreds of thousands of lights throughout the grounds, the park also offers more than 12 rides and attractions including Boocifer’s Haunted Holiday at Ghost Hunt, the North Pole Express, Zoomer’s Gas N’ Go, and more.

The park features more than half a million colorful lights sparkling throughout the park and there is a dazzling light show complete with music in the turnstile area.

Each night of the beloved holiday event, families will also have the chance to meet Santa himself. He will be making his list and checking it twice through December 21. Other entertainment events, that are overseen by Madison Burnes Baker, include story time with the adorable Ellie Peppermint, a dance party, and photos with two friendly reindeer. All of these events are located in Kiddie Land. Visit and take photos with a Gingy, cute gingerbread cookie, on the deck overlooking the waterpark area.

Christmas Carolers perform indoors at the Croc Pot, making this a great spot to warm up as guests enjoying listening to the holiday music.

General Manager Doug Hemphill greeted some guests on opening night. The friendly management team bustled about making sure that everything was running seamlessly.

A variety of holiday themed treats can be found throughout the park. There is a full holiday dinner complete with a giant turkey leg available in the Croc Pot. Also for sale is festive fried dough, seasonal fudge, peppermint bark, creamy hot chocolate available with a tall refillable mug, smores to roast outdoors and more. Everything is served with a smile by friendly team members.

Definitely dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes for a Holiday Lights visit. Some guests dressed festively for opening night and a few were interviewed on camera for three local tv stations.

To get into the spirit of the season, Lake Compounce will partner with local nonprofits throughout Holiday Lights. On Tuesday, December 2, the park celebrates Giving Tuesday in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol. For every 2026 Season Pass sold on Giving Tuesday, Lake Compounce will donate one 2026 single day ticket to the center. In partnership with Pepsi, Lake Compounce will be hosting a Stuff-the-Pepsi Truck event on December 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14. Park-goers are encouraged to bring one unwrapped toy to help stuff the truck benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol and Southington Community Services.

Holiday Lights will run Fridays from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m., Saturdays from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Sundays from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. from November 28 through December 28.

Those looking to visit during the holiday season and throughout 2026 can save up to $70 on a 2026 Season Pass now and get unlimited admission to Holiday Lights 2025 with all Season Passes during the park’s Black Friday Sale.

Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce has also been nominated for the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for Best Theme Park Holiday Event. Visitors are encouraged to cast their votes daily through Monday, December 1. Winners will be announced on December 10.

For more details on Holiday Lights and to purchase 2026 Season Passes, visit lakecompounce.com.