The Tree Is Lit, And New Haven Holidays Celebrations Have Just Begun

NEW HAVEN, CT — It's beginning to look a lot like holiday fun.

The City of New Haven's 2024 holiday season is underway with a schedule of special holiday events and celebrations happening throughout the Elm City, including additional opportunities for residents to “shop small” and “shop local” for their holiday gift giving.

Holiday Village On the New Haven Green

The Holiday Village on the New Haven Green, with the lighted holiday tree illuminating, includes live musical performances, amusement rides for children, and visits with Santa from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Holiday Village also includes a pop-up winter market featuring 23 local artisans and shopkeepers Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.

Wooster Square Tree Lighting at Wooster Square Park, Friday, 5:45 p.m.

New Haven Menorah Lighting on the New Haven Green will occur on Wednesday, December 25th at 5:00 p.m. to celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah.

Kwanzaa Kinara Lighting and celebration will occur at New Haven City Hall on Thursday, December 26th at 5:00 p.m., hosted by the New Haven Board of Alders Black and Hispanic Caucus.

St. Luke’s Steel Drum Band Christmas Court at the Dixwell Community House, Saturday at 6 p.m.

Friends of Rudolph Toy Giveaway at the SCSU Adanti Student Center, 501 Crescent St., Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kimberly Square Tree Lighting at Kimberly Square, Sunday, 5:30 p.m.

The Downtown Tree Farm at CITA Park featuring freshly cut Christmas trees for sale, warm adult and kid-friendly beverages, a fire pit, holiday photo opportunities, and the introduction of The Bell, a 20-foot tent featuring free holiday crafting opportunities. The tree farm is open on the weekends Friday, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 21.

Holiday Movie Nights at Downtown Tree Farm at CITA Park on Fridays at 6 p.m., Dec. 6: Home Alone. Dec. 12: Jingle All The Way. Dec. 20: The Santa Clause. Sundays at 2 p.m. Dec. 8: Elf. Dec. 15: Polar Express.

The Shops at Yale is hosting its annual Ice Carving Competition and A Capella Concert on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. on Broadway Island as well as a festive lineup of other events that include storytelling and selfies with Santa & Mrs. Claus, Yuletide carolers, and various other holiday activities and promotions.

Saturday, the Westville Shop Small, Anti-Mall Holiday Market runs from noon to 6 p.m., and the annual Tree Lighting will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Downtown Westville neighborhood. The Westville Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 29th at 4:15 p.m. in the Downtown Westville neighborhood.

Fantasy of Lights nighttime drive-thru holiday light show at Lighthouse Point Park is happening every evening through Dec. 31.