Seasonal & Holidays
2025 North Branford Holiday Guide: Lights, Festive Fun & Good Cheer
From small-town charm to seasonal celebrations, these hometown holiday highlights bring the spirit of the season to life.
The holiday season has arrived in North Branford, bringing twinkling lights, cheerful events and plenty of ways to make memories close to home. From light displays to beloved local traditions, here are the hometown holiday highlights you won’t want to miss.
Please note: Dates and details are subject to change, so be sure to check with each organizer before you go — many events require tickets or reservations in advance.
North Branford Annual Tree Lighting
When: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 | 6:30–8 PM
Where: Augur Park, 298 Forest Rd, Northford, CT
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Kick off the season at North Branford’s annual tree lighting, a community favorite filled with holiday music, festive displays and a joyful countdown to illuminate the town tree. Families can enjoy a classic small-town atmosphere, with neighbors mingling and kids bundled up for the winter chill. The event is free and offers plenty of twinkling-light photo ops.
More info: northbranfordct.myrec.com
Find out what's happening in North Branfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Fantasy of Lights at Lighthouse Point Park
When: Now–Dec. 31, 2025 | 5–9 PM Sun–Thu; 5–10 PM Fri–Sat
Where: Lighthouse Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT
Cruise through more than 100,000 dazzling holiday lights and dozens of animated displays at this beloved shoreline drive-through experience. Guests can tune their radios to the event’s dedicated holiday station as they pass glowing reindeer, shimmering sleighs and sparkling lighted arches. This festive tradition offers a cozy, car-friendly way to celebrate the season. Plus, every ticket supports Goodwill of Southern New England’s community programs.
More info: goodwillsne.org/fantasyoflights
Next Stop: SANTA!
When: Saturdays & Sundays, Dec. 6–7, 13–14 & 20–21 | 11 AM–5 PM
Where: The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St, East Haven, CT
Hop aboard a heated, beautifully decorated trolley for a cozy ride to meet Santa, share your wish list with him and receive a small gift. Guests can sip hot chocolate, snap plenty of photos, explore holiday-themed trolleys throughout the museum and browse the gift shop. Since much of the experience takes place outdoors, be sure to bundle up for a cheerful and memorable day filled with holiday spirit.
More info: shorelinetrolley.org/series/take-the-trolley-to-visit-santa
BACA’s Artful Holiday Market
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 | 10 AM–4 PM
Where: Old Branford Post Office, 1111 Main St, Branford, CT
Browse a gift-giver’s wonderland at this one-day market hosted by the Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance, featuring a wide mix of original arts and crafts. Shoppers can explore jewelry, textiles, woodwork, photography, leather goods and other handmade treasures inside a charming, historic post-office setting. Guests can also meet the artisans behind the work and capture festive selfies with Santa while they shop. It’s a can’t-miss holiday gift bonanza perfect for finding unique, locally made presents.
More info: patch.com/connecticut
Stony Creek Holiday Market in Branford
When: Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 | 10 AM–2 PM
Where: Bayview Park, Thimble Island Rd, Stony Creek (Branford), CT
Head to the waterfront village of Stony Creek for an outdoor holiday market featuring local farms, bakers, artisans and food vendors. Visitors can sip hot drinks, browse handmade gifts and sample festive seasonal treats. Live music adds to the cheerful atmosphere, all set against scenic harbor views and a beautifully decorated town green.
More info: ctexaminer.com/events
Scrooge and Marley at the Legacy Theatre
When: December 3–14, 2025 | Show times starting at 2 PM or 7 PM
Where: The Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Islands Rd, Branford, CT
Experience the world premiere of Scrooge and Marley, a new family holiday musical that serves as a heartfelt prequel to A Christmas Carol. This charming production follows young Jacob Marley and Ebenezer Scrooge as their partnership begins, blending themes of sacrifice, redemption and festive spirit in Legacy Theatre’s cozy shoreline setting. Whether A Christmas Carol is a beloved tradition or you enjoy exploring new holiday classics, this inspiring musical is a must-see. Tickets are required.
More info: legacytheatrect.org/scrooge-and-marley
Holiday Expo at Guilford Art Center
When: Now–Jan. 11, 2026 | Monday–Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM, Sunday: 12–5 PM
Where: Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St, Guilford, CT
This long-running holiday marketplace transforms the art center into a curated shop filled with pottery, jewelry, textiles and much more from hundreds of artists. It’s a one-stop destination for unique, handcrafted gifts, with proceeds supporting both the creators and the center’s programs—and GAC members enjoy 10% off all purchases. New this year is a special showcase of work by the Lyme Artisans Guild. Visitors can browse and purchase their locally made creations alongside other Holiday Expo artists.
More info: guilfordartcenter.org/about-the-shop/holidayshop
Enjoy the season, make a few memories close to home and have a happy holiday, North Branford!
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