12 Days Of Cheer In Simsbury: Making This A December To Remember

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Simsbury. 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 Simsbury 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. Spend an afternoon on the ice at the International Skating Center of Connecticut.

The International Skating Center of Connecticut is right in Simsbury, providing a great option for families looking to fit a little winter fun into their week. Public skate sessions run at set times throughout the season, with walk-in admission at $10 and a reduced $9 online rate, plus $5 rentals and on-ice walkers available for younger or beginner skaters. The facility has two rinks — NHL and Olympic — along with an on-site café, so there’s plenty of space to glide, practice your skills or enjoy the show from the sidelines with a drink in hand. If you visit often, consider purchasing a punch-pass membership for discounted multi-sessions.

2. Enjoy a warm, unhurried moment at The Coffee Spot.

The Coffee Spot is the kind of place where winter seems to slow down a little, thanks to its cozy seating, friendly staff and shelves of books that invite you to linger. Whether you’re warming up between errands or settling in with a laptop for a quiet afternoon, the café makes it easy to relax with house-baked pastries, seasonal drinks and plenty of gluten-free or vegan options. Their bakers craft everything in-house daily, and the menu offers comforting soups, sandwiches and treats perfect for a chilly New England day. Stop in, say hello and enjoy a peaceful break from the holiday rush.

3. Catch a holiday classic with Hartford Stage’s ‘A Christmas Carol.’

About 30 minutes from Simsbury, Hartford Stage’s celebrated adaptation of A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas returns for the 2025 season, offering a theatrical experience full of magic, emotion and soaring spirits. The show runs through December 28, with a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, and features unforgettable staging, immersive storytelling and the iconic ghosts who help Scrooge rediscover the meaning of Christmas. Reserve your seats early through the Hartford Stage website.

4. Get your holiday shopping done at The Shops at Nod Brook.

Located right along Route 44/202, The Shops at Nod Brook are the perfect place for crossing gifts, décor and winter essentials off your list in one convenient stop. Anchored by well-known favorites like The Fresh Market, Marshalls and Michaels — plus a mix of smaller specialty shops — the center sits in the heart of a bustling Farmington Valley retail corridor. With more than a million square feet of additional shops within a short drive, you’ll find plenty of variety as you browse for holiday essentials.

5. Treat yourself to a memorable meal at Millwright’s.

Perched above a waterfall in a restored 17th-century mill, Millwright’s is one of the region’s most enchanting dining experiences — especially in December. Led by James Beard–nominated Chef Tyler Anderson, the restaurant highlights farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients that celebrate New England flavors at their peak. Choose between the refined dining room, enclosed bridge or the more relaxed tavern, each offering views and ambiance that feel made for a winter night. Reservations are highly recommended during the holiday season.

6. Step inside a glowing wonderland at Glow Hartford.

Glow Hartford, about 30 minutes from Simsbury, fills the Connecticut Convention Center with illuminated tunnels, towering light sculptures and a warm hum of holiday music that follows you as you wander. Kids tend to make a beeline for the whimsical Glow-comotive train, and the free Santa photo only adds to the wide-eyed excitement. The festival runs through December 23, 2025, with seasonal treats, a bustling holiday market and plenty of cozy corners to take in the sparkle. Tickets are available online.

7. Browse thoughtful, feel-good finds at Milk & Honey Boutique.

Milk & Honey Boutique has the kind of welcoming, lived-in charm that comes from a mother–daughter team who genuinely love what they’ve built. Clothing, art and home goods are curated with an eye for sustainability and small-batch makers, so the shelves always hold something a little different from what you’ll find in bigger stores. It’s a great place to wander for a gift and end up chatting with the owners or discovering a piece that feels personal.

8. Shop local makers at Winterfair Hartford.

About 30 minutes from Simsbury, Winterfair sets up inside Hartford Union Station’s Great Hall each Saturday and Sunday through December 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The historic space gives the market a cozy, old-travel atmosphere and each weekend features more than 30 rotating vendors offering handmade gifts, specialty foods and small-batch goods. With over 100 local makers participating across the season, it’s a fun spot to browse for something unique without fighting big-store crowds.

9. Try a holiday workshop at Gather on Hopmeadow.

Gather on Hopmeadow is a laid-back community art space where local creators run seasonal workshops throughout the month. You’ll see everything from ornament classes and felted gnomes to winter painting sessions and a kids’ Santa’s Workshop “paint and sip.” The classes are beginner-friendly, and the instructors are great at helping people feel comfortable right away. Visit their website to browse upcoming events and register.

10. Explore the magical shelves at The Bell and Raven.

Stepping into The Bell and Raven feels a bit like ducking into a tiny Salem-inspired apothecary — warm lighting, the scent of herbs and rows of crystals, candles and books lining the walls. Their Spell Jar Bar is open anytime the shop is, and staff walk you through choosing herbs, stones and charms that match the intention you’re working with. The inventory changes regularly, so you’re likely to spot something new each time you stop by. If you’re planning a visit with a small group, they appreciate a quick heads-up.

11. Unwind with a winter tasting at Brignole Vineyards.

Brignole Vineyards sits in a quiet stretch of nearby East Granby, where the open fields and rolling hills make the tasting room feel like a winter retreat. They’re open every day — 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays, noon to 7:00 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6:00 p.m. Sundays — pouring wine flights, seasonal drinks and a few local beers alongside charcuterie boards. The space is family- and pet-friendly, with a comfortable, slow-paced feel that’s especially nice when you want to step out of the holiday rush for a bit.

12. Drive through a glowing holiday route at Magic of Lights.

The 40-minute drive is worth it for Magic of Lights, which transforms Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford into a long, sparkling route of animated scenes and glowing tunnels. Running through January 3, 2026, the event operates from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. early in the season and stretches to 10:00 p.m. after December 12. Families stay in the warmth of their cars the entire time, adding to the cozy wintery experience. Tickets are sold online and are good for an entire carload.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Simsbury!

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