12 Days Of Cheer In Tolland: 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 Tolland. 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 Tolland 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. Follow Santa through town on the Tolland Christmas Tour.

Tolland’s annual Christmas Tour, hosted by the Tolland Fire Department, brings Santa to several community stops throughout December, creating a festive way for families to catch a glimpse of the big man himself. This year, Santa lights the town tree on Dec. 6 before continuing his tour and ending at the Hicks Stearns Museum for photos. Families can also visit Santa in his sleigh at Tolland High School on Dec. 7 and Dec. 20 at 4:00 p.m., where he’ll walk the aisles for quick meet-and-greets and photo ops right from your car.

2. Warm up with wood-fired comfort at Camille’s Wood Fired Pizza.

Camille’s Wood Fired Pizza brings a laid-back, welcoming feel to Tolland, pairing handmade pizzas with the kind of personal hospitality that has defined the restaurant for a decade. Guests can dig into signature pies like the margherita, Tuscan chicken or the truffle-honey-drizzled Billy’s Bianco, all baked in the wood-fired oven that anchors the menu. With a rotating craft beer selection and a warm, communal atmosphere, it’s a cozy place to linger on a chilly winter evening.

3. Wander through the glowing scenes of Amarante’s Winter Wonderland.

About 35 minutes from Tolland, Amarante’s Winter Wonderland transforms a family home in Dayville into a walk-through holiday display featuring more than 200,000 lights. Visitors can explore the illuminated pathways, browse the small gift shop and warm up with hot cocoa while taking in the handmade décor and animated scenes. The attraction also supports Bags of Hope, a nonprofit that provides essentials to children in foster care, with visitor donations totaling thousands of dollars each season. This neighborhood tradition grows a little brighter every year and makes a cheerful winter outing for all ages.

4. Visit Santa for holiday photos at The Shoppes at Buckland Hills.

5. Spend a winter afternoon skating at Bolton Ice Palace.

Bolton Ice Palace is a go-to spot for families and local skaters who want to enjoy the season out on the ice. Public skate sessions run throughout the month, with admission set at $12 for standard sessions and $17 for extended ones, plus $5 skate rentals if you need a pair. The rink’s daily calendar lists each session so you can pick a time that fits your plans, and walk-in entry keeps the process simple. Helmets are recommended for all ages, and session times vary, giving you plenty of chances to make a skating outing part of your December traditions.

6. Shop for holiday finds inside a historic Tolland landmark at Tolland Red & White.

Tolland Red & White occupies an 1815 corner store that once housed everything from a harness shop to an inventor’s workspace, and the building’s character makes browsing here feel like part of the experience. The shop carries antiques, seasonal décor and small-batch gifts arranged throughout its creaking floors and original rooms, giving you plenty to explore if you’re hunting for something with personality this December. Winter hours run Thursday and Friday from 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., with weekday appointments available for quieter visits. A stop here adds a local, nostalgic touch to holiday shopping, especially if you enjoy pieces with a bit of history.

7. Start your morning with bagels and café favorites at Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café.

Between Rounds brings a familiar neighborhood feel to December mornings, especially when you’re grabbing breakfast with your family or looking for something warm between errands. The café still makes its own bagels — a tradition going back more than 30 years — and the menu now includes wraps, salads, soups, lattes and seasonal drinks that fit the colder months. You can settle in with free Wi-Fi if you want a quiet moment or hit the drive-thru if your day is already packed. With its long local history and endless flow of fresh-baked options, the café makes winter mornings a little more inviting.

8. Take a cozy coffee break at Radial Coffee Co.

Radial Coffee Co. offers a welcoming spot to slow down during the holiday season, whether you’re stopping in for a seasonal latte or taking your kids for a warm drink after a day out. Their beans are ethically sourced and roasted in New England, and the baristas are great at helping you find a drink you’ll genuinely enjoy. The café’s community-focused approach shows in the small touches — comfortable seating, thoughtful service and a calm atmosphere that gives you space to regroup during a busy month.

9. Drive through a mile of synchronized holiday lights at Magic of Lights.

About 20 minutes away from Tolland, Magic of Lights transforms Pratt & Whitney Stadium into a glowing mile-long route filled with LED displays, animated scenes and familiar characters that you can enjoy right from your car. The event runs through January 3, with hours from 5:00–9:00 p.m. through December 11 and 5:00–10:00 p.m. from December 12 onward. Tickets are sold per vehicle and can be used anytime within the admission type you choose, whether it’s weekday or any-day access. The setup works well for families who want a festive outing without worrying about weather, parking or long lines.

10. Take your family through the glowing displays at Hebron Lions Lights in Motion.

Hebron Lions Lights in Motion fills the fairgrounds with animated holiday scenes and synchronized displays your family can enjoy without leaving the car. The event runs for 24 nights through New Year’s Eve, with online tickets priced at $34.95 and gate admission available for $39.00 per vehicle. Families who love returning to light shows may prefer the $99.95 Limitless Lights Pass, which allows unlimited visits tied to the driver’s license. The display is located about 35 minutes from Tolland, giving you just enough time to settle in, turn on some music and make the drive part of the tradition.

11. Choose the perfect holiday tree at Cedar Ledge Tree Farm.

Cedar Ledge Tree Farm, about 20 minutes away in Franklin, offers a traditional cut-your-own experience with Connecticut-grown trees spread across open fields you can wander with your family. Shaking, drilling and baling are included with every purchase, and the heated Christmas shop carries decorated wreaths, custom bows, ornaments and tree accessories if you want to round out your holiday decorating in one trip. The farm is open Friday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., and leashed dogs are welcome as long as owners clean up after them.

12. Spend a festive evening exploring the indoor displays at Glow Hartford.

Glow Hartford is a great pick for families who want a full holiday outing — light gardens, giant illuminated structures, live entertainment, a holiday market and food options — all under one roof. The event runs through December 23 and includes a complimentary Santa photo. Kids usually head straight for the Glow-comotive train, and GlowQuest — the event’s wand-based scavenger activity — adds an extra layer of fun throughout the displays. Located about 30 minutes from Tolland, the event offers a festive outing without having to worry about cold weather or outdoor conditions.

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

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