Soon we’ll be giving thanks with loved ones gathered ‘round the table. You know what that means…it’s time for a festive new season to begin. Whether you put up your tree before Thanksgiving or after, there’s plenty of holiday cheer to be had in Mystic!
Plus, did you know that our community just earned a spot on the 40 Prettiest Winter Towns to Visit in America During the Winter on Esquire’s list? There are many reasons that Mystic is the most magical place to be. One of our favorites is the traditional events that locals and visitors alike enjoy each year!
There are so many that you may be worried about missing them… but, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Dive into our holiday event lineup guide below in Mystic so you won’t miss a beat this season.
Holiday Events in Downtown Mystic
Lighted Boat Parade
Our town kicks off the festivities with an incredible parade of boats decked out in their holiday best. We’re honored to have the best seats in house with the beloved lighted boat parade happening right across the street!
Boaters pull all the stops for this one with insane light formations ranging from a vibrant purple octopus to an incredible set of lights formed into the shape of a whale. We may be a bit biased, but at Whaler’s, we personally loved that one! With a kickoff like this, you’ll definitely want to plan a winter getaway for a classic New England holiday season.
Stroll & Luminaria
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Small Business Saturday are some pretty popular shopping days. However, the search for the perfect gift doesn’t have to stop there.
Join us in Downtown Mystic on Tuesday, December 6th for the iconic Holiday Stoll and Luminaria. Stores stay open late so you can shop ‘till you drop while enjoying the festive lights and decorations.
Seasonal Experiences in Olde Mistick Village
Holiday Lights Spectacular
Over half a million lights will shine bright starting November 18th and will stay up until the end of January. Did you know? Olde Mistick Village has the largest holiday light display in all of southern New England. Be dazzled by the displays under the night sky and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants on site. Then catch a holiday flick at the Mystic Luxury Cinemas.
Holiday Carnival
There’s a very special visitor coming to Mystic all the way from the North Pole! Head over to Olde Mistick Village and enjoy a visit with Santa during their Holiday Carnival on December 3rd from 12 pm to 4 pm.
Listen to the carolers in the village and a brass band playing all your seasonal favorites as you browse through the unique stores filled with curiosities to match anyone’s interests. Head over to their site to learn more about this experience!
Festive Fun at The Mystic Seaport Museum
Lantern Light Village
Take a step back in time at the famed Mystic Seaport Museum for their new Lantern Light Village! Discover yuletide traditions of the past while enjoying festive lighting displays, live music, horse and carriage rides, fire pits, a visit from St. Nick, holiday-themed stories, crafts, games and more. This event is entirely outside, be sure to dress warmly. Check out our winter experiences on our website to find out how to enhance your stay with exclusive discounts!
Bundle up at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Nature lovers will love this event! Wind through the Nature Center woods on a self-guided tour of forest trails lit by the soft glow of more than 500 luminaria, then warm up by a festive fire with a hot apple cider or hot chocolate at our trailside Winter Cafe. Spiked peppermint hot chocolate and hot cider with spiced rum are also available at this event to warm up after a walk in the woods.
Explore Beyond Mystic: Check out the Quaint Nearby Stonington Borough
Stonington Lobster Trap Tree
Last year, nearby Stonington made international headlines. BBC News sent out a search crew to find some of the most uniquely decorated trees around the world and put our corner on the map!
This year you can expect the new tradition of the Stonington Lobster Trap Bouy Tree to be bigger and better than its humble beginnings. It’s an amazing sight to see with intricately designed buoys painted by local artists and businesses. The tree will be lit each night starting Saturday, November 26th until early January.
You will actually feel like you’ve stepped on the set of a Hallmark movie in Stonington after checking out the tree… If you add The Holiday Fix Up to your holiday movie lineup, you’ll recognize some of the filming locations around town. It was released last year on Lifetime starring Jana Kramer and Ryan McPartlin. Don’t forget to check out some of the other festive happenings here!
Planning your Winter Getaway in the Heart of Downtown Mystic
Our friendly 24/7 Front Desk Team are experts on Mystic! If you have any questions about any of the events, feel free to reach out! We strive to help you make the most out of your time with us in Mystic. We can’t wait to host you on your next winter getaway!
