Throughout the year, there are many fun festivals in Connecticut that are great ways to experience Nutmeg State culture. Spring and summer bring music festivals and food festivals to the state. In contrast, most of our winter festivals in Connecticut tend to be centered around the holidays. (We’ve got enough Christmas festivals here to make even the Grinch feel jolly.) Even in the post-Christmas blues, however, you can still find fun winter festivals in Connecticut! One that we love is the American Lantern Festival at Lyman Orchards. Check out this colorful display of artistry:

The festival features a half-mile walking path that will take you through a zoo of giant animal-shaped lanterns.
American Lantern Festival
The entire experience takes about an hour to walk through.
The lanterns here are almost otherworldly in their beauty.
American Lantern Festival
You can visit each night through mid-February.
American Lantern Festival
You'll want to dress for the weather, as obviously winter in Connecticut can be quite cold.
American Lantern Festival

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But don't worry, you can warm up after viewing the lanterns at the on-site concession stand. Cider, snacks, and hot chocolate will all be available for purchase!
American Lantern Festival
We love the variety of species on display here!
American Lantern Festival
These lifelike sculptures are made of silk, porcelain, and steel. It's like a combination of an art gallery and a zoo.
American Lantern Festival
The sculptures are accompanied by music and special effects.
All of the sculptures here are hand-crafted and then lit up by thousands of tiny LED lights.
American Lantern Festival
More than 1,000 lanterns are used to set up the 30 scenes on display here.
The tradition of sculptures lit up by lights began thousands of years ago in China's Han Dynasty.
Rebecca Taddei/Google Maps

The American Lantern Festival takes place at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield. You can find out more at the Lyman Orchards website or the American Lantern Festival website. Tickets can be purchased online at either site. The festival runs through February 16, 2022.

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Lyman Orchards Farm Store at the Apple Barrel, 32 Reeds Gap Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455, USA