You Must Visit These 13 Awesome Places in Connecticut This Winter

There are so many amazing winter places in Connecticut that we might not know where to start our next adventure. From hiking and sledding to checking out holiday displays, take a look at the following best winter places in Connecticut. Each is incredible to experience at this time of the year.

1. Wonderland at Roseville - Fairfield

Wonderland at Roseville is a truly epic lights display created each year by a family in Fairfield that welcomes guests to walk around their yard, view all of the holiday lights, and take plenty of photos. A visit to Wonderland at Roseville is one of the best winter activities in Connecticut for the entire family.

2. Beardsley Zoo - Bridgeport

Bundle up on a chilly winter day, and head over to Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport. Open year-round, the zoo in Connecticut is home to more than 500 animals and 100 different species. Spend a leisurely morning or afternoon exploring the zoo and snapping photos of the animals. Ride the carousel and grab a bite at the Peacock Cafe. I love going to the zoo in the winter when it's usually quieter and there are fewer people, so I can take my time visiting the animals and embrace the experience.

3. Blessed Michael McGiveny Pilgrimage Center - New Haven

Formerly the Knights of Columbus Museum, the Blessed Michael McGiveny Pilgrimage Center in downtown New Haven hosts a Christmas tree festival, one of the best winter places in Connecticut, that runs from Dec. 11, 2024, through Feb. 2, 2025. The trees' decorations are made by elementary school students from all over Connecticut. The museum also features Christmas in Africa and Away in a Manger: The Creation of Nativity Scenes, two exhibits that also run through early February.

4. Powder Ridge Mountain Park - Middlefield

Skiing is another popular thing to do in Connecticut in December with your friends and family. At Powder Ridge Mountain Park, you can rent a snow bike. If you can ride a regular bicycle then this is a piece of cake. It's a great way to enjoy the slopes if you don't know how to ski.

5. Winterfest and Tunnel of Lights - East Windsor

Climb aboard a historic trolley at the Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor this holiday season. The tunnel of lights sparkles festively as you pass right through the display. If you're up for a chilly adventure, dress warmly, bring blankets, and then cozy up in an open-air trolley for an unforgettable journey through the tunnel of lights. More than 10,000 lights illuminate the Connecticut Trolley Museum.

6. Brooksvale Park - Hamden

Brooksvale Park in Hamden is one of the best winter places in Connecticut. Bundle up for a trek along one of the hiking trails, and stop by the barn, where you can see goats, horses, sheep, chickens, and other animals. In late winter, the staff at Brooksvale makes maple syrup and you can visit their sugar shack.

7. Downtown Cabaret Theater - Bridgeport

Looking for another fun winter activity in Connecticut? Take in a live show at this cabaret theater during the festive holiday season. The popular Bridgeport attraction features a main stage and a theater for young audiences, and it hosts concerts and comedy shows.

8. Bushnell Park - Hartford

Winterfest at Bushnell Park in Hartford offers free skating and rentals each year. This year's event runs through Jan. 6, 2025. In addition to free skating sessions, Santa will be on hand throughout the holiday season to meet with and pose for photos with the kiddos. Each family also receives a copy of the photo with Santa.

9. Lake Compounce - Bristol

You won't want to skip viewing the Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce this season. One of the best winter places in Connecticut features a full menu of fun. Marvel at tons of glittering lights, grab a delicious bite from one of the food trucks, sip on hot chocolate, and meet Santa. Holiday Lights generally runs through late December each year.

10. Kent

One of the best things to do in Connecticut in December is to spend time outdoors. The town of Kent comes alive with gingerbread houses during the holiday season. Throughout December, you can stroll through town and view these amazing creations in the windows of the local businesses.

11. Valley Falls - Rockville

Located in Rockville, Valley Falls is stunning when frozen in the wintertime. There are hiking trails that lead to the falls and it makes for a great way to get outside. This is one of the best places to take a winter hike in Connecticut.

12. Hubbard Park - Meriden

The Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden is one of the best places to visit in Connecticut in winter. It is free to walk or drive through the park and check out the lights display. With more than 300,000 lights, the park transforms into a winter wonderland that's perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. The free event runs until Jan. 2, 2025.

13. Allegra Farm - Colchester

Dashing through the snow in a horse-drawn sleigh is the perfect way to get away from all of the hustle and bustle of the hectic holiday season. Climb aboard a sleigh at Allegra Farm for an enchanting ride. Bring everything you need - blankets, a hot drink, and snacks - for a cozy ride at the farm.

In addition to this list of best winter places in Connecticut, what other seasonal destinations do you love to visit when you're in this part of New England? Fill out this nomination form, and we might feature them in an upcoming article.

Since one of the best things to do in Connecticut in December is to spend time outside, check out these winter hikes. Or, if you prefer a winter adrenaline rush, head to Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort for a full-filled day of snow tubing.