Is it just me, or does it seem almost unbelievable that the Christmas season is here again? Every year, it seems to sneak up on us. There are so many things to do: presents to buy, winter events to attend, and, of course, Christmas lights in Connecticut to see. If you're looking for an experience that will make you feel like you practically walked right into a snow globe, you won't want to miss the event we're featuring today: Glow Hartford. This magical indoor celebration of all things merry and bright takes place November 18 through December 23, 2023, and it's so much fun for the whole family. In addition to being one of the best Christmas lights in Hartford, CT, it's also got lots of family-friendly activities to put you in the holiday spirit. Check it out:
The event takes over the Connecticut Convention Center, and this year's display of lights is set to be twice the size of last year's.
The illuminated garden of lights features so many perfect photo opportunities, with tons of structures and even hanging photo frames for that perfect selfie.
This year's event runs from November 18 to December 23, 2023.
For more information or to purchase tickets, check out the Glow Hartford website or Glow Hartford Facebook page.
Starting your Christmas shopping and not sure what to pick up? Check out our Best Gifts for Travelers to find more than 75 handpicked gifts perfect for everyone on your shopping list that loves to explore.
Summer in Connecticut is such a fun time! All of our shoreline and lakes mean there's endless opportunities for fun in the sun, and the Nutmeg State is full of adventures from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Once June starts coming to a close, many residents start to wonder "where can I watch fireworks near me?" We've got the inside scoop for all the best fireworks shows in Connecticut in 2024 - check them out:
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1. Barnum's Skyblast Fireworks, Bridgeport
The Barnum Festival is a free summer event taking place in Bridgeport's Seaside Park. The fun starts at 7:00 pm on June 28, 2024, and the night will end with a magical fireworks display.
2. Binney Park, Greenwich
Binney Park in Greenwich, CT will be hosting fireworks on July 6, 2024 at approximately 9:10 pm.
The same night, there will be fireworks at Greenwich Point Park at Tod's Point at approximately 9:35 pm. It will not be possible to catch both shows from anywhere on land, unfortunately. Note that normal entry rules for Greenwich Point will still apply. Learn more about both events from the Greenwich, CT Parks and Recreation website.
The City of Norwalk's 2024 Independence Day Concert and Fireworks Show will be held at Calf Pasture Beach on July 3, 2024 at 5:30 pm. Live music will be provided by the Funky Dawgz Brass Band. The fireworks should shoot off around 9:00 pm.
4. Cummings Park: Stamford
This year's fireworks in Stamford, CT are scheduled for July 6, 2024 from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Some road closures are scheduled, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to find parking.
The Hartford Bonanza at Bushnell Park always features some of the best Fourth of July fireworks in Connecticut. This year's event takes place July 6, 2024 from 4:00 to 10:00 pm. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public, and will include live entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors, and more - you won't want to miss it!
6. Celebrate America at the Simsbury Performing Arts Center: Simsbury
This year's event features a performance by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Gates will open at 6:00 pm on July 5, 2024, and the concert will start at 7:30 pm. Tickets are required if you're interested in attending the concert, and they can be purchased through the Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce website.
Salisbury's fireworks will be held in Lime Rock Park on July 6, 2024. This is the 75th year the event has been held, so you can expect it to be bigger and better than ever! The gates open at 6:00 pm, and there will be live music, entertainment, and food trucks. Admission is $25 per car, $5 for walk-in attendees, and $50 for buses, and can be purchased at the door.
8. Wilbur Cross High School: New Haven
This year's fireworks in New Haven, CT are taking place at 9:00 pm. They'll be shot off from East Rock Park, and you can enjoy the best viewing from Wilbur Cross High School's parking lot. Note that only blankets are allowed on the turf, so don't bring lawn chairs.
Ocean Beach Park is putting on a fireworks event on June 28, 2024 that will follow the music of Amber Ferrari, who will be performing Madonna songs. The show is set to begin at 8:00 pm.
Remember that setting off fireworks at home is dangerous and it's much safer to head out to one of these professional fireworks shows in Connecticut. There's no point in risking your safety for mediocre home fireworks when we have so many wonderful firework displays all over the state. So just Google "Where to watch fireworks near me" and let the 4th of July fun begin!
Fireworks may be set off at night, but many start their Fourth of July celebrations earlier in the day with a barbecue or dip in the pool. Make sure you're well-protected from the sun's harmful rays with a quality sunscreen. I love Sun Bum from REI because it's lightweight and not oily.
One of the foods that New England is best known for is maple syrup, and while we may not make anywhere near the quantity that Vermont does, more than 10,000 gallons of maple syrup is produced each year in Connecticut. The Nutmeg State is home to nearly 200 sugaring farms. This is a fascinating industry that many people don't spend much time thinking about, and if you've never toured a sugaring farm, the event we're featuring today is the perfect opportunity. Maple Weekend in Connecticut is an annual event that celebrates maple syrup production in Connecticut. Many of the state's farms are open for tours, tastings, and other events. This year's Maple Weekend is scheduled for March 16-17, 2024, and it's sure to be a sugary sweet delight for the whole family. Check it out:
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Few things in life are tastier than maple syrup, and if you've never had the high-quality stuff, you're really missing out.
Maple Syrup Weekend in Connecticut provides a great opportunity to learn about the process of harvesting and producing maple syrup: it's more complicated than you might think!
For a list of producers participating in Maple Weekend in Connecticut, check out the Maple Syrup Producers of Connecticut website. Note that each farm may have its own specific hours and events, but Maple Weekend in Connecticut is scheduled for March 16-17, 2024. For a place that sells delicious maple treats all year round, check out our past coverage of Lamothe's Sugar House.
