The One Thing to Do in Connecticut Before the End of the Year

With all of the exciting holiday festivities leading up to New Year's, it's a bit challenging and overwhelming trying to decide what to do. Of course, you can always go to Mystic Seaport for its Lantern Light Village, tour a historic home all decked out for the holidays, or check out a local festival. However, if there's one thing to do in Connecticut before the end of the year, spending time in one of the state's most festive towns is a must, and no place seems to bring on the holiday cheer quite like the city of Milford.

The small city of Milford has a small-town vibe, and when the Christmas season arrives, it seems as though the entire town is filled with holiday cheer! Even the Milford City Hall gets decked out with colorful lights to ring in the season.

One of the most anticipated events of the season is the Annual Downtown Lamplight Stroll, and Friday, December 5, 2025, marks its 23rd year. Set in downtown Milford, experience festive lights and decor, seasonal music and carolers, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and visit with Santa and his elves from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Make sure you stroll through Milford Green, the second-longest town green in New England, to see all of the Christmas lights and pop into local businesses to purchase seasonal treats and gifts. The Annual Downtown Lamplight Stroll is a free, family-friendly event.

Another fun downtown Milford event this holiday season is the Downtown Milford Sip & Shop, during which you can have a drink as you shop for unique gifts at local shops and take in the charming holiday ambiance. This relaxing event on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., will put you in the holiday spirit!

One of the most exciting things to see in Milford is the 20-30-foot buoy tree, which is constructed out of lobster traps and buoys. The MAC (Milford Arts Council) Holiday Buoy Tree Lighting Ceremony event is scheduled for Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Lisman Landing. During that time, there will be a holiday market, music from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m, the arrival of Santa at 4:45 p.m., and the lighting of the buoy tree with the mayor at 5 p.m. This family-friendly event is free. Visit the Milford Arts Council website for more.

What are your plans before the end of the year? Do they include a visit to Milford to see all of the Christmas lights and displays at the Milford Green and around town? For more information on the city's holiday events, visit the Downtown Milford, CT website's event page. For more holiday cheer, discover some of the most festive Christmas towns in Connecticut, including Old Lyme, Branford, and Mystic.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own holiday trip to Connecticut using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.