Seasonal & Holidays
2025 Durham Holiday Guide: Lights, Festive Fun & Good Cheer
From small-town charm to seasonal celebrations, these hometown holiday highlights bring the spirit of the season to life.
The holiday season has arrived in Durham, bringing twinkling lights, cheerful events and plenty of ways to make memories close to home. From light displays to beloved local traditions, here are the hometown holiday highlights you won’t want to miss.
Please note: Dates and details are subject to change, so be sure to check with each organizer before you go — many events require tickets or reservations in advance.
Magic of Lights – East Hartford
When: November 26, 2025 – January 3, 2026 | 5–10 pm
Where: Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, 615 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT
Find out what's happening in Durham-Middlefieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
This drive‑through light show features towering tunnels, animated figures and themed holiday scenes along a mile‑long course. Tickets are sold per vehicle, making it an easy group outing and synced holiday music adds to the immersive experience. Plan for about 30 minutes to complete the route, and buy tickets online to skip long weekend lines.
More info: magicoflights.com/easthartford
Find out what's happening in Durham-Middlefieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Durham Winter Market
When: Saturdays, December 6 & December 20, 2025 | 10 am – 1 pm
Where: Durham Community Center, 144 Pickett Lane, Durham, CT
Running throughout the winter season, this indoor market features local vendors with handmade crafts, baked goods, seasonal produce and holiday gifts. It’s a festive community hub where visitors can shop for unique items while enjoying a warm, small‑town atmosphere. Admission is free, making it an easy weekend outing.
More info: ctvisit.com/events/durham-winter-market-0
Holiday Magic at Lyman Orchards
When: December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21, 2025 | 10 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Lyman Homestead, 3 Lyman Road, Middlefield, CT
This family‑friendly event includes horse‑drawn wagon rides to the historic Lyman Homestead, where each room is decorated with twinkling lights, garlands and themed Christmas trees. Visitors can enjoy live performances at the Apple Barrel Market, sip hot cocoa and take part in kids’ crafts. Added fun includes “Reindeer Goat Playdates” with Bradley Mountain Farm goats dressed in festive costumes.
More info: lymanorchards.com/event/holiday-magic-2025
Powder Ridge Winterfest
When: Weekends December 6–21, 2025 | Times vary (see website)
Where: Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort, 99 Powder Hill Road, Middlefield, CT
Powder Ridge hosts a month‑long Winter Festival with day and night events such as a snow play area, artisan holiday markets and themed brunches with Santa (Dec. 14) and the Grinch (Dec. 21). The lodge and pavilion host rotating craft fairs and events. It’s a lively mix of outdoor fun, shopping and seasonal dining.
Winterfest Holiday Party
When: December 18, 2025 | 6–10 pm
Where: Fire at the Ridge, 99 Powder Hill Road, Middlefield, CT
Designed for small businesses and groups, this festive party includes hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner, holiday desserts and live DJ music. It’s a ready‑made holiday celebration with no planning required — just show up and enjoy the food, drinks and entertainment. Reservations are recommended for this popular evening event.
More info: fireattheridge.com/event/winterfest-holiday-party
Fantasy of Lights – New Haven
When: Now–December 31, 2025 | 5–9 pm (open until 10 pm Fridays–Sundays)
Where: Lighthouse Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Road, New Haven, CT
This long‑running drive‑through light show features more than 100,000 bulbs and animated displays, all supporting Goodwill of Southern New England. The seaside setting adds extra charm and the event is known for its creative themed sections. Bring exact change for entry and enjoy a festive ride along the shoreline.
More info: Fantasy of Lights - Goodwill of Southern New England
Cava Restaurant Holiday Lights
When: December 2025 | Dinner hours (see website)
Where: Cava Restaurant, 1615 West Street, Southington, CT
Cava transforms into a dazzling indoor holiday wonderland each year, with themed rooms decorated in thousands of lights, ornaments and animatronics. Guests can enjoy upscale Italian dining surrounded by immersive displays, making it one of Connecticut’s most unique holiday dining experiences. Reservations are essential, as the restaurant fills quickly during December.
More info: cavact.com/winter-spectaculat
Enjoy the season, make a few memories close to home and have a happy holiday, Durham!
This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.
