FEATURED EVENTS

Playtime Adventures at The Children's Museum- West Hartford, CT

Come play with us! Drop in and explore playful museum spaces, hands-on exhibits, and live animals. Playtime Adventures is an unstructured, drop-in experience designed for curious kids and their families. Play, build, and imagine in our discovery spaces — and meet some of our animal ambassadors along the way. Your Open Play ticket gives you access to the museum for the full session window. Whether you pop in for a short visit or spend the whole morning exploring, every adventure is different! Walk-ins are welcome as space allows — we’d love to see you!

Dates:

12/17/2025

12/19/2025

12/21/2025

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Wednesdays & Fridays 9 AM – 12 PM · Sundays 10 AM - 12 PM

Location:

The Children's Museum, Mohegan Drive, West Hartford, CT, USA

See map: Google Maps

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Milk, Cookies, and Storytime with Local Author Bill Barnsley at Old Sturbridge Village

Enjoy milk, cookies, and story time with Sturbridge resident and author Bill Barnsley, author of If Mice Pulled the Sleigh. Copies of the book can be purchased in advance or at the event, and Bill Barnsley will be signing books after the reading. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. After story time, embark on a journey through Christmas traditions past and present during Christmas by Candlelight (separate ticket required).

Dates:

12/20/2025

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Location:

Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566, United States

See map: Google Maps

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Holiday Magic at Lyman Orchards

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and the Lyman Homestead is sparking with holiday cheer! Capture the spirit of the holidays and enjoy a festive horse-drawn wagon ride, plenty of photo ops and a stroll through the Lyman Homestead.

Dates:

12/20/2025

12/21/2025

10:00am-2:30pm

Location:

The Lyman Homstead 3 Lyman Road Middlefield,CT06455

See map: Google Maps

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Essex Steam Train: 2025 North Pole Express

Board our locomotive-powered sleigh for a magical nighttime journey to the North Pole. Celebrate the spirit of the season with Santa and Mrs. Claus, festive sing-a-longs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa. Children are invited to wear their favorite pajamas! Make sure those PJs are warm and cozy…it’s cold up at the North Pole!

Dates:

12/16/2025

12/17/2025

12/18/2025

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Check website for all times

Location:

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Railroad Avenue, Essex, CT 06426, United States

See map: Google Maps

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