When fall rolls around, it's only natural that we start preparing for the holidays. After all, there are gifts to buy, decorations to prepare, and traditions to celebrate. Winter in Connecticut is a magical season, and it can feel like there's no end to the fun to be had here. Whether you're looking for Christmas festivals in Connecticut or just want to check out all our quintessential New England towns full of holiday decorations, there's so much to do at this time of year. We've gathered up some of our favorite places to go for Christmas in Connecticut to share with you today - these spots will make your winter a holly jolly wonderland. Check them out:

1. Mystic

Mystic is one of my favorite towns to visit at any time of year, but come winter, it just might be the Christmas capital of Connecticut. This little village is right on the water and has plenty of attractions that are worthy of a visit. Olde Mystick Village gets all decked out for the season and has a bevy of local shops to support when you're checking off your gift list. This year's lighted boat parade is scheduled for November 25, 2023, and it's sure to be a blast: it even features Santa arriving by tugboat!

2. Hartford

Our state capital gets a bad rap as far as the tourism industry grows. Sure, this is an area that's heavily focused on business, but that doesn't mean there's not tons of things to do in Hartford, CT for locals and visitors alike. That's even more true in the winter, when the capital plays host to some of the best things to do for Christmas in Connecticut. There's nothing like walking around the winter wonderland that is Bushnell Park, where you'll find free ice skating beginning November 24, 2023. Another must-visit spot is the Mark Twain House and Museum, which celebrates an old-fashioned Christmas that would fill even the Grinch with holiday cheer.

3. Woodstock

Tucked away in the Quiet Corner, you'll find the little town of Woodstock, population 8,000. This place is so charming in the wintertime that a boutique inn here was the setting of a Hallmark Christmas movie in Connecticut. One spot we highly recommend a visit to is The Christmas Barn, an adorable seasonal shop that's open during the fall and winter. You'll find some marvelous decor here and so many great souvenirs!

4. Essex

Essex is one of our favorite small towns in Connecticut no matter the season, but thanks to a bevy of attractions, it's also quite possibly the

" target="_blank">best place to go for Christmas in Connecticut. The North Pole Express is a magical wintertime adventure offered by the Essex Steam Train. The train runs throughout the afternoon and evening from November 17 to December 23, 2023. Tickets can be purchased only from the

" target="_blank">Essex Steam Train website.

5. Meriden

The

" target="_blank">Festival of Silver Lights in Meriden is one of the most popular Christmas festivals in Connecticut. The lighting ceremony takes place on November 22, 2023 at Hubbard Park. Another popular Christmas event is

" target="_blank">Meriden Yulefest, which includes wonderful activities like a holiday market and photo ops with Santa.

6. Collinsville

" target="_blank">Collinsville, CT is a small town with a fascinating history, and it's one of our favorite places to go for Christmas in Connecticut. You'll find plenty of charming

" target="_blank">things to do in Collinsville for Christmas, with no shortage of shops and festivities. This year's Gallery of Trees Grand Opening is scheduled for November 18, 2023. The event takes place at the Canton Historical Museum and features uniquely-decorated Christmas trees.

7. Stamford

The

" target="_blank">Stamford Holiday Stroll just started a few years ago, but it's already quickly become one of the most popular Christmas events in Connecticut. This walk-through experience features thousands of lights and larger-than-life displays like a huge Christmas tree and gingerbread village. Details will be announced soon for this year's event, which starts in November. Find out more from the

" target="_blank">Holiday Stroll website.

8. Torrington

If you visit Torrington at Christmastime, it's tough to not feel like a kid again.

" target="_blank">Carl Bozenski's Christmas Village is a wonderland of delights where you'll feel like you've been transported to the North Pole. This holiday tradition has been going on annually since 1947. Dates for 2023 aren't announced yet, but keep an eye on the

" target="_blank">Christmas Village Facebook page for more information about one of the best Christmas events in Connecticut.

What do your holiday plans entail? We'd love to hear your favorite Christmas towns in Connecticut in the comments!

If your travels take you beyond the Nutmeg State, make sure you check out our Ultimate Winter Packing List to keep you safe and prepared for any unexpected occurrences.