There are many great holiday light displays in Connecticut and each one is unique in its own way. But there is one place that simply embraces the spirit of the season and converts itself into an enchanting holiday experience. Each year this Christmas village in Connecticut adds more lights, more decorations, and more activities to their celebration. It is a magical place that sparkles with cheer and glows with color. Here's why an Essex, CT Christmas deserves your consideration!
Ivoryton is a village located in Essex. Its historic district is on the National Register of Historic Places. The community comes together each year to create a magical Christmas village.
The village of Ivoryton lights up the holiday with more than 400,000 lights. Visitors can listen to 101.5 FM on their car radios and see the lights dance to the music.
Ivoryton Illuminations will shine throughout December until early January, so you have quite a window of time to enjoy the twinkling lights. But the whole village comes out for a spectacular holiday exhibition on opening day in early December, and you won't want to miss out.
In past years, the Ivoryton library has hosted several activities, including writing letters to Santa, creating cards for servicemen and women, holding a toy drive, and hosting a stocking stuffer $1 book sale. In 2022, you never know what you might get, so keep an eye on the Ivoryton Library website to find up-to-date information as the time of celebration draws near.
Last year the Circle K farm provided a petting zoo on the green near the light-decorated gazebo. What a pleasant treat to find in this magical Christmas village.
If you are feeling a little chilly, stop by the Ivoryton Tavern and Cafe for a cup of warm apple cider.
The Six Summit Gallery has also showcased an art show titled Wonderland that featured a collection of Alice in Wonderland fine art.
If you love Christmas music, the patio of the playhouse typically hosts a community Christmas Carol Sing. You can also can make Christmas crafts with the elves at the Playhouse throughout the evening.
Keep your eyes open for the arrival of Santa; he tends to come out around 6 p.m. This Christmas village welcomes St. Nick with lots of enthusiasm.
The lighting of Connecticut's largest living Christmas tree will also take place. It is quite a sight to behold.
There are elves hiding all over this Christmas village, and you can participate in a scavenger hunt to find them all. You can pick up a card at the library to participate, but go quickly as you must find all the elves by 7 p.m.
Of course, you will find live music and street eats in Ivoryton. It is also a perfect time to take a stroll and check out the holiday street market on Summit Street.
The wonderful celebration will end during the opening night. If you can't make it, don't worry because you can always plan a trip to see the lights that make this Christmas village sparkle and shine throughout the whole month of December into early January.
All merchants in Ivoryton will be collecting non-perishable food items to benefit the Shoreline Soup Kitchen through early December. Please consider donating while you are visiting this enchanting village.
So make sure to visit Essex, Connecticut at Christmas for this lovely holiday celebration in the Ivoryton Village.
For even more places in Connecticut that become simply magical during the wintertime, check out these unforgettable festivals.
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