Merry Day & Jolly Nights
The City of New London is proud to announce the commencement of its holiday season with a calendar of events celebrating the diverse array of faiths and holidays in New London’s culture.
November 29th Christmas Tree Lighting- 5pm – 6pm at the Parade Plaza.
Celebrate the spirit of the season with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Parade Plaza in downtown New London! From 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, enjoy a festive evening filled with Christmas carols from the Eastern CT Symphony Chorus the melodious sounds of the Shoreline Ringers Bell Choir, solo by Mila Leonard and a special performance by The New London Arts Magnet Pathway Chorus.
At 5:30 PM, Santa Claus will make a grand entrance, parading down Banks Street in a brilliantly illuminated Jeep parade! After the tree lighting, capture the holiday magic by taking pictures with Santa at The Golden Owl.
Train Display -Rider Strano is bringing the magic of Lionel trains to downtown New London this Christmas season! Two captivating displays will delight visitors: a single-track train showcased in the front window of The Golden Owl on Golden Street and a charming trolley set up in the corner window of the Women’s business Development Center at the intersection of Bank Street and Golden Street. These festive displays are sure to add a touch of nostalgia and joy to your holiday experience!
Sponsored by Breezeline – Share the magic of the season! Write your Christmas wish and tuck it inside a festive ornament. Watch as Santa’s elf lovingly places it on the New London Christmas Tree, spreading holiday cheer for everyone to enjoy. Three wishes will be chosen to come true.
Don’t forget to visit The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree, at the Parade Plaza where you can adopt a family for the holidays and bring joy to those in need.
The Garde Arts Center presents Wizards of Winter performing their Holiday Rock Opera “The Christmas Dream” at 8:00 p.m.
THE WIZARDS OF WINTER bring their musical intensity, stage theatrics and holiday fun to Garde Arts enter in this fun-filled Christmas Holiday Rock experience for the Whole Family
This outstanding ensemble include world-class talent who have performed with renowned acts like The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Trixter, Def Leppard, Alice Cooper, Rainbow, Broadway and more. Join The Wizards and experience the magic firsthand as they take you on a musical journey in search of the meaning of Christmas. From rock and pop, to ballads, and even a visit from Mrs. Claus, The Wizards’ have it all. Don’t miss their electrifying performance, brimming with raw energy and infectious passion, captivating audiences of all ages.
Get Your Tickets Now – For a $35 promo code use DNLAHC25
Bring your family and friends to enjoy this magical evening of holiday cheer, music, and heartwarming community fun!
November 30th – Small Business Saturday – Stroll New London to get a jump on your holiday shopping and have lunch.
Other Holiday events in Downtown New London
Santa Letters Drop-Off: Visit The Golden Owl and use our special mailbox to send your letters directly to Santa Claus!”
Hygienics Annual Holiday Show, “Art=Gift” is back! This year’s show features handcrafted, affordable art by local and regional artists
Santa Shopping Stroll – Grab a map and explore the charming streets of downtown New London as you shop for holiday gifts. Check out the list of special offers from the businesses participating on that day. Make sure to visit all the locations to collect Christmas stamps on your map. Turn in your completed map to Flavour of Life for a chance to win a fabulous DNLA merchant gift basket. Enjoy this delightful day-long holiday shopping extravaganza!
🎄 Live Entertainment & Festivities:
- The Connecticut Yuletide Carolers Noon – 2pm –Experience the magic of the season as traditionally garbed Victorian Carolers fill the winter air with festive melodies, spreading holiday cheer to all ages. The Connecticut Yuletide Carolers are sure to make your holiday unforgettable.
- The Ausgeseignet German Oompah Band: Enjoy their festive performance from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm,bringing lively holiday cheer!
- Ice Carving: Watch talented sculptors create icy masterpieces at the Hygienic Art Park starting at 5 PM, sponsored by the New London Cultural District.
🎁 Holiday Deals & Treats:
Explore local businesses offering exclusive discounts, special offers, and festive perks:
NLMS Custom House Museum gift shop-10% discounts in the gift Shop.
New London Ink-Will offer a 10% discount on any gift card purchase and receive a gift when you purchase a gift card of $50 or more!
The Golden Owl -Drop off your Santa letters at the Santa Express mailbox.
Studio 33 -20% off Ocean Originals sea glass jewelry and home decor items. Open 9am to 4pm
Telegraph Autonomous Zone 137 Bank Street)– Live holiday music throughout the day.
🎨 Artistic Highlights:
The Annex— Holiday themed Photo-booth with Jose & Erick! Our Annual Handmade Holiday Market, featuring works from over 20 local artisans, art, ornaments, apparel and much more! Holiday Apparel Sale! Up to 50% Off select items!
Thames River Gallery– Thames River Gallery is pleased to celebrate the holiday season with the city of New London, as part of this year’s Holiday Stroll on Saturday December 14th from 11 – 4. This year’s “Christmas at the Gallery,” will pay homage to the city that has been our home for the past 15 years, as we celebrate New London through the seasons. Lee Palombo’s new series of breathtaking photographs show off New London’s notable landmarks and complement the gallery’s expansive display of local land and seascapes depicting the coast and country of both Connecticut and greater New England.
Come to the gallery to see artists in action – stay for cookies, cocoa and a Christmas performance put on by a chorus of Pirates, otherwise known as Free men of the Sea! While you’re here, check out our collection of paintings, photography, and multimedia handpicked for the holidays!
Of course, Christmas just couldn’t be without a few gifts under the tree – what better Christmas gift than a portrayal of your favorite person, pet, or place. Stop by to peruse the work of photographer Allan Millora, who captures people and precious moments in the passage of time.
For some live action, come see pet portrait artist Kim Scoble as she portrays the true personality of a favorite pet, transforming a photo to a frame-ready painting in just a few hours. Be sure to stop by our wood carving station to watch a live demonstration as our wood carvers whittle pieces of wood into winter decorations, ornaments, and other hand-crafted decorations for your home display.
🍻 Sip, Savor, & Celebrate:
Tox Brewery – Stop by and check out the new location at 123 Bank Street.
The Dutch Tavern – Stop by and meet Tim, the new owner, and enjoy a pint!
Woodfellas–Free Hot Chocolate To-Go for Kids & Adults Kids get plain. Adults can get it boozy for $6. 10% discount on in-house dining or Family of (4) Deal: Cheesy Garlic Bread, Hughie’s Love Salad, 12′ Pepperoni Pizza and Smore’s dessert pizza $39.99
Diamond New London– Buy 2 slices, get a free fountain drink and $7 Coquitos!
🎅 Free Gift Wrapping:
Scient Federal Credit Union is offering free gift wrapping and Holiday refreshments at 243 Bank Street from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Please note, only items purchased from downtown New London businesses are eligible for this service.
✨ Additional Bonuses:
Thames River Heritage Park – 25% off Hop-on Hop-off Harbor Cruise Season Pass when purchased on-line between NOV 26 and DEC 31 using the promo code MerryDays. Show your receipt at Flavours of Life or Garde Arts Center box office to get your map stamped for a chance at the Santa Shopping Stroll merchant gift basket.
TRHP Added Bonus – Purchase $100 in TRHP Gift Cards and receive a complimentary 4-pack for a Happy Hour or Sunset Harbor Cruise during the 2025 summer season. Gift cards may be used for history-themed boat tours; hop-on, hop-off harbor, full moon, sunset and fireworks cruises, Stories of the Thames Reception/Lecture Series, Docent Academy and merchandise.
TRHP Disclaimer: Enter promo code at checkout. Order processing and per ticket fees not discounted. Some restrictions may apply. All ticket purchases are final, once the order has processed discounts cannot be applied. No refunds. No exchanges. Need help, call (860) 333-6706.
Garde Arts Center – Make spirits bright with the perfect gift for everyone on your list —a Garde Arts Center Gift Card!!
Whether they love heartwarming holiday classics, side-splitting comedies, live music of all genres, or cinema, a theater gift card unlocks a world of unforgettable experiences.
Join us for the Santa Stroll and snag the ideal gifts for the theater lovers in your life. With a theater gift card, it’s the gift of choice, joy, and live entertainment!
And here’s an added bonus…to keep or gift as stocking stuffers, Hanukkah gilt, or Kwanzaa festivities.
Purchase a $50 GIFT CARD Receive one film ticket to the Breezeline Winter Cinema Series.
Purchase a $100 GIFT CARD Receive two film tickets to the Breezeline Winter Cinema Series.
Purchase a $150 GIFT CARD Receive three film tickets to the Breezeline Winter Cinema Series.
Purchase a $200 GIFT CARD Receive four film tickets to the Breezeline Winter Cinema Series.
Disclaimer: Not valid on previously purchased gift cards, gift cards purchased online, or in combination with any other offer. Gift cards must be purchased through the box office, either in person or over the phone. Shipped gift cards incur a $2.00 shipping fee. Garde Arts Center gift cards are only redeemable toward the purchase of tickets for performances at the Garde Arts Center. Per Connecticut law gift cards do not expire. Not exchangeable for cash, no cash back.
December 25th – Lighting of the Menorah– Parade Plaza 5pm
December 26th – Kwanzaa- Kinara lighting at the Parade Plaza ( time TBA)
January 12th – Three Kings Celebration – On Sunday, January 12 at 92 Eugene O’Neil, New London, CT from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30pm – Sponsored by ADNL / Asociación de Dominicanos de New London
