Looking for the best things to do in Connecticut on Thanksgiving Day weekend 2025? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list!
Enjoy the turkey, eat the desserts and then get out to enjoy all the seasonal events starting this weekend! Run off all those mashed potatoes at the Manchester Road Race or Pequot Runners Thanksgiving Day Road Race. After the dishes are done, go and see Santa and Elsa at the Carousel Museum or take a light hike at Turkey Daze & Trail Stroll in Canton.
Opening this weekend, take a cozy, family hayride at Night of Lights: Hayrides with Santa at Fairview Tree Farm or see a great display of gingerbread houses at the Watershed History Collective's Annual Gingerbread House Festival (formerly the Wood Library & Museum). And you can still get tickets to Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Oakdale.
Check out our picks for seasonal fun in the Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Connecticut Families, updated with all the latest Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's Eve events for the 2025 season.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Mommy Poppins!
More Things to do in Connecticut this Week with Kids
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Thanksgiving Weekend 2025 in Connecticut - Things To Do with Kids
Thursday, November 27, 2025
This scenic and fast course offers a 5-mile run or a 2.6 mile walk that goes through the Gold Coast and has some of the state's loveliest views, including Southport Harbor. Read More
Thursday, November 27, 2025
A CT Tradition, decades strong! The race is a 4.748 mile long hilly course through Manchester. Fans, bands, and merriment will greet you along the way. If you don't want to run, spectating is just as fun for all ages! Read More
Friday, November 28, 2025
Drop off your child (ages 5+) daily for this day-long experience. Children will be immersed in the Museum’s galleries while learning about history and developing their art skills with unique materials and techniques. Read More
Friday & Saturday, November 28 & 29, 2025
How well do you really know Meleagris gallopavo, the wild turkey, a cousin of the domesticated turkey? What is a turkey’s snood? What is a Jake? Do turkeys have beards? Take a self-guided turkey scavenger hunt or register for a guided hike at 1:30 pm. Crafts, quiz and more. Free with admission to the Nature Center. Read More
Friday, November 28, 2025
Get ready for a magical holiday celebration! Join us at The Carousel Museum for an enchanting afternoon with Santa Claus and his very special guest, Elsa! This festive event is packed with delightful activities that will make your holiday season sparkle. Read More
Friday, November 28, 2025
Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the stage in this awe-inspiring and eye-popping family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family. Read More
Friday, November 28. 2025
Join us this holiday season for fun & festive experiences that are free and open to the public, along with exciting shopping rewards. Read More
November 28 - 30, 2025
Halls are decked inside and outside at the Connecticut Trolley Museum with more than 15,000 lights for this annual event. Guests board enclosed trolley cars for a ride down a tunnel of lights as they sing traditional Christmas carols with their trolley car operators. Read More
Friday, November 28-30, 2025
One of the largest gingerbread house displays in New England features an incredible array of candy covered houses. The Festival will take place with the Watershed History Collective and will be held at NOMAD's this year. Read More
Friday, November 28-30, 2025
Join us for the ultimate holiday celebration at Winterfest! From thrilling day and night tubing to a snow play area for kids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Read More
Friday, November 28 - 30, 2025
Santa Claus is coming to town...and coming to Mystic Aquarium for photographs! Visit your favorite animals, explore our exhibits, and meet Jolly Old Saint Nick with a special photo opportunity for all ages. What a great way to celebrate the ho-ho-holidays! Read More
Saturday, November 20, 2025
Santa is making his list and checking it twice. But first, breakfast at Foxwoods sounds extra nice! Breakfast with Santa is back at Foxwoods as part of A Season Like No Other! Families can enjoy a festive holiday breakfast at Cedars Steaks & Oysters with a special holiday menu, Santa meet-and-greet, and photo opportunities. Read More
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Winterfest is back at the North Haven Fairgrounds - our final event of the year! Over 30 local craft vendors, face painting, free kids crafts and games, story time, food trucks, hayrides, decorate trees, basket raffles, and touch a truck. Read More
Saturday, November 29, 2025
The Meriden YuleFest once again brings the community together to kick off the holiday season with vendors for your holiday shopping, Santa comes for a visit, the elves will be around and a special visit from the Grinch himself. Read More
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Santa Claus is coming to Mystic with the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in Historic Downtown Mystic. Thousands gather at the Mystic River Park to watch Santa arrive! Santa Claus comes at 2pm. The tree lighting is scheduled for 6pm. Read More
Saturday & Sunday, November 29 & 30, 2025
Join Fairview Tree Farm for a magical night of holiday lights at their annual Christmas nighttime hayride! A 30-minute tractor pulled wagon will take you through our decorated and lit tree fields and holiday scenes. Visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and more! Holiday Spirit throughout our farm! Sit by a cozy bonfire while sipping on tasty treats. Read More
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Join CVHF for the Sanctuary Holiday Kickoff Weekend! Celebrate the magic of the season with gifts that give back! Explore the Sanctuary Holiday Shop for unique, handcrafted treasures perfect for holiday giving - and get your holiday cards ready early with photos alongside adorable goats or a vintage holiday truck. Read More
Saturday, November 29, 2025
It's the most wonderful time of the year to SUPPORT SMALL. Join Small Business Saturday as we kick off the holidays on Pratt Street. The Hartford Chamber, Pratt Street + Hartford Prints! are teaming up to put together a magical holiday market in downtown Hartford. Read More
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Trees in the Rigging is back! Come to the Museum for a full day of holiday fun. Together with the Essex Historical Society, the Connecticut River Museum is pleased to present this classic event. Read More
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Join Pamela McColl for a festive presentation celebrating the fascinating Christmas character Mrs. Claus. McColl shares her knowledge of the art and literature that chronicle the character and draws from her new book What Would Mrs. Claus Do? in which Mrs. Claus offers tips for living according to her “Fa-La-La-La Philosophy” along with ideas for making the most of the holiday season. Read More
Saturday & Sunday, November 29 & 30, 2025
Last time we met the young Christopher Kringle, he and his wife Margaret were sent on a madcap mission through NYC to save Christmas! This year, Santa and his team welcome the reindeer to the North Pole in a brand-new adventure you won't want to miss. Read More