Stamford Downtown is packed with exciting holiday happenings this December! Check our list of fun activities below that the whole family will love!
Holiday Lights
Stamford Downtown is thrilled to bring back its popular Winter Lighting Program, now with expanded installations! The display runs from mid-November through mid-March.
New for 2025, the Winter Lighting Program expansion includes:
- Decorative lamp posts and trees along Greyrock Place.
- Three oversized decorative light bulbs installed in the UConn Stamford raised vegetable garden.
- Six traffic signal poles wrapped from base to arm in pure white and red “candy cane” patterns.
- Enhanced décor at Bedford Street Garage, including illuminated snowflakes at the main entry and garland with twinkle lights at the secondary entry and tunnel entry/exit by the exterior parking area.
Returning favorites and additional highlights include:
- 80 street trees adorned with approximately 1,700 lights each along Bedford, Atlantic, Summer, and Main Streets.
- Special installations at Latham Park and Kiwanis Park.
- Multi-color displays on two grand oak trees at the Ferguson Library and in Columbus Park, with the Columbus Park oak alone featuring 63,000 lights.
- Installations along North State Street – between Atlantic and Washington – and on Broad Street at UConn Stamford, Target, and The Asher.
- Festoon lighting along Clark Street leading to the Bell Street Garage.
Stamford Moms Merry Movie Nights at Stamford Town Center
Fridays in December
Stamford Town Center (activities on Level 4 & Movies in Grand Court on Level 3)
FREE & Open to the Public!
Activities begin at 4 p.m. and the movies start at 5 p.m. Complimentary hot chocolate will be provided on December 5, 12 & 19 thanks to Premier Auto Tag Services LLC! We will also provide complimentary popcorn! Click here for the schedule!
Mill River Park Holiday Market
Saturday, December 6 & Sunday, December 7, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Mill River Park
Free Admission & Optional Donations to the park!
Whether you’re shopping, skating, sipping hot chocolate, or finding your Christmas tree—there’s something for everyone!
What to Expect:
- Meet & greet with Santa himself!
- Pick out the perfect tree to bring home and start the season right.
- Warm up with a cup of cocoa while relaxing by crackling fire pits.
- Savor festive bites, sweet treats, and local specialties.
- Browse unique handmade gifts, décor, and artisan goods—perfect for holiday shopping.
- Lace up your skates and enjoy gliding under the winter sky.
- Family Fun, Live Music & Holiday Cheer
Heights & Lights
Sunday, December 7, 5 p.m.
Landmark Square, Broad Street for Rappel and Fireworks
Latham Park, Bedford Street for Tree Lighting, Stamford Downtown
FREE & Open to the Public
Adam Klotz, FOX News Meteorologist and friends are scheduled once again for Reckson’s Rappelling Santa. Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Elf, Rudolph and the Grinch will make their dare devil descent down the 22 stories of the Landmark Building, followed by Fireworks. After the rappel, Santa’s busy holiday schedule will take him straight up Bedford Street to Latham Park where he will join the Stamford Community for holiday music with the 4th Grade Chorus from Roxbury Elementary School and the lighting of the Holiday Tree.
Holiday Wish Express
All aboard for holiday magic! The Holiday Wish Express is is located on Level 5 at Stamford Town Center for the fourth year, transforming 22,000 square feet into New England’s most spectacular indoor holiday attraction and interactive experience. Open on select dates through the end of December.
When purchasing your tickets, be sure to use code STAMFORDMOMS for 15% off!
Hanukkah Celebrations
Giant Menorah Lighting at Latham Park
Sunday, December 14, 4 p.m.
Menorah Car Parade
Saturday, December 20
After Shabbos, leave from Chabad of Stamford and parade to Latham Park for a Giant Menorah lighting at 6 p.m.
Holiday Shows at The Palace Stamford
Sunday, December 7, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Saturday, December 13 & Sunday, December 14, Connecticut Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Sunday, December 21, Santa’s Circus
Saturday, December 27, The World Ballet Company: Nutcracker
Learn more & get tickets here!
Take a Photo with Santa at Stamford Town Center
Santa Claus is back in town! He ready to hear wishes from little ones on his brand new Stamford Town Center Santa Set! Capture the magic of the season by visiting with him on Level 4 through December 24!
Additional Family Friendly Holiday Info!
The Stamford Moms Holiday Event Guide
Ways to Give Back
Where to Cut Your Christmas Tree This Year
Where to Get Your Christmas Tree in Stamford
Festive Restaurants
The 2025 Stamford & Greenwich Holiday Catering Guide
Tips for the Essex Steam Train North Pole Express
Photo c/o Stamford Downtown