Holiday Lights Opens on Friday at Lake Compounce

By Naugatuck/Bethwood Patch Mayor Nancy Sasso Janis

Holiday Lights returns to Lake Compounce this season with a few surprises in store. The glittering event, now in its 12th year, opens on Friday and runs through Dec. 29.

Southern New England’s Only Theme Park Holiday Event will offer 15 days to celebrate the joy of the holidays.

Blake Braswell, Entertainment & Events Senior Manager, told me that even before Halloween, America’s First Amusement Park has been gearing up for the most magical time of the year.

The entire family will be surrounded by dazzling light displays, decked midways and festive food and drink options, including velvety hot chocolate, festively decorated fried dough, and Sweet Shoppe offerings.

The Holiday event that runs on weekends, weather permitting, will feature CT’s Tallest Christmas Tree at the park’s main entrance and more than 500,000 lights throughout the park., The big man in red will be at the park in the Starlight Theatre listening to holiday wishes and posing for photos.

Guests can take a stroll among hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, and gaze up at the tallest Christmas tree in the state. Families can enjoy a wide variety of delicious, themed treats and take a ride on the North Pole Express (which promises to be brighter than ever,) Boocifers Haunted Holiday at Ghost Hunt, Zoomer’s Gas n Go, Kiddie Coaster and more. Each ride is weather permitting.

There will be games and activities where children can have more holiday fun with the cheerful and beautifully costumed elves. Head to Santa’s Workshop in the ballroom to craft your own snow globe, Stuff-A-Bear or create a personalized ornament. The popular Letters to Santa returns, where young guests may write a letter to Santa for a chance to receive a response before the holidays end.

New this year will be the renowned Connecticut Yuletide Carolers. This festive a capella quartet dressed in Victorian costumes will fill the winter air with the bright sounds of the season, bringing holiday cheer to young and old alike. Expect familiar classic holiday tunes, as well as favorite contemporary songs, as well as several Hanukkah songs.

There will also be reasons to visit, including the return of Pawliday Lights on Dec. 8, and a firework display to close out 2024 on Dec. 29 at 8 p.m.

This holiday season, the lake is partnering with local nonprofits to spread cheer with its Season of Giving. Each weekend, guests are invited to bring donations. As a thank-you, they will receive a free 2025 ticket.

In partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol, visitors are encouraged to bring hats, gloves and coats during the opening weekend.

On Dec. 3, the park celebrates Giving Tuesday with the Bristol Alzheimer’s Association. For every 2025 Season Pass sold on Giving Tuesday, Lake Compounce will donate a free 2025 single day ticket to the association.

Lake Compounce re-introduces Pawliday Lights on Dec. 8, when families can bring the whole family, even the furry ones. Those that bring a donation on Dec. 7 or 8 for the Meriden Humane Society in the form of dog toys, treats or food will receive a free ticket for 2025.

The weekend of Dec. 13 – 15, Lake Compounce will be hosting a Stuff-the-Pepsi Truck event in partnership with Pepsi. Guests are encouraged to bring one unwrapped toy to help stuff the truck to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol.

The park closes out its 2025 season of giving with a food drive, teaming up with Southington’s Bread for Life. Those that bring non-perishable food items for local residents in need during the final weekend of Dec. 26 - 29 will also receive a free 2025 ticket.

One special icon is coming back to Holiday Lights with an all new look and because I was given a sneak peek, I suspect that there will be lines waiting to take photos with this mascot.

Shoutout to the dedicated team of Santa’s helpers who continue to work hard to bring holiday magic alive at the theme park.

Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce will begin on Friday at 5 pm. There will be an Opening Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s arrival. Holiday Lights will run Fridays from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Saturdays from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Sundays from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. from Nov. 29 through Dec. 29. The park will offer an additional day to enjoy all that is merry and bright on Dec. 26 from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Bring your family and celebrate the return of one of New England’s Favorite Holiday Traditions. Those looking to visit during the holiday season and throughout 2025 can save up to 40% on a 2025 Season Pass now and get unlimited admission to Holiday Lights with select passes during the park’s Black Friday Sale. Season Passholders enjoy extra perks all Holiday Lights season long like bring a friend free days, free hot chocolate refills, 50% off select merchandise and more.

All photos by Nancy Sasso Janis