Seasonal & Holidays

Mystic's Lantern Light Village Returns In December

The holiday event features light displays, live music, horse and carriage rides, fireside gatherings, a visit from St. Nicholas, and more.

Press release via Mystic Seaport Museum

MYSTIC, CT — Mystic Seaport Museum is excited to bring back Lantern Light Village this December. This is an outdoor, self-guided experience allowing visitors to travel between modern day and 19th-century holiday seasons. Lantern Light Village promises to be a memorable outing featuring lighting displays, live music, horse and carriage rides, fireside gatherings, a visit from St. Nicholas, and a variety of holiday-themed activities including stories, crafts, and games.

A new theatrical event, “Holiday Heirlooms,” will tell the story of the Noyes family and explore how their Christmas traditions changed over several decades between 1851 and 1893. Various locations across our 19th-century seaport village will serve as the backdrop for the theatrical performances, further allowing our visitors to become part of the story by partaking in a 19th-century dance, hearing songs of Christmases past, and sharing in the family’s Christmas holiday.

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Each evening will feature live chantey music in the village along with music by local choirs, including:

  • Stonington High School Chamber Choir – December 8, 9, & 23
  • Stonington Madrigal Singers – December 15 & 16
  • CT Yuletide Carolers – December 21 & 22

This experience takes place predominantly outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. Therefore, it is advised to dress in attire that will keep you warm and dry to fully enjoy the experience.

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Some areas of the campus are illuminated solely by the soft glow of kerosene lanterns, which enhances the 19th-century ambiance. Visitors can bring a personal light source, such as a flashlight or headlamp, for added convenience. Please be aware that pets, except for service animals, are not permitted on the grounds during this event due to the presence of horses.

Lantern Light Village will be held on Dec. 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 from 5 - 8 p.m. each evening.

Admission prices for this event are as follows:
Adult (Ages 13 and up) $29, Members $24
Youth (Ages 4-12) $24, Members $19
Ages up to 3 are free

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit here.

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