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A visit to Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce {Bristol, Connecticut}

Another year, another round of family traditions. Getting the tree, visiting local lights. One spot if you love lights and sparkles is the Holiday Lights event at Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut.

holiday lights lake compounce

2016 Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce

holiday lights lake compounce

We’ve been to the event in previous years, and were grateful that this year the weather was just cold and not freeze-your-toes-off! Holiday Lights returned to Lake Compounce for its fifth season this year!

A new addition this year was the tallest Christmas Tree in Connecticut! This thing is HUGE! I couldn’t even fit it all in my photos! At 100 feet tall and with over 700,000 sparkling lights, this tree is visible from all around the park, making it a lovely addition to the event.holiday lights lake compounce

Festive activities at Holiday Lights include:

  • Nightly tree lighting event with special guests (at opening)
  • Spectacular Light Show at the main gate – every half hour
  • Kiddieland rides and family themed attractions
  • North Pole Railway – take The Train out around the Lake for a fantastic view of the park lit up and also many light displays along the way. Bundle up! You’ll listen to holiday music and the Conductor will tell you a story. It’s a long ride, so if you have room, bring a blanket to bundle up!
  • Ice Carver creates frozen sculptures
  • Carolers stroll the park (I did not see them!)
  • Mrs. Clause’s Story Time (Kiddieland stage)
  • Indoor activities – cookie decorating, letters to Santa, gingerbread house making, and many photo opportunities with costumed characters!

holiday lights lake compounce

While you’re there, you can shop at several open gift stores, warm up by outdoor fire pits and heat lamps, or order a “bottomless” cup of coffee/cocoa/cider when you get the commemorative travel mug (Just $8 for the night!). Many Connecticut Food trucks are also stationed throughout the park so you can enjoy treats of all kinds from:

  • Deb’s Cafe
  • Chunky Tomato Pizzeria
  • Spuds Your Way
  • and more!

holiday lights lake compounce

Our kids had fun going on the Kiddieland rides – they are finally BOTH old enough to ride them, and even let Mommy sneak onto a few with them! They now know how much I LOVE dizzy, twirly rides (I do!) and how much Daddy does NOT!

holiday lights lake compounce

What other local Connecticut events do you attend to celebrate Christmas?

We received free admission in exchange for posting about this event. All opinions are 100% my own.

Margaret S Porter

Wednesday 1st of March 2017

These pics are beautiful! I would love to visit one day

Dandi D

Tuesday 28th of February 2017

That tree looks amazing--I've never seen anything like it!

Rosie

Wednesday 15th of February 2017

This looks great! I didn't realize any amusement parks in the colder areas are open at winter, Kids don't mind the cold, anyway!

Julie Kieras

Thursday 16th of February 2017

They typically aren't open after labor day, but some will do Halloween or Holiday special opens like this one.

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