Celebrate the holidays in Stonington Borough
Our New England coastal town is dripping with charm during the holidays. There’s a reason it’s been a location for many movies, including Holiday for Heroes, shot for the Hallmark Channel. The Borough’s storefronts and houses are decked out with greenery, and there’s plenty to do to celebrate the season.
Holiday Kick-off: November 25, 2023
Small Business Saturday + Borough Sip & Shop
Shop small, sip & shop the Borough this holiday season! We’re kicking off the holidays on Saturday, November 25th with family-friendly events throughout the day. Plan for lunch and shopping, and from 5 - 7 pm, a sip & shop at the Borough’s retail shops. Be sure to come early — make reservations — the Borough is sure to be busy! Sip & Shop locations include Carolyn Yost Estate Jewelry & Stonington Antiques, Coral, Cove Ledge, Grand & Water Antiques, Maggie Lee Designs, Repertoire Furniture, Ship Shape Shop, Stonington Consign to Design, Stonington Jewelry at Cannon Square, Tucci, and Wm. Cole!
LOBSTER TRAP TREE LIGHTING
Don’t miss the Stonington Lobster Trap Tree, made of real lobster traps and buoys hand-painted by local families and artists. The architectural masterpiece will be situated at the town dock, paying homage to Stonington’s renowned fishing industry. The Stonington Lobster Trap Tree will be on display beginning on November 25, 2023, Small Business Saturday, until Tuesday, January 9, 2024. The Stonington Lobster Trap Tree opens at dawn. The tree will be lit every night between 4:30 - 9:30 PM until January 8, 2024, and lit from 4:30 - 7 PM on January 9, 2024.
FIND THE BUOY HOLIDAY SCAVENGER HUNT kICKOFF
Kids and adults are welcome to participate in the Find the Buoy Holiday Scavenger Hunt. Pick up a postcard, find the buoys at select locations, and you could be entered to win one of our amazing prizes!
Other Holiday Events
Holiday Market at Cove Ledge - November 25 - December 16, 2023
Every Saturday, November 25th through December 16th from 2 - 5 pm, plus the night of the Holiday Stroll (12/1), Cove Ledge Beer, Wine & Spirits will be hosting a Holiday Market in their back garden featuring 6 local artists.
Deck the Walls - NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 2, 2023
This year, The Stonington Historical Society (Historic Stonington) is partnering with the Stonington Garden Club for their annual fundraiser, Deck the Walls. The event kicks off with a ticketed preview party on Nov. 30th from 6 – 8 pm where you’ll get first dibs on the auction items, followed by a Holiday Open House at the Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House on December 1st and 2nd from 10 am - 4 pm. Purchase tickets for the Preview Party and view auction items (coming soon). Free admission December 1st and 2nd.
TRADITIONAL TREE LIGHTING ON WADAWANUCK SQUARE - DECEMBER 1, 2023
Every year, on the first Friday evening in December, the Stonington Village Improvement Association (SVIA) sponsors a tree lighting ceremony in Wadawanuck Square that includes community carol singing and a special visit by Santa. Everyone is welcome to join in! Immediately following the lighting of the tree is the annual holiday stroll down Water Street, which will be closed from High Street to Cannon Square. Merchants keep their shops open late and welcome visitors. The shops compete for the title of “Best Dressed Holiday Window” in the annual Borough A-Glow contest.
The Yale Whiffenpoofs Performing at La Grua Center - December 1, 2023 at 7 pm
After the tree lighting, don’t miss an unforgettable evening of music with The Yale Whiffenpoofs performing at La Grua Center at 7 pm. The Whiffenpoofs, America’s oldest a cappella group, with former members performing for prominent figures such as Presidents Obama, Bush, Clinton, and Regan, and performing at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Prepare for an evening of timeless classics and contemporary holiday favorites. Kids 18 and under are free, adults $20. Tickets are on sale now.
