I know, I know the turkey hasn’t even hit the table, but I had to write this now so you don’t miss Simsbury Celebrates, which is Saturday. Blame them, I’m just doing my duty to prepare you for the week ahead.

When I was in high school, I sang in both the choir and an acappella group. I know, kind of nerdy, but the holidays made it magical. We performed all season long: formal concerts, visits to a local retirement home, even carols at a Christmas tree farm. For me, those moments truly defined the spirit of the season, a vibrant reminder that the holidays stretch far beyond a single day. The true magic lies in the lights, the decorations, the music, the movies, and, most importantly, the people who bring it all to life.

So, as soon as those Thanksgiving leftovers make their way into sandwiches and soups, I urge you: get out and start early. Soak up every possible memory.

From Simsbury Celebrates on Saturday to the upcoming holiday stroll in West Hartford and Farmington's torchlight parade, the next two weeks are packed with hometown magic. Bundle up and join in.

Simsbury Celebrates
📅 Saturday, November 29, 5 - 8:30 PM
📍Hopmeadow Street
Shortly after Thanksgiving, Simsbury transforms into a wonderland of lights, music, and good cheer. Throughout downtown, families can enjoy The Nutcracker mini-performances by the HARTT Community Division, live music from the Farmington Valley Chorus, and photos with Santa and Jingles the Elf at the library. Toast marshmallows at the s’mores firepits, watch ice carving demos, and check out the Gingerbread House Competition before ending the night with fireworks.

West Hartford Holiday Stroll & Menorah Lighting
📅 Thursday, December 4, 5 - 8 PM
📍West Hartford Center & Blue Back Square
West Hartford’s Holiday Stroll brings classic New England charm to life with carolers, live performances on three stages, and thousands of twinkling lights. Wander the Center’s boutiques, meet Santa, and warm up with bites from local restaurants. The evening also includes the town’s Menorah Lighting, a highlight that celebrates light, hope, and community togetherness. Expect fire trucks to explore, music around every corner, and the joyful hum of a crowd that reaches nearly ten thousand strong each year.

Christmas in Collinsville
📅 Friday, December 5 (5–8:30 PM)
📅 Saturday, December 6 (10 AM–5 PM)
📍 Downtown Collinsville

There’s a reason this event feels like stepping into a snow globe. Friday night brings a Champagne Walk for adults, a tree lighting and caroling led by town officials, horse-drawn carriage rides, open mic night, and plenty of food truck fare. Saturday keeps the charm going with storytelling at the Canton Museum, face painting, magician shows, Santa visits, live jazz, and a Christmas concert to close it all out. With twinkling shop windows and carolers filling the streets, it’s pure small-town holiday bliss.

Farmington’s Torchlight Parade
📅 Saturday, December 6
📍Monce Rd, George Washington Turnpike, Burlington Road, River Road, Rt 4

Farmington closes out the weekend with one of the Valley’s most dazzling displays: the Torchlight Parade. Families line up before the wheels roll at 6 PM, when the fire trucks and construction vehicles, decked in lights and garland, parade through town. The illuminated convoy winds down Hyde Road to Route 6, creating a glowing river of light through Farmington’s streets.

🎄 From twinkling lights to fireworks and menorahs, the Valley’s holiday spirit stretches across every town. Whether you’re sipping cocoa on Hopmeadow or joining in with the carolers, these celebrations offer a chance to pause, connect, and soak up the joy that makes this corner of Connecticut shine.

Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!

Look for icons to find your crowd: 🎈 kid-friendly • 👤 adult • 🌞 all ages

Library Events

Discover what’s happening at your local library. Registration may be required—check with each library for full details and other events.