Lake Compounce’s Annual Holiday Lights Festival is a Must

Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut has long turned into a winter wonderland each holiday season with its Holiday Lights Festival — and sadly, the 2025 season is your final chance to experience it. 

The festival transforms Connecticut’s oldest amusement park into a festive winter escape, blending nostalgic charm with full-scale holiday spectacle. As night falls, hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights illuminate winding pathways, classic rides, and towering trees, creating an immersive experience that feels both magical and lively. Guests can stroll beneath glowing arches, warm up with seasonal treats like hot cocoa and sweet holiday snacks, and enjoy select rides dressed up for the season, making it more than just a walk-through light display.

From meeting Santa and snapping photos by the park’s iconic Christmas tree to soaking in the cheerful music and energy throughout the park, the festival delivers a memorable holiday outing that appeals to families, couples, and anyone looking to capture the spirit of the season in a uniquely New England way.

What Makes It Special

This isn’t just a light show, it’s a full theme-park holiday experience that blends classic amusement park energy with festive magic:

  • Half a million twinkling lights illuminate the park grounds, pathways, and classic attractions. 
  • A 100-foot Christmas tree — billed as Connecticut’s tallest — serves as the iconic centerpiece perfect for photos and holiday memories. 
  • Seasonal rides and attractions like the North Pole Express, decorated kiddie rides, and Boocifer’s Haunted Holiday bring joy for guests of all ages. 
  • Meet Santa and holiday characters — kids can visit the big man himself, share wish lists, and snap festive pictures. 
  • Interactive activities like writing letters to Santa and ornament making add personal touches. 
  • Festive foods and drinks — hot chocolate, eggnog, s’mores, roasted nuts, seasonal dinners and more give your taste buds a reason to celebrate too. 

When & Where

Holiday Lights runs select dates through December 28, 2025 at Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut

Typical hours vary by day, with weekends often offering extended evening light strolls and entertainment. 

Tickets & Tips

Tickets start around $19.99–$34.99 depending on sales and day selected, with children under 3 often free.  Buying a 2026 season pass can also get you free Holiday Lights admission — a poll booster if you’re coming with a group

Pro tip: Plan for at least a couple of hours — there’s a lot to see, eat, ride, and capture on camera.

The Final Holiday Lights

Also recently announced, 2025 marks the last year the park will hold Holiday Lights in its current form. Lake Compounce announced it’s retiring the event after this season to focus on other core experiences and future opportunities. 

For locals and visitors alike, that gives this year a bittersweet edge — it’s not just another holiday event, it’s a send-off to a beloved tradition that’s been part of New England’s winter for more than a decade.

www.LakeCompounce.com – Holiday Lights

3 thoughts on “Lake Compounce’s Annual Holiday Lights Festival is a Must

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