Holiday Festival 2023
38th Annual Holiday Festival Merry & Bright
December 3rd **
Main Street, Newtown, CT
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Holiday Festival brings the community together to celebrate and kick-off the holiday season.
This highly anticipated yearly event benefits Newtown Youth & Family Services, the largest provider of youth support and mental health services in Newtown.
** Some activities have additional or different dates and times. See each activity below for specific dates and times.
Activities
Concessions
December 3rd
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Edmond Town Hall (Lobby)
Hungry? Come grab a bite to eat and support NYFS!
Sponsored by: Linde
Cookies with Mrs. Claus
December 3rd
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Edmond Town Hall (Gym)
Meet Mrs. Claus and decorate cookies!
Sponsored by: Boost Bowls
Elf Chats - Live from the North Pole!
December 8th - December 15th (specific days)
For 10 minutes between 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Virtually on Zoom
Not included in the Holiday Festival ticket.
Have a personalized video chat with Evergreen the Elf in Santa's Workshop at the North Pole!
Sponsored by: Mt. Pleasant Hospital for Animals & Pleasant Paws Pet Center
NEW
Family Magic Shows
December 3rd
Two Shows: 11:15 AM & 12:30 PM
Location: Edmond Town Hall (Gym)
Get ready for fun and laughter as Magician Matt Matthews performs his best magic tricks!
Sponsored by: Newtown Family Dentistry
Festival of Trees
December 2nd & December 3rd
Specific times
Location: Trinity Episcopal Church (Glover Community Room)
Additional fee for raffle tickets.
To donate an item to the Festival of Trees CLICK HERE.
Win a decorated tree, wreath, basket, etc. to enjoy all season.
Sponsored by: Trinity Episcopal Church
Gingerbread House Competition
December 2nd - 9th
Location: Online
To enter the Gingerbread House Competition CLICK HERE.
Enter your unique gingerbread house for the chance to win a great prize.
Sponsored by: Ingersoll Auto of Danbury
In partnership with: The Toy Tree
NEW
Historic House Tours
December 3rd
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Along Main Street
Not included in the Holiday Festival ticket.
Fresh pine swag, crystal candelabras, flickering flames and handcrafted stockings hung by the chimney with care… join us for the Holiday Festival House Tours!
Sponsored by: Eversource
Historic Trolley Tours
December 3rd
11:10 AM, 11:45 AM, 12:20 PM, 12:55 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:05 PM, 2:40 PM & 3:15 PM
Location: Edmond Town Hall (Front Parking Lot)
The Holiday Festival ticket includes one ride.
Enjoy a guided tour of Main Street telling the stories of the houses that line this historic street.
Sponsored by: Connie Widdmann & Team
NEW
Holiday Tea
December 3rd
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: C.H. Booth Library (Main Floor - Gathering Room)
Not included in the Holiday Festival ticket.
Listen to live holiday music filling the air and enjoy the smell of mulled apple cider, tea, freshly baked scones and tea breads.
Sponsored by: Newtown Savings Bank
Kids Crafts
December 3rd
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: C.H. Booth Library (Kids Area)
Stop by and make your very own Holiday craft!
Sponsored by: Planters' Choice Nursery
Letters to Santa
November 10th - December 14th
Location: The Toy Tree
Write a letter to Santa and drop it off at The Toy Tree to be mailed to the North Pole. Santa will respond with a personalized letter!
Sponsored by: The Toy Tree
Newtown's Family Scavenger Hunt
December 2nd
2:00 PM
Location: Newtown Youth & Family Services
Not included in the Holiday Festival ticket.
Bring the family together and embark on a scavenger hunt around Newtown!
Sponsored by: Around Town Real Estate
The Nutcracker Suite
December 3rd
Two Shows: 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM
Location: Edmond Town Hall (Theater)
A Holiday Festival ticket includes one showing of the Nutcracker Suite. A Ballet Only ticket is available for $12.
Watch a performance of elegance and grace presented by the Newtown Centre of Classical Ballet & Voice.
Co-Sponsored by: Sandbox Beach Grill
Online Silent Auction
November 27th - December 9th
Location: Online
To donate an item to the Online Silent Auction CLICK HERE.
Win items and experiences donated by local businesses.
Co-Sponsored by: Caraluzzi's & Church Hill Village
Outdoor Holiday Market
December 3rd
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Along Main Street
To become an Outdoor Holiday Market vendor CLICK HERE.
Take a stroll down Main Street, listen to carolers and buy handmade goods & food from vendors at the European-style Christmas Market.
Sponsored by: Renewal By Andersen
NEW
Photos with Festival Friends
December 3rd
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Edmond Town Hall (Gym)
Meet the Grinch, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Mrs. Claus and more!
Co-Sponsored by: Baum Braces & Macaroni Kid
Sponsors
Premier Sponsor:
Diamond Sponsor:
Gold Star Sponsors:
Silver Bells Sponsor:
Activity Sponsors:
Holiday Helpers:
Location Sponsors:
Supporting Sponsors:
