CT Mommy Blog

Looking for more holiday activities? Check out my list of 50 family-friendly holiday activities in CT!

Goodwin Park – 1130 Maple Avenue, Hartford, CT

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just one week away. I find that it’s so easy to get caught up in the shopping, wrapping and baking that I forget to slow down and enjoy all the magic around us. I love finding little ways to pause and take a break during this busy season. I recently took my family to visit Holiday Lights Fantasia in Hartford, CT. It was the perfect way enjoy the beauty of the holiday season filled with a car of my favorite people.

Goodwin Park in Hartford is transformed into a drive-through winter wonderland. The 2-mile display celebrates the season with charming lighted displays. Admission into the event directly benefits the Channel 3 Kids Camp allowing children of all backgrounds and abilities to attend camp.

2018 Dates & Times

November 22, 2018 – January 1, 2019

Sunday – Thursday: 5 pm – 9 pm
Friday & Saturday: 5 pm – 10 pm

Admission

We arrived at the park at 5:15 and there was already a large line of cars. The whole operation ran very smoothly. There was a police officer directing traffic outside the park and then people directing us into lanes. Once at the admission booth we were given a quick background on the lights and given a brochure.

Price of admission is $15 per car. Payable with cash or credit card (additional 50 cent convenience charge applies to credit cards)

TIP: Save $2 with coupon

Lights

Off we went to enjoy the lights. The whole ride lasted around 20 minutes and we were able to enjoy it from the comfort of our warm car (walking is prohibited). Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the lights. There were displays for Christmas, Hanukkah, 3 Kings Day, New Year’s Day and favorite characters such as Lightning McQueen, Pokemon and SpongeBob.

TIP: Tune your car radio to 89.7 to listen to holiday music

Here are a few of our favorite light displays. I hope you get to slow down and enjoy the holiday season!