Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce in Bristol, CT
822 Lake Avenue, Bristol, CT 860-583-3300
2018 Update: Open from November 23 – December 23, 2018.
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Thanksgiving to December 23, Lake Compounce transforms the amusement park into a winter wonderland. The park is covered in Christmas lights and holiday decorations. They have Christmas music playing, hot chocolate available for purchase, and winter activities throughout. Many of the kiddie rides are also open, making it a wonderful family-friendly holiday activity.
We had so much fun with our Lake Compounce season pass that we decided to buy a pass for next year during their Black Friday promotion. We took advantage of having the Holiday Lights included FREE with the purchase of the Lake Compounce Platinum Pass.
This was our second time going to the Holiday Lights. We first went to the Holiday Lights in 2012 when the girls were only 1-year-old. It was a bitter cold day and we spent most of our time trying to stay warm. This year the temperature was much warmer and the girls were able to go on several of the rides. I’ve learned that when planning outdoor holiday events in New England the weather can easily dictate how much fun you’ll have.
TIP: Keep blankets and hand warmers in your diaper bag or stroller. You’ll never know when they’ll come in handy, but you’ll be happy when you need them!
We went on the Sunday before Christmas and were pleased to see that the crowds weren’t too large. There was almost no wait for rides which is an added plus!
Updated Pricing for 2018: Regular $15.99, Senior (over 60 years) $11.99, Junior (4-10 years) $11.99, Kids 3 and under FREE. Platinum and Diamond pass holders FREE.
The park is transformed into a winter wonderland with Christmas lights and music throughout. Their is a light show set to music every half hour in the entrance to the park.
Lake Compounce has added a 100 foot tall tree at the entrance of the park. It is said to be the tallest Christmas tree in the state.
When we entered the park we headed right over to the kiddie rides. Many of my twins’ favorites including the motorcycles, caterpillar train, flying elephant, hot air balloons, and kiddie coaster were all open.
Enjoy a variety of food trucks throughout the park. We came with empty stomachs so we were excited to try out food from the various trucks.
It was lightly snowing on the day we went to see the lights. It only added to the holiday atmosphere and made it feel even more like Christmas.
If you started to feel a little cold there were firepits, hot chocolate, and s’mores stations throughout the park.
There was even someone carving ice sculptures. The girls (and myself) were amazed at how he transformed a block of ice into a piece of art.
Olivia insisted on riding the carousel. We headed over to the main area since the kiddie one was closed. The classic carousel was decorated with lights and was playing Christmas music.
After being in the cold for over an hour we had two cranky toddlers who needed to go inside and warm up. We headed over to the Winter Wonderland in the Starlight Theater. Inside you were able to get a your picture taken with Santa, write a letter to Santa, or decorate Christmas cookies.
2014 Pricing
We decided to call it quits after peeking at Santa but there was still so much to do. You can take a train ride to the North Pole, play games, even do a little shopping. We can’t wait to return next season to Lake Compounce for a summer of fun!
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