The long transition from autumn to winter is undeniable; the leaves begin to sprinkle off the trees, pumpkins are traded for Thanksgiving turkeys, which are eventually traded for Christmas pines, and frost begins to dust our lawns at dawn. As the air cools and the days shorten, it’s common to feel gloomy… but it doesn’t have to be. Here are 10 Connecticut activities that might help ease the slow transition between autumn and winter.
- Immerse yourself in a production at the Goodspeed Opera House
Attending musicals and ballets, especially during the holiday season, is a classic. The Goodspeed, founded in 1963 as a professional musical theatre, is a great place to experience unique productions. Located in East Haddam, Goodspeed is the home of the original production of “Annie,” and hosts over 450 shows between April and December. The 2026 winter season will be seeing “Annie” for its 50th birthday, as well as other musicals such as “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Crazy for You,” and “The Snow Goose.” Tickets are typically between $200 and $250 and are absolutely worth it!
- Build Gingerbread Houses at The Silo
Hunt Hill Farm’s The Silo offers several classes that will surely bring back memories to anyone who built gingerbread houses as a kid. On Thursdays through Sundays, guests can book tickets for $130 and will not be disappointed when they are allowed to “play” with their food. The Silo, which is located in New Milford, has been hosting cooking classes for over 50 years and offers a range of classes outside of Gingerbread Houses. Some of the types of food explored in these classes include tasty pastries, delicious Caribbean meals, Sri Lankan cuisine, and Indonesian street food.
- Visit vendors at Washington Farmers’ Market
Located in Washington, Conn., this market is sure to have something for everyone. Farmers’ markets are a staple in the warmer months, but who says they can’t carry on into the colder months as well? The Washington farmers’ market is known for its fresh produce and support of local farmers; however, tasty treats such as pies, cakes, jams, and goodies from local small businesses are also up for grabs. If you don’t find anything you’re interested in, you can enjoy the live music and spend time with loved ones.
- Be GOATed at yoga with Bradley Mountain Farm’s mountain goats
Yoga is for everyone… humans and goats alike! A recent fad, goat yoga is increasing in popularity, and it makes sense as to why people love it. For $35, spend some time doing light yoga with goats and friends at Bradley Mountain Farm in Southington. An instructor will take you through an hour-long session of light yet upbeat yoga with goats walking around, hoping to join in on the fun. Afterward, guests get a chance to take photos with the goats and go home with silly, lasting memories.
- Take a trip to the North Pole with Essex Steam Train and Riverboat
Despite what you may have been told, there is a way to get to the North Pole: the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat’s North Pole Express. This train ride takes guests through the woods of Essex and surrounding areas and includes classic parts of the “Polar Express” movie, like hot chocolate and Santa Claus. This is a perfect event for younger kids and families, and it’s a great way to bond with someone who might be interested in something more relaxed and nostalgic. There are several dates that the train runs, starting November 20 and concluding December 23. Tickets typically cost around $70 and are well worth the price. Make sure to book tickets quickly as they tend to run out very fast!
- Sip cider at Clyde’s Cider Mill
Besides the infamous aquarium and Mystic River, Mystic has another claim to fame: the only steam-powered cider mill left in the United States. It is family-owned and presses both sweet cider and hard cider. Guests get the unique opportunity to see how the steam-powered process works, as well as enjoy the fruits of their labor with delicious cider and donuts. Guests can also buy honey sourced from local beekeepers and homemade candied apples. It is free to go and is all in all a great experience if you are looking for a sweet treat and a look back in time.
- Take pictures at the “Clawsome” Stonington Lobster Trap Tree
Why should Christmas be limited to pine trees when it could be celebrated with lobster trap trees instead? In Stonington, for the sixth year in a row, guests can wait in a short line and view the tree, which is fully composed of lobster traps painted in bright colors and fun designs by locals. Guests can also walk “inside” the tree and view it from a different perspective, offering a unique and immersive experience. This is a great activity for families and anyone passing through the area. The tree is lit up between 4:30 and 9:30 p.m. and is open to the public starting Nov. 22.
- Discover your inner artist at the Claypen
West Hartford is home to many fun activities, and this is one that particularly stood out to me. The Claypen is a relaxing getaway that lets guests paint premade pottery of their choice. First, guests can choose what piece to paint with a wide variety of options featuring animals, jewelry boxes, gnomes, and more. Then, guests get to “order” their colors by looking at the color menu. This is a perfect activity for friends and family, and tickets make a great birthday gift! Tickets can be purchased online prior to coming in, or they can be purchased on the spot if they’re available. Claypen also offers adult get-togethers and classes for kids. For regular pottery, the average guest will spend around $25-$32 depending on what piece of pottery they choose to paint.
- Support UConn from the stands
Winter is an exciting time for UConn fans in every sport. Fans can enjoy UConn hockey and basketball, and several games are “at home” in the Hartford People’s Bank Arena. UConn Women’s basketball is currently ranked second in the country, so fans won’t be disappointed at their games, as they are high-energy and showcase incredible talent. UConn Men’s ice hockey is also a great watch with 17 home games, four being at the People’s Bank Arena and 13 being at the Toscano Family Ice Forum in Storrs.. Go Huskies!
- Mew Haven Cat Cafe is the “purrfect” place for coffee
Have you been seeing cat cafes all over social media but don’t know where to find one? Think again! New Haven is home to the longest-running cat cafe in New England and offers 50-minute visits as well as three-hour study sessions. This is the perfect place to lock in and spend time with adorable cats, all of which are available for adoption, as the cafe is their foster home. According to the owners, cat cafes are mutually beneficial for both the cats and the humans. Mew Haven also offers an assortment of drinks and bakery treats.
I hope these activities help ease the season!
