There are plenty of big events in Connecticut that celebrate the holidays but sometimes it takes a small town festival to really put us in the proper holiday spirit. Head to the brightest village in the state and enjoy 400,000 sparkling lights at Ivoryton Illuminations.

Ivoryton is a village in the town of Essex. Arrive there during the month of December and you’ll be awestruck by the holiday glow around the village.

Ivoryton Village Alliance

On December 1, 2018, from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., the village will kick off the season with the Ninth Annual Ivoryton Illuminations. The extravaganza will include festive activities for all ages.

Ivoryton Village Alliance Among the many events planned, you can join in Christmas caroling, shop the holiday bazaar, send a card to our soldiers, and participate in an elf scavenger hunt. Stop by the petting zoo on the village green or create holiday crafts at the Ivoryton Playhouse.

Browse the village shops for unique gift giving ideas. The shops are completely aglow with the festivity of the season.

Ivoryton Village Alliance

Santa will make his appearance during Ivoryton Illuminations and that’s not wishful thinking. Jolly Old St. Nick will arrive to visit with the children and aid in lighting one of the state’s largest living Christmas tree at 6 p.m.

Facebook/Ivoryton Village Alliance

Free parking is available for the festival in the First Congregational Church parking lot at 6 Methodist Hill, Essex, CT 06426. Take a shuttle bus down to the village to enjoy the festivities.

Facebook/Ivoryton Village Alliance

If you can’t make the celebration, enjoy the lights and displays of Ivoryton from December 1st - January 5th. Tune your radio stations into 101.5 FM and watch the lights dance along with the music.

Ivoryton Village Alliance Please consider bringing along some canned goods to Ivoryton Illuminations to help Stuff A Cruiser support Shoreline Soup Kitchens. Learn more by visiting their website or Facebook page.

Have you ever visited this sparkling village during the holiday season? Connecticut is a great place to find the spirit of the holidays so jump aboard this holiday trolley to travel through a tunnel of lights this season.

Ivoryton Village Alliance

Among the many events planned, you can join in Christmas caroling, shop the holiday bazaar, send a card to our soldiers, and participate in an elf scavenger hunt. Stop by the petting zoo on the village green or create holiday crafts at the Ivoryton Playhouse.

Facebook/Ivoryton Village Alliance

Please consider bringing along some canned goods to Ivoryton Illuminations to help Stuff A Cruiser support Shoreline Soup Kitchens. Learn more by visiting their website or Facebook page.

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Address: 6 Methodist Hill, Essex, CT 06426