Written By: Laura Bailey
Lake Compounce kicked off its 12th annual “Holiday Lights” event this weekend, ushering in the festive season with a dazzling display of more than 500,000 lights, Connecticut’s tallest Christmas tree, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
Known as America’s First Amusement Park, Lake Compounce transformed into a winter wonderland, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in holiday magic with sparkling lights, seasonal treats, and fun for all ages.
“It’s all so pretty,” Bristol Resident Hailey Armstrong said, “the Christmas Tree is my favorite thing, but the Wave Swinger is a close second. It’s really cold but the hot cocoa warms you up in a nice way, and it’s extra chocolatey.”
The highlight of the Holiday Lights event is the towering 100-foot Christmas tree located at the park’s main entrance. The tree, adorned with thousands of shimmering lights, provides a stunning backdrop for visitors to take family photos and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Each evening, the park also hosts a light show at the Main Gate, where dazzling lights are synchronized to music in a magical display.
The 100-foot tall Christmas Tree at Lake Compounce. | Laura Bailey
This year’s event also features a variety of rides, many of which remain open throughout the holiday season. Families can take a spin on the Carousel, brave the thrilling Drop Zone, or ride in an airplane on American Flyers. Other family-friendly attractions, including Wave Swinger, Ghost Hunt, North Pole Express, and Zoomer’s Gas N’ Go, are also available for guests to enjoy.
For those with a sweet tooth, the park offers an array of holiday-themed treats. Guests can sip on velvety hot chocolate, munch on warm, sweet fried dough, and indulge in other festive snacks. The Sweet Shoppe also offers holiday-themed candies and baked goods, adding an extra layer of sweetness to the experience.
A new addition to this year’s event is the Connecticut Yuletide Carolers, a festive a cappella quartet dressed in Victorian costumes. The carolers fill the air with classic Christmas tunes, contemporary holiday favorites and traditional Hanukkah songs.
Children also have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus at the Starlight Theatre, where they can share their holiday wishes and pose for photos with Jolly Old St. Nick. Santa’s Workshop offers hands-on activities, allowing young guests to craft personalized ornaments, make their own snow globe, or stuff a bear to take home as a keepsake.
The Holiday Lights event will continue every weekend through Dec. 29, with extended hours during the holiday week. A spectacular fireworks display on Dec. 29 at 8 p.m. will close out the 2024 season with a bang, offering a festive finale to a month of holiday cheer.
Laura Bailey can be reached at lbailey@bristoledition.org
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