Stafford WinterFest Parade of Lights & Holiday Festival
Stafford WinterFest Parade of Lights & Holiday Festival
Saturday, December 9, from 3:00pm - 7:00pm
The brightest night in Stafford returns to ring in the holiday season on Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (weather date December 10). A festive hometown tradition, WinterFest features live performances, visits with Santa, a community bonfire, the Parade of Lights, hundreds of luminaries throughout Main Street, festive tractor rides and more! For event details and Light Parade participant registration, please visit: www.explorestaffordct.com/winterfest or follow this event on Facebook and click "going" for all the latest updates!
Museum Open House - 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Explore two-floors of Stafford’s rich heritage and connect to our local history! The Museum’s little gift shop will be open, give the gift of history this season!
Live Nativity - 3:00pm
Live Nativity Performance with real actors and animals will take place on the lawn of the First United Methodist Church at 8 Church Street.
Hyde Park Wagon Rides - 3:00pm - 4:45pm & 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Bundle up and take a festive wagon ride! Truly a charming and memorable experience, passengers should meet near the Historical Society (5 Spring Street). Rides will be offered before and after the parade, and on a first come, first serve basis and may vary based on road closure schedule.
Local Shopping & Food
In addition to favorite bricks-and-mortars, browse a selection pop-up vendors and community organizations in Haymarket Common, starting at 3:00pm. The goal of the market is to support a community of makers, entrepreneurs, artists, and community groups who are passionate about sharing their craft or local initiative. Vendor registration is closed. Stafford Coffee Co. will be open late, offering a limited menu and hot beverages. Hot Taco Street Kitchen food truck will be parked on the Spring Street Bridge, and Stafford House of Pizza will be serving up its full menu.
Parade of Lights - 5:00pm
Step-off at 5:00pm from Olympic Circle, down Main Street to Town Hall, with entrants lighted for evening viewing. Viewing is everywhere between Olympic Circle and Town Hall! Visit with Santa in Haymarket Common following the Parade of Lights!
Caroling, Mix + Mingle
SHS Band & Color Guard performs just prior to the Parade of Lights (approx. 4:45pm), then caroling w/ SHS Choir will lead a carol sing following the procession! All in Haymarket Common.
Letters to Santa
We’ve made special arrangements with the North Pole! Children may drop their letters to Santa in the big red mailbox located outside the Police Station. Make sure to include the senders first/last name and return mailing address on each letter so Santa can mail a response!
Should weather cause a postponement, WinterFest will be rescheduled to Sunday, December 10, 2023.
WinterFest Activity Map & Schedule
Stafford WinterFest Road Closure, Detour, Parking & Parade Route Information
