Lantern Light Village is a self-guided holiday journey through time. You’ll start your adventure at the Museum’s North Entrance, with twinkling lights, carolers, and a visit with Saint Nick. As you explore the Museum further, you’ll enter the realm of the 19th-century, where townspeople from 1876 share their love stories, memories, and traditions as they prepare for a festive and joyful holiday.

Take in our riverside campus after dark with the tastes and sounds of the season, from holiday cookies and carolers, to old-time dances, a horse-drawn carriage ride, and crackling fires. There are also games, family crafts, music, a life-sized “snow globe,” and more. The experience is mainly outdoors and on uneven ground. Please dress accordingly and bring a personal flashlight.

The experience has timed entries, so purchasing your tickets in advance is recommended in order to get your preferred ticket time. Guests may stay until the end regardless of what time they enter.

Timed entry: 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, and 7:00 p.m. Additional entry time on Saturdays: 7:30 p.m. 

Most guests spend about 1.5 hours enjoying the full event. But it can be more or less, depending on the number of people in your party, and the pace at which you explore.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy Lantern Light Village! There are many activities and encounters to experience. The holiday light show, crafts, games, playscape, and life-sized “snow globe” will delight little ones, while visitors of all ages will enjoy carolers, the theatrical experience, a horse and carriage ride, and fireside chats. And regardless of age, who doesn’t love a visit with St. Nick?

There is no sign-up needed for the theatrical experience. It is self-guided; you will begin your journey to 1876 at the Buckingham-Hall House and can proceed to the other scenes in any order!

A horse and carriage ride is included in Lantern Light Village. One of the carriages is wheelchair accessible. The rides last between four and five minutes. 

Food and beverages (alcohol and non-alcohol) are available at Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern which is open throughout the event and centrally located on the Museum grounds. Please note, food and beverages are not allowed inside exhibits or on ships.

Some portions of our grounds are lit only with kerosene lanterns to provide a 19th-century atmosphere. If you wish, you may bring an additional personal light source, such as a battery-powered lantern or a flashlight.

Yes, there is quite a bit of walking involved with this experience, which is mainly outdoors and on uneven ground.  Please dress accordingly.

Guests will receive an event map and guide upon check in, and there will also be signage on the grounds. If you have trouble locating any of our experiences, staff members are happy to help!

The experience is mainly outdoors, however there are some indoor components, such as St. Nick, crafts, the Planetarium, and some of the theatrical scenes. Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern has indoor and outdoor seating.

If it is raining or snowing lightly or intermittently, the event usually still takes place. In the case of heavy rain or snow, we cancel that night and notify ticket holders. You may also check the website and social media for updates. Tickets may be transferred to another night.

Yes. Please call Visitor Services at 860-572-0711 to switch your tickets to another scheduled evening.

No pets are allowed on grounds for this event due to the presence of horses. Service animals are allowed and should be checked in at the entrance where they will receive a yellow collar tag.

Adult Member $24
Youth Member $20
Adult Non-member $30
Youth Non-member $25
Children 3 and under are FREE

Please be advised that in the modern section of the experience, the holiday lights on display feature twinkling, flashing, and rapidly changing light patterns.