December 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 2026
2:00–8:30 p.m. | Timed entry
Prepare to be transported this holiday season. Leave the modern world behind and step into a living holiday card—a place where joy, wonder, and community are at the heart of the experience. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in live period performances, caroling, carriage rides, hand-crafted interpretive experiences, and festive treats to take home.
As dusk falls, experience our signature Magic Hour, when thousands of twinkling lights transform the Museum into a glowing holiday wonderland. Share a cup of cheer, join in caroling with friends and neighbors, and take part in beloved traditions that celebrate the warmth of gathering together.
This year, Lantern Lights offers expanded arrival times, giving you more flexibility to experience the evening at your own pace. Every visit includes the festive sights and traditions you love, along with Museum exhibitions, holiday performers, and special seasonal experiences throughout the grounds.
The same enchanting tradition, now with more ways to make it your own. Step into the magic and find yourself home for the holidays.
This event has staggered entry times every 30 minutes, beginning at 2:00 p.m. and last entry at 7:00 p.m.
Ticket prices vary.
Non-members:
Members:
Park in the North Lot and enter at the North Entrance through the Thompson Exhibition Building.
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 to join the residents of Greenmanville (along with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future!)
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, crackling fires, family crafts, music, and more. The experience is mainly outdoors and on uneven ground. Please dress accordingly and bring a personal flashlight.
The experience has timed entries every 15 minutes, so purchasing your tickets in advance is recommended in order to get your preferred entry time. Guests may stay until the end regardless of what time they enter. Staggered entry times start at 5:00 p.m., with additional entry time on Saturdays. Ticket prices vary by day—join us on Fridays (or Thursday, December 18) for the best value!
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,visit with St. Nick, crafts, and playscape will delight little ones, while visitors of all ages will enjoy carolers, the theatrical experience, a horse and carriage ride, and fireside chats.
There is no sign-up needed for the theatrical experience. The time on your ticket is your entry time. You’re welcome to visit the theatrical portion of the event at any point during the evening of your visit.
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 have access to an online event map and guide upon check in, and there will also be plenty of 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, 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.
Ticket prices vary by day with prices ranging from $20 to $28 for Youth and from $25 to $40 for Adults. Children 3 and under are FREE.
Join us on Fridays (or Thursday, December 18) for the best value! Special Member price on Friday, December 5.
Please be advised that in the modern section of the experience, the holiday lights on display feature twinkling, flashing, and rapidly changing light patterns.
Park in the parking lot directly across the street from the Museum’s North Entrance at the corner of Greenmanville Ave. and Rossie Pentway. If the North Parking Lot is full, there is additional parking available in the Museum’s South Parking Lot, which is at the next stop light, 3/10 of a mile south of the North Parking Lot.
Enter the Museum through the Thompson Exhibition Building at the North Entrance (directly across the street from the North Parking Lot).
Lantern Light Village is sponsored in part by the State of Connecticut on behalf of the CHET 529 College Savings program.
Mystic Seaport Museum thanks our community partner Power Posse Productions for their support of Lantern Light Village.
