Holidays in the Park ~ 2024
The Castle will welcome visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, November 29 and every Saturday and Sunday through December 22. Buy your tickets ahead of time before they sell out!
Winter holidays are always special at the Gillette Castle State Park! In addition to the beautiful vistas seen from the various trails, the park is host to a number of special events. We are very excited to be able to share the Castle in all its holiday splendor this year!
The Castle interior is bedecked with festive cheer, and open for tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last entrance to the Castle is 3:30 p.m. Tickets are limited, get them in advance to avoid disappointment.
Holiday events include LOTS of free musical entertainment in the Visitor Center (see the list in the box to the right), free hot cider, and more!
Guided train trail hikes are held twice each weekend day from Friday November 29 through Sunday December 22 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Registration is recommended to reserve a slot.
The Cider station with FREE cider for all is open weekend days from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday Nov 29 through Sunday Dec 22. Gather around the bonfire during those hours, bring your sticks and marshmallows for a fun winter treat.
The Souvenir shop is open weekend days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday Nov 29 through Sunday Dec 22.
Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt and coloring pages at the Cider station! The scavenger hunt covers all the free areas of the park, no ticket to the Castle is required for this.
Trivia questions and carols for the young and old are held at the Cider station and Bonfire area.
Special Holiday Events Include:
Guided Train Trail Hikes each weekend from Friday Nov 29 - Sunday Dec 22, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Musical Entertainment (Noon - 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted):
Friday, November 29 - Flute Loops
Sunday, December 8 - Mystic River Brass Ensemble (outside)
Sunday, December 8 - Hartt Community Division Saxophone Quartet (inside, start time 1 p.m.)
Saturday, December 14 - Southeastern Connecticut Community Orchestra Woodwind Quartet (noon - 12:45 p.m.)
Saturday, December 21 - Harvard Lane Clarinets (start time 12:30 p.m.)
Sunday, December 22 - Mystic Winds
Watch this page for additional updates!
You can join us in making the holidays FUN! Give out free cider at the cider station, help with train trail hikes, or welcome visitors inside the Castle itself. We also welcome help preparing for the holidays: Help decorate the Castle, the grounds, the Visitor Center and our Cider Station! Read details about these volunteer roles here. Sign up here or with the button below. Sign-up is required, so we know who will be there.
Sponsorship of the Gillette Castle holiday program is a great way to show your commitment to the community! Opportunities are still available, click below for more details.
