Holiday Enchantment

Holiday Enchantment at the Connecticut Science Center is the ultimate seasonal celebration for the entire family. Wander through dazzling holiday displays, featuring a magnificent 16-foot tree in Science Alley. Hop into Santa’s sleigh for a picture-perfect moment or meet Santa himself for a photo you’ll treasure. Kids will delight in the Polar PlayZone, packed with snowy adventures and hands-on fun. Keep the magic going with special 3D screenings of The Polar Express and festive holiday workshops. Every corner offers something to spark joy—from enchanting sights to playful activities, creating memories you’ll cherish for years to come. Don’t miss this winter wonderland—there’s “snow” much fun waiting for you.

A 16-foot tree stands at the center of Science Alley, radiating holiday magic. Throughout the building, festive displays and surprise decorations capture the season's spirit. Higher up, Santa’s gleaming sleigh awaits as a perfect photo spot for cherished family memories. Whether meeting Santa himself or enjoying the festive atmosphere, every detail is designed to create lasting holiday memories.

Holiday Displays Created by

Join us for a magical holiday experience every Saturday and Sunday from Thanksgiving until Christmas. Step into a winter wonderland where children can share their holiday wishes and capture a memorable photo with Santa himself. The space will be transformed into a cozy holiday haven, complete with twinkling lights, snow-dusted trees, and immersive holiday scenes to create the perfect festive backdrop. Start a new tradition and make some family memories that will warm your heart all season long.

DATES & TIMES

• November 29-30 | 11AM-3PM
• December 1 | 11AM-3PM
• December 6 | 5:30-8:30PM | Polar Pajama Party Ticket Required
• December 7 | 10AM-2PM
• December 8 | 11AM-3PM
• December 14-15 | 11AM-3PM
• December 21-22 | 11AM-3PM

INCLUDED WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS NOTED

Get ready for frosty fun and snowy smiles in our brand-new winter-themed playground. Glide and giggle across our vibrant sock skating rink, where you can twirl and spin in your socks on a dazzling surface that feels just like ice—without the chill! Then, head into our Winter Cottage bounce house, a fantasy wonderland with soft surfaces perfect for bouncing and giggling with friends. After all the excitement, warm up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and a delicious cookie (additional fee).

FROSTY FUN FOR EVERYONE!

• SOCK SKATING RINK | Glide and giggle your way across our vibrant sock skating rink! Here, you can twirl and spin in your comfiest, coziest socks as you skate on a dazzling surface that feels just like ice.
• WINTER COTTAGE | Jump into our snow covered Winter Cottage bounce house! This whimsical wonderland is filled with soft surfaces and the perfect place to release some energy and embrace the joys of winter.
• SWEET TREATS | After all the excitement, warm up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and delicious cookies. Treat yourself to a tasty snack to keep your energy high for more winter adventures. Additional fee.

THIS IS AN ADD-ON EXPERIENCE – BUY NOW AND SAVE
Polar PlayZone tickets are $3 per person if purchased online in advance and $5 per person at the door (ticket availability not guaranteed at the door). Time slots are 30-minutes.

Immerse yourself in a snowy realm of wonder and discovery at our Winter Wonder Lab! Let the magic of the holiday season spark your imagination as you embark on enchanting hands-on adventures. Build charming winter villages, craft clever contraptions for festive gift deliveries, and unlock the secrets of winter science through creative challenges that make learning pure joy. With new activities each day, every visit promises a fresh experience—where snowy dreams meet playful engineering and holiday magic comes to life.

DATES & TIMES

• November 29-30 | 11AM-3PM
• December 1 | 11AM-3PM
• December 7 | 10AM-2PM
• December 8 | 11AM-3PM
• December 14-15 | 11AM-3PM
• December 21-22 | 11AM-3PM

INCLUDED WITH GENERAL ADMISSION

Step into the Holiday Forest of Illusions, where festive wonder hides around every turn, challenging your perception in dazzling ways. Stroll through snow-dusted trees, follow candy-cane paths, and enjoy cheerful holiday music filling the air. The forest has undergone a merry makeover—peer into a kaleidoscope of swirling snowflakes, step into festive scenes with our green screen, or fly Santa’s sleigh through the vibrant RGB light wall. With festive new surprises at every corner, this enchanted holiday forest promises that you won’t believe your eyes.

November 29 - January 5 | 10AM-4PM

Aside from the festive décor, not all activities run daily, and hours may vary. To avoid disappointment, please check the schedules on this page for specific activity dates and times before purchasing tickets.

A young boy who has grown skeptical of Santa Claus is shocked to see a train stop outside his window on Christmas Eve, destined for the North Pole. When he accepts an invitation from the conductor to climb on board, he embarks on a white-knuckle ride to Santa’s headquarters, where he makes fast friends and learns an invaluable lesson about the true spirit of Christmas. G | 1H 40M

DON’T MISS THE TRAIN

• November 29-30 | 2PM
• December 1 | 2PM
• December 6 | 7:30PM | Polar Pajama Party Ticket Required
• December 7 | 2PM
• December 8 | 2PM
• December 14-15 | 2PM
• December 21-22 | 2PM

SEPARATE THEATER TICKET REQUIRED

Get ready to brighten the holidays with your own handcrafted, glowing greeting cards! In this festive workshop, you’ll learn how to design beautiful holiday cards using simple circuits, adding a touch of magic to your season’s greetings. It’s the perfect way to send warm, merry wishes that truly shine.

• $5 per child
• Suitable for ages 7-12
• Space is limited

DATES & TIMES

• December 7 | 11-11:45AM, 12-12:45PM, 1-1:45PM
• December 14 | 11-11:45AM, 12-12:45PM, 1-1:45PM
• December 21 | 11-11:45AM, 12-12:45PM, 1-1:45PM

Join us for an exciting dive into the world of circuitry! In this hands-on workshop, participants will design and build their own buzzing bug robots while exploring the fundamentals of electricity and basic robotics. It’s the perfect way to ignite creativity and curiosity during the holiday break.

• $5 per child
• Suitable for ages 7-12
• Space is limited

DATES & TIMES

• December 26 | 11-11:45AM, 12-12:45PM, 1-1:45PM
• December 28 | 11-11:45AM, 12-12:45PM, 1-1:45PM
• December 30 | 11-11:45AM, 12-12:45PM, 1-1:45PM

Become a dino engineer and help our team design a cool new upgrade for the Connecticut Science Center’s Dilophosaurus animatronic! You'll also get to create and take home your own fully articulated “dinosaur claw” for even more roaring fun.

• $5 per child
• Suitable for ages 7-12
• Space is limited

DATES & TIMES

• December 27 | 11-11:45AM, 12-12:45PM, 1-1:45PM
• December 29 | 11-11:45AM, 12-12:45PM, 1-1:45PM