Let's Celebrate! Worldwide

November 18 - December 31

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Join us during Let's Celebrate! Worldwide, a joyful exploration of holiday traditions from around the globe. Experience the warmth of Thanksgiving through giving and gathering, discover the wonder of international fables and folktales and enjoy a special countdown to 2025 as we learn how other cultures ring in the new year.

Enchanting visits with Santa Claus, magical nightly tree lighting ceremonies and exciting performances round out this unforgettable seasonal celebration.

Featured Experiences Daily Schedule

November 18 – December 1

Giving and Gathering

Fall into the season with Giving and Gathering! Join us for daily autumn-themed activities and harvest-inspired fun that brings family and friends together in celebration of the spirit of Thanksgiving.

December 2 – December 23

Festive Fables and Folktales

From La Befana, the kindly Christmas witch, of Italy to the mischievous Kallikantzaroi of Greece to the mythical first snow of South Korea, we’re bringing a captivating collection of festive fables and folktales from around the world to life during daily programs and activities.

December 24, 26 and 27

Holidays Together

Unwrap holiday fun! Join us December 24 for Christmas cheer, December 26 for Kwanzaa festivities and December 27 for Hanukkah traditions. Each day featuring themed activities, performances and stories for the whole family!

December 28 – December 31

Countdown to the New Year

Celebrate the arrival of the New Year with us! Join us for daily programs where you’ll discover a rich variety of traditions, from well-known festivities to delightful hidden gems, and learn how people around the world mark this joyous occasion.

Special Holiday Hours

Thanksgiving Eve: Open Until 3:00 pm
Thanksgiving Day: Closed
Christmas Eve: Open Until 3:00 pm
Christmas Day: Closed
New Year's Eve: Open Until 3:00 pm
New Year's Day: Closed

Featured Experiences

Fall Mini-Concert

November 23 • 11:00 am and 2:00 pm

Join Dan, Dan the Music Man for a musical celebration of autumn! Enjoy songs about the season’s vibrant colors, Thanksgiving feasts and the joys of family gatherings. Let’s express our gratitude for the harvest and all the wonderful things this time of year brings!

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Show Up, Kids! Holiday Edition

November 30 • 11:00 am and 2:00 pm

In Peter Michael Marino's acclaimed, interactive family comedy, kids (and their grownups) help a hapless host to create an original storytelling show on the spot—choosing everything from props to characters to sounds to everything in between—all with a fun holiday twist!

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Holiday Kickoff Museum Lighting

December 1

Art Smarts: Lantern Making

3:00 – 4:00 pm

Puppet Parade and Museum Lighting

4:00 – 5:00 pm

We’re making Stepping Stones merry and bright! Create your own tea light lantern during Art Smarts, then step into the holiday season with a whimsical, winding puppet parade through our exhibits leading to a magical museum lighting under the stars.

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Nightly Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 2 – 23 • 4:45 pm

Brighten the season with our enchanting nightly tree lighting parade and ceremony! Join us every evening at our outdoor Celebration Courtyard stage for a festive countdown as we illuminate our dazzling holiday trees, adding sparkle and magic to the night before we close.

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Santa Sightings

December 2 – 24

Santa Claus is coming to town—and he’s bringing his holiday cheer to Stepping Stones all the way from the North Pole! Share your wish list, capture magical moments and have some jolly good times with Old Saint Nick himself during this festive meet-and-greet.

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Holidays in Harmony

December 7 • 11:00 am

Join Rising Stars Performing Arts for Holidays in Harmony! Featuring two spectacular holiday medleys—Christmas on Broadway and Grinch! A Christmas Choral Medley—this group of talented singers will light up the stage with joyful melodies and festive cheer.

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An Afternoon with the Nutcracker

December 14 • 11:00 am and 2:00 pm

Experience a festive afternoon with the Nutcracker, brought to life by the Norwalk Metropolitan Youth Ballet! Join Artistic Director Adam James Holms and his talented dancers for captivating performances, a delightful ballet workshop and the timeless story of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.

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Holiday Dress-Up Countdown

December 16 – 24

The holidays are here, and we’re spreading joy in style with our Holiday Dress-Up Countdown! Featuring daily dress-up themes packed with festive flair— from wacky sweaters to sparkling winter wonderland vibes—get ready to deck yourself out and keep the holiday cheer alive all week long!

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Of Cold and Kindness Puppet Show

December 18 – 20, 22 • 11:00 am and 2:00 pm

Even the darkest times can inspire warmth and compassion! Of Cold and Kindness is an inspiring cabaret featuring five short stories, both classic and contemporary, beautifully brought to life through the charming art of live puppetry.

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Wendy Kerner: A Harp and the Holidays

December 21 • 11:00 am and 2:00 pm

Join acclaimed harpist Wendy Kerner during this interactive exploration of holiday music! Featuring melodies from around the world in celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, Wendy will also share the history and fascinating science behind the harp’s enchanting sounds.

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Vivace String Ensemble

December 23 • 11:00 am and 2:00 pm

Local string ensemble, Vivace, joins us for a lively performance of pop, rock and holiday music! Presented by Suzuki Music Schools and featuring specially-created arrangements of favorites like Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" and OneRepublic's "Secrets," plus some festive tunes, this concert is the perfect way to close out the holiday season.

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Prelude String Ensemble

December 23 • 12:30 pm

Enjoy a performance of pop music and festive tunes performed by local string ensemble, Prelude! Presented by Suzuki Music Schools, this concert will feature a variety of fun music the whole family can enjoy. Their repertoire includes specially-created arrangements of favorite pop songs, classical pieces and some holiday melodies to close out the season!

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African Dance Workshop

December 26 • 2:00 pm

Immerse yourself in creativity and culture! NIA Arts leads this interactive workshop, which introduces African-inspired rhythmic patterns, movement and music while celebrating the meaning of Kwanzaa’s fifth principle, Nia (purpose), and other African American Kwanzaa traditions.

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A Hanukkah with Mazel Puppet Show

December 27 • 2:00 pm

This heartwarming story, adapted from the book by the late Joel Edward Stein and told using hand carved wooden puppets and projected illustrations, follows artist Misha and his feline friend Mazel as they spend Hanukkah together painting, eating latkes and staying warm by the fire.

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Lillie's Laugh Track

December 28

2:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm

Laugh ‘till it hurts during Lillie’s Laugh Track! Join Lillie the Ladybug and her pals for this interactive improv puppet show where we will work with your ideas to create new stories, songs and gut-bustin’ laughs. No two shows are the same!

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Countdown to Noon Celebration

December 31 • 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

We’re having a rockin’ Noon Year’s Eve party at Stepping Stones! Star Factory’s DJ Lou will be in the house as we say goodbye to 2024 and ring in 2025 with great fanfare. Dance, sing and countdown to noon with us as we watch New Year’s Eve celebrations from around the world.

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*Daily programs are subject to change without notice.

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