Holiday Happenings
Tis the season for holiday enchantment, as well as artisanal shops, remarkable musical performances, elegant teas, special exhibitions, and
long-lasting family memories.
Join us in Old Lyme where the holiday season awaits you!
* Programming subject to change.
Tree Lighting & Holiday Enchantment
The Lyme Academy of Fine Arts invites the community to its Fifth Annual Holiday Enchantment and Tree Lighting. Adults and children are invited to gather on the campus of Lyme Academy at 84 Lyme Street on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 3-5 pm for an afternoon of art demonstrations, s’mores galore station and hot cocoa, music by the Old Lyme Town Band and the Lyme-Old Lyme High School Select Singers, visits and selfies with Santa, opportunities for holiday shopping, and holiday craft-making for all ages. At 4:30 pm, the tree will be lit followed by caroling.
Holiday Magic
Holiday traditions often include a visit to the FloGris Museum and its Holiday Magic exhibition. Here you will find the Artists Trees, festooned with over 250 uniquely painted palettes by artists across the country. Miss Florence’s historic boardinghouse is decked for a 1910 holiday with opulent mantels and delightful décor in the period rooms. November 29 through January 4th. Check the Museum's Events Calendar for special programming and activities.
An Artistic Holiday Open House
Join the Lyme Art Association on December 13th when the galleries come alive with music, family art-making, and a festive open house -- a joyful celebration for all ages! The fun begins at 12:30pm with a visit by Juana Martinez-Neal, children's book author and illustrator of A Gift of Dust. Juana will share stories from her conservation work in Africa, followed by a story time and creative holiday art activity. Beginning at 2pm, guests will enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, cookies, and sparkling beverages served in the galleries. Throughout the season, enjoy live music in the galleries on Saturdays beginning November 29.
Special Sales
Throughout the holiday season, you'll find special offerings and pop up shops in Old Lyme. The third annual Holiday Market at the Old Lyme Historical Society will be held Saturday, December 6th from noon to 4pm and will feature the Lyme Artisans Guild and the Duck River Garden Club. The market fun extends across the street to Lilywork Artisan Tile where they will hold a Winter Market and Studio Tour from 1pm-4pm. When looking for a distinctly Old Lyme gift, consider stopping by the Old Lyme Post Office where the Old Lyme Historical Society will be Saturdays (December 6, 13, 20; 9am-noon) selling their tea towels, calendars, and books. Phoebe's BookCellar will have its annual holiday sale Friday, December 5 (12pm-4pm) and December 6 (9:30am-1:30pm). Phoebe's will have gift-quality books in the Library Community Room, and a "half-price sale" in the BookCellar. Be sure to pick up something for the artist in your life at de Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials and Curiosities, which will be hosting jewelry by artist Ann Lightfoot on Saturday, December 6th from 12pm-5pm. Ann Lightfoot Jewelry makes a perfect holiday gift to treasure forever. The FloGris Shop has holiday decor, gifts, jewelry and more in their "decked for the holidays" museum store. In addition, you'll find more gifts and home decor at the various shops in Old Lyme. Buying Local is a great experience in Old Lyme!
Craft Making
Memories are made when creating something new together. Make a wreath using natural materials (followed by a guided bird walk!) at the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center on December 6th at 10am. LYSB will have a gingerbread house workshop for families on Sunday, December 7th from 10:30am -12pm. You'll find a variety of holiday crafting opportunities for both adults and children at the Phoebe Griffith Noyes-Old Lyme Library and at the FloGris Museum. Families are invited to drop-in at the FloGris Education Center on Sundays (November 30-January 4, 11am-3pm) for Joy In the Making holiday crafting. The Lyme Art Association's monthly series Represent! Family Art Program, continues December 13th with a morning of creative exploration inspired by the award-winning book A Gift of Dust.
Musical Performances
The arts in Old Lyme include special musical performances to suit every taste. Musical Masterworks' December 6 & 7th concerts will be headlined by legendary bassist and composer Edgar Meyer alongside acclaimed pianist Amy Yang. Their program will span duos from the Classical era to today, including original works and arrangements by Meyer himself. The Old Lyme Town Band has several holiday performances scheduled, including Friday evening, December 12th at Christ the King Church. Most every Friday and Saturday night through the season, the Side Door Jazz Club brings to its stage the best jazz to be found. The Blues can be found right on Lyme Street at Nightingale's Acoustic Cafe, an intimate venue for concerts and open mics. And meet up with friends and enjoy live music Thursdays through Saturdays at The Stumble Inne.
Holiday Teas
A chance to slow down and enjoy special friends, a Holiday Tea is just right during the holidays. Reservations are required for the highly popular teas in Old Lyme, including those by Cafe Flo and by the Old Lyme Inn. A special tea with Santa takes place at the Old Lyme Inn on Saturday, December 6th and 13th.
Art Sales
The perfect gift is often an enchanting piece of art. You will find works for sale by regional artists at the Lyme Art Association's gallery exhibitions including Deck the Walls. Works both historic and contemporary are available for purchase at The Cooley Gallery's Small Paintings Show 2025 (November 20 - January 4). Visit the studio of local artist Deborah Quinn-Munson who transports viewers to our beloved landscape with her spectacular works.
The Old Lyme Arts District is generously supported by Connecticut's Eastern Regional Tourism District.
Please support the generous corporate sponsors of the Old Lyme Arts District!
Platinum Sponsors
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Welcome to Old Lyme
Welcome to Old Lyme, a small, historic town on the Connecticut coastline. We are known for our art galleries and beaches, and have so much more. Whether you are thinking about relocating your home or business here, or just looking to visit for the afternoon, welcome! We are glad to have you.