Celebrate Christmas In Essex, Ct: A Holiday Guide

The charming town of Essex, Connecticut, is a wonderful place to spend the holiday season. With its picturesque Main Street, historic buildings, and friendly community, Essex is the perfect destination to get into the Christmas spirit. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Essex, CT, from festive events and activities to holiday shopping and dining.

The holiday season in Essex begins in late November and runs through December, with a variety of events and activities for all ages. One of the highlights of the season is the Essex Holiday Festival, which takes place on the first Saturday of December. This festive event features holiday shopping, food, and drink, as well as live music and entertainment.

Essex Holiday Events

Essex is known for its charming holiday events, which bring the community together to celebrate the season. Here are some of the top events to look out for:

• Essex Holiday Festival: This annual event takes place on the first Saturday of December and features holiday shopping, food, and drink, as well as live music and entertainment.
• Christmas in the Village: This festive event takes place on the second Saturday of December and features holiday shopping, food, and drink, as well as live music and entertainment.
• Essex Tree Lighting Ceremony: This annual event takes place on the first Friday of December and features the lighting of the town's Christmas tree, as well as live music and entertainment.
• Holiday Concerts: Throughout the holiday season, Essex is home to a variety of holiday concerts, featuring local musicians and choirs.

Holiday Shopping in Essex

Essex is a shopper's paradise, with a variety of unique boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores. Here are some of the top places to shop in Essex during the holiday season:

• The Essex Bookshop: This charming bookstore features a wide selection of books, gifts, and stationery.
• The Essex Art Gallery: This gallery features a wide selection of local artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and jewelry.
• The Essex Antiques: This antique shop features a wide selection of antique furniture, collectibles, and vintage items.
• The Essex Specialty Food Store: This store features a wide selection of gourmet foods, including cheeses, baked goods, and chocolates.

Holiday Dining in Essex

Essex is home to a variety of delicious restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, perfect for holiday dining. Here are some of the top places to eat in Essex during the holiday season:

• The Essex Inn: This historic inn features a wide selection of American cuisine, including steaks, seafood, and pasta dishes.
• The Blue Hound Cookery: This farm-to-table restaurant features a wide selection of seasonal dishes, including soups, salads, and entrees.
• The Essex Bake Shop: This bakery features a wide selection of delicious pastries, cakes, and breads.
• The Essex Coffee Shop: This cozy coffee shop features a wide selection of coffee, tea, and baked goods.

Things to Do in Essex During the Holiday Season

Essex is a charming town with a wide range of activities and attractions to enjoy during the holiday season. Here are some of the top things to do in Essex during the holidays:

• Take a Holiday Stroll: Take a stroll down Essex's picturesque Main Street and enjoy the holiday lights and decorations.
• Visit the Essex Historical Society: This museum features a wide selection of exhibits and artifacts related to the history of Essex.
• Go Ice Skating: Essex is home to a public ice skating rink, perfect for families and couples.
• Take a Holiday Tour: Essex offers a variety of holiday tours, including historic home tours and holiday lights tours.

Getting to Essex, CT

Essex is easily accessible by car, train, or bus. Here are some of the top ways to get to Essex:

• By Car: Essex is located off of Route 9 and Route 153, making it easily accessible by car.
• By Train: Essex is served by the Shore Line East train, which runs from New Haven to New London.
• By Bus: Essex is served by the 9 Town Transit bus, which runs from New Haven to Old Saybrook.

Accommodations in Essex, CT

Essex is home to a variety of charming hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts, perfect for holiday accommodations. Here are some of the top places to stay in Essex:

• The Essex Inn: This historic inn features a wide selection of rooms and suites, as well as a restaurant and bar.
• The Copper Beech Inn: This charming inn features a wide selection of rooms and suites, as well as a restaurant and bar.
• The Essex Bed and Breakfast: This cozy bed and breakfast features a wide selection of rooms and suites, as well as a delicious breakfast.

In conclusion, Essex, CT is a wonderful place to spend the holiday season. With its charming Main Street, historic buildings, and friendly community, Essex is the perfect destination to get into the Christmas spirit. Whether you're looking for holiday events, shopping, dining, or activities, Essex has something for everyone. So why not plan a trip to Essex this holiday season and experience all that this charming town has to offer?