Top Things to Do During Winter Break in 2025

Editors: Elli Avdimetaj, Maddy Albright, and Jena Haggerty

Need some ideas for winter break? Don’t fret, as we have compiled the top activities for you, as decided by us and Wethersfield High School students!

Winterfest Hartford: Free Skating and Carousel in Bushnell Park
Enjoy ice skating at Bushnell Park in Hartford for free with friends and family. With school break coming to a start, why not try something new if you haven’t ice skated before? This spot is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.. I can’t wait to go and try it out with my friends. Crazy how close we live to it!!! — Edita Becirovic ’26 


Glow Hartford
If you are looking for a memorable, family-friendly escape from the cold this Christmas season, Glow Hartford, located at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Conn., offers indoor entertainment featuring millions of Christmas lights, interactive light gardens, and illuminated structures. Scavenger hunts, a trackless train ride, a free photo with Santa, and live entertainment are also offered alongside festive markets stocked with refreshments and treats. The 2025 season dates are Nov. 21 through Dec. 23, open from 4-8 p.m. or 9 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 8 p.m. on the weekends. — Maddy Albright '26



Powder Ridge Mountain Skiing
A great place to spend time over break is at Powder Ridge. Located in Middlefield, Powder Ridge is one of the most popular ski areas on Besek Mountain. This mountain features a 500-foot vertical drop, with 80 acres and 19 different trails. Powder Ridge is a place for new skiers and advanced skiers, with green, blue, and black trails. Can’t find time to ski during the day? Skiing on the illuminated slopes at night, with fewer crowds and a lower temperature, transforms the slopes you see during the day into a whole different experience. Powder Ridge is definitely a great place to visit over break to get outside and enjoy time with friends and family. — Kate Freitas ’26 


Holiday Baking
From holiday cutout cookies to gingerbread house-making competitions, holiday baking is an inexpensive, relaxing, and fun activity to do in the comfort of your home without having to bundle up for the cold. Many holiday recipes are delicious, easy to make, and leave your kitchen with a lingering holiday warmth. You can make Santa’s cookies, gingerbread men, Christmas morning cinnamon rolls, challah bread, absolutely anything you want! Some popular Christmas cookies include crinkle cookies, peanut butter blossoms, sugar cookies, and snickerdoodles. Try making one of these delicious recipes over break; I promise you (and your family) will not regret it! — Jena Haggerty '26

Check out the Holiday Lights ("Holiday Light Fantasia" at Goodwin Park/Lake Compounce Holiday Lights Festival) (ends Dec. 28)
"Holiday Light Fantasia" and the Goodwin Park Lake Compounce Holiday Lights Festival are super fun and festive. The lights are bright, colorful, and honestly amazing to see in person. The 2-mile show at Goodwin Park contains 1 million lights!. It feels like walking into a holiday movie and is perfect to go with friends and/or family. — Rosie Thigpen ’26

Go to New York City!
New York City has beautiful spots during the holidays where people all across the United States go to visit. There are so many iconic things to do there. There is ice skating at Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park, dazzling holiday lights (like Dyker Heights), Broadway shows, museum visits (Met, AMNH), festive markets (Union Square), cozy hot chocolate spots, heated rooftop bars, and exploring winter wonderlands in Central Park or Brooklyn Heights. The main thing that people see is the newly lit annual tree that NYC has a special spot for, but keep in mind, it will be quite packed and busy. — Sophie Centurelli ’26 

Windmill Hill Crazy Light House
Whether you're driving around and want to make a stop, or need a fun activity for any age during the holiday break, Windmill Hill in Wethersfield is definitely the place to stop. Over the years, 122 Windmill Hill has displayed a light show more than any other house in Wethersfield. The attraction gathers 20-30 cars a night. The front yard is covered in different types of lights, from reindeer to snowmen to toy soldiers, and the driveway is lined with glowing archways. While looking at the lights, tune to the radio station 90.9 FM or 104.5 FM, which you can connect to get the full experience. The lights match up with the music from your car and truly make the light show that much more fun. If you happen to be driving home from holiday shopping or want to get out of the house, Windmill Hill is an easy, free place to stop and enjoy the scenery. — Kate Freitas ’26 

Essex Steam Train (Polar Express)
Christmas magic comes to life on this magical round-trip train ride at the Essex Station. This indoor escape from the cold weather provides immersive, festive fun for all ages! Children and families sing along to Christmas music and experience a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Costumed characters from the "Polar Express" movie offer hot chocolate and cookies to all the passengers. Each ride lasts approximately 90 minutes, with tickets being sold from mid-November to Dec. 23, 2025. Ticket prices vary from coach ($60-$70) and first class ($90-$100) depending on the day, and tickets are sold online only. — Maddy Albright '26

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Shows at The Bushnell
The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts is one of the largest venues in Hartford, Conn. This historic landmark opened in 1930 and hosts Broadway musicals, ballets, and operas. The venue is famously known for its holiday shows that fill the 2,800-seat theater. One must-see show is “The Nutcracker,” which features a live symphony. Catch “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, Dec. 20, or Sunday, Dec. 21! — Elijona Avdimetaj ’26

Holiday Movie Marathon
Winter break doesn’t always need to be about going out; it is nice to stay inside, too! A holiday movie marathon is the perfect way to stay cozy during the coldest times of the year. Enjoy a collection of movies with family and friends while enjoying hot cocoa and snacks. Check out our “Top 15 Christmas Movies” article on the Eagle Eye website for ideas. — Elijona Avdimetaj ’26

Honorable Holiday Mentions
By Elijona Avdimetaj ’26
Check out these family-owned restaurants from some of our Wethersfield students:

• Leon’s Restaurant: A traditional Hispanic-style restaurant owned by the Vera family that serves hot dishes perfect for the holidays.
• El Nuevo Sarape: A family-owned Hispanic restaurant located in Hartford, Conn., brought to you by the Laras.
• Ming Garden: A family-owned Chinese restaurant located in Cromwell, Conn., run by the Liu family!

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