When it comes to Christmas celebrations, Stonington could easily lay claim to the title of most festive town in southeastern Connecticut.

Beginning a few days after Thanksgiving, the town has numerous Christmas related events both big and small. They involve businesses, schools, churches, fire departments and some of the state’s biggest tourist attractions.

While people were still polishing off leftover turkey and trimmings, a large crowd gathered in Mystic River Park on Nov. 28, for the annual lighted  boat parade which also features Santa arriving aboard one of the boats and a tree lighting. This year boasted a record setting 30 boats competing for awards.

A few nights later, the annual Downtown Mystic Stroll was held giving early shoppers a chance to begin their gift buying in stores offering cookies and cider while listening to strolling carolers.

On a Friday night, Dec. 4, a large group of adults, children and dogs surrounded the steps of the Stonington Free Library in the borough for the annual carol sing, tree lighting and merchant stroll. In unusually balmy weather, the crowd sang along with the choir, sipped hot cider and cheered when the tree was lit.

Then they were off strolling down Water Street, which had been closed by police and where merchants had stayed open late and offered eggnog, wine and hors d’oeuvres.  

This past Friday, the long running Festival of Lights, the town’s biggest Christmas event, was held at Olde Mistick Village and Mystic Aquarium. More than 4,000 luminaries guided people as they toured the village and listened to Christmas music. At the aquarium admission was free to anyone who donated a non perishable food item. Last year almost 7,000 pounds of food was collected and donated to the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center in New London. Inside the aquarium there were performances by storytellers and various musical groups including ones from Mystic Middle School along with Stonington, Chariho and Ledyard High School.

If you’ve missed these events, there’s more to come. 

Beginning in late November and continuing through Dec, 20 , the popular Lantern Light Tours are being held at Mystic Seaport for the 36th time. This year’s story, set on Christmas Eve in 1876, allows visitors to visits various buildings and ships on the museum grounds as they follow the story of a young couple expecting their first child travel to Mystic but unable to find a place to stay for the night.

Lanterns light the way for visitors who enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride, a tavern dance and a busy toy shop.

For those who enjoy luminaries and a chance to enjoy the outdoors, the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center will hold its Winter Solstice Luminaria Walk on Dec. 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the center’s candlelit trails accompanied by staff members. They can then warm up with a  roaring campfire and hot cocoa and coffee while listening to carols.

Dec. 20 is also a big day at the Seaport. At 3 p.m. the Seaport will host its 61st annual carol sing, led as always by former Ledyard High School Choral Director Jamie Spillane, who will be sporting his traditional top hat. The event always attracts hundreds of people. Admission to the museum that day is free with the donation of a canned good  for the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center.

And if you need to finish your Christmas shopping, the day also features the Downtown Mystic Winter Solstice Luminary from 5 to 8 p.m. 

j.wojtas@theday.com

@joewojtas