The Nivers dressed for the holidays.
Photo by Kelly Hunt, Cherish the Moment Photography
Holidays in the Park ~ 2023
The Castle will welcome visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, November 24 and every Saturday and Sunday through December 17. Buy your tickets ahead of time (be sure to select Holiday Tour 2023) before they sell out!
Winter holidays are always special at the Gillette Castle State Park! In addition to the beautiful vistas seen from the various trails, the park is host to a number of special events. We are very excited to be able to share the Castle in all its holiday splendor this year!
The Castle interior is bedecked with festive cheer, and open for tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last entrance to the Castle is 3 p.m. Tickets are limited, get them in advance to avoid disappointment (be sure to select Holiday Tour 2023).
Holiday events include LOTS of free musical entertainment in the Visitor Center (see the list in the box to the right), visits by the Gillettes as portrayed by the Nivers, free hot cider, and more!
Guided train trail hikes are held twice each weekend day from Friday November 24 through Sunday December 17 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Registration is recommended to reserve a slot.
The Cider station with FREE cider for all is open weekend days from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday Nov 24 through Sunday Dec 17. Gather around the bonfire during those hours, bring your sticks and marshmallows for a fun winter treat.
The Souvenir shop is open weekend days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday Nov 24 through Sunday Dec 17.
Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt and coloring pages at the Cider station! The scavenger hunt covers all the free areas of the park, no ticket to the Castle is required for this.
Trivia questions and carols for the young and old are held at the Cider station and Bonfire area.
Special Holiday Events Include:
Guided Train Trail Hikes each weekend from Friday Nov 24 - Sunday Dec 17, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Harvard Lane Clarinets, Nov 25 at 10 a.m.
Mystic Winds, Nov 25 at noon
Flute Loops, Nov 26 at 10 a.m.
Mystic River Brass Ensemble, Nov 26 at 2 p.m.
The Bacon Academy Carolers, Dec 2 at noon
From 1 to 92, Dec 3 at 2 p.m.
Nutmeg Recorders, Dec 10 at noon
Strings of the Season, Dec 16 at noon
The First Company Governor's Foot Guard Dixieland Band, Dec 16 at 2 p.m.
Tuba Ensemble, Dec 17 at noon
You can join us in making the holidays FUN! Give out free cider at the cider station, help with train trail hikes, or welcome visitors inside the Castle itself. We also welcome help preparing for the holidays: Help decorate the Castle, the grounds, the Visitor Center and our Cider Station! Read details about these volunteer roles here. Sign up here or with the button below. Sign-up is required, so we know who will be there.
Sponsorship of the Gillette Castle holiday program is a great way to show your commitment to the community! Opportunities are still available, click below for more details.
