Newtown Youth and Family Services (NYFS) will present its 40th Anniversary Holiday Festival on Sunday, December 7, from 11 am until 4 pm, along Main Street in Newtown.

A long-standing Newtown tradition, the Holiday Festival returns for its milestone anniversary year with a full day of festive activities, performances, and family fun. This year’s festival offers an expanded schedule, with events located throughout Main Street, Trinity Episcopal Church, and Edmond Town Hall, making it easy for families to plan ahead.

Holiday Festival Schedule & Locations

All events run from 11 am-4 pm unless otherwise noted.

Edmond Town Hall, 25 Main Street: Historic Trolley Tours (departs from and returns to the front of the building at 11:10 am, 11:45 am, 12:20 pm, 12:55 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:05 pm, 2:40 pm, and 3:15 pm), first-come first-served seating; also The Nutcracker Suite by Newtown Centre of Classical Ballet & Voice, performances at noon and 2:30 pm.

Main Street: Outdoor Holiday Market.

Main Street and Glover Avenue: Holiday House Tours.

Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street: The following events will be taking place upstairs, in the church’s Johnson Room: Cookie Workshop, Kids Crafts Corner, and Stories with Mrs Claus.

The following will be in the church driveway: Santa’s Vintage Firetruck Visit, noon-2 pm, $25 for 10-minute professional photo session (registration required through NYFS website), and Visits with Santa, 2-4 pm.

The Festival of Trees will be presented in the church’s Glover Community Room. This event will be open Saturday, December 6, 11 am-4 pm, in addition to the regular festival hours on Sunday.

Also in Trinity’s Sanctuary, “Evensong,” 2-4 pm, free admission, featuring the Trinity Choir and Connecticut Choral Society, this service offers reflective and meditative music.

Holiday Festival tickets are $40 adults, $35 senior citizens (age 65+), $25 children (ages 3-12), and free age 2 and under. Festival tickets include access to one performance of The Nutcracker Suite, one ride on the Historic Trolley Tour, and all other activities listed above.

Tickets for The Nutcracker Ballet only are $20 each.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org or on the day of the event at Edmond Town Hall and Trinity Episcopal Church.

Hundreds of community members attend the Holiday Festival each year to celebrate the season and support the essential mental health, youth, and family services provided by NYFS.

“We are so grateful for the incredible support we receive from the community,” said NYFS Executive Director Candice Bohr. “This beloved event not only brings joy to families but also helps ensure that youth, adults, and families have access to the mental health and supportive programming they need. Together, we make a meaningful difference for those we serve.”

For over 40 years, Newtown Youth and Family Services (NYFS) has provided high-quality mental health, youth, and family support services to the greater Newtown community. NYFS is committed to helping individuals and families build resilience, strengthen relationships, and thrive at every stage of life.