New England Christmas Festival 2026: Your Guide to the Big Holiday Craft Show at Mohegan Sun
The New England Christmas Festival is one of the first big stops of the holiday shopping season in New England. For three days in early November, the Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun fills with more than 400 American artisans selling handmade gifts, holiday decor and specialty food. The festival site bills 2026 as its 40th annual show.
If you're planning to go, here's what you need to know.
The essentials
- Dates: Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Hours: Friday and Saturday 9am–6pm; Sunday 9am–5pm
- Where: Earth Expo & Convention Center, Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, CT 06382
- Tickets: Friday or Sunday $18, Saturday $21, three-day pass $23; kids 14 and under free
- Parking: free, including free valet
Tickets
Tickets are sold online through Eventbrite from the festival's ticket page. Eventbrite fees are added on top of the listed prices. The festival also offers a discount code to people who sign up on its site, available until October 31.
Saturday costs a few dollars more than Friday or Sunday, and the three-day pass is only $5 more than a single Friday or Sunday ticket if you'd like to come back.
What you'll find
The show covers about 125,000 square feet of booths. The festival lists these categories among its exhibitors:
- Seasonal decor and distinctive home accessories
- Fashion and fine jewelry
- Specialty foods
- Kids' clothing and toys
- Spa products
It's a large, juried show, so plan on several hours if you want to see every aisle.
Parking and getting in
Mohegan Sun has more than 13,000 free on-site parking spaces, and valet is free too (tips appreciated). According to the festival, the closest parking to the Earth Expo Center is the Winter Garage and the Winter Surface Lot. The Winter Garage has 41 designated ADA spaces, most on the first (lowest) floor.
Money, food and a place to sit
- Bring some cash. The festival notes that some artisans don't take credit cards. There's an ATM in the Earth Expo lobby before you enter the show.
- Food: a concession stand at the hall entrance serves lunch, snacks and drinks all three days. On Saturday and Sunday only, the Reindeer Lounge inside the hall serves cocktails and hot chocolate. Mohegan Sun itself has dozens of restaurants if you want a proper meal; the festival recommends reserving ahead.
- Seating: there's seating by the concession stand in the lobby, and more at the rear-left of the hall.
- Carrying your haul: souvenir tote bags are sold on site for $5.
Q: When is the New England Christmas Festival in 2026?
It runs Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8, 2026. Hours are 9am–6pm on Friday and Saturday and 9am–5pm on Sunday.
Q: How much are tickets to the New England Christmas Festival?
Friday and Sunday tickets are $18, Saturday is $21, and a three-day pass is $23, before Eventbrite fees. Children 14 and under get in free.
Q: Is parking free at the New England Christmas Festival?
Yes. Parking at Mohegan Sun is free, and so is valet. The closest lots to the Earth Expo Center are the Winter Garage and the Winter Surface Lot.
Q: Do vendors at the New England Christmas Festival take credit cards?
Many do, but the festival says some artisans are cash-only. There's an ATM in the Earth Expo lobby before you enter.
More holiday shopping in Connecticut
The New England Christmas Festival opens a busy season. These Connecticut holiday events are also on the calendar:
- CraftWestport — Westport, November 7–8
- Meriden Weihnachtsfest Christmas Bazaar — Meriden, November 7–8
- Frosty's Christmas Festival — Plantsville, November 22
- Winterfair Hartford — Hartford, November 28 – December 20
- Southington Holiday Craft Fair — Plantsville, November 29
- Newtown Holiday Festival — Newtown, December 6
Check each listing for hours and admission before you go.
Related reading
- Holiday Craft Fairs & Christmas Markets in Connecticut 2026
- Connecticut Fairs and Festivals 2026: Your Complete Guide
- New England Fair Season 2026: Your Guide to the Best Fairs, Festivals and Shows
Details in this guide come from the festival's own website as of late September 2026. Confirm hours and prices on the official site before you go.
Last updated: September 2026
