Top Spots to enjoy This Holiday!
Getting in the holiday spirit takes work, and sometimes you need to step away from Santa’s Workshop (AKA your house), and grab a cocktail..or 3. Here are some of our favorite Restaurants, Wineries and Breweries to kick off the 2021 holiday season!
All photos courtesy of Vanessa Demetrio
Cava Restaurant – Southington, CT
Website
Instagram: Cava.CT | Phone Number: 860-628-2282
Cava in Southington has created show-stopping holiday scenes since their inception in 2008. Every holiday, each of the restaurant's four dining areas are transformed into their own unique themes. This year the restaurant is featuring a Winter Wonderland with over 250,000 lights, 72 trees, and 70,000 feet of Swarovski Crystals and characters from some of your favorite Disney films. Every year brings new designs and the themes are never repeated, truly making this a "must see" during the winter months. Reservations are required, and a time limit of 90 minutes is set per party of 2, and 2 hours for larger groups. Open for lunch and dinner!
Rileys’ by the Seawall | Stratford, CT
Miracle Christmas Pop Up Bar
Highland Brass Co. – Waterbury, CT | Instagram: highlandbrassco | (203) 596-0070
Riley’s by the Seawall- Stratford, CT | Instagram: rileysbythesea | (203) 693-9255
Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting all over the globe! We are lucky to experience this at two spots in Connecticut this year, Highland Brass Co. in Waterbury, CT and Riley’s by the Seawall in Stratford, CT. With kitschy, eye-catching holiday décor, music and specialty Christmas-themed cocktails, Miracle is sure to get you and the whole family into the holiday spirit!
Dockside Brewery - Milford, CT
Website
Instagram: docksidebrewery | (203) 693-3900
Dockside brewery offers a holiday experience like no other. Each winter they open their “Igloo Park” waterfront Biergarten which features 10 custom igloo experiences to choose from. Themes include “shipwrecked” a pirate motif, an ice castle, miniature jungle, and an enchanted forest to name a few. These book up fast so make sure to get your reservations in as soon as possible!
Aquila’s Nest Vineyards - newtown, CT
Website
Instagram: aquilasnestvineyards | (203) 518-4352
Aquila’s offers two amazing ways to get into the holiday spirit this year! Reservations can now be made for The Forbidden Fireplace or The Igloo Spheres. The Forbidden Fireplace is inspired by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and can accommodate parties of 11.
Modeled after the Seattle Spheres architecture and biophilia, each Igloo Sphere is heated and tastefully decorated with a different garden theme. Within both experiences, guests can sample wine flights, warm chocolate mulled wine, and order bottles of vino from Aquila’s collection, all while enjoying the magical sunset on the iconic hilltop views. Reservations can be made online, or by calling the winery.
Cedars Steak & Oysters - Ledyard, CT
Website
Instagram: foxwoods | (860) 312-4252
Head to Foxwoods Casino and check out ‘Christmas at Cedars’ now until December 30th. For a limited time only, the steakhouse has been transformed with over 10,000 ornaments and Santa-themed dining and cocktail menu options. What sight to see! Make sure to get your reservations for Santa Brunch on December 18th and 19th.
