A Winter Wonderland at Gillette Castle State Park

The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park is pleased to present “A Winter Wonderland: Celebrating All Things Connecticut”, on Friday, November 29, and Saturdays and Sundays through December 22nd.

Dates: November 29, November 30, December 1, December 7, December 14, December 15, December 21, December 22.
Times: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

The former estate of actor William Gillette, famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, will be open this holiday season and decorated in a rustic style that compliments its unique interior. Gillette Castle will be open to the public for tours on Friday November 29th and Saturdays and Sundays from November 30th thru December 22nd. The castle will be open each of those days from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (last ticket sold at 3:00 pm and last entry into the castle at 3:15pm). Bring your family and friends to enjoy one of the most recognized landmarks of the Connecticut River Valley.

Outdoor entertainment during the holiday season will include bonfires and live musical performances on the grounds. Hot beverages and snacks will be available for purchase. There will be an ongoing children’s scavenger hunt that includes the museum, visitor center, and cider mill. William and Helen Gillette, as portrayed by our friends, Harold and Theodora Niver, will greet guests in the castle on Sunday afternoons. The Friends of Gillette Gift Shop will be open weekends in the Visitor Center. Follow the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park Facebook page for updates on various events and appearances.

The grounds of Gillette Castle State Park are open daily, year-round, from 8 a.m. until sunset. Gillette Castle State Park is located at 67 River Road, East Haddam, 06423.

Tickets to tour the castle can be purchased upon arrival at the Visitors Center or pre-purchased at reserveamerica.com and entering “Gillette Castle Holiday Tours 2019” in the search box.

The museum entrance fee is $6 for general admission, $2 for children ages 6-12, and FREE for children ages 5 and under, CT Disabled Veterans pass holders, and those CT seniors who hold Charter Oak passes.

The castle was decorated by many dedicated volunteers and friends including: Ballek’s Garden Center, Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Watershed, Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, Friends of Gillette Castle State Park, Friends of Hammonasset, Friends of Pachaug Forest, Friends of Sunrise-Machimoodus State Park, Goodspeed’s Station Country Store, Hadlyme Country Market, Higher Grounds at 32 Main Coffee House and Art Gallery”, Japan Society of Greater Hartford, RiverQuest, Staehly Farm & Winery, Two Wrastlin’ Cats Coffee House and Café. Funding and staffing for the program was made possible by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, State Parks Division.

Founded in 1998, The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that is dedicated to the preservation, conservation, and education of the castle and its grounds. We are always accepting new members and welcome any donations.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@gillettecastlefriends.org.