Milford's Lamplight Stroll Kicks Off Friday

Nineteenth century-style streetlights line Downtown Milford, evoking the namesake of a popular classic holiday event.

The first weekend of December each year, this picturesque, historic town is transformed into a nostalgic New England holiday celebration.

Running through the center is the state’s second largest Green, festively wrapped with hundreds of feet of holiday lights.

The 12th annual Lamplight Stroll takes place on Friday, Dec. 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Friday night, the clip clop of a horse drawn carriage and joyful vocals of strolling carolers dressed in19th century garb will fill the air.

Aboard the carriage will be Mrs. Santa in full regalia, dispensing holiday hugs and homemade cookies to enchanted riders. Visitors can stroll from shop to shop browsing, shopping, and collecting a stamp on their Lamplight Stroll ‘Passport.’

On Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., visitors can continue to collect Passport stamps while shopping and enjoying refreshments, specials and promotions throughout participating downtown businesses.

Reconnect and Celebrate

For the past eleven years, folks seeking a traditional, festive holiday experience flock to Downtown Milford.

Friends, neighbors, residents and out-of-town visitors stroll throughout Downtown Milford’s finest shops, spas, salons and restaurants, pausing to enjoy the various forms of entertainment and to reconnect. Shop owners enthusiastically greet them with refreshments, holiday cheer and a unique shopping experience!

Some lucky visitor will win a gift basket filled with gift certificates, goodies, surprises and treats from downtown businesses. Pick up a Passport at any participating business on Dec. 6 and 7, then stroll from shop to shop, browsing and collecting a stamp on their Lamplight Stroll ‘Passport.’ Completed Passports can be turned into any participating shop for a chance to win the fabulous Gift Basket.

Family-friendly Event

On Friday, Dec. 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. visitors of all ages will enjoy:

• Horse and carriage rides around the beautiful Green with Mrs. Santa, including story-telling, singing Holiday Carols, and scrumptious North Pole homemade cookies! Visitors should pick up their Free Ride Pass at the Association booth by the Gazebo. Riders can the board at the adjacent High Street cutoff.
• Strolling Connecticut Yuletide Carolers dressed in 19th Century garb.
• Cornerstone Christian Adult and Youth Choirs performing on the steps of Milford Photo
• Milford Senior Center Carolers
• New this year - an 8-foot Elf making themed balloon shapes for the children!

Participating businesses include:

Arciuolo Shoe Store – 74 Broad Street

Artifax - 17 River Street

Baby Love – 113 River Street                         

Brats on a Bun – 36 River Street    

Café Atlantique – 33 River Street   

Cloud 9 Day Spa – 2 Broad Street               

Duck Duck Goose – 43 River Street               

Gilded Lily Gallery – 101 River Street             

H. Mangels Confectioners – 11 River Street   

Haircraft – 3 River Street                                   

Indigo by the water – 1 Schooner Lane           

Looks Hair Design – 122 Broad Street            

Me Boutique – 23 River Street

Milford Historical Society

Milford Photo – 22 River Street

Ocean’s Spray Interiors – 14 Broad Street

Scratch Baking – 58 River Street

Sophie Claire’s – 22 Broad Street, #8

Sweet Cupcasions – 107 River Street

Stonebridge Restaurant – 50 Daniel Street

The Canvas Patch – 5 River Street

The Lovet Shop – 19 River Street

Title Boxing Club – Exhibit by the Gazebo

Tranquility Mind & Body Wellness Spa – 88 Noble Avenue

Villa Gourmet – 11 River Street

Village Vogue Boutique – 163 N. Broad Street

Vincent Jewelers – 23 New Haven Avenue

Whispers from Lady Olga – 21 River Street

Will-O-Wisp – 51 River Street

The Downtown Milford Business Association's vision and mission is to bring attention to the beautiful downtown with all its various and unique amenities including the second longest town Green in Connecticut, walking distance from the harbor, Lisman Landing, monuments, the Historical Society and Historic buildings, and the Milford Arts Center. 

The membership consists of over 90 businesses including retail, services, and restaurants that are committed to working together to create a strong, viable downtown.

Many events are presented throughout the year. For more information visit www.downtownmilfordct.org or email info@downtownmilfordct.org.