Winter Getaway to Mystic: A Charming Coastal Escape for Families

Mystic, Connecticut, is a picture-perfect New England town that’s even more enchanting during the winter months. With its twinkling lights, festive events, and cozy atmosphere, it’s the ideal destination for a family getaway. We recently spent a magical weekend in Mystic, exploring its charming attractions, indulging in delicious food, and creating unforgettable holiday memories.

Our Home Away from Home: The Hilton Mystic

Our home base for this adventure was the Hilton Mystic, a fantastic choice for families seeking comfort and convenience. Its ideal location, just 5 minutes from downtown Mystic and the Mystic Seaport Museum, and right across the street from the Mystic Aquarium and Olde Mistick Village, made it easy to explore all that Mystic has to offer. (Click here to read my full review of the Hilton Mystic!)

We arrived in Mystic later than planned on Friday evening, but luckily snagged a table at The Irons Mystic without a wait. The food was delicious, with options for both adults and kids (the mac and cheese was a hit!). I also enjoyed their “Ozmopolitan” cocktail, a fun nod to the new Wicked film.

Our second day started with a delicious breakfast at the Popover Eatery. The eggnog French toast and peppermint mocha hot cocoa were the perfect fuel for a day of exploring. 

We took a scenic drive through Stonington, CT, to admire the Lobster Trap Tree, a unique holiday tradition.

Back in Mystic, we spent the afternoon at the Mystic Aquarium, where we touched rays, marveled at sharks, and enjoyed the sea lion show and penguin exhibit. It’s a fantastic place for kids to learn about marine life and have some hands-on fun. Because we had such a big breakfast and Popover’s, we decided to enjoy a sweet treat at Anchor Cafe & Sweets to hold us over until dinner time.

After a quick nap for Aurora and some pool time for Arielle and Alex back at the hotel, we headed to the Mystic Seaport Museum for the enchanting Lantern Light Village. This immersive experience transported us back to Christmas in the 1870s with festive lights, carols, and historical reenactments. We ended the day with a delicious dinner at the Mystic Diner, which offered great service and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Day 3: Breakfast with Santa & Mystic Explorations

Our last morning began with a festive breakfast buffet with Santa at the Hilton Mystic. Santa even played the saxophone! Arielle loved sharing her Christmas wishes with him, while Aurora was a bit more skeptical.

After checking out, we headed to Olde Mistick Village for some shopping. Alice’s Haunted Little Bookshop and Alice in the Village were a hit, as was The Cloak and Wand, a magical shop filled with wizarding wonders.

We then ventured to downtown Mystic for lunch at the iconic Mystic Pizza (a must-do!) and explored charming boutiques like Hang the Moon and Rochelle’s. With full bellies and happy hearts, we headed back home, already planning our next Mystic adventure.

Mystic Magic

Mystic, Connecticut, is a charming destination that offers something for everyone, especially during the holiday season. From its fascinating aquarium and historical seaport to its unique shops and festive events, it’s a place where memories are made. If you’re looking for a winter getaway that’s both relaxing and exciting, Mystic should be at the top of your list.