Holiday Magic At The Florence Griswold Museum
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If you’re into historic houses and art, the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme is a great place to visit during the holidays! The house gets decorated and there are different themes in each room based on the artwork in the room. Additionally, there are trees decorated with paint palettes that were painted on by talented artists from across the country.
History of The House
The house was built in 1817 for William Noyes. The house was designed by Samuel Belcher in a Late Georgian style. In 1841, the house was purchased by Captain Robert Griswold. Later, the house was acquired by his daughter, Florence, who turned the home into a boardinghouse where American Impressionist artists formed the famed Lyme Art Colony in the early 1900s.
Over time, the house became a cultural hub, shaping one of the most influential art communities in the country. It later transitioned into a museum dedicated to preserving the colony’s legacy and showcasing the evolution of American Impressionism.
About The Event
Holiday Magic at the Florence Griswold Museum transforms the historic grounds into a festive celebration filled with artful decorations and seasonal charm. You can explore creative holiday installations, enjoy themed exhibits, and experience the museum in a warm, spirited atmosphere. It’s a great seasonal event that blends tradition, creativity, and the unique character of the Lyme Art Colony. This year, the event is from November 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026.
Getting There
To get to the Florence Griswold Museum, you’ll take I-95 and get off of Exit 70 in Old Lyme. The Museum is located on Lyme Street. Depending on where you’re coming from, you could also take scenic Route 156 and drive through Lyme and Hamburg, which takes you through an area that inspired many of the artists who stayed at Florence Griswold’s boardinghouse. It is one of my favorite roads to take a scenic drive. When you arrive at the museum, you’ll head into the visitor center to get tickets.
My Experience Going To The Event
I’ve visited the Florence Griswold Museum many, many times. It’s one of my favorite spots to go in southeastern Connecticut. In the spring, there are hundreds of daffodils in bloom. In the summer, the garden behind the house is in full, color bloom. In the fall, there’s beautiful foliage. In the winter, the house gets decked for a 1910 holiday.
Last year was my first time going to the holiday event. It was a lot of fun seeing the house decorated for the holidays. The house is gorgeous on a regular day, but I loved the festive touches around the house.
While I loved the decor, I think my favorite thing was seeing all of the creative palettes designed by artists from across the country. It’s truly so amazing seeing such talented artists’ work on display in a space that was once such an important part of the Lyme Art Colony.
Below are some of the photos I took during my visit to the Florence Griswold Museum during the Holiday Magic event.
Is This Event Worth Going To?
If you have an interest in historic homes and/or art, I think this event is definitely worth going to. I think the event does a great job with blending history and art. During your visit, you can also learn about the art colony that once thrived at the property and about Florence Griswold, the woman who helped make that happen.
In general, I think the Florence Griswold Museum is worth visiting any time of year. The grounds are absolutely beautiful featuring a historic garden, an art gallery, a cafe, and beautiful views of the Lieutenant River. You can never go wrong with a visit to this charming spot in Old Lyme.
