NEW LONDON — The New London Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to usher in the holiday season at the annual Winter Wonderland on the Wolf event on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, transforming downtown New London into a festive paradise.
There is a new addition to Winter Wonderland on the Wolf, created in partnership with the School District of New London’s Technical Education Class. The installation sits beside the downtown mural by local artist Season Polsin of the Wolf River Art League, creating a fusion of student craftsmanship and professional public art. Together, the mural and the new display transform the riverfront into an awe-inspiring winter landscape, drawing families to pause, explore, and celebrate the talents within the community.
This student-built masterpiece was designed as “something extra” the Chamber wanted to introduce this year, a meaningful way to elevate the Winter Wonderland experience while giving students hands-on, real-world creative opportunity.
“Partnering with the Technical Education Class shows exactly what makes New London special,” said April Kopitzke, Executive Director of the New London Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our students took the lead on this project under the guidance of their skilled instructor and created something that stops you in your tracks. It’s a perfect symbol of how our community works together to bring joy to families during the holidays.”
The celebration features a full schedule of activities, including the signature evening parade and opportunities to give back to the community.
The main event, the Winter Wonderland Parade, kicks off at 5:45 p.m. The route begins on State St., continues down N. Water St., and proceeds toward Pearl St., with participants exiting on Wolf River Ave. Mayor Mark Herter will select the Best Parade Entry, with the winner receiving $50 in Chamber Bucks.
During the parade, Plach Automotive will be collecting donations for the annual Fill the Truck Toy Drive. Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys or cash donations to support the drive.
Immediately following the parade, families can join the New London Parks & Recreation Department for the Reindeer Boogie across the illuminated Pearl St. bridge from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
All evening, visitors can tour the Winter Wonderland Christmas Displays hosted by Longevity Nutrition from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The displays will feature a twisting trail of twinkling lights and Christmas trees, along with hot cocoa and Christmas carolers. Santa Claus will also be available for visits at Longevity Nutrition from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Children can receive a Santa Bag of goodies and drop off letters to Santa in his special mailbox; a return address should be included for a guaranteed reply. Sponsored wagon rides between Longevity Nutrition and the downtown area will also run from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The Chamber also encourages residents and businesses to participate in holiday-themed contests:
Light Up New London Map: Homeowners and businesses can register their Christmas light displays by Thursday, Dec. 4, to be included on the official map. Families can use the map to tour displays throughout the season. Maps will be available on the Chamber’s Facebook page, at the Tourism Center, and online.
Selfie with Elfie: Back by popular demand, participants can take a selfie with one of the Chamber Elves placed at participating businesses between Dec. 5 and Dec. 14. Instructions near each Elf detail how to enter for a chance to win $100 in Chamber Bucks. Winners will be announced on Dec. 15.
Concert season
The New London High School Band Concert will be on Monday, Dec. 8. At 7 p.m. at the high school auditorium. The High School Choir Concert will be on Monday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m., also in the auditorium. Both concerts are free and open to the public.
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