Press Releases
11/26/2025
Celebrate the 2025 Winter Holidays at Two Connecticut State Parks
Enjoy Gillette Castle and Osborne Homestead Museum
(HARTFORD) – The winter holiday season is upon us, and the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) State Parks & Public Outreach Division celebrates with the festive transformation of two of its historic homes: Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby and Gillette Castle in East Haddam.
“The holiday season is a great time to experience the indoor wonders of Connecticut State Parks,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Consider this your personal invitation to visit these two beautiful historic sites while enjoying some winter holiday cheer with friends or family. These special holiday events are an affordable and fun holiday outing for the entire family. Tours of the Osborne Homestead Museum are free, and tours of Gillette Castle are only $6 for adults and $2 for children.”
Osborne Homestead Museum
Visitors to the Osborne Homestead Museum at Osbornedale State Park in Derby can enjoy the splendor of the winter season combined with learning about local history. Local garden clubs and other community groups volunteer to decorate the Museum – the historic home of Mrs. Frances Osborne Kellogg – each holiday season.
This year’s theme, Holiday in Derby, pays tribute to Derby’s 350th anniversary. Visitors can learn about the influence of the Osborne family in the City of Derby as well as the businesses and inventions of Connecticut’s smallest city. DEEP encourages one and all to enjoy the holiday décor.
The Museum holiday tours operate from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays from November 28th through December 20th. For a special experience, take in the golden glow of Twilight Tours, which are offered from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Fridays, December 5th, 12th, and 19th. Visitors can opt for either self-guided or guided tours. Admission is free. Reservations, including group reservations, can be made by calling 203-734-2513. Walk-ins are welcome.
Gillette Castle State Park
Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam is the former home of William Gillette, most famous for his acting role portraying Sherlock Holmes. The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park and volunteers from other state park Friends groups, local community organizations, and businesses help decorate the Castle for the holiday season.
The Castle welcomes visitors from 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. for Holiday Castle Tours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas, including the Friday after Thanksgiving. Admission fees to visit the Castle are $6.00 for adults (13+ years) and $2.00 for youth (6-12 years); 5 years and under are free.
Tours are self-guided. As visitor capacity in this historic castle is limited, visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of time through Reserve America prior to visiting. The park grounds and trails remain open daily, year-round, from 8:00 a.m. until sunset, with no admission fee.
“From a hidden gem to one of our more renowned sites, holiday tours offer visitors an experience in the blending of our historic and cultural aspects of the Connecticut State Parks mission through a festive lens,” said Brian Wilson, DEEP State Parks Director.
Established in 1913, the mission of the Connecticut State Park System is to provide natural resource based public recreational and educational opportunities through a system of state park and forest recreation areas, environmental centers, and nature centers which provide an understanding of, access to, and enjoyment of the state’s historic, cultural, and natural resources.- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110