Museum Holiday Hours

Tuesdays-Saturdays
9:30am – 4:30pm

Sundays & Mondays
Closed

Saturday, Dec. 10: Closing early (3pm) for the Niantic Light Parade.

Saturday, Dec. 24: Open from 9:30am-1pm on Christmas Eve.

Monday, Dec. 26: Open from 9:30am-4:30pm.

Saturday, Dec. 31: Closed for New Year’s Eve for Countdown to Noon!

Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
In-Person Countdown to Noon Returns!

Countdown to Noon
Saturday, Dec. 31, 10am-2pm
at the East Lyme Community Center

Ring in the New Year a little early with a 250+ balloon drop at noon! Join the Museum and East Lyme Parks & Recreation for southeastern Connecticut’s premier New Year’s event for children and families!

Animals, Activities & More!

Start 2023 off with a one-of-a-kind experience! Wildlife Encounters of New Hampshire is coming to Countdown to Noon! Children will squeal with excitement as they meet animals such as a serval cat, porcupine, and arctic fox, along with interactive animals such as a mini pig, pygmy goat, and giant rabbit. Shows will be held at 10:30am & 1pm.

In addition to our animal show, we’re having our fellow community organizations come with some hands-on crafts and activities for all ages. Plus special guest appearances from Captain America & Black Panther!

The Rolling Tomato will be on hand with pizza to purchase, and you can savor the event for years to come with a photo from our photo booth!

Members: $10 per person
Non-Members: $12 per person
Museum Member Discount: Enter the code MEMBER at checkout to receive $2 off per ticket.
Pre-registration required. No tickets will be sold at the event. Limited tickets available.

Buy Tickets>

New Year’s Raffles
Feeling lucky this New Year?
Enter to win one of two Countdown to Noon raffles!

Something for the kids:
Get the Museum All to Yourself!
One lucky family and their friends (up to seven people) will get two hours of private play at the Museum.

Raffle Tickets:
$5 for 1 or $20 for 5
Buy Tickets>

Something for the grown-ups:
Dinner for Two
Enter to win a four-course gourmet dinner for two prepared by the award-winning chefs at Gourmet Galley! Winner will be selected and notified on 12/27/22.

Raffle Tickets:
$20 for 1 or $50 for 3

Buy Tickets>

December Museum Events

Sensory-Friendly Evening:
Winter Fun
Friday, Dec. 16, 5-7pm

Join us for a special evening, which is free for families with children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing challenges.The Museum will be filled with “Holiday Cheer” as attendees have the chance to participate in a variety of winter-themed activities and crafts including beaded snowflakes, marshmallow snowmen, make an ornament, melting ice and snow slime. Participants can also choose to listen to a story and make an associated craft!

Free to attend. Pre-registration required.
Register Today

School Vacation Week:
Pajama Jam
Monday-Friday, Dec. 26-30, 9:30am-4:30pm

Come jam out at the Museum in your pajamas for a week of winter and New Years-themed activities, demonstrations and craft stations! Wear your favorite winter pajamas (adults too!) and receive $1 off admission!

All activities free with Museum admission.

Supporting Our Community

December Food Drive
for East Lyme Care & Share
Now - Dec. 31

Our November food drive is being extended into December! Museum visitors that bring a non-perishable food item will receive $1 off Museum admission. (One item per person.) Please join us in helping our community!

Santa's Mailbox is back!

Santa's Mailbox
Now - Dec. 21

Santa’s Mailbox has arrived at the Museum! Drop in a letter (be sure to include a return address) and your little one will receive a response from the North Pole! The mailbox will be outside until Dec. 21 in order guarantee delivery before Christmas.

Thank you to our Santa’s Mailbox partner Niantic Main Street!