Our Visit to The Christmas House in Torrington, Connecticut

Dec 21 2012 By marybeth

As I drove through Torrington one day last week I vaguely remembered someone once telling me that there is a house in Torrington that goes "over the top" with Christmas decorations. I told my son that we should come back and try to find it one evening when, not five seconds later, we happened to drive by something that left our jaws dropped while in visual disbelief. Mind you, this was at 3:00 in the afternoon. The lights hadn't even been turned on yet. It was a quick drive-by and we couldn't slow down enough to get a really good look but there was no doubt that we were going to return as soon as possible to see this place in its glory. Covered in tinsel like you can't imagine, every square inch of lawn and house is covered with a light, candy cane or Santa figure. Some moving and some not. We returned with friends one chilly evening to find the house alit in all its fine splendor. You will find beauty here in the spirit of the effort that goes into creating such a spectacle, however, be warned, it IS completely over the top.

It's right down the street from the famous Warner Theatre in Torrington at 258 Main Street. We approached and parked along the street directly across from the house. We went on a week night so there were only a few other people there. We approached the house with cameras clicking away. I just couldn't stop taking photos. Everything was such a sight! The owner has you wind up through his walkway passing vignets of Santas, complete with a snoring Santa and Mrs. Claus asleep in their own little beds. Donations are accepted however there is no admission to enter the house. The owner has been doing this for over 30 years and has amassed thousands of Christmas decorations. He keeps a portion of the inside of his home decorated all year long with hundreds of moving Santas and Christmas dolls. It is wacky yet irresistible at the same time. Folks have commented about the smell of cigarette smoke in the house and you do get that upon entering. However, we were distracted by all there was to see. There's a lot of Coca Cola memorabilia as well as a motorized winter village area that you could spend an hour alone just staring at. I could keep trying to describe The Christmas House but I think pictures can tell a better story, especially in this case. I am just amazed that the man who owns this house does it for free and has allowed the show to consume a large portion of his living quarters. He even has hot cocoa set up on your way out. Just go, I promise you've never seen anything like it, and leave a donation. I can't imagine what his electric bills must be!

For dinner we had a few recommendations from friends. There is a pizza place right across the street that I will probably go to the next time we visit The Christmas House. It looked cute and you can't beat the location since it is so close. Since it was my son's birthday and he loves sushi we went to Fuji which is a hibachi/sushi restaurant across from Target. They sat us at a table without the hibachi grill and the kids were a bit disappointed about that. If you are going to order hibachi sit at the hibachi table so that you at least get the show too. I ordered a volcano roll and got something that scared the life out of me. The fish flakes were moving and at first glance I thought they were bugs crawling all over my food! It was tasty and our hungry boys enjoyed their meals. I had read that it was overpriced for what you got and I would agree however it was an enjoyable dinner and we left with full bellies and happy hearts. Another favorite restaurant in Torrington is Pizzeria Marzano which is in the shopping center right next to Fuji. Their thin crust pizza is cooked in a brick oven that is exposed for all to see in the dining area. The ingredients are fresh and delicious and the menu is well priced. Highly recommend if you are in the mood for Italian.

The Christmas House
258 Main Street
Torrington, CT

Fuji Restaurant
1883 East Main Street
Torrington, CT 06790
(860) 482-9308

Pizzeria Marzano
1929 East Main Street
Torrington, CT 06790
(860) 618-0875

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