Due to the 22nd Annual Mystic Holiday Lighted Boat Parade taking place on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, the Groton Police Department announces a Traffic Advisory for that date in the downtown Mystic area.
The 22nd Annual Mystic Holiday Lighted Boat Parade will include the arrival of Santa by tugboat and the lighting of the Mystic River Park Christmas tree on the Stonington side of the Mystic River. The downtown Mystic area is expected to see a large number of spectators on both sides of the Mystic River, which will also bring a significant increase in traffic, both vehicle and pedestrian. Visitors planning on traveling to Mystic are advised that the Mystic Drawbridge will be raised at approximately 5:55 p.m. to allow the boat parade to travel south on the Mystic River to the Mystic River Park and allow spectators to watch the boats pass by. The drawbridge will then be lowered at approximately 6:45 p.m.
Heavy traffic congestion should be expected in the following areas of the Groton side of Mystic prior to, during, and immediately after the event:
- West Main Street, Mystic
- Water Street, Mystic
- New London Road, Mystic
- Pearl Street, Mystic
- Gravel Street, Mystic
- Water Street, Mystic
- High Street, Mystic
Vehicles traveling on the Stonington side of Mystic can also expect to experience heavy traffic conditions.
Please visit the following link to the Mystic Chamber of Commerce for more information on the parade, parking locations, and viewing spots: https://www.mysticchamber.org/santa-arrives-by-tugboat/
Upon the completion of the event, traffic on Route 1 in the downtown Mystic area will be restricted to a westbound direction until normal traffic conditions are observed.
The Groton Police Department wants to remind motorists and pedestrians to be vigilant and safe when traveling in the downtown Mystic during this event. We also ask for your continued support to ensure we provide a safe and fun environment for all spectators.
