Things to do at the Burr Homestead, Fairfield, CT

Built in 1755 and rebuilt in 1779 after the Revolutionary War, the Burr Homestead has hosted famous visitor and events. Here’s why you should take a day trip and visit this historical place with your kids.

The image titled "burr-homestead-sign.jpg" displays a large sign for The Burr Homestead, built in 1790 and managed by the Fairfield Historical Society, in front of a historic white building surrounded by trees and greenery.

Located in the heart of the Fairfield Town Green historic district, the Burr Mansion is a historically renowned location offering a look into what was Fairfield’s cultural and social center.

Originally built in 1755, the Burr Homestead offers a wealth of history to the town of Fairfield, CT. Thaddeus and Eunice Burr rebuilt this historic building following the Burning of Fairfield during the Revolutionary War in 1779. Part of the Fairfield Museum and History Center, the Burr Homestead was the site of John Hancock and Dorothy Quincy’s wedding ceremony in 1775, and it hosted visitors such as George Washington and Samuel Adams. Now a popular venue for weddings and other celebrations, the Burr Homestead is home to several annual events that draw families from across the area.

Year-Round Fun

Although the Burr Homestead is not open for tours on a daily basis, there is a public space in back of the building with gardens and picnic areas. This 4½-acre space features colorful flowers, a fountain, and picnic tables, and is open free of charge, year-round.

A stone-bordered pond and fountain sit in a lush garden surrounded by large trees and green grass at Burr Homestead.

The Homestead and its gardens are available for birthday parties and other celebrations. There is a 125-person max for the house, and a 300-person max for the gardens.

The surrounding area also offers year-round activities. A walking distance away, the Fairfield Museum hosts daily events and tours for families, along with educational programs. Downtown Fairfield is also less than a quarter mile away, with many places to shop and dine.

Annual Events

The image titled "enchanted-castle-wizard-of-oz.jpg" shows two people dressed in "Wizard of Oz" costumes, one as Dorothy and one as the Scarecrow, posing in a decorated room with garlands, sunflowers, and themed props.

The Enchanted Castle Halloween event in late October is best for children ages 2-10, who will see many of their favorite Disney characters, plus others from The Wizard of Oz, Candy Land, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Burr Homestead in Fairfield is a popular family spot, famous for its festive Halloween fun and heartwarming Christmas events filled with laughter and light.

October: Costume characters including Aladdin, Cinderella, and the Little Mermaid welcome kids to The Enchanted Castle. This magical storybook experience offers fantasy-themed rooms with many entertaining Halloween encounters. It is presented by Bridgeport Hospital and benefits its Ahlbin Rehabilitation Centers. Admission is $5 per person and strollers are not allowed through the exhibits.

A festive room decorated for Christmas with stockings, garlands, wreaths, holiday lights, and a cozy red chair by the fireplace.

Proceeds from the popular Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival go to a different local organization each year.

For more than 35 years, the Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival has helped families in the surrounding area get into the holiday spirit. In early December, the Burr Homestead is transformed, decorated with dozens of Christmas trees, garlands, and wreathes. The festival typically includes a children’s event featuring Christmas crafts, dinner, dessert, and a visit from Santa Claus. After the event, participants usually walk to the town of Fairfield’s tree-lighting ceremony.

Three children pose with Santa Claus beside a Christmas tree, dressed in festive outfits, at a holiday event indoors.

Watch Mrs. Claus baking cookies, greet strolling costumed characters, and meet jolly old St. Nicholas himself during A Visit to Santa’s House.

In mid-December, the homestead welcomes visitors back for a 30-year-tradition: A Visit to Santa’s House. Get up close and perfonal with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty, and Rudolph, and enjoy holiday crafts, live entertainment, and a holiday bake shop.