HARTFORD, Conn. — A beloved holiday tradition in Connecticut is coming to an end. Lake Compounce has announced that the amusement park’s Holiday Lights event will end after the 2025 season.

The 175-year-old event offers a wintertime tradition with thousands of lights, the “tallest Christmas tree in the state” and rides, games and crafts. Young ones can watch Santa arrive, write letters and visit with him or ride the North Pole Express. Hot chocolate on cold nights is a particular favorite.

Lake Compounce, known as America’s first amusement park, broke the news on social media, saying, “For over 175 years, Lake Compounce has been finding new ways to surprise and excite our guests through an ever-changing lineup of attractions and events. With eyes on our core experience and future opportunities, we will retire Holiday Lights after the 2025 season.”

The 2025 event will go on as planned and run for a month, beginning Nov. 28. Tickets start at $34.99 and are included with season passes. Children under 3 are free.

Many patrons said they were disappointed by the news because Holiday Light has become a treasured family tradition. One commenter said she had visited the event while dating her husband and was hoping to take their child. Another said her now-15-year-old daughter had been going since she was 5 years old and they still went every year.

“Our family looks forward to this holiday experience each year! Please reconsider!!,” one said.

“But why? It is such a beloved event for so many of us,” said another.

Some guessed that the park was looking to evolve following a recent change in ownership. The park was purchased in March by Dollywood Parks & Resorts co-owner, the Georgia-based Herschend. The corporation announced no plans for the park but when Lake Compounce opened for the season in May, its General Manager Doug Hemphll said the water park would host its longest season and the park would boast the greatest number of rides ever.

The park also said they had added a full-time landscaping director, the option of contactless ticket kiosks, additional soda dispensers, an expanded gift shop and a new toy store.

Still, patrons disappointed with the Holiday Lights announcement said they felt the park had declined.

“I’ve been really disappointed this season how the park and guests have been. We have been season pass holders for several years now. Think we may be looking at other parks moving forward,” said one.

Lake Compounce has billed itself as a destination for year-round events, a selling point of its season passes

“I hope you spend time fixing up the park. This season we only can once. The park on the eyes looked depressing. Tons of kids rise removed or not working. The area by the giant wheel look like it need a major refresh that had been lacking for a few years,” said another, who said she’d not been able to recoup the cost of her passes. “Maybe in a few years the park will shine again like it used to.”

In response to criticism, the park hinted that new offerings may be on the way, saying “We hope to share news of new or updated events soon!”

The park’s site touts “all-new frights” at “our biggest Phantom Fall Fest ever,” the Halloween event that falls between the summer season and Holiday Lights.

“It’s Halloween like you’ve never seen with an all-new haunted house and more creatures around every corner.”

The park opened in 1846 and says it is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America. It’s known for Boulder Dash, its historic wooden roller coaster, and Crocodile Cove, an extensive water park.

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