Attention Party People: Catering and Venues for Your Holiday Soirée
Stonington Borough is wonderful in every season, but there’s something especially magical about it during the holidays. The village slips into a festive calm: crisp air, cozy restaurants radiating warmth, and a postcard-worthy backdrop at every turn. It’s the kind of setting that makes you want to gather the people you love, pour something celebratory, and linger long after the last carol fades.
With standout caterers and a charming collection of venues, you can create a celebration that feels intimate and seasonal — whether that’s a candlelit dinner, a cheerful company party, a wintry wedding, or a New Year’s Eve bash with style.
This guide rounds up some of the Borough’s best culinary partners and Merchant Association Members: Dog Watch Catering, Milagro Café, and Zest Fresh Pastry, along with five standout venues: Breakwater Stonington Harbor, Historic Stonington, La Grua Center, Saltwater Farm Vineyard, The Hounds, and Water Street Café. Together, they make holiday party planning and hosting almost too easy.
Local Caterers Who Make Holiday Magic
Dog Watch Catering
Dog Watch Catering has an entire team devoted to your next party. Their hearty coastal flavors and elevated comfort dishes translate beautifully into cold-weather menus: think hors d’oeuvres such as BBQ brisket ends, spicy poke tuna street tacos, and mini lobster rolls, beautiful charcuterie boards, and cocktail, dinner, and buffet stations that keep guests coming back for more. Available for pick-up, delivery, or full-service catering at any local venue.
Visit: Dog Watch Café at 194 Water Street, Stonington
Holiday Hours: Open Christmas Eve with the last seating at 2 pm, closed Christmas Day; open New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day 11:30 am - 9 pm
For Orders: Call (401) 207-1076 or Email orders@dogwatchcatering.com
Milagro Café
For a festive twist that breaks from the usual “holiday ham”, Milagro Café brings bright, bold, Mexican-inspired warmth to the season. Imagine holiday margaritas, tamales, rich mole, citrusy seafood dishes, and colorful shared plates — ideal for lively, fun gatherings. They’re especially great for cocktail parties, small festive dinners, or New Year’s celebrations that call for something unexpected. There’s also a great space on the restaurant’s second floor in case you want to host your event there.
Visit: Milagro Café at 142 Water Street, Stonington
Holiday Hours: Open Christmas Eve 12 pm - 3 pm, closed Christmas Day; open New Year’s Eve with reservations, closing at 8 pm, closed New Year’s Day
For Orders: Call (860) 535-8178 or Email milagrocafect@gmail.com
Zest Fresh Pastry
’Tis the season for sweet indulgences, and Zest is the best! They make everything in their Velvet Mill bakery and source milk, eggs, and produce from local purveyors. Picture spiced caramel apple pies, chocolate ganache tarts, citrusy cakes, cookie platters, and sculptural Pavlovas. They’ll put together a show-stopping dessert table that will make your guests gasp before they even taste a thing. Visit them year-round at the Velvet Mill or their Ledyard location.
Visit: Zest Fresh Pastry at 22 Bayview Avenue, 1A (the Velvet Mill), Stonington / Zest Coffee Bar at 749 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard
Holiday Hours (at the Velvet Mill): Open Christmas Eve 8:30 am - 2 pm, closed Christmas Day and 12/26; open 12/27 and then closed for winter break until 1/7/26
For Orders: Call (860) 381.0771 or Email zest@zestfreshpastry.com
Venues Made for Winter Celebrations
Breakwater at Stonington Harbor
Breakwater’s prime location with an incredible view of Stonington Harbor makes it a breathtaking spot for a luncheon, rehearsal dinner, or gathering. It’s a busy restaurant, open 7 days a week, offering full-service dining. Their full menu is available for takeout. Private events can be hosted on dates they’re normally closed to the public.
Visit: Breakwater at Stonington Harbor at 66 Water Street, Stonington
Holiday Hours: Open Christmas Eve 11:30 am - 3 pm, closed Christmas Day; open New Year’s Eve 11:30 am - 9 pm and then closed for winter break until approximately 1/15/26
Contact: Call (860) 415-8123 or Email info@breakwaterstonington.com
Historic Stonington
If you’re looking for an exceptional venue for your event, you may want to consider the two properties owned by Historic Stonington — the Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House and the Lighthouse Museum. Rentals include exclusive use of the grounds, and tented events are welcome. The indoor capacity of the Palmer House is limited to 50 people, while the Lighthouse can accommodate 25 comfortably.
Visit: Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House at 40 Palmer Street, Stonington; the Lighthouse Museum at 7 Water Street, Stonington
Contact: Call (860) 535-8445 or Email events@historicstonington.org
La Grua Center
Located next to Stonington Harbor, La Grua Center is the Borough’s non-profit cultural center. It offers an open gallery-like space, ideal for holiday concerts, community gatherings, company parties, and celebrations where you might want space for music, dancing, or a program. The center seats 100 people, plus a balcony that accommodates an additional 28 (seated with tables). It’s got A/V equipment, a small kitchen, coat storage, and accessible restrooms. Add seasonal greenery, candlelit tables, and a great caterer, and it transforms into a polished but unfussy venue.
Visit: La Grua Center at 32 Water Street, Stonington
Contact: Call (860) 535-2300 or Email kelli@lagruacenter.org
SALTWATER FARM VINEYARD
Voted one of the top 50 most romantic venues in the U.S. by Brides Magazine, Saltwater Farm Vineyard, with a total capacity of around 200 guests, is known for weddings. Off- (wedding) season, it’s a beautiful, dramatic space that also feels moody and intimate, great for holiday celebrations. Check out their sister vineyard, Kingdom of the Hawk, that feels perfectly related, with its own personality.
Visit: Saltwater Farm Vineyard at 349 Elm Street, Stonington
Hours: Open until December 22, then closed for winter break. Reopening Friday, January 9, 2026.
Contact: Call (860) 415-9072 or Email jmaloney@saltwaterfarmvineyard.com
The Hounds Stonington
Located on the edge of a stunning saltwater marsh, The Hounds is loaded with nautical charm — the perfect backdrop for timeless celebrations and ideal for holiday parties of any size. With two spectacular rooms, The Hounds is sure to have a space that meets your needs.
The Quarterdeck Room is an elegant space that seats up to 200 guests for dinner or 300 for cocktails, making it perfect for grand celebrations. It’s adjacent to a heated terrace overlooking the saltwater marsh, where you can toast the season and roast marshmallows under the stars.
The Knot Room accommodates seating for up to 35 guests and is perfect for small, intimate gatherings. It’s adjacent to the rose garden, with access to the custom Hounds shuffleboard table.
Visit: The Hounds at 769 Stonington Road, Stonington
Contact: Call (860) 272-5471 or Email thehoundsstonington@gmail.com
Water Street Café
Water Street Café, established in 1994, has a long history in the Borough. They are known for French-Asian and Italian-inspired dishes. Fresh-caught fish is delivered daily from the town dock, as well as organic produce from local farms. They have a second-floor event space available for small cocktail parties up to 35 guests and dinner parties up to 15 guests. The ambiance has the same warm and eclectic vibe, with old Stonington memorabilia and a pool room.
Visit: Water Street Café at 143 Water Street, Stonington
Holiday Hours: Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, open New Year’s Eve 5 pm - Midnight. Closed New Year’s Day.
Contact: Call (860) 535-2122