Get NYT Connections Hints for December 1, 2024. Find hints and solutions for puzzle #539, including word connections and hidden categories.
As a fellow word puzzle enthusiast, I've designed these hints to be progressive to preserve your enjoyment of the game. Please reveal them in order, starting from the top. While official hints and answers are available at the bottom, I strongly encourage you to think through each connection yourself before checking them.
WONKA: You thought Wonka made chocolate for children, but perhaps he was teaching adults about the bitterness of growing up.
Where one might seek refuge
Safe spaces to escape to
Sanctuary
KINDER: Being kinder to others is great, but have you tried being kinder to your coffee mug that wakes you up every morning?
Essential protective equipment
Athletic gear worn on the field
Football gear
PORT: Every port welcomes ships home, but who welcomes the port when it's feeling lonely?
Candy-related names and brands
Confectionery connections
Candy names
FALLIN': Everyone fears falling, but your phone falls for you multiple times a day and still stays loyal.
Musical and theatrical connections
Think performers and characters
“free ___”
⚠️ Spoiler Warning!
We strongly recommend trying to solve the puzzle yourself first! Looking at the answers directly will take away the joy and satisfaction of discovering the connections on your own. If you've already given it your best shot and still want to see the solution, you can continue scrolling down - the answers are below the image.

Hint: Sanctuary
Hint: Football gear
Hint: Candy names
Hint: “free ___”