Hartford Kicks Off the Holiday Season with Parades, Lights, and Festivities
The city of Hartford has officially stepped into the holiday spirit, launching a full lineup of events that promises to keep residents and visitors busy all season long. From sparkling lights and festive parades to art performances and community drives, Hartford is buzzing with celebration.
The holiday festivities were kicked off with a major announcement at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, where Mayor Arunan Arulampalam joined the Hartford Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Hartford Arts Council to share the city’s exciting plans. The event unveiled a calendar packed with seasonal attractions, including Winterfair: Hartford’s Holiday Market at Union Station, Pratt Street’s Winter Village, Glow Hartford, and the beloved Winterfest ice skating at Bushnell Park — which, yes, remains free for everyone.
Live performances are also taking center stage this season, adding a creative sparkle to Hartford’s holiday lineup. Theatergoers can enjoy “Christmas on the Rocks” at TheaterWorks Hartford, “A Christmas Carol” at Hartford Stage, and Connecticut Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at The Bushnell. Each show adds its own flavor of festive nostalgia, perfect for families and friends looking to soak in the spirit of the season.
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Meanwhile, the excitement continues outside the city center as the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce gears up for its highly anticipated Christmas Parade this weekend. Scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. downtown, the parade will feature a “Star-Studded” theme this year, promising plenty of music, floats, and holiday cheer. Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to make a special appearance aboard the historic Soo Line 1003 steam engine train — a 112-year-old beauty that’s bound to delight both kids and train enthusiasts.
The weekend celebration also includes the 40th annual Great Hartford Craft Expo at Hartford Union High School, where over 90 vendors will showcase handmade goods, art, and holiday crafts. Visitors can also stop by the Hartford Lions Club Pancake Day happening alongside the expo, making it a perfect outing for families.
Community spirit shines bright, too. Local groups are organizing toy and mitten drives throughout the weekend. The Hartford Union High School H-Club is collecting unwrapped toys, while the St. Lawrence Eager Beaver 4-H Club is encouraging mitten donations during the parade and at various collection sites around town.
As the sun sets, the festivities will wrap up with the official lighting of the Holiday Riverwalk Lights — a moment that truly signals the start of the holiday magic in Hartford.
From shopping and skating to shows and giving back, Hartford’s holiday calendar is packed with something for everyone. It’s a season built around joy, tradition, and community — the perfect way to close out the year on a bright and cheerful note.
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