Winterfest Hartford returns to Bushnell Park for its 11th year. Try ice skating, get a photo taken with Santa and or stop by to play some Giant Games. End your day with other holiday activities happening in Hartford Downtown: ride around the historic Bushnell Park Carousel, see the Festival of Lights at the Wadsworth Museum, or stay cozy at the Hartford Stage while you watch It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.
WINTERFEST ICE SKATING
The rink is open daily from 11 am – 8 pm until January 9, 2022. Except on on the following dates: December 24, 25 and January 1 open from 12 – 4 pm and December 31 from 11 am – 12 a. Includes Free Skate Rentals. Check out winterfesthartford.com for free Learn to Skate classes.
SANTA’S WORKSHOP
Winterfest Hartford wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Santa’s Workshop, which is now located at the Pumphouse. Each family receives 1 free 5×7 printed photo.
December 11, 12, 18 & 19 from 12 – 3 pm. More info at winterfesthartford.com.
BUSHNELL PARK CAROUSEL
Though not official apart of the Winterfest Activities – Children of all ages (and adults too, no shame) are welcome to ride the historic 1914 Stein & Goldstein Carousel in Bushnell Park now through January. Mask and social distancing guidelines are required so read up on bushnellpark.org. Rides are free on Sundays in December, courtesy of the Friends of Jack Dollard. If your not going on a Sunday check out Hartford Public Library’s website to reserve your pass for unlimited rides for four individuals: www.hplct.org/library-services/adults/museum-passes.
FESTIVAL OF TREES & TRADITIONS
While your in the downtown area stop by Wadsworth Museum to check out the Festival of Trees. Established in 1973 by the Women’s Committee as a museum fundraising event, Festival of Trees & Traditions has become an annual holiday custom for visitors from throughout the state and beyond. Every year community members, artists and organizations decorate holiday trees and wreaths to be displayed in the galleries throughout the week. All items are for sale, and profits help fund the museum’s special exhibitions, educational programs, and operating expenses. Purchase a tree or wreath for your home or donate it to a local charity. Cost for Hartford Residents is $5. For more information visit www.thewadsworth.org/festivaloftrees.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY
It’s a wonderful time to be back at Hartford Stage! Watch as an ensemble brings dozens of characters to the stage alongside a live sound effects “foley” artist in the style of a 1940s radio show. This festive American holiday classic tells the story of the idealistic George Bailey in conflict with the Scrooge-like Mr. Potter, and of the greater community coming together to show George how much his life truly matters on a fateful Christmas Eve. Hartford Public Library and Hartford Stage have a partnership that makes free theater tickets available to Hartford residents who are Library cardholders. Must have proof of COVID-19 Vaccination. Visit www.hplct.org to view show dates and times and reserve your tickets today! Going on Now till December 26th.