The holiday season has finally arrived, and this wonderful time of year offers an abundance of festive events, family gatherings, and wintry activities to enjoy. It is a time for Christmas magic and tradition, and the City of Hartford is excited to invite you to “Christmas In Hartford”, a weekend of celebration and joy that begins on Wednesday, December 7th.
From 4 p.m to 7 p.m on 12/7, join the Hartford Public Library for their Annual Gingerbread House Making extravaganza. “The Hartford Public Library has hosted this event for over ten years,” says Director Stephanie Daniels. “We usually have as many as sixty children participate in the event! All of the materials (candies, sprinkles, frosting, and graham crackers) are provided for free, and the children can take their creation home. All ages participate, and it is a highlight of the holiday season.”
The following afternoon, Thursday, December 8th, prepare your sleigh for travel as the library welcomes all to their Read-Aloud of Christmas stories, from 4 p.m to 5 p.m.
Show off your creative side in the form of edible art for Cookie Decorating in the Community Meeting Room at the library on Saturday, December 10th, and design Christmas crafts, participate in their scavenger hunt, and enjoy free refreshments! These events at the library are new this year, and everyone is so looking forward to the fun that begins at 4 p.m.
2022 marks the 21st Annual Lighted Christmas Parade in Hartford, and the Hartford Lions Club, Hartford Public Library, and Hartford Chamber of Commerce have put together a magical evening! The parade steps off at 6 p.m from Hartford High School, and will travel to the Vanderlyn Community Center & Hartford Public Library, at 12 Church Street, by way of Maple Street (to Main). All local organizations, businesses, and churches have been invited to participate, and they hope for a large procession.
The end of the parade is signaled by the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, and children and families line up at the library for photos with Father Christmas. The twelve-foot Christmas tree and regal fireplace provide the perfect backdrop to commemorate the event, and photos are printed that evening to take home. “We usually print about ninety photos with Santa, and host 150 – 200 people, depending on the weather,” says Stephanie.
This year, the library is hosting an Ugly Christmas Sweater contest, and judging will take place at 7 p.m. Wear your most hideous, glittery, Yule-regret-this sweater, and be entered to win a cash prize for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Place. The library will also be gifting a free children’s book to attendees, and everyone is invited to enjoy the Festival of Trees and the Lego Christmas Village. There will also be a drawing to win an Aggressor Pro GT Mountain Bike, which was donated by a generous patron.
“All events at the library are free, with the exception of the drawing to win the Wolf Scooter,” says Stephanie. “Tickets are $10 each, and can be purchased up until 6:45 p.m, and we will draw the winner at 7 p.m.” This scooter raffle is presented by the Greater Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce, with proceeds benefiting the Hartford Strawberry Festival. The Wolf Lucky Scooter is currently on display at the Hartford Public Library, and tickets can be purchased from Chamber Board Members, at the library, or by one of the participating businesses. The Chamber Facebook page has the full list of locations.
Ring in the joy of the season during “Christmas in Hartford”, December 7 – 10, and bring your friends, family, neighbors, and strangers to share in the joy of community.
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
