The Town of East Hartford, East Hartford Public Library, the East Hartford Beautification Commission and East Hartford Parks and Recreation invite you to the annual 2022 East Hartford Holiday Fest.

The four-day event consists of a wide variety of fun events ranging between crafts and book sales, carol signing and Christmas Fair as well as the long-awaited visit from Santa. The events cater to all ages, children and adults alike. Most activities are free and open to the public.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, December 2, 2022

9 - 5PM: RAYMOND LIBRARY PUZZLE SALE

Check out our special puzzle sale. Piece together family fun with a puzzle. All puzzles are $1 while supplies last. Sponsored and held at Raymond Library, 840 Main St. To register, visit library’s website www.easthartford.gov/library.

Enjoy our ongoing book sale each day of Holiday Fest.

1:00 PM: TRINA VARGAS, a worldwide actress/ singer and songwriter who has performed in NYC, LA, and Boston will present a musical Christmas concert. Sponsored and held at the East Hartford Senior Center, 15 Milbrook Dr.

6:00 PM: TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY AND SING-A-LONG ON THE TOWN GREEN

Sponsored by the Beautification Commission and Parks & Recreation Department. The EH High & Middle School Chorus will be on hand. Featuring cookies, hot
cocoa, children’s activities and the traditional visits from Frosty, Rudolph and, of course, Santa Claus. MC will be Kevin Nathan, news anchor at NBC Connecticut.

Saturday, December 3, 2022

8 - 10:30 AM: PANCAKE BREAKFAST & VISIT WITH SANTA.

Cost is $5.00 and $3.00 for a picture with Santa. Held at First Congregational Church, 837 Main St. Proceeds to benefit East Hartford families at Christmas. No reservations needed.

8 - 10:30 AM & 4:30-6:30 PM: CHRISTMAS

BOUTIQUE Hand crafted ornaments, wreaths, wall decor, gift baskets, candy & kitchen knives. Sponsored and held at First Congregational Church, 837 Main St.

8 - 10:30 AM: POINSETTIA SALE

Purchase beautiful holiday plants. Sponsored by EH Lions Club and held at First Congregational Church, 837 Main St.

9 - 12 PM: COOKIE WALK

Dozens of different varieties of holiday cookies to choose from. $8.00 per pound. Held at South Congregational Church, 1301 Forbes St.

9 - 2 PM: CHRISTMAS FAIR

“Famous Waffles”, Chili & Soups, baked goods, fudge, jams, crafts, and local beeswax products. Soup & Chili available to purchase to go. Held at All Saints Episcopal Church, 444 Hills St.

10 - 2PM: RAYMOND LIBRARY PUZZLE SALE

10 - 2 PM: BOXES & BOWS

Stop by and pick up a holiday gift wrapping kit. One per child/teen while supplies last. Sponsored and held at the Raymond Library, 840 Main St.

10 - 2 PM: WICKHAM LIBRARY

Celebrate the reopening of the Wickham Library with special Saturday hours. Explore the fully ADA accessible renovated space and check out a DVD or book to bring home. Held at the Wickham Library, 656 Burnside Ave.

11 - 12 PM: READ TO THE DOGS

Members of the Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs Group will be here with their dogs. Reading aloud to the dogs can improve fluency, confidence, and comfort around the dogs. Children and teens can sign up to read to a dog for 15 minutes. Registration is required for children ages 5 and up. Sponsored and held at the Raymond Library, 840 Main St.

12 NOON: “A CHRISTMAS CHAOS”

A satire of theatrical backstage mayhem and Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” in one act. Written by Michael Wehrli. Play presented by East Hartford Summer Youth Festival at EHCCC.

12:30 - 3PM: AMERICAN ST. NICK

Author Peter Lion will be telling the WWII story of American GI’s of the 28th Infantry who brought Christmas to the children of Wiltz, Luxembourg on December 5, 1944. Following his presentation, the documentary “American St. Nick” by Tim Gray will be shown. Sponsored by the WWII Legacy Foundation. Held at St. Chris Church Hall, 544 Brewer St.

2 - 4 PM: SWIM WITH SANTA

Get out of the cold and take a dip in the EHMS pool with Santa! Open to families and includes an underwater photo with Santa in his scuba gear! Pre-registration required online at www.ehparks.org. Admission is a new unwrapped toy. Sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department and held at the EHMS Pool, entrance off of Scotland Road.

2 - 4 PM: “HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS IN EAST HARTFORD”

A holiday piano concert presented by East Hartford’s Paul Bisaccia, celebrated world renowned pianist. Sponsored by EH Commission on Culture and Fine Arts and held at First Congregational Church, 837 Main St.

4:30 - 6:30 PM: SPAGHETTI SUPPER

Continuous serving. Sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 1. $12 per person, $10 seniors, $7 children 5-13. Children under 5 free. Proceeds benefit EH. Food Banks. Held at
First Congregational Church, 837 Main St

Sunday, December 4, 2022

8:30 - 11 AM: HOLIDAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Come enjoy pancakes featuring plain, chocolate and a variety of holiday inspired pancakes and sauces including sausage, coffee, tea and juice. $5 and $3 for kids under 14. Held at the historic 131 year old Hillstown Grange at 617 Hills St.

11 - 3 PM: CHRISTMAS AT THE 1830 BREWER

HOUSE You are cordially invited to enjoy Victorian Christmas decorations and a special prepared exhibit. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Historical Society of East Hartford and held at the Brewer House, 167 Main St.

11:30 AM: HOLIDAY BRUNCH

$26.50 per person. Advance Purchase Only. Call for reservations: 860-568-0065 by November 27th. Sponsored by the East Hartford Democratic Women’s Club held at One Wood Pub, 130 Long Hill Street.

1 - 5PM: RAYMOND LIBRARY PUZZLE SALE

1 - 5PM: WICKHAM LIBRARY

Celebrate the reopening of Wickham Library.

1 - 3:30 PM: PHOTOS WITH SANTA & MORE

Visit with Santa, games, inflatables, holiday & more. Cookies and cocoa outside. Sponsored by Parks and Recreation Department. Held at the EHCCC, 50 Chapman Place.

2 - 4PM: KID AND TEEN GIFT MAKING

Come and make gifts and cards. Best suited for ages 8- 18 years old. Registration is required. Sponsored by and held at the Raymond Library.

4:30 PM: THE MIGHT CHAMBER PLAYERS

A cello concert under the direction of Maestro Yon Yong will perform holiday and classical music. These talented musicians have performed at the Wadsworth Atheneum and Carnegie Hall. Held at First Congregational Church, 837 Main St.

Monday, December 5, 2022

9 AM - 5 PM: RAYMOND LIBRARY PUZZLE SALE

5:30 PM: LIGHTING OF THE TREE OF LIGHTS on the “Pocket Park” at Main St. and Connecticut

Boulevard. Sponsored by the East Hartford Woman’s Club to benefit E.H. Interfaith Ministry Human Needs Fund.

Purchase a light in honor or in memory of a friend or loved one ? $5.00. Contact: 860-895-8885.

7 PM : MUSICAL FEST

A musical celebration by United Pratt Chorus and members of the East Hartford community. Sponsored and held at Riverside Healthcare Center, 745 Main Street.

Fest Date: December 2 - 5, 2022

Location: Various Location in East Hartford, CT

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