East Hartford, CT— 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 2023 East Hartford Holiday Fest. Holiday Fest will be held from Friday, December 1 through Monday, December 4.

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.

Holiday Fest is annually organized by the East Hartford Beautification Commission and is supported by many local civic, community and town organizations. The traditional tree lighting on the Town Green will be held on Friday, December 1, to kick off the Holiday Fest.

Schedule:

Friday, December 1, 2023

10:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m: Decorate A Snow Person Or Snowflake
Stop by the library to decorate a snow person or a snowflake. Best Suited for ages 2 and older with an adult. Sponsored by and held at both library branches.

Paper, Boxes And Bows
Have presents to decorate. Come to the library for materials and instructions to learn how to make bows and small gift baskets from recycled books and magazines. Sponsored and held at both library branches.

1:00 p.m: "Expedition To The North Pole Christmas Show"
Join Kathy Gregory who is a singer and story teller. She will take you on a magical trip to the North Pole. Seating is limited. Register early by calling 860-291-7460. Christmas cookies and Hot Cocoa will be served. Sponsored and held at the East Hartford Senior Center, 15 Milbrook Dr.

6:00 p.m: Tree Lighting Ceremony And Sing-A-Long On The Town Green
Sponsored by the Beautification Commission and Parks and Recreation Department. The EH High and 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 2, 2023

8:00 a.m - 10:30 a.m: Pancake Breakfast and 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.

8:00 a.m - 10:30 a.m and 4:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m: Christmas Boutique
Hand crafted ornaments, wreaths, wall decor, gift baskets, candy and kitchen knives. Sponsored and held at First Congregational Church, 837 Main St.

8:00 a.m - 10:30 a.m: Poinsettia Sale
Purchase beautiful holiday plants. Sponsored by EH Lions Club and held at First Congregational Church, 837 Main St.

9:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m: Cookie Walk
Dozens of different varieties of holiday cookies to choose from. Priced per pound. Held at South Congregational Church, 1301 Forbes St.

9:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m: Christmas Fair
"Famous Waffles", Chili and Soups, baked goods, fudge, jams, crafts, and local beeswax products. Soup and Chili available to purchase to go. Held at All Saints Episcopal Church, 444 Hills St.

10:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m: Selden Brewer House Open House Tour
Come see the beautiful Victorian Christmas decorations. Sponsored by the East Hartford Historical Society and held at 167 Main Street.

11:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m: 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. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the WWII Legacy Foundation. Held at the Raymond Library.

12:00 p.m: "Midwinter Night And Dreams"
A loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" Written by EHSYF’S North Ackley. It follows Jack Frost and Jill Blossom as they attempt to quell a fight between the seasonal Lords. Seasonal treats and a festive sing-a-long. Play sponsored by East Hartford Summer Youth Festival at EHCCC.

2:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m: "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.

3:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m: 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! 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.

4:00 p.m: City Singers Of Hartford
Presents "Impressions Of Winter: Sacred Reflections And Secular Joys"
Suggested donation is $20, Sponsored by and held at the South Congregational Church, 1301 Forbes Street.

4:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m: Spaghetti Supper
Continuous serving. Sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 1. $14 per person, $10 seniors, $8 children 5-13. Children under 5 free. Proceeds benefit EH. Food Banks. Held at First Congregational Church, 837 Main St.

Paper, Boxes And Bows
Have presents to decorate. Come to the library for materials and instructions to learn how to make bows and small gift baskets from recycled books and magazines. Sponsored and held at both library branches.

Sunday, December 3, 2023

8:30 a.m - 11:00 a.m: Holiday Pancake Breakfast
Come enjoy pancakes featuring plain, chocolate and a variety of holiday inspired pancakes and sauces including sausage, coffee, tea and juice. $6 and $3 for kids under 14. Held at the historic 131 year old Hillstown Grange at 617 Hills St.

11:30 a.m: Holiday Brunch
$28 per person. Advance Purchase Only. Call for reservations: 860-416-8345 by November 28th. Sponsored by the Democratic Women’s Club of East Hartford held at One Wood Pub, 130 Long Hill Street.

12:00 p.m: "Midwinter Night And Dreams"
A loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" Written by EHSYF’S North Ackley. It follows Jack Frost and Jill Blossom as they attempt to quell a fight between the seasonal Lords. Seasonal treats and a festive sing-a-long. Play sponsored by East Hartford Summer Youth Festival at EHCCC.

1:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m: Christmas At The 1830 Brewer
House You are cordially invited to enjoy Victorian Christmas decorations. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Historical Society of East Hartford and held at the Brewer House, 167 Main St.

2:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m: Kid And Teen Gift Making
Come and make gifts and cards. Best suited for ages 8- 18 years old. Registration is required on the library’s online events calendar or call 860-290-4332. Sponsored by and held at the Raymond Library.

4:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m: Community Carol Sing And Creche Lighting
Prepare your hearts for the arrival of the Christ child at this Advent Celebration. Please bring a new pair of socks for men, women, or children for our local shelter. Hot chocolate and holiday treats served. Held on the front lawn of South Congregational Church, 1301 Forbes Street.

Paper, Boxes And Bows
Have presents to decorate. Come to the library for materials and instructions to learn how to make bows and small gift baskets from recycled books and magazines. Sponsored and held at both library branches.

Monday, December 4, 2023

5:30 p.m: 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. Outreach Program for the Human Needs Fund. Purchase a light in honor or in memory of a friend or loved one ? $5.00. Contact: 860-338-3150.

7:00 p.m: Musical Fest
A musical celebration by members of the East Hartford community. Sponsored and held at Riverside Healthcare Center, 745 Main Street.

Paper, Boxes And Bows
Have presents to decorate. Come to the library for materials and instructions to learn how to make bows and small gift baskets from recycled books and magazines. Sponsored and held at both library branches.

Ongoing Events At The Library
Indoor Story Walk: Come read and experience the magic of "Snowy Day" by Jack Ezra Keats. This indoor Story Walk will be available at both libraries.
Library Book Sale: Stop by the ongoing book sale held at the Raymond Library during library hours.

Date: December 1 - 4, 2023

Location: Various Venues in East Hartford, CT 06108

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