2023 East Hartford Holiday Fest
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.
CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Below is a highlight of several fun events as part of Holiday Fest.
Parks and Recreation Events:
East Hartford Parks and Recreation is bringing back our popular holiday events as part of the Beautification Commission’s annual Holiday Fest celebration.
Tree Lighting Ceremony and Sing-A-Long on the Town Green
Friday, December 1, 6:00 PM
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.
Swim with Santa
Saturday, December 2, 2023, 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Get out of the cold and take a dip in the EHMS pool with Santa! Open to families and includes and underwater photo with Santa in his scuba gear! Registration is required online at www.ehpark.org. Admission is a new unwrapped toy. Sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department, entrance off of Scotland Road.
Library Events:
Decorate a Snow Person or Snowflake
Friday, December 1, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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
December 1 – 4, Held During Open Hours
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.
American St. Nick @ Raymond Library
Saturday, December 2, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
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.
Midwinter Night and Dream's
Saturday and Sunday, December 2 & 3, 12:00 PM
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 Festivasl at EHCCC.
Kid and Teen Gift Making @ Raymond Library
Sunday, December 3, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
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.
Indoor Story Walk
Ongoing Event
Come read and experience the magic of “SNOWY DAY” by Jack Ezra Keats. This in-door Story Walk will be available at both libraries.
Library Book Sale
Ongoing Event
Stop by the ongoing book sale held at the Raymond Library during library hours.
We hope you will join us for these and many more events happening during the Holiday Fest!
East Hartford Holiday Fest is organized by the East Hartford Beautification Commission and proudly supported by:
All Saint's Episcopal Church, Boy Scouts -Troop 1, Commission on Culture and Fine Arts, Democratic Women's Club, EH Lion's Club, EH Community TV, EH Senior Center, EH Summer Youth Festival, EH Woman's Club, EH Fire Department, First Congregational Church, the Gazette, Hillstown Grange, Historical Society of EH, EH Parks and Recreation Department, EH Police Department, EH Public Library, EH Public Schools, EH Public Works Department, Riverside Health Care Center, Santa Claus, Service Press, South Congregational Church, WWII Legacy Foundation.