2022 East Hartford Holiday Fest

December 2 through December 5
2022 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 2022 East Hartford Holiday Fest. Holiday Fest will be held from Friday, December 2 through Monday, December 5.

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 2, 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 & Carol Sing will take place on Friday, December 2, 2022, beginning at 6:00 p.m. on the Town Green on Main Street, celebrating the season and unity amongst the residents of East Hartford.  Residents are invited to gather on the Town Green and join in singing along with the East Hartford High School & Middle School Choruses.  Santa Claus will have a spectacular arrival by Fire Engine, and will be joined by other special guests, one with a very well-known red nose!  Children’s activities will be available, and cookies and hot cocoa will be served. 

Swim with Santa will take place on Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at East Hartford Middle School Indoor Pool.  Swim with Santa is a unique event that is held in conjunction with the East Hartford Police Department.  A professional photographer with a special underwater digital camera will take participants’ photos with Santa, who is outfitted with scuba gear.  Participants receive free digital images after the event.  In addition to the underwater photos with Santa, there will be music, photo ops, pool floats and Christmas treats.  Admission for residents is free with a new unwrapped toy, pre-registration is required online at www.ehparks.org. Registration will begin November 16 at 9 AM. Spaces are limited. 

Photos with Santa & More will take place Sunday, December 4, 2022, from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. at the Community Cultural Center at 50 Chapman Place. Activities will include inflatables, games, costumed characters and of course, Santa Claus himself will be here for photos and to hear children’s holiday wishes.  Cookies and cocoa will be served outside.  Admission is free with the donation of a non-perishable food item. For more information on any of our events, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 860-291-7160. 

Library Events:

Read to the Dogs at Raymond Library
Saturday, December 3, 11:00 AM – noon

Come read to the library’s furry friends! Members of the Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs group will be here with their dogs. Reading aloud to a dog can improve fluency, confidence, and comfort around dogs. Children and teens can sign up to read to a dog for 15 minutes. Bring your own book or borrow one from the library! Readers and dogs will be spread out throughout the Children’s Department for social distancing and seated on blankets. Chairs will also be provided. Registration is required. Best suited for children ages 5 and up who are reading independently.

For Children at Raymond Library: Boxes and Bows
Saturday, December 3, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Stop by the Raymond Library Children’s Department to pick up a holiday gift wrapping kit. One per child/teen. While supplies last.

Kid and Teen Gift Making @ Raymond Library
Sunday, December 4, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Looking for a way to give a gift to someone you care about? Come to the library to make gifts and cards! Best suited for ages 8 – 18 years old. Registration required for each kid/teen.

Raymond Library Puzzle Sale
Check out our special Holiday Fest puzzle sale during library open hours: Friday/Monday, 9 AM – 5 PM, Saturday, 10 AM – 2 PM, and Sunday, 1 – 5 PM. Piece together family fun with a puzzle from East Hartford Public Library! All puzzles are one dollar while supplies last. Browse our ongoing book sale after you shop the puzzles.

To register, visit the library’s calendar webpage at easthartfordct.libcal.com or call Raymond Library at 860-290-4330.

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 Summer Youth Festival,EH Woman's Club, EH Fire Department, First Congregational Church, the Gazette, Hillstown Grange, 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, WWII Legacy Foundation, East Hartford Senior Center.