East Hartford Parks and Recreation Holiday Fest Events

East Hartford, CT—East Hartford Parks and Recreation is excited to offer three popular holiday events as part of the Beautification Commission’s Annual Holiday Fest celebration. 

Tree Lighting & Carol Sing will take place on Friday, December 6, 2019, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the Town Green on Main Street, spreading joy and uniting the residents of East Hartford.  Participants will gather on the Town Green and join in singing along with the East Hartford High School & Middle School Choruses.  Special guest Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will be on site.  Santa Claus will have a spectacular arrival by Fire Engine. Mike Alan, Traffic Reporter from WTIC AM will be the guest emcee.

Swim with Santa will also take place on Friday, December 6, 2019 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at East Hartford High 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. 

Santa’s Visit will take place Sunday, December 8, 2019 from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. at the Community Cultural Center at 50 Chapman Place.  Santa’s Visit is a holiday experience that typically draws about 400 resident children and their families.  The Community Cultural Center will be transformed with holiday decorations and festive scenes.  Activities will include horse drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate, a live ice carving demonstration, bounce houses, games, holiday crafts, costumed characters, refreshments, and of course, Santa Claus himself will be here for photos and to hear children’s holiday wishes.  Admission is free with the donation of a non-perishable food item.