December 1

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Real Art Ways hosts its monthly board game night starting at 6. Free.
  • Natural Hair Happy Hour at M Lounge, 942 Main Street. They say: “Come mix and mingle with other beautiful naturals! This event is perfect for catching up with family and friends, meeting new naturals and learning more about the Brown Skin Women network.” 6-8:30 p.m. Free.
  • Happy, Healthy Holiday Party: This is a healthy potluck with music by the Sacred Sorrow Singers. For the potluck, include a list of all ingredients for the dish you bring. Also, bring your own plate, utensils, and cup so that the event creates minimal waste. There is a suggested $5 donation, but nobody is turned away for lack of funds. 7-9 p.m. at Toivo.

December 2

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult. From 5:30-7 p.m. players from the Hartford Wolf Pack will be on the ice.
  • Dr. Quince Duncan will be giving a lecture, “A Life in the Literature, Culture, and Politics of Costa Rica.” They say “Dr. Quince Duncan is Costa Rica’s most important living Afro-Caribbean literary figure, renowned throughout Central America and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean.He has taught in Costa Rica and been a visiting professor at U.S. universities. Duncan’s more than 30 books include essays, novels, short stories, recompilations of oral narratives, and other texts, in both English and Spanish.” This begins at 4:30 p.m. in the Reese Room of Smith House on Trinity College’s campus. Free, open to public, with light reception to follow.
  • Hartford Decides workshop: Hartford residents ages 13+ are invited to participate in a brainstorming workshop about how to spend $1.25M. This is from 5-9 p.m. in the Pope Park Rec Center.
  • This month’s Get HYPEd networking event will be on ice! From 5:30-8:30 p.m. meet other young professionals and entrepreneurs is Bushnell Park for some free ice skating. Healthy Source Catering will provide free snacks, but if you want beer from Thomas Hooker Brewery, bring cash. As always, bring your business cards so you can stay in touch with the people you meet. Dress like you understand you live in New England and will be taking part in an outdoor physical activity. It’s proven that you have a lot less fun if you’re standing around complaining about your feet being cold. If you feel like doing some good, bring extra kids’ mittens or gloves to donate to Winterfest.
  • Hartt Viola Ensemble Christmas Concert and Sing-Along. They say: “Great fun and merriment, violists, and cookies will be plentiful.” This free event begins at 6 p.m. in the Alfred C. Fuller Music Center F Harry Sukman Foyer at University of Hartford.
  • Make Hartford Open House and Show & Tell: check out the space and talk with the makers. 30 Arbor Street. Free.
  • Arch Street Tavern hosts Free Funk Wednesdays starting at 9 p.m.

December 3

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Neuroscience and the Arts Workshop: Drop by Trinity College’s Hallden Hall to hear from Bevil Conway, Ph.D., and Psyche Loui, Ph.D.  Conway will present “The Neuroscientist in the Studio: What Art Practice Can Tell Us about How the Brain Works,” and Loui: “The Role of Brain Connectivity in Musical Experience.” This begins at 12:15 p.m. and is free, open to the public, and expected to wrap up around 1:30 p.m.
  • Justyna Dabrowski’s “Remembered” opens at 100 Pearl Street, 5-7 p.m. Free.
  • First Thursday: Night of Illumination at the Wadsworth Atheneum, 5-8 p.m. : Come by for the unveiling of the Festival of Trees and Traditions. See a preview performance of The Nutcracker Suite & Spicy by CONNetic Dance, listen to music brought to you by DJ Jon Eastman, and sample food and beverages supplied by Bear’s Smokehouse, Healthy Source Catering, NoRA Cupcakes, Olde Burnside Brewing Company, and Hartford Flavor Company. Admission is $8 general; $3 for members. Stay for the 8 p.m. screening of White Christmas.
  • Nails and Waggin Tails: $5 nail trims at Naturally Dogs and Cats, 10 Trumbull Street. 6-8 p.m.
  • Free yoga at 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton Downtown, 315 Trumbull Street. No experience or pre-registration required. Bring your own water and mat or towel.
  • Winter Brew: an evening of student choreography and performance kicks off at 7:30 p.m. in The Performance Lab at Trinity Commons, Trinity College. Free and open to the public.
  • Latanya Farrell will be singing at Red Rock Tavern, 8-11 p.m. $5 cover.
  • Professors of Sweet Sweet Music play covers and originals at Peppercorn’s, 8:30-10 p.m. Free.

December 4

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • St. Lucia Swedish Festival: Performances at 5 and 8 p.m. with a reception following each. $5 adult, $3 child. Emanuel Lutheran Church, 311 Capitol Avenue. Doors open at 4:30.
  • Out in 860 begins at 5:30 p.m. at Real Art Ways. They aren’t putting labels on the networking event anymore, but the background for the logo is rainbow, so…. This is free. Light refreshments provided.
  • Amahl and the Night Visitors: Hartt production of the musical at Unitarian Society of Hartford, 6:30-8 p.m. Suggested donation $15 adults, $10 students with ID, free for youth under 18.
  • Opening Night: A Tale Of Two Clones: Episodes 2-6 — Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue, is hosting four performances of this show, with today’s 8 p.m. being the first. They say this is “the untold story of two clones and their effects on the Star Wars universe. Join Jack and Gus as they embark on serendipitous journeys searching for family, freedom and the force in this epic comedic saga. There’s action! There’s romance! There’s a whole lot of robots and alien stuff. Perfect show for the Star Wars fans and those that never even saw the movies but love comedy. ” Tickets are $10. Show may not be appropriate for people under 8 years of age.
  • Home for the Holidays! Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert –The Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus will be performing at 8 p.m. in the Wadsworth Atheneum’s Aetna Theater. Tickets are $30.

December 5

  • HYPE’s book club is back! They will be discussing Drive:The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink, 9-10:30 a.m. at Sarah’s Coffee House (257 Asylum St.). Fruit, pastries, and beverages will be provided. $10 HYPE members; $15 non-members.
  • Stop by Connecticut Historical Society for Free First Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Families can make holiday poppers from 10a.m. -1 p.m. Be sure to check out the new “High Collars to Bee’s Knees” exhibit while you’re there. (Museum galleries are free; research center is not)
  • Youth Engagement Town Hall: 9:30-11 a.m. at Wilson-Gray YMCA, 44 Albany Avenue. The mayor-elect is holding a discussion on issues that matter to youth. Free and open to all.
  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Hartford Decides workshop: Hartford residents ages 13+ are invited to participate in a brainstorming workshop about how to spend $1.25M. This is 1-5 p.m. at Parker Memorial Community Center, 2621 Main Street.
  • Festival of the Season: The biggest event at Unitarian Society of Hartford. Potluck, crafts, singing, and Santa. They provide drinks and desserts. $10/person or $20/family, but nobody turned away. 3:30-5:20 crafts, 5:30-6 message of the season, 6-7:30 potluck.
  • Home for the Holidays! Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert –The Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus will be performing at 8 p.m. in the Wadsworth Atheneum’s Aetna Theater. Tickets are $30.
  • Hip Hop for the Homeless Tour comes to Eight Sixty Skate Shop, 8 p.m. until midnight. This all-ages show benefits Hands on Hartford and Night Angels. Bring donations of clothing, canned goods, or personal hygiene supplies. This venue is located at 41 Francis Avenue.

December 6

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • The final Slow Roll of the year begins (3 p.m.)and ends at Majorca, 2074 Park Street. The bicycle ride will make a stop at BiCi Co. before having its happy hour celebration at 4:30. Free to ride. Bring Your Own Bike.
  • Lessons and Carols service at Immanuel Congregational Church, 10 Woodland Street. Prelude music begins at 3:40 p.m. Free.
  • Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols: the Trinity College Chapel Singers and the Trinity College Concert Choir — accompanied by organ, strings, and oboe — will perform carols and anthems in the Trinity College Chapel at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Both events are free, but an offering will be collected to benefit Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services.
  • Tonight is Sea Tea Improv’s monthly free show at City Stream Brewery, 942 Main. Admission is free and the show begins at 7 p.m. All ages are permitted, but those under 21 will need to be with a parent/legal guardian.

December 7

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Dr. Jessica Lennington, a postdoctoral fellow at Yale School of Medicine, will lead the Beyond the Podium discussion: “Pay Attention: Growing Up with a Diagnosis of ADHD and other Childhood Neuropsychiatric Disorders.” This begins at noon in the Hartford History Center, located on the third floor of the Hartford Public Library. Free.
  • Youth Arts Winter Showcase at Charter Oak Cultural Center. Students in Charter Oak’s Youth Arts Institute will show off what they’ve learned. The showcase begins at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Free.
  • Free jazz jam session, 6:30-9:30 p.m. hosted by Don DePalma & Friends at Hot Tomato’s, 1 Union Place.
  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra gives a free performance every Monday at 8 p.m. at Arch Street Tavern.
  • Did you know that UConn Law has a (club) ice hockey team? And that it’s called “Capital Punishment”? You can watch them play at Koeppel Community Sports Center, 175 New Britain Avenue, at 8:15 p.m.

December 8

Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols / Photo courtesy of Trinity College
  • Old State House Holiday Shopping Fair: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. check out handmade products from Connecticut vendors.
  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Common Hour Classical Concert: at 12:15 p.m., listen to vocalists and instrumentalists who have been taking private lessons through Trinity College’s music department. This free concert will be in the Trinity College Chapel.

December 9

  • Old State House Holiday Shopping Fair: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. check out handmade products from Connecticut vendors.
  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Stowe Salons at Lunch: One hour discussion on the social justice issue du jour. 12-1 p.m. at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center.
  • Tons of Toys: They say: “Tons of Toys is a spirited and sophisticated gathering combining delicious food, drinks, and festive activities with charitable giving. All toys collected will once again benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. Last year we literally collected a TON of toys, and we hope to surpass that number of donations at this year’s event.” Admission is one new, unwrapped toy (valued approx. $20). Children are invited to the 4:30-6 p.m. portion of the event where there will be milk and cookies available. After 6 p.m. is the adults-only event, with semi-formal attire encouraged, not required. Expect hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Both parts of the event will be at Marquee Events & Catering, 960 Main.
  • Green Drinks Hartford: Jameelah Muhammad, the Senior Organizing Representative for the Sierra Club Electric Vehicle Campaign in Connecticut and Massachusetts, will give a brief talk during this monthly happy hour about how to promote electric car use. From 6-8 p.m. people will gather at Prospect Cafe, which is actually in West Hartford, right over the line. Free admission. This is happening at the same time as –⇓
  • CTfastrak TOD Desire + Readiness Workshop: This functions as part of the CT Department of Transportation’s feasibility study for the busway corridor. Have thoughts on transit-oriented development? Join in the conversation. 6-8:30 p.m. in the Greater Hartford Transit District’s main conference room, One Union Place. RSVP.
  • Make Hartford Open House — visit the space and chat with the makers, 6:30-9 p.m. at 30 Arbor Street. Free.
  • Other People’s Stories at Real Art Ways: Recite a story that someone else told you, but that you did not experience firsthand. No notes. If that’s not something you’re into, well, the storytellers need an audience. 7:30 p.m. Free. There are refreshments available to purchase at Real Art Ways.
  • James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket: Free at Cinestudio, 7:30 p.m. They say: “An emotional portrait, a social critique, and a passionate plea for human equality, this film is a vèritè feast. Without narration, author and civil rights activist Baldwin tells his own story: exploring what it means to be born black, impoverished, gay and gifted – in a world that has yet to understand that, as he wrote, ‘all men are brothers. That’s the bottom line.'” Karen Thorsen, the film’s director, will introduce the film, then take part in a panel discussion following the screening.
  • Arch Street Tavern hosts Free Funk Wednesdays starting at 9 p.m.

December 10

  • Old State House Holiday Shopping Fair: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. check out handmade products from Connecticut vendors.
  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Kimiko Hahn will be giving a free reading in Smith House’s Reese Room at Trinity College, 4:30-6 p.m. They say: “Kimiko Hahn is the author of nine collections of poetry, including Brain Fever and Toxic Flora. Asian American identity, women’s issues, necrophilia, entomology, premature burial, and black lung disease triggered both of these books. Her awards include the Theodore Roethke Memorial Poetry Prize and fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. She teaches in the M.F.A. program in creative writing and literary translation at Queens College, City University of New York.” A reception and book signing will follow the reading.
  • Author talk with Franz Douskey, creator of Sinatra and Me: The Very Good Years. This free event begins at 6 p.m. in the Hartford History Center, located on the third floor of Hartford Public Library.
  • Power Yoga with Hilary at Toivo, 399 Franklin Avenue. This vigorous yoga class starts at 6 p.m. Suggested donation $5.
  • Sing for the Holidays: The annual holiday singalong at Charter Oak Cultural Center begins at 7 p.m. Free.
  • Thursday Night Throwdown (TNT) Latte Art Competition: 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. Baristas from the region will be showcasing their latte art. Sign up to compete at 8:30 p.m. ($5); start at 9 p.m. They’ll provide the wine. BYOB. Sarah’s Coffee House, 257 Asylum Street.

December 11

Psyche Loui / Photo courtesy of Trinity College
  • Hartford Foundation for Public Giving will be hosting a forum on Access to Better Schools: How will declining enrollment and school choice shape our region’s schools? from 7-9:30 a.m. in the Washington Room of Mather Hall at Trinity College. Richard Sugarman, Executive Director of Hartford Promise will moderate the panel: Bruce E. Douglas, Ph.D., Executive Director, CREC; Lon Seidman, Chairman, Essex Board of Education; Mike Zuba, AICP, Associate, Director of Planning, Milone & MacBroom; and, Robert Cotto, Jr., Director of Urban Educational Initiatives and Lecturer in Educational Studies at Trinity College, and elected member of Hartford’s Board of Education. This is free, but registration is requested to ensure enough chairs and food.
  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Hartford Holiday Bazaar: from 4-8 p.m. browse Hartford Prints! (42 1/2 Pratt Street), along with various other vendors on site, including Hartford Denim Company, The Brothers Crisp, and de Muerte USA. Because Hartford Prints! is always such a good host, expect some refreshments while you shop.
  • Reception for drawings by Ronnie Rysz at EBK Gallery, 218 Pearl Street. 6-8:30 p.m. Free.
  • Each month, Charter Oak Cultural Center hosts Read It and Sleep, a storytime pajama party for kids. This free event provides books to the first 25 families to arrive, along with light refreshments. This hour-long event begins at 7 p.m.
  • Sea Tea Improv’s Longform Showcase will be at Billings Forge, 563 Broad Street. 8 p.m. Tickets are $10.
  • Nutcracker Suite & Spicy returns to the Aetna Theater at the Wadsworth Atheneum. This all-ages piece choreographed by Carolyn Paine and performed by CONNetic Dance adds tap, hip hop, and jazz to the holiday classic. 8 p.m. $30.

December 12

  • Second Saturdays at the Wadsworth Atheneum is free, family-centered fun. This time, kids can make ornaments, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Hartford Holiday Bazaar: Today’s bazaar will be hosted by 30 Bartholomew Avenue. Expect some of the vendors present at yesterday’s bazaar, along with others. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Hartford Wolf Pack vs. Bridgeport Sound Tigers: Doors open at 6 p.m.; game starts at 7. Ticket prices vary.
  • Nutcracker Suite & Spicy returns to the Aetna Theater at the Wadsworth Atheneum. This all-ages piece choreographed by Carolyn Paine and performed by CONNetic Dance adds tap, hip hop, and jazz to the holiday classic. 8 p.m. $30.

December 13

  • Holiday Toy Dash 5K: instead of paying a registration fee, bring a new, unwrapped toy. This run/walk will be mostly off-road and begins in Riverside Park by the Boathouse, 10 a.m.
  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Keep Hartford Warm: meet at City Hall at noon with clean coats, gloves, scarves, hats, and handwarmers. These will be wrapped on poles throughout downtown Hartford where those in need can take the items. Adult sizes are needed the most. This is expected to wrap up by 2 p.m.
  • Connecticut Robotics Society meeting at Make Hartford, 30 Arbor Street. They say: “In spite of the name, the CT Robotics Society is actually a lot more then just Robotics. We are interested in any type of technical project from music to photography to weather to anything involving a gadget or device. If you have it, show it off. If it doesn’t work, we’ll try to help you fix it. If you can’t figure out how to use it, we’ll try to help. If you’d like to buy one but don’t know which one, one of our members probably has some experience to share. Whatever your story or need, come and join our group.”  This is free, open to the public, and open to all ages. 1 p.m.
  • Last chance this season to see Nutcracker Suite & Spicy at the Aetna Theater at the Wadsworth Atheneum. This all-ages piece choreographed by Carolyn Paine and performed by CONNetic Dance adds tap, hip hop, and jazz to the holiday classic. 2 p.m. $30.
  • Real Art Ways regularly hosts Improvisations, a curated music improv series. At 3 p.m. musicians will include Dan Blacksberg, trombone; Daniel Levin, cello; Brandon Lopez, bass; Joe Morris, guitar; and Stephen Haynes, cornets. Contact Real Art Ways for ticket price information. 

December 14

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Free jazz jam session, 6:30-9:30 p.m. hosted by Don DePalma & Friends at Hot Tomato’s, 1 Union Place.
  • A Festival of Lessons and Carols at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Church, 285 Church Street. The music begins at 7 p.m. with a reception following. Free.
  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra gives a free performance every Monday at 8 p.m. at Arch Street Tavern.
  • Hartford Jazz Jam with Mike Camacho Group at Black-eyed Sally’s. 8-11 p.m. Free.

December 15

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Salsa Socials: learn salsa moves at the Hartford Public Library, 6 p.m. Free.
  • Toivo hosts a Zumba session every Tuesday at 6 p.m. $5.
  • Coltsville Neighborhood Training: Learn to Read Sidewalks & Streets — This free workshop from 6-8:30 p.m., will be held in the Church of the Good Shepherd, 155 Wyllys Street. They say: “With a national historical park on the way, now is a good time to get ready for visitors to your neighborhood. If you’d like to learn how to create sidewalk and streetscape improvements, then come to a free training sponsored by KNOX, Inc. and National Park Service. In two hours, you’ll learn to be a sidewalk ‘detective:’
    – Spot ways to make visitors and residents feel more welcomed and safe
    – Notice how to make it easier for visitors to find their way as they tour landmarks
    – Identify how to improve walking for everyone who walks in Coltsville.
    You’ll leave with a map to annotate with your detective notes.” Light refreshments will be available. Reserve your seat by calling or emailing Ryan: 860 951-7694, ext. 12 or ryano@knoxhartford.org

December 16

  • Hartford Public Library will be hosting a used media sale, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the atrium of the Downtown library. Get 10 movies (DVD or VHS) or CDs for $5. All sales are final.
  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • The South Downtown NRZ (neighborhood revitalization zone) invites residential and business neighbors to its holiday happy hour at 50 Elm, 5:30-8 p.m.
  • Heart City Story Club: monthly storytelling open mic in the Hartford History Center at Hartford Public Library, 6-8p.m.. No theme. Free.
  • Design Night Out: Paper — Hartford Prints!’ Rory Gale and Callie Heilmann will lead a panel discussion, featuring Hong Hong, Fiber Artist; Mike Simko, Curtis Packaging; Jessica Huizenga, The Confetti Bar; and Jo Lynn Alcorn, Paper Artist. About twenty minutes will be reserved for Q&A. There will also be music, art, and networking. 6-8 p.m., at 42 1/2 Pratt Street.
  • String Thing at Make Hartford, 6:30-9 p.m. They say: “Bring your String Thing (knitting, crocheting, weaving, spinning, sewing, macrame, cross stitch, Hardanger, tatting, costuming, embroidery, needlepoint, Temari, kumihimo, etc. — honestly, it doesn’t even need to involve string; any project is welcome) to work on in the company of others who share a love of making things by hand.” Some supplies will be available. This all-ages event is free, but donations are encouraged if supplies are used. Make Hartford is located at 30 Arbor Street.
  • Arch Street Tavern hosts Free Funk Wednesdays starting at 9 p.m.

December 17

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Free wine tasting at Spiritus, 220 Asylum Street. 4:30-7 p.m.
  • HYPEd on The Christmas Carol: join Hartford’s Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs for pre-show reception appetizers from City Steam Brewery; a talk by Rachel Alderman, Artistic Associate at Hartford Stage; and then the show at Hartford Stage. Tickets are $30 HYPE members; $35 non-members. Contact jvalliere@metrohartford.com when you register if you have someone you’d prefer to sit by. 6-10 p.m.

December 18

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.

December 19

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.

December 20

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Christmas in Connecticut screens at the Wadsworth Atheneum, 2 p.m. Free.

December 21

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Free jazz jam session, 6:30-9:30 p.m. hosted by Don DePalma & Friends at Hot Tomato’s, 1 Union Place.
  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra gives a free performance every Monday at 8 p.m. at Arch Street Tavern.
  • Hartford Jazz Jam with Mixashawn Rozie Trio at Black-eyed Sally’s. 8-11 p.m. Free.

December 22

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Zumba at 6 p.m. Toivo $5

December 23

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Make Hartford Open House, 30 Arbor Street #B7. See what kind of equipment they have and chat with the makers on site. 6:30-9 p.m. Free.
  • Last chance to see Christmas on the Rocks at TheaterWorks. They say: “It’s Christmas Eve in a rundown local bar. Expecting a silent night, the bartender finds himself mixing drinks for a parade of surprising guests – children from your favorite Christmas specials and movies – now all grown up! Tiny Tim, Charlie Brown, Cindy Lou Who and a host of others pour out their Christmas woes in this delightful parody.” Prices vary. Contact TheaterWorks for tickets.

December 24

  • Hatha-style yoga at Toivo, 399 Franklin Avenue. 10-11 a.m. $5.
  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 12 – 4  p.m. Free skate rentals are available. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Cinestudio will be screening It’s a Wonderful Life at 2:30 p.m. General admission: $9.

December 25

  • Mitzvah Day: The JCC has put together a list of volunteer opportunities for today. These include several sites in Hartford, so check it out.
  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 12 – 4  p.m. Free skate rentals are available. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.

December 26

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • At a loss for things to do? Start designing your ride for the 2016 Art Sled Derby.

December 27

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • The Wadsworth Atheneum will be screening Little Women (1933) at 2 p.m. Free.

December 28

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Free jazz jam session, 6:30-9:30 p.m. hosted by Don DePalma & Friends at Hot Tomato’s, 1 Union Place.
  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra gives a free performance every Monday at 8 p.m. at Arch Street Tavern.
  • Hartford Jazz Jam with Emmett Goods Group at Black-eyed Sally’s. 8-11 p.m. Free.

December 29

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Military Appreciation Night at Holiday Light Fantasia, Goodwin Park. Free admission to veterans and active duty personnel. Show valid military or veteran association-issued ID. 5-9 p.m.
  • Take a Zumba class at Toivo for $5
  • Hartford Wolf Pack vs. Portland Pirates: XL Center doors open at 6 p.m.; game starts at 7. Ticket prices vary.

December 30

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skate rentals are available until 7:15. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Maker Movie: Dr. Who Christmas Specials — Bring a little potluck item and join community members for a viewing of several Dr. Who episodes. 6:30-9 p.m. at Make Hartford, 30 Arbor Street.

December 31

  • First Night Hartford 2016: music, walking tours, carousel rides, arts and crafts, discounted admission to Connecticut Science Center, improv, magic, facepainting, fireworks, horse-drawn carriage rides, scavenger hunt, dancing, arch tours, fortune tellers, and more.  $12 adults, $3 ages 3-15, free ages 2 and under. All day and night.
  • Celebremos la vida de Roberto Clemente/Celebrate the live of Roberto Clemente: At 11:30 a.m., gather at the Sports and Medical Sciences Academy (280 Huyshope) for a ceremony honoring the late Roberto Clemente. Refreshments will be served at this free event.
  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. Free skate rentals are available. Youth under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.

DISCLAIMERS

  • Contact the venue in advance to verify all information as it sometimes changes and/or is provided to us inaccurately.
  • Not seeing your neighborhood represented? Did you send in an event from your neighborhood? Okay then. I’m not psychic. This also takes a long time to create. Without reader tips, it takes even longer.
  • Deadline for the January event listing is December 25. Send details to realhartford@gmail.com. Events sent after publications are not added.
  • This is not meant to include everything in the area. Events that take place in Hartford and are priced so most Hartford residents can afford to attend, those are the ones that tend to make the list.