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December 2016 Events

by Kerri Ana Provost
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This monthly event listing includes arts and entertainment, civic engagement, academic, cultural, wellness, and other types of activities happening in Hartford during December. There is no intent to include all events — it’s curated, with preference given to what the widest range of Hartford residents can afford (free or low cost) and what sounds most interesting to us. If we think an event sounds convoluted, disorganized, or offensive, we are not going to list it. 

December 1

  • Without You: A World AIDS Day Public Art Action — The gallery space at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Ave.) will have blank panels on the floors and walls from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to stop by and make art. They say: “Commemorate the loss of a loved one to AIDS. Respond in art to the AIDS epidemic. Share the experience of living with AIDS. Each blank space becomes a monument to both the history of the disease and the future we look towards without it.” Free.
  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Opening reception for “Fellowship” at the Gallery at Constitution Plaza. The exhibit will feature art by Johannes DeYoung, Joe Fig, Kayla Gibbons, and Terrence Lavin. 4:30-6:30 p.m.
  • Nails and Wagging Tails: Does your dog act like you are going to literally amputate one of her feet every time you grab for the clippers? Throw some money at the problem and outsource that task. Nail clipping at Naturally Dogs and Cats (10 Trumbull St.) from 5-8 p.m. today. $5.
  • Night of Illumination: this is the opening night of the Wadsworth Atheneum’s (600 Main) 43rd Annual Festival of Trees & Traditions. Besides viewing the trees, wreaths, and other decor, there will be live music and a DJ to enjoy. This part of the evening is 5-8 p.m., with a free screening of Love, Actually at 8 p.m. General admission is $8. Admission is $3 for Hartford residents, members, college students with ID, and youth under 17.
  • Champagne and Chocolates: Shop the museum store at the Stowe Center (77 Forest St.), sample chocolates, sip champagne, and tour the Katharine Seymour Day House, 6-8 p.m. $20 suggested donation.
  • The Art of Mindfulness: The Antidote to Digital Stress: Dr. Brian Luke Seaward will be facilitating a presentation on reducing stress. They say: “In a world filled with perpetual bombardment of sensory stimulation and a dependency on screen technologies, the human mind has become locked in fight or flight, more commonly known as monkey-mind. If screen addiction is a toxin to the spirit, then mindfulness is the antidote.” This will take place at the Toivo Center (399 Franklin Avenue), 6:30-7:30 p.m. There is a $5 suggested donation, with nobody turned away for lack of funds. 
  • Into the Night: The Enduring Legacy of Elie Wiesel — an evening of readings and performances at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Ave.) from 7-9 p.m.
  • Stop by Peppercorn’s Grill (357 Main) for live music by Professors of Sweet Sweet Music, 8-10 p.m. There is no cover.

December 2

  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Racism 101 Workshop: The Unitarian Society of Hartford (50 Bloomfield Ave.) has been hosting SURJ meetings and other anti-racism events for awhile. This workshop is from 6-7:30 p.m. today.
  • A Wish Come True: The Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus holiday concert performs at the Wadsworth Atheneum at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $30-$45.

December 3

  • Christmas Tree & Wreath Sale: the Chrysalis Center (255 Homestead Ave) will be selling trees for $30 and wreaths for $18 as a fundraiser for the non-profit. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Free First Saturday: free admission to Connecticut Historical Society (1 Elizabeth St.) galleries from 9-5.
  • Take a free tour of the Mark Twain House if you’re a Hartford resident. 9:30-4:30 today. Bring proof of Hartford residency.
  • Free ice skating lessons at the rink in Bushnell Park. This is for all ages. 10-11 a.m.
  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Latin Fusion Class: Learn merengue and salsa basics at a slow pace. You don’t need any experience or a partner to participate. This class lasts for one hour and starts at noon at Toivo (399 Franklin Ave). There is a $5 suggested donation
  • March for Jobs, Justice, and a Livable Earth: They say: “Join us to: Say no to Uncontrollable Warming! Say yes to an Emergency Transition to 100% Clean, Renewable Energy! Stand with Standing Rock! Stand with immigrants and climate refugees! Say yes to Mass Electrified Transportation for All! Say yes to an End to Environmental Racism! Say no to the Fracked Gas Infrastructure Buildout! Say yes to Jobs & Justice! No to the Cuts & Climate Crisis!” The march is sponsored by 350 CT and Connecticut Sierra Club, and has many endorsers including Clean Water Action, Inter-Religious Eco Justice Network, and SEIU Local 2001. The event takes place 12-2 p.m. at the Connecticut State Capitol.
  • UConn Writing Center: free first-come, first-serve writing help from students, grad students, and faculty of UConn. Any kind of writing is welcome: fiction, non-fiction, applications, creative. This is at the Hartford Public Library, 12-4 p.m.
  • University of Hartford’s Jazz Stars of Tomorrow: Infinity Hall is hosting this show at 1:30 p.m. Students will perform standards and original compositions. Tickets range from $19-$29.
  • Festival of the Season: Unitarian Society of Hartford (50 Bloomfield Ave.) will be hosting family activities from 3:30-7:30 p.m. Want to do all of the holiday things? Gingerbread house-building, wreath and cookie decorating, dreidel games, caroling, visiting with Santa, snacks, music, and a potluck dinner. There is a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $20 for families, but nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.
  • Vegan Holiday Potluck: Kelvin Young will be leading a meditation for peace and sound healing. Participants are asked to bring a vegan dish that can be shared by 6-8 individuals. Bring your own serving utensils and list the ingredients! This free event at Toivo (399 Franklin Ave) is from 4-7 p.m.
  • A Wish Come True: The Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus holiday concert performs at the Wadsworth Atheneum at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $30-$45.

December 4

  • Christmas Tree & Wreath Sale: the Chrysalis Center (255 Homestead Ave) will be selling trees for $30 and wreaths for $18 as a fundraiser for the non-profit. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Center Church (60 Gold St.) will be having gospel, blues, and rock music as part of its worship this morning at 10:30.
  • Art + Soul Hartford: proceeds from this one-day market will go toward Kenway’s Cause. Suggested donation: $5. Vendors include: ColeMama Creations, The Art of Tao LaBossiere, Stock the Bar Candles, Cinder + Salt, Island of Misfit Crafters, Wild Yonder, The Tiny Wren, Meredith Acari, Avé Rivera Studio, Marni Designs, Lindsay Behrens Art, Non-Scents Flowers, Cheryl L. Guertin LMT, FallenpeachLane, Mariposa: Metamorphic Creations, Lets Start From Scratch, Yardbird & CO, The Tiny Acre Farm, Kimberly Heil, Iron*Art, McLainJewelry, Kate Stephen Jewelry, Wren In A Willow, Verse, and Jenny Fields Fiber. This will take place at ArtSpace Gallery (555 Asylum St.), 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Decorate Colt Park: Help stitch yarn scarves around trees in Colt Park to create a Dr. Seuss theme. Bring yarn needles if you have them. Meet near the entrance of the park at 1 p.m.
  • A Wish Come True: The Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus holiday concert performs at the Wadsworth Atheneum at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $30-$45.
  • Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols: Free musical performances at 4 and 7 p.m. at the Trinity College Chapel (300 Summit St.). They say: “The service will include music of the season offered by the Trinity College Chapel Singers – the oldest continuing student group on campus – and the Trinity College Concert Choir. Boston-based composer Patrick Greene composed a piece for this occasion, titled ‘Logos’ which is a setting of the Prologue to the Gospel of John. Additional music will feature organ, strings, harp, and timpani.”
  • All-ages — kids, teens, and adults — comedy show at the Sea Tea Improv Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St.), 5-6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5-10.
  • Hartford Bluegrass Jam: drop in to play or listen, 6-8 p.m., at Real Art Ways (56 Arbor St.).
  • Games Night at MakeHartford (30 Arbor St.) features card games, strategy games, two-player games, team games, and multiplayer games, but not electronic games. This is 6-8 p.m. Free.

December 5

  • Snapchat for Beginners: free social media and marketing workshop from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Entrepreneurial Center (1265 Asylum Ave.). Register online.
  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Book Talk and Signing with Prof. Feryal Salem: The Emergence of Early Sufi Piety and Sunnī Scholasticism: ʿAbdallāh b. al-Mubārak and the Formation of Sunni Identity in the Second Islamic Century is the author’s first book. This is at the Hartford Seminary at 7 p.m.
  • Bar Trivia at Wood-n-Tap (99 Sisson Ave.) at 9 p.m.

December 6

  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Learn about the 2016 Revaluation from City Assessor John Philip in the Center for Contemporary Culture at Hartford Public Library (500 Main St.), 6 p.m. The City of Hartford says: “The City of Hartford has started work on the 2016 revaluation, as mandated by Connecticut State Statute 12-62(b). This statute requires all municipalities to revalue all of its real estate not later than five years after their last revaluation. The City of Hartford’s last revaluation was completed as of October 1, 2011. Consequently, our next revaluation is scheduled for October 1, 2016.”

December 7

  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • HYPE Ton of Toys: Donate $20 cash or an unwrapped toy to be distributed through Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford for admission to the event. From 4:30-5:30 p.m. kids are invited for milk and cookies, along with pictures with Santa. From 6-9 p.m. this is an adult party with cocktails. Semi-formal dress is encouraged, but business and business casual is also acceptable. This will be at Marquee Events & Catering (960 Main St.). Register online.
  • Drop by the Connecticut Legislative Office Building (300 Capitol Ave.) to celebrate the 2016 inductees into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. 5-7 p.m. This event will be in the atrium.
  • MakeHartford Open House & Show and Tell: See the space. Bring a project (completed or not) to show off in under 15 minutes. Public hours start at 6; show & tell begins at 7 p.m. This is at MakeHartford (30 Arbor #B-7).
  • Tattoos on the Heart: An Advent Evening Conversation with Gregory Boyle, SJ — Asylum Hill Congregational Church (814 Asylum Ave.) is hosting a talk by Father Gregory Boyle, who they say “has seen firsthand the transformation of love in his work at Homeboy Industries, a gang-intervention program in Los Angeles. His reflections on faith, community, grace and hope are a perfect preparation for the coming of Emmanuel.” 7-8:30 p.m.
  • Cool Fam Open Mic: art, open mic, dance cypher, hip hop trivia, music and more at Eightsixty Custom (41 Francis Ave.), 8 p.m. – midnight. $3 at the door.

December 8

  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Holiday Happy Hour & Marketplace: Artisans and vendors will have their goods on display at the Pump House Gallery in Bushnell Park from 5-8 p.m. Enjoy some free ice skating while you’re there. Food and beer will be available.
  • An Improvised Christmas Carol: They say: “Come see a hilarious retelling of Charles Dickens’s Christmas classic twist! This show combines your suggestions with the improvisers’ imaginations to create a performance of A Christmas Carol like nothing you have ever seen. What if Scrooge owned a pet store? What if the Ghost of Christmas Past was a Film Noir detective? What if Tiny Tim wasn’t so tiny? Come find out and see how your suggestions tell an all new tale of how Christmas can (or can’t!) change Ebenezer Scrooge’s life!” This is at the Sea Tea Improv Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St.) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15.

December 9

  • Ice Bike/Walk/Bus to Work: informal breakfast meetup at Sarah’s Coffee House (257 Asylum St.) from 7-9 a.m. Buy your own food and beverage. Yes, this happens even if it is snowing. Especially if it’s snowing.
  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Sound Healing & Cacao Ceremony: What more needs to be said? This is an interactive music experience with cacao served at Toivo (399 Franklin Ave.) from 6-9 p.m. $5 suggested donation.
  • Young Women Rising Winter Networking Event: Networking event at The Russell (103 Pratt St.) for women ages 18-35. They say: “Bring your business cards and be ready to meet lots of other young women doing cool things in their careers and communities. We’ll also have a special section with a photo booth to break down stereotypes about young women and highlight that our generation should be respected and not devalued.” Registration is required and they are collecting donations to send to the water protectors in North Dakota as a show of solidarity. 6:30-8 p.m. Free.
  • And Then Shift Happened: art show featuring Danae Beckford, Heather Fletcher, Joel Blackwood, Joshua Morgan, Paulette Barrett, and Sonya Sinclair at Artists Collective (1200 Albany Ave.), 7-9 p.m. Free.
  • Read It and Sleep: monthly kids’ pajama party storytime at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Ave.), 7-9 p.m. Hot chocolate, cookies, art activities, games, and a story. First 25 families to arrive receive a copy of the book to take home. Free.
  • Nutcracker Suite & Spicy: Dance! Show at 8 p.m. at Wadsworth Atheneum (600 Main). Tickets are $30.
  • An Improvised Christmas Carol: Sea Tea Improv Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St.) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15.

December 10

  • Free ice skating lessons at the rink in Bushnell Park. This is for all ages. 10-11 a.m.
  • Festival of Trees and Traditions: See the decorated trees at the Wadsworth Atheneum and enjoy live entertainment by Stefanie Wheeler, Granby Memorial Chamber Singers, Santa & Mrs. Claus, and The Glastonbury Ukulele Band. Free admission. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Sacred Sound Toy Drive: Bring $5 to be used toward a toy, or a toy for children ages 0-2 years or 12+. There will be music by Chris Grosso, Hannah’s Field, Belle of the Fall, and Kelvin Young. This is from 12-4 p.m. at Toivo (399 Franklin Ave.).
  • Hollywood History & Hartford: A free talk at the Hartford History Center (inside Hartford Public Library) at 2 p.m. They say: “Hollis Schneider will present a look back at the history of Hartford’s movie palaces, from the nickelodeons to the 1960s, Hollywood’s stars and ‘movie moguls’, and the social & historical issues that had an influence on what films were being produced.”
  • Stowe House Preservation Tour: This tour begins at 3 p.m. and costs $12. They say: “Explore behind the scenes of the $3.3 million preservation project in Hartford’s Harriet Beecher Stowe House, an 1871 National Historic Landmark where the internationally famous author lived from 1873-1896. Learn about project planning, packing, moving and storing historic collections, and new discoveries about Stowe’s interiors.”
  • Earthfire Ceremony: Toivo (399 Franklin Ave.) will be hosting this indoor event, 5-10 p.m. They say: “Through the transformational alchemy of fire, dance, drumming, and community we will be releasing that which no longer serves us on our path and connecting to Mother Earth and the energy of the Full Moon as we dance and drum around the sacred fire. Drummers, dancers, flow artists, and fire tenders all welcome! This is a child-friendly event. Please note that there will be open fire, so you will have to keep a close, supervisory eye on any kids present.” Participants are asked to bring a snack to share. Nothing with alcohol — this is a dry event. Drums, singing bowls, and other rhythm instruments are welcome. The event includes: Intro to Fire Circles Class, Prayer Tie Making, Lighting of the Fire, Gratitude Circle, and drumming & dancing. $10-20 suggested donation for adults; youth are free. Nobody turned away for lack of funds.
  • Vote for Us Art Show: opening reception at ArtSpace Gallery (555 Asylum St.) from 6-10 p.m. They say: “The day after the election, many of us woke up to how deeply divided we are as a nation. Right now, many of us are feeling fear, anger, and despair. Artists, we need you! We need your creativity and vision to bring us together, to heal us, to spark conversation, and to move us to action! No one in the White House could have singlehandedly united us or created the lasting change we long for. In the end, it is up to us. All of us. We’re the ones we’ve been waiting for. So, we say: VOTE FOR US! Vote for community. Vote for diversity. Vote for healing.  Vote for empowerment.  Vote for love.
    Help us create an empowering and healing community event. We want people to leave the show feeling energized, connected, and ready to work with others to create change!” The artwork will be for sale. They say: “Proceeds from this art show will be donated to different organizations, including organizations which work to protect the rights of undocumented immigrants, Muslims, women, the LGBTQ community, and the water protectors at Standing Rock.”
  • An Improvised Christmas Carol: Sea Tea Improv Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St.) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15.
  • Nutcracker Suite & Spicy: Dance! Show at 8 p.m. at Wadsworth Atheneum (600 Main). Tickets are $30.

December 11

  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Connecticut Robotics Society Meeting: This meeting is at MakeHartford (30 Arbor #B-7), 1-4 p.m. They say: “The Connecticut Robotics Society is a group of hobbyists, experimenters, tinkerers and Robot builders who meet monthly (2nd Sunday of the month) to discuss current and potential projects.” Free.
  • Untold Stories Project: They say: “Storytellers will sit with the audience in a circle to share their journeys through pain, shame, trauma, addiction and more. Opening the event will be a guided meditation and an optional cacao ceremony.
    Stories will be followed by healing singing bowls, yoga dance, live music, and a potluck dinner. Bring your favorite vegetarian dish to share!” This will be at the Toivo Center (399 Franklin Ave) from 1:30-4:30 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $5-$25, but nobody is turned away for lack of funds. There is a $7 fee to cover the cost of the cacao ceremony ingredients.
  • An Improvised Christmas Carol: Sea Tea Improv Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St.) at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15.
  • Nutcracker Suite & Spicy: Dance! Show at 2 p.m. at Wadsworth Atheneum (600 Main). Tickets are $30.
  • Stand-Up Night! at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St.) at 7 p.m. $10

December 12

  • Digitial Marketing Trends for Small Business: Free workshop at the Entrepreneurial Center (1265 Asylum Ave.) from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Register online.
  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Writing Workshop: facilitated by Luz Feliz and Robin Cullen at Toivo (399 Franklin Ave.), 3:30-4:30 p.m. No charge.

December 13

  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Winterfest Happy Hour: Join in the free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Buy a taco and some beer.
  • Feminist Fight/Book Club: This is the inaugural meeting of the Feminist Fight/Book Club. The December book is Feminist Fight Club by Jessica Bennett. Find a copy and read it before coming. Our first meeting will be in Hartford Prints! (42 Pratt Street, Hartford CT). You are welcome to BYOB. There is a $5 suggested donation, but nobody is turned away for lack of funds. 7-8:30 p.m.

December 14

  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Monthly Hartford Entrepreneur Hangout: They say: “Business creatives. Product conceptualizers. App & system coders. Everyone’s welcome!” This networking event is at Hog River Brewing Co. (1429 Park Street), 5-7 p.m. There is no charge to attend, but register if you’re planning to go.

December 15

  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Travelers Chorale Holiday Concert: The Travelers Chorale along with the Manchester Symphony Orchestra will perform at The Bushnell at 7:30 p.m. This is a free concert; suggested donation of non-perishable food item(s).
  • An Improvised Christmas Carol: Sea Tea Improv Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St.) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15.

December 16

  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • An Improvised Christmas Carol: Sea Tea Improv Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St.) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15.

December 17

  • Free ice skating lessons at the rink in Bushnell Park. This is for all ages. 10-11 a.m.
  • Mindfulness and Social Justice Potluck: Bring a dish to share (vegan preferred, not required) and take part in a discussion at Toivo (399 Franklin Ave.). They say: “an open discussion on the relationship between mindfulness and social justice work. Cultivating mindfulness and healing the inner conflicts/divisions within our own being is the first step in healing these same conflicts/divisions when they are reflected in our society. We want to gather with understanding as our goal, share space together, and experience mindfulness practice as a community by engaging in a mindful walking meditation, eating a meal together as a meditative practice, and having a group discussion on mindfulness and social justice facilitated by Olusanya Bey.” This is from 1-3 p.m. Free.
  • A Fairytale of Hartford: Listen to live music by Island of Doubt followed by and Selfish John and The Lightweights at Hanging Hills Brewing Company (150 Ledyard St.), 6:30-11 p.m. $5 at the door.
  • An Improvised Christmas Carol: Sea Tea Improv Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St.) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15.

December 18

  • Keep Hartford Warm: last year’s first attempt at this was a success, so they are doing it again! This is a distribution of cold weather clothing for the homeless. At 9:30 a.m. outside of City Hall, drop off clean coats, hats, scarves, socks, gloves, hand and feet warmers, baggies filled with basic hygiene products, and backpacks. Help will be needed to sort, label, and distribute the items.
  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • An Improvised Christmas Carol: Sea Tea Improv Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St.) at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15.
  • See It Happened on 5th Avenue at Wadsworth Atheneum. This film is free and might be of interest to Real Hartford readers. Check out their description: “While the owners are away for Christmas, a homeless New Yorker moves into a mansion and begins inviting friends to stay with him. Hijinks ensue when the owners return home.” 2 p.m.
  • String Thing: Gather with others who like to do things with string. They say: “most anything involving string: making it (spinning, twisting), knitting, crocheting, weaving, knotting (including but not limited to macramé), tatting, bobbin lace, sewing, embroidery, netting – whatever you like to do with string!” This free event is at MakeHartford (30 Arbor #B-7) from 6-8 p.m.

December 19

  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Free Zumba class in Pope Park Rec Center every Monday, 6-7 p.m. Wear sneakers and clothes you can move in.
  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra performs at Arch Street Tavern, 8 p.m. No cover.

December 20

  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

December 21

  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Musical Dialogues: Holiday Jazz — the Hartford Symphony Classical Jazz Ensemble will be performing in the Hartford Public Library atrium at noon.
  • Sacred Solstice Ceremony: Vasu Tribe Studio (56 Arbor St. #407) will be holding an evening of meditation, yoga, and more. Participants will also learn how to make a “Sacred Soak” for the bath and “release with intention the things that no longer serve you with a sage bundle making and burning.” This event is from 6-8:30 p.m.  Tickets are $25.
  • Yoga at The Distillery: All levels yoga class with a focus on stress relief and deep stretching. There will be live drumming. A cocktail hour follows class. Tickets are $25 and a portion of each ticket will go toward Hands On Hartford. This event will take place at Hartford Flavor Company (30 Arbor St. #107), 7-9 p.m.

December 22

  • Farmers’ Market at Billings Forge: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Thursday at The Studio (563 Broad St.).
  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

December 23

  • Now that the Festival of Trees & Traditions is over at the Wadsworth Atheneum, admission for Hartford residents has returned to the price of free. Today the museum is open from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

December 24

  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 12-4 p.m.
  • Go on a G. Fox trot: the antique animatronic dolls displayed in the G. Fox & Company storefront windows back in the day are on view in a number of locations in downtown Hartford. Sites include-but-are-not-limited-to: Capital Community College (950 Main), Camera Bar (75 Asylum St.), Harvey & Lewis Opticians (45 Asylum St.), Lens Only Optical (42 Pratt St.), Naturally Dogs & Cats (10 Trumbull St.), Stackpole Moore (24 Trumbull St.), and Tobacco Shop (89 Pratt).
  • See It’s a Wonderful Life at Cinestudio at 2:30. $10 general admission.

December 25

  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 12-4 p.m.
  • Here’s your monthly outside-of-Hartford excursion: Fire on Ice. See a giant menorah carved out of ice. There’s a fire show. Doughnuts. Live music. Arts and crafts. This begins at 4 p.m. in Blue Back Square, West Hartford. I feel a little dirty suggesting anyone go to Blue Back Square, especially since now Hartford has its own faux-small-town-center area…but we do not have a giant ice menorah. Maybe Hartford can get a rival ice carving and fire-spinning festival going in Bushnell Park some time?

December 26

  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra performs at Arch Street Tavern, 8 p.m. No cover.

December 27

  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

December 28

  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Kwanzaa Celebration: Make a Mkeka — kids ages 6-12 are invited to weave paper mkekas at the Hartford Public Library’s Goodwin Branch (460 New Britain Ave.) from 2-3 p.m. Free.

December 29

  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Afrofa: An Evening of Healing with Soulful Sounds — They say: “Dedicated for healing of all people. Afrofa is facilitated by people of color, through sound and movement. Afrofa thrives on culture rhythms and using folk instruments to elevate consciousness. The purpose of these sessions is to heal our community from emotional distress and promote confidence to overcome any obstacle.” This will be facilitated by Kelvin Young and guests at Toivo (399 Franklin Ave.), 6:30-7:30 p.m. $5 suggested donation.
  • The Brothers Hines: Will Hines of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater LA, and Kevin Hines of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater NYC will be performing at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St.) at 7 p.m. Tickets: $10.

December 30

  • Get outside. Dress for the weather. Find some snowshoes or crampons if that helps. You’re never going to win a Place this Place game by staying in and watching The Fosters again.
  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

December 31

  • First Night Hartford 2017: activities for all ages, all day and night long. Carousel rides, bluegrass, fortunetellers, face painting, improv, two fireworks displays, and more. Admission: $12 adults and youth ages 16+, $3 ages 3-15, free for 2 and under.
  • Free ice skating lessons at the rink in Bushnell Park. This is for all ages. 10-11 a.m.
  • Celebrate the life of Roberto Clemente at the Sports and Medical Sciences Academy (280 Huyshope Ave.), 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. For more info, contact Alex Mercado (860) 696-6971 or Julio Concepcion (860) 324-2219.
  • Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – midnight.
  • Take a tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, 3-5 p.m.

DISCLAIMERS

This information is accurate as of publication to the best of our knowledge. Keep in mind that events are sometimes cancelled or postponed, and that incorrect details are at times given to us. Verify with the venue if you are concerned about last minute surprises or want to know what the plan is for inclement weather.

To get an event published for next month, send details to realhartford@gmail.com by December 25th. Nothing is added after the calendar is published.

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