December 1
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Frenchie Friday: from 5-7 pm at Naturally Dogs & Cats (10 Trumbull Street). They say: “Ho ho ho! Santa Paws is coming to town on December 1st and he’ll be hanging out at Naturally Dogs and Cats LLC! Since we know there are no such things as naughty Frenchies, I’m sure he’ll have some special treats for all the nice pups that come to visit. All dogs are welcome, and we’ll be taking donations for the French Bulldog Rescue Network, so come hang out!“
- St. Lucia Festival: Emanuel Lutheran Church (311 Capitol Avenue) will be hosting its 104th St. Lucia Festival. Tickets are $5 adults and $3 children, available at the door. 5 and 8 pm.
- Winged Eyes, Thick Thighs: Free workshop for women at Tainted, Inc. (56 Arbor Street, Suite 310A), 6-7 pm. They say: “It’s time to feel empowered and sexy in your body. Self-expression is a way to create your own identity. On the path to self-love, one of the first steps is to walk in your power and feel comfortable in every move that you make. You don’t need to be a dancer to gain the benefits of movement. This body-positive dance class will help you feel powerful in every inch of your skin. Let us help you connect to your body and create art by using movement.”
- Full Moon Meditation: Free mediation at Hartford Mindfulness Center (645 Farmington Avenue), 6:30-7:30 pm.
- World AIDS Day: Commemorate World AIDS Day with a concert by the Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus at Wadsworth Atheneum. Reception at 6:30 pm; performance at 7:30 pm. Free.
- David Stoltz & Friends give a free jazz performance at The Flying Monkey (20 Lindbergh Drive), 7-10 pm.
- Fall Dance, Embodied Voices: Honoring Judy Dworin — a free and public dance production at Trinity College beginning at 7:30 pm. This will be in the Austin Arts Center. They say: “This fall dance performance honors Trinity College Professor of Theater and Dance Emerita Judy Dworin, a 1970 alumna of Trinity. Dworin established the Dance Program, co-founded the Trinity/La MaMa Performing Arts Semester in New York City, and chaired the Department of Theater and Dance at Trinity for many years. The Trinity student dancers in this performance are Katie Haynes ’21, Rachel Fox ’21, Claire Quigley ’18, and Samantha McAward ’21. Admission to the performance is free, though tickets are required. For tickets and more information, please call the Austin Arts Center Box Office at (860) 297-2199.”
- Hip Hop for the Homeless: show starts at Chango Rosa (Union Place), 8 pm. Bring clothing and canned food to donate.
December 2
- Through Their Eyes Conference: This workshop will include discussion of “conversion therapy” and equality for LGBTQIA+ people in places of worship. To be held at Center Church (60 Gold Street), 9 am – 12 pm. Free.
- Get some trees and wreaths without leaving Hartford. Go see what the Chrysalis Center (255 Homestead Avenue) has in stock, 9 am – 2 pm.
- Free admission to the Connecticut Historical Society (1 Elizabeth Street) museum galleries, 9 am – 5 pm.
- Free ice skating lessons, 10-11 am, at the rink in Bushnell Park.
- Last chance to see “The Memories Between, Women of Nobility” at the ArtWalk Gallery inside of Hartford Public Library.
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- State Visit to Hartford by Marcus and Amy Garvey: 12 pm at Trinity College Downtown Campus (10 Constitution Plaza — enter at State Street between Market Street and and Columbus Blvd.). They say: “The Marcus Garvey Popular Theatre Project is coming from the Caribbean to Hartford—home to one of the largest West Indian and Caribbean populations in the United States—to perform a State Visit to Hartford by Marcus and Amy Garvey. The theatrical and educational project is designed to help people explore and reflect on the history and legacy of Jamaican-born Marcus Garvey (1887–1940), who initiated a movement dedicated to black racial pride and economic self-sufficiency.” This is a free, public event that includes meal and discussion.
- Civic Ambassadors Summit: Hartford Public Library is hosting this free event (lunch included), 12-4:30 pm. They say: “Get the tools you need to create positive change in your community! Become part of the movement that is engaging residents across the state. Every voice counts– we need yours! Civic action leads to real socioeconomic benefits– this summit can get you started, or help you be even more effective on the road to change.” Registration required.
- Hartford Bluegrass Pickin’ Party: Come play, come listen. 3-5 pm at Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Street). Free admission. While you’re there, check out the tag sale.
December 3
- The Chrysalis Center (255 Homestead Avenue) will be selling wreaths and trees, 9 am – 2 pm.
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- BPM: a discussion with Shawn Lang follows the screening of BPM at Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Streets), 1 pm. Admission: $11, with some discounts.
- The Auburn Mode performs at Hog River Brewing Company (1429 Park Street), 4-7 pm. Free admission.
- Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols: If you’ve never been inside the Trinity College Chapel, you owe it to yourself to check it out, regardless of religious belief or affiliation. They say: “The service includes music of the season offered by the Chapel Singers – the oldest continuing student group on campus – the Trinity College Gospel Choir, and the Trinity African Choir. The music this year is directed for the first time by Christopher Houlihan ’09, newly appointed College Organist and Director of Chapel Music. A brass quintet and timpani joins the choirs, and Vaughn Mauren ’07 accompanies on organ. Trinity College warmly invites the public to attend the free event. A freewill offering will be taken.” You have two chances to listen: 4 and 7 pm.
- Sea Tea Improv’s Family Show: This is at 15 Asylum Street, 5 pm. They say: “Our improv comedy show is interactive, with chances for kids and adults alike to shout out suggestions and even opportunities to volunteer to play some improv games with us on stage! The comedy is all-ages — kids and adults will have a lot to laugh about.
Kids age 12 and under are just $5!” Adults: $10. - Syllable: The reading series continues at Little River Restoratives (405 Capitol Avenue), 6:30-8:30 pm. Free admission.
- Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) is screening 2001: A Space Odyssey, projected in 70mm film. They say: “Order your tickets early for a rare chance to see one of critics’ Top Ten films, that set the standard for any futuristic movie that followed. Only Kubrick had the audacity to begin and end his movie with 20 dialogue-free minutes – as hominids discover a mysterious monolith, and as the sole surviving astronaut on a mission to Jupiter (Keir Dullea) takes a journey to the infinite. The genius of 2001 is everywhere: its use of classical music, its amazing (non CGI) FX, its sentient computer operating system (HAL), and its ability to make space as absolutely terrifying as it is beautiful.” 7:30 pm. General admission: $10.
December 4
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Asylum Hill Congregational Church (814 Asylum Avenue) will be offering a Service of Remembrance and Healing, 7-8 pm.
- Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) is screening 2001: A Space Odyssey, projected in 70mm film. They say: “Order your tickets early for a rare chance to see one of critics’ Top Ten films, that set the standard for any futuristic movie that followed. Only Kubrick had the audacity to begin and end his movie with 20 dialogue-free minutes – as hominids discover a mysterious monolith, and as the sole surviving astronaut on a mission to Jupiter (Keir Dullea) takes a journey to the infinite. The genius of 2001 is everywhere: its use of classical music, its amazing (non CGI) FX, its sentient computer operating system (HAL), and its ability to make space as absolutely terrifying as it is beautiful.” 7:30 pm. General admission: $10.
- Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic: There’s a $5 cover to watch or perform; performers get a drink ticket. Sign up at 7:30. Show begins at 8 pm.
December 5
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Free HIV testing, 12-5 pm, at the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective (1841 Broad Street). Call to make the required appointment: (860) 278-4163.
- Destination Resiliency book launch at Carriage House Theater (360 Farmington Avenue), 6 pm. Free.
- Play board games at Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Street), starting at 6 pm. Free.
- Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) is screening 2001: A Space Odyssey, projected in 70mm film. They say: “Order your tickets early for a rare chance to see one of critics’ Top Ten films, that set the standard for any futuristic movie that followed. Only Kubrick had the audacity to begin and end his movie with 20 dialogue-free minutes – as hominids discover a mysterious monolith, and as the sole surviving astronaut on a mission to Jupiter (Keir Dullea) takes a journey to the infinite. The genius of 2001 is everywhere: its use of classical music, its amazing (non CGI) FX, its sentient computer operating system (HAL), and its ability to make space as absolutely terrifying as it is beautiful.” 7:30 pm. General admission: $10.
December 6
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- National Day of Action for Immigrants: at 450 Main Street, 12-2 pm. They say: “We will make our voices heard & support DACA recipients, TPS holders, and all immigrants who are under attack.“
- Art Room Open House: 4-6 pm at Greater Hartford Arts Council (100 Pearl Street). They say: “Are you an artist looking for space to teach art classes or workshops? Are you an arts organization looking to attract a new audience from Hartford? Host your art-making workshops in the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s Art Room, a creative space located in downtown Hartford. Stop by our Art Room Open House […] to learn about how you can use this space to host your own art workshops!“
- City of Hartford Bicycle Plan Public Meeting: Come to the first public meeting, 5:30-7:30 pm in the plaza level conference room at 260 Constitution Plaza.
- MakeHartford Open House: tour the makerspace at 30 Arbor Street (North basement corridor, 6:30-9 pm. Free.
- Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) is screening 2001: A Space Odyssey, projected in 70mm film. They say: “Order your tickets early for a rare chance to see one of critics’ Top Ten films, that set the standard for any futuristic movie that followed. Only Kubrick had the audacity to begin and end his movie with 20 dialogue-free minutes – as hominids discover a mysterious monolith, and as the sole surviving astronaut on a mission to Jupiter (Keir Dullea) takes a journey to the infinite. The genius of 2001 is everywhere: its use of classical music, its amazing (non CGI) FX, its sentient computer operating system (HAL), and its ability to make space as absolutely terrifying as it is beautiful.” 7:30 pm. General admission: $10.
December 7
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Wicked Hartford Book Event: Listen to Steve Thornton talk about his new book, Wicked Hartford. This will be at Barnes & Noble (18 Front Street), 6 pm. Copies of the book will be on sale.
- Zero Weeks: Sneak peek of a documentary about paid family and medical leave in the United States. Panel discussion follows the film. There is a suggested $10 donation. 6-8:30 pm at Carriage House Theater (360 Farmington Avenue).
- Listen to a panel discussion — “HIV: It’s Evolved, Not Gone” — featuring Alice Ferguson, Ngoni Tengatenga, and Danielle Warren-Dias. This free event (with cocktail hour) will take place in the YWCA’s Soromundi Room (135 Broad Street), 6-8:30 pm.
- Merry Everything! Meetup and Art Supply Drive: The suggested $5 donation will go toward art supplies for Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts students. 6-9 pm at Hog River Brewing, Co. (1429 Park Street).
- Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum will be giving a lecture — “Listening to the Still, Small Voice: The Call to Lead” — at Hartford Seminary (77 Sherman Street), 7 pm.
- Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) is screening 2001: A Space Odyssey, projected in 70mm film. They say: “Order your tickets early for a rare chance to see one of critics’ Top Ten films, that set the standard for any futuristic movie that followed. Only Kubrick had the audacity to begin and end his movie with 20 dialogue-free minutes – as hominids discover a mysterious monolith, and as the sole surviving astronaut on a mission to Jupiter (Keir Dullea) takes a journey to the infinite. The genius of 2001 is everywhere: its use of classical music, its amazing (non CGI) FX, its sentient computer operating system (HAL), and its ability to make space as absolutely terrifying as it is beautiful.” 7:30 pm. General admission: $10.
December 8
- Free holiday open house at the Governor’s Residence (north east corner of Prospect Avenue and Asylum Avenue), 10 am – 3 pm. Live entertainment throughout the day.
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) is screening 2001: A Space Odyssey, projected in 70mm film. They say: “Order your tickets early for a rare chance to see one of critics’ Top Ten films, that set the standard for any futuristic movie that followed. Only Kubrick had the audacity to begin and end his movie with 20 dialogue-free minutes – as hominids discover a mysterious monolith, and as the sole surviving astronaut on a mission to Jupiter (Keir Dullea) takes a journey to the infinite. The genius of 2001 is everywhere: its use of classical music, its amazing (non CGI) FX, its sentient computer operating system (HAL), and its ability to make space as absolutely terrifying as it is beautiful.” 7:30 pm. General admission: $10.
- The Hartt Orchestra gives a free performance at 7:30 pm in Lincoln Theater at University of Hartford. Tickets required.
- Listen to the Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus perform their holiday concert at the Wadsworth Atheneum, 8 pm. Tickets are $30-45.
December 9
- Free ice skating lessons, 10-11 am, at the rink in Bushnell Park.
- Free admission to the Wadsworth Atheneum, 10 am – 1 pm. Once you’re inside, you can stay until the museum closes.
- Free holiday open house at the Governor’s Residence (north east corner of Prospect Avenue and Asylum Avenue), 10 am – 3 pm. Live entertainment throughout the day.
- Holiday Art Market: There will be upwards of twenty artists at 430 New Park Avenue, 11 am – 4 pm.
- Know Good Holiday Bazaar: Crafts and food (30-50 Bartholomew Avenue), 11 am – 5 pm. Free admission.
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play: Shows at 2 and 7 pm at the Mark Twain House & Museum (351 Farmington Avenue). They say: “You are the studio audience at a 1940’s radio broadcast based on the beloved movie, complete with Foley Artist and commercial jingles – travel back to Bedford Falls and spend time with all the beloved (and not so beloved) people – George Bailey, Clarence Oddbody, Mr. Potter…Zuzu! 90 minutes, no intermission, pure enjoyment!” Tickets are $12 for adults; $8 for children.
- Rare Jewels Networking Event: motivational networking event with speakers and Q&A session. Light refreshments served. Admission: $10. 2-5 pm at Ecospace (224 Farmington Avenue).
- Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) is screening 2001: A Space Odyssey, projected in 70mm film. They say: “Order your tickets early for a rare chance to see one of critics’ Top Ten films, that set the standard for any futuristic movie that followed. Only Kubrick had the audacity to begin and end his movie with 20 dialogue-free minutes – as hominids discover a mysterious monolith, and as the sole surviving astronaut on a mission to Jupiter (Keir Dullea) takes a journey to the infinite. The genius of 2001 is everywhere: its use of classical music, its amazing (non CGI) FX, its sentient computer operating system (HAL), and its ability to make space as absolutely terrifying as it is beautiful.” 2:30 and 7:30 pm. General admission: $10.
- Festival of the Season: Unitarian Society of Hartford (50 Bloomfield Avenue) will be hosting its 40th Festival of the Season, 3:30-7:30 pm. Activities will include: selfies with Santa, holiday cookie decorating, gingerbread houses, wreath making, holiday movie theatre, holiday music and caroling, winter character creation station, and puppet theater. $10 per adult; $5 per child.
- Listen to the Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus perform their holiday concert at the Wadsworth Atheneum, 8 pm. Tickets are $30-45.
December 10
- Free holiday open house at the Governor’s Residence (north east corner of Prospect Avenue and Asylum Avenue), 10 am – 2 pm. Live entertainment throughout the day.
- Holiday Art Market: 20+ artists at 430 New Park Avenue, 11 am – 3 pm.
- Art + Soul Hartford: Support Protectors of Animals and buy local at the same time. There will be jewelry, mittens, clothing, tea, pottery, candles, bags, pet supplies, snacks, and more. Vendors will include: Meredith Acari, Cinder + Salt, Island of Misfit Crafters, Fallenpeach Lane, Mariposa: Mittens and More, Liberty&44, Stock the Bar Candles, Lindsay Behrens Fine Art, Marni Designs, The Art of Tao LaBossiere LLC, Naturally Dogs & Cats, Jenny Fields Fiber, Avé Rivera Studio, Iron*Art, Colemama Creations, Verse Bags, Lisa Kraimer: Hand knit hats, Speckles and Petals, Wren in a Willow, JusTea, Let’s Start from Scratch, Hartford Prints!, Timeflies by Lauralie, Tainted, and Wild Yonder. 11 am – 5 pm at ArtSpace Gallery (555 Asylum Street). Suggested $5 donation, but nobody will kick you out if you can’t pay.
- Lindsey Fyfe Open Studio Day: Check out (and buy) paintings by Lindsey Fyfe (75 Pratt Street, 5th floor). 11 am – 5 pm.
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- CT Robotics Society Meeting: this free monthly meeting is at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, North basement corridor), 1-4 pm. 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.”
- Listen to the Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus perform their holiday concert at the Wadsworth Atheneum, 3 pm. Tickets are $30-45.
- Tom of Finland screens at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) at 5 and 7:30 pm today. They say this is a “new film about a real-life gay hero: artist Touko Laaksonen, who signed his erotic paintings of leather-and-uniform-clad men as ‘Tom of Finland.’ After fighting in World War II, Laaksonen (Pekka Strang) returns to Helsinki, only to realize that life for gay men in Finland is still restricted and dangerous. Living with his uptight sister Kaija (Jessica Grabowsky), Tom secretly sketches the men he desires. And as he finds love with a shy dancer (Lauri Tilkanen), Tom courageously puts his artwork out into the (grateful) world. Embraced by the gay liberation movement in the States, Tom of Finland’s outrageous fantasies went from being trashed as porn, to hanging on the walls of MOMA.” General admission: $10.
December 11
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Hartford’s City Council meets at 7 pm in Council Chambers at 550 Main Street.
- Tom of Finland screens at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) at 7:30 pm today. They say this is a “new film about a real-life gay hero: artist Touko Laaksonen, who signed his erotic paintings of leather-and-uniform-clad men as ‘Tom of Finland.'” General admission: $10.
December 12
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Happy Chanukah!
- Toward Justice: learn about the history and future of criminal justice reform in Connecticut, 5:30-8:30 pm at The Artists’ Collective (1200 Albany Avenue). Free admission; registration requested.
- Play Crokinole at Hooker Brewery (140 Huyshope Ave.), 6-10 pm. Free.
- Tom of Finland screens at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) at 7:30 pm today. They say this is a “new film about a real-life gay hero: artist Touko Laaksonen, who signed his erotic paintings of leather-and-uniform-clad men as ‘Tom of Finland.'” General admission: $10.
December 13
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Green Drinks: This month’s focus will be on a local effort to start a food co-op. This free event takes place 6-8 pm at Spectra Wired Cafe (enter at Kinsley Street and Columbus Boulevard).
- MakeHartford Open House: tour the makerspace at 30 Arbor Street (North basement corridor, 6:30-9 pm. Free.
- Tom of Finland screens at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) at 7:30 pm today. They say this is a “new film about a real-life gay hero: artist Touko Laaksonen, who signed his erotic paintings of leather-and-uniform-clad men as ‘Tom of Finland.'” General admission: $10.
December 14
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Winterfest Market: Craft fair at the Pump House in Bushnell Park, 4-8 pm.
- HYPE/The Bushnell Young Professional Group Happy Hour: 5:30-7:30 pm at Winterfest in Bushnell Park. There will be a food truck and other refreshments available for purchase. No admission fee.
- Lauren-Brooke Eisen will be giving a talk about her book Inside Private Prisons: An American Dilemma in the Age of Mass Incarceration. Doors at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (77 Forest Street) open at 5:30 pm; program is 6-7:30 pm. Register for this free program.
- Come to the Pond House in Keney Park for a literary evening featuring 25 local authors. Signed books will be available for purchase. This is 6-9 pm. Wine and light refreshments will be served. Free.
- Tom of Finland screens at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) at 7:30 pm today. They say this is a “new film about a real-life gay hero: artist Touko Laaksonen, who signed his erotic paintings of leather-and-uniform-clad men as ‘Tom of Finland.'” General admission: $10.
- Travelers Chorale: Free holiday concert at The Bushnell (166 Capitol Avenue), 7:30 pm. Bring non-perishable food items for donation.
- An Improvised Christmas Carol: At Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street). 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!” Adults $15/Children $10. 8 pm.
December 15
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Glisten: The Art Connection Studio (56 Arbor Street, Suite 206) will be opened up as a seasonal market, 4-6:30 pm.
- Winterfest Market: Craft fair at the Pump House in Bushnell Park, 4-8 pm.
- The Nutcracker Suite & Spicy: now in its eighth season, they say this “fuses ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom and hip-hop techniques to breathe new life into the timeless tale of an imaginative young lady and her beloved nutcracker.” 8 pm in the Wadsworth Atheneum. Tickets: $40.
- An Improvised Christmas Carol: At Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street). 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!” Adults $15/Children $10. 8 pm.
December 16
- Free ice skating lessons, 10-11 am, at the rink in Bushnell Park
- Holiday Food Market: 10 am – 1 pm at The Studio at Billings Forge on Broad Street between Capitol Avenue and Russ Street. SNAP/EBT accepted.
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Take a tour of Connecticut Historical Society‘s “That’s Weird” exhibit. The 2-3 pm tour will be presented with American Sign Language interpretation. Adult admission to CHS is $12.
- District Night: food trucks, hot and cold drinks, s’mores, and music by DJ Connie Carmona. This is in the lot next to TheaterWorks (233 Pearl Street). 5-8 pm. Free admission.
- Listen to an evening of holiday jazz at the Backstage Cafe (35 Westbourne Parkway). Tickets are $35. Hors D’oeuvres with cash bar at 6 pm; music begins at 7 pm.
- CT Yule: This Winter Solstice celebration will be at Unitarian Society of Hartford (50 Bloomfield Avenue), 7-9 pm. They say: “We will journey through our inner darkness to meet the Horned Gods at their Feast of the Long Night, where we will seek their protection, blessings, and light to sustain us through the winter. The Temple of Witchcraft rituals are open to all, and no experience is necessary to participate in the celebration, only an open heart and open mind is required. Feel free to wear your ritual finery or robes if you so choose.” Participants are asked to bring a food or drink item to share, and there is a $10 suggested donation.
- An Improvised Christmas Carol: At Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street). 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!” Adults $15/Children $10. 8 pm.
- The Nutcracker Suite & Spicy: now in its eighth season, they say this “fuses ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom and hip-hop techniques to breathe new life into the timeless tale of an imaginative young lady and her beloved nutcracker.” 8 pm in the Wadsworth Atheneum. Tickets: $40.
December 17
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- The Nutcracker Suite & Spicy: now in its eighth season, they say this “fuses ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom and hip-hop techniques to breathe new life into the timeless tale of an imaginative young lady and her beloved nutcracker.” 2 pm in the Wadsworth Atheneum. Tickets: $40.
- Choral Masterworks Christmas Concert at Asylum Hill Congregational Church (814 Asylum Avenue), 4 pm. They say: “The Asylum Hill Sanctuary Choir, orchestra, and soloists, under the direction of Jack A. Pott, present three choral masterworks for the Christmas season: Laud to the Nativity, by Ottorino Respighi, Christmas Oratorio, by Camille Saint-Saëns, and Magnificat, by Sir John Rutter, along with an audience carole-sing, and Nigel Hess’ thrilling Christmas Overture for orchestra.” Proceeds go to ImmaCare. Tickets are $20.
- Watch Baraka at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street), 4:30 pm. General admission: $10.
December 18
- Challenge: visit a different Hartford park or green space every day until the end of this year. Today’s suggestion: Charter Oak Landing.
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Watch It’s a Wonderful Life at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street), 7:30 pm. General admission: $10.
December 19
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Challenge: visit a different Hartford park or green space every day until the end of this year. Today’s suggestion: Goodwin Park.
- Watch It’s a Wonderful Life at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street), 7:30 pm. General admission: $10.
December 20
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Challenge: visit a different Hartford park or green space every day until the end of this year. Today’s suggestion: Keney Park, entrance at Greenfield and Woodland Streets.
- MakeHartford Open House: tour the makerspace at 30 Arbor Street (North basement corridor, 6:30-9 pm. Free.
- Watch It’s a Wonderful Life at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street), 7:30 pm. General admission: $10.
- Trinity Episcopal Church (120 Sigourney Street) is offering A Service of Hope and Remembrance, 7:30-9 pm, “support people in grief or sadness during the Christmas Holiday Season.”
December 21
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Challenge: visit a different Hartford park or green space every day until the end of this year. Today’s suggestion: Cedar Hill Cemetery.
- Watch It’s a Wonderful Life at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street), 7:30 pm. General admission: $10.
December 22
- Challenge: visit a different Hartford park or green space every day until the end of this year. Today’s suggestion: Colt Park.
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Watch It’s a Wonderful Life at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street), 7:30 pm. General admission: $10.
December 23
- Free ice skating lessons, 10-11 am, at the rink in Bushnell Park
- Challenge: visit a different Hartford park or green space every day until the end of this year. Today’s suggestion: Keney Park, entrance on Tower Avenue or Windsor Avenue.
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Watch It’s a Wonderful Life at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street), 2:30 and 7:30 pm. General admission: $10.
December 24
- Challenge: visit a different Hartford park or green space every day until the end of this year. Today’s suggestion: Riverside Park.
- Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 12-4 pm.
- Watch It’s a Wonderful Life at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street), 2:30 pm. General admission: $10.
December 25
- Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 12-4 pm.
- Challenge: visit a different Hartford park or green space every day until the end of this year. Today’s suggestion: South Branch Park River path, begins at Flatbush Avenue and Brookfield Street (south west corner).
- The Art Sled Derby is less than two months away — start brainstorming!
December 26
- Challenge: visit a different Hartford park or green space every day until the end of this year. Today’s suggestion: Elizabeth Park.
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
December 27
- Hartford residents get free admission to the Wadsworth Atheneum nearly every day the museum is open. Today’s hours are 11 am – 5 pm.
- Challenge: visit a different Hartford park or green space every day until the end of this year. Today’s suggestion: Hyland Park.
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- MakeHartford Open House: tour the makerspace at 30 Arbor Street (North basement corridor, 6:30-9 pm. Free.
December 28
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Challenge: visit a different Hartford park or green space every day until the end of this year. Today’s suggestion: Pope Park.
December 29
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- Challenge: visit a different Hartford park or green space every day until the end of this year. Today’s suggestion: Rocky Ridge Park.
- Funny as Tech: At Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street), 9 pm. $10 admission. They say: “a wild and winding conversation around social media, tech etiquette, AI, self-driving cars, the power of algorithms, privacy in the digital age, and the latest trend du jour. The goal is to make issues around our tech behavior informative, entertaining, and accessible. The December 29th show will be taped for podcast and video.”
December 30
- Free ice skating lessons, 10-11 am, at the rink in Bushnell Park.
- Challenge: visit a different Hartford park or green space every day until the end of this year. Today’s suggestion: Pope Park West.
- Free ice skating and skate rentals at the rink in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
- $5 from each Wolf Pack ticket goes to Dog Star Rescue. Tickets are $15. Game starts at 7 pm at the XL Center.
December 31
- Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 11:30 pm.
- Challenge: visit a different Hartford park or green space every day until the end of this year. Today’s suggestion: Bushnell Park.
- First Night Hartford: A wristband ($12 adults; $3 youth ages 3-15) is your admission to the entertainment. 2 pm til midnight.
DISCLAIMERS
This information is accurate as of publication to the best of my knowledge. Events are sometimes cancelled or postponed. 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.
This calendar is curated — it’s not a free-for-all. If an event is not in Hartford, kinda expensive, sketchy, or unclear, it’s not going on this calendar without major convincing that it belongs here.
Janie
What a great comprehensive guide! Thank you!