Thousands of people strolled the streets of West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square on Thursday night, enjoying a festive start to the holiday season.
The Chabot family in festive headwear at the West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
By Ronni Newton
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in Blue Back Square by horse drawn carriage and with a “magic” wand lit the Christmas tree, officially welcoming the holiday season to West Hartford.
There were chestnuts – and s’mores – roasting on an open fire, and although Jack Frost did a little nose-nipping, it wasn’t too uncomfortable for those who chose to attend the Holiday Stroll in the recommended “ugly sweater” attire.
Holiday cheer filled the air in West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square Thursday night. There were carolers and ballerinas, cocoa and cookies, Chanukah gelt and festive windows. There was a flash mob of dancers in holiday-themed sweaters.
Mascots from area sports teams strolled among the crowds delighting children. There were live animals , horse drawn carriage rides, and a chance to climb inside a fire truck.
Children visited with Santa (actually, Santa’s helpers) at Toy Chest and in Blue Back Square.
There were churros, crepes, and cinnamon doughnuts.
First Church West Hartford held a festival of trees.
And there was an “After Stroll” for the first time this year, an extra hour that included a holiday fashion show and a lively holiday karaoke sing, as well as drink specials in area restaurants.
The Holiday Stroll was fun and festive, and from the smiles on everyone’s faces, the event was a great success.
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Santa lights the Blue Back Square tree at the West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Festival of Trees at First Church West Hartford on December 1, 2016. Photo credit: Amy Melvin
West Hartford Festival of Trees at First Church West Hartford on December 1, 2016. Photo credit: Amy Melvin
