The 36th annual West Hartford Holiday Stroll will return Nov. 30, from 5-8 p.m. [Updated]

By Ronni Newton

The holiday season is upon us and the 36th annual Holiday Stroll in West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square will return Thursday, Nov. 30, bringing that festive magic to town with a classic family-friendly New England-style festival that includes a tree lighting, tasty treats from area restaurants, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, carolers and other live music, ballet dancers performing scenes from The Nutcracker, and the chance to climb aboard a fire truck.

The celebration of the season will begin with the tree lighting in the courtyard area of Blue Back Square at 5 p.m., and the Holiday Stroll will continue through 8 p.m. – rain, snow, or shine.

Entertainment for people of all ages will be showcased beginning at 5 p.m. on stages at Webster Walk in Blue Back Square as well as two other stages – located at the corner of Farmington Avenue and LaSalle Road and in the PeoplesBank parking lot at 102 LaSalle Road. American Sign Language interpreters will be available to ensure that all are able to experience the entertainment.

Performing at Blue Back Square will be PDA Party Band, and the area will feature other live performances as well as visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus and other activities for kids, as well as samplings of festive treats from area restaurants. Isham Road in Blue Back Square will be closed to vehicle traffic.

On the Farmington Avenue stage, there will be a menorah lighting with Rabbi Rachel Zerin and Cantor Daniella Risman. Strollers will be entertained in the Center by Playhouse on Park, Sound of New England Chorus, Hall High Choraliers, and Ballet Hartford. The PeoplesBank lot will showcase The School of Rock.

The Center and Blue Back Square merchants will be fully decked out in holiday style, with beautiful and creative window displays. Special promotions and other activities will take place during the Holiday Stroll event. See the flyers below for information and treats being offered by businesses.

The 36th annual Holiday Stroll is appropriate for people of all ages, and is made possible by the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, Blue Back Square, West Hartford Center Business Association, the Town of West Hartford, and 2020 Media.

Generous support has also been provided by the following sponsors: M&T Bank, PeoplesBank, TD Bank, Tea Leaf Realty, Westfield Bank, Pink Flamingo Party Co., 2020 Media, AMP Radio Network, 102.9 The Whale, and Radio 104.1 WMRQ.

For up-to-date information, including an event timeline, visit the West Hartford Chamber’s website and click on the “Holiday Stroll” tab.

Parking is available in the Isham, Memorial, and Town Center garages as well as in municipal lots at Town Hall, Brace Road, and Farmington Avenue. Parking rates will be in effect.

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