The 38th annual West Hartford Holiday Stroll will return to West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025.

By Ronni Newton

The holiday season is here, and there will be plenty of holiday spirit for all to enjoy at the 38th annual Holiday Stroll in West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square on Thursday, Dec. 4.

The magic of the season will return to town with a classic family-friendly New England-style festival that includes a tree lighting, a menorah lighting, tasty treats from area restaurants, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Victorian carolers strolling the streets, live music, and ballet dancers performing scenes from The Nutcracker. Families can also explore West Hartford’s fire trucks up close.

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.

West Hartford Holiday Stroll. Dec. 5, 2024, Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

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 for visitors to enjoy the festive magic of the season

First Church, 12 South Main Street, will also be hosting the 10th annual Festival of Trees during Holiday Stroll, featuring more than 40 decorated trees that have been donated by local businesses. This indoor activity is a good chance to warm up, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and take a chance to win a tree and/or a gift card with all proceeds supporting to local charities. Winners will be announced on Sunday, Dec. 7.

The 38th 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, and the Town of West Hartford.

According to the Chamber, each year, the Holiday Stroll draws an impressive crowd of 8,000 to 10,000 attendees who come together to celebrate a wide variety of winter holidays in the spirit of joy, community, and tradition.

Programs will be handed out at the event, and images of the program can be found below. 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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