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.

By Kiley Krzyzek. Photos by Ronni Newton, Joy Taylor, Amy Melvin, and Kiley Krzyzek

Holiday cheer was heard loud and clear as carolers sang, horses trotted in front of carriages full of smiling people, and kids shouted with joy as sisters Kiley and Allie Sullivan kicked off the celebration with a tree lighting ceremony at West Hartford’s annual Holiday Stroll.

Kiley and Allie got the princess treatment from Santa himself as they rode into Blue Back Square in a horse-drawn carriage Thursday night.

This year Kiley got the chance to light the ornately-decorated tree in front of The Cheesecake Factory along with her sister. Kiley, who was diagnosed with the rare childhood cancer Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma in April 2014, was too ill to attend last year’s stroll, so Allie took her place.

Kiley was thrilled when her parents told her right before she got to Blue Back Square that she would get to light the tree this year. She said she had fun lighting the tree and that her favorite ornament is “the big one.”

“It felt really cool, especially doing it with my sister,” said Allie. She said the crowd was definitely bigger than last year when she did the lighting alone, and many of her friends were there this year.

“The coolest thing was watching everyone smile when the tree lit up,” Allie said.

“Princess Kiley” said she is looking forward to Christmas. “I do want a stuffed animal pink bunny,” she proclaimed. She’ll definitely get it, now that she’s best friends with Santa. Allie said she would like tickets to see “Wicked.”

Kiley and Allie’s mom, Emily Sullivan, looked on proudly, “I thought it was amazing, it brought tears to my eyes. Happy tears,” exclaimed Sullivan.

As children lined up by the just-lit Blue Back Square tree for their turn to take a picture with Santa, the Connecticut Yuletide Carolers, making their first Holiday Stroll appearance, began their set across the street in the courtyard.

“We’re singing three dozen of the most popular carols. There’s also some Hanukkah in our repertoire. We’re the oldest and most well-established caroling group in Connecticut,” attested singer Sheri Ziccardi.

“We do malls, house parties and Christmas tree lightings,” said Ken Miller. “Our most popular carol is coming up next,” Ziccardi promised as they started the classic carol ‘Joy to the World.'”

Conard High School’s premier a cappella group Be S#arp also took the stage at both Blue Back Square and the Showmobile at the corner of LaSalle Road and Farmington Avenue, singing some Christmas classics as well as their own favorite tunes like John Mayer’s “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room.”

There were horse-drawn carriage rides in Blue Back as well as along LaSalle and Farmington Avenue, and a chance to visit with Santa in both areas.

Stores offered special promotions, and some offered giveaways like the fair trade coffee samples at Ten Thousand Villages. The “Gingerbread Build” in Blue Back Square was a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser.

Vinted Wine Bar was handing out hot apple cider. La Petite France and A’Vert Brasserie served up freshly-made crepes, and Treva chef/owner was roasting chestnuts over an open fire. It was worth standing in line for the hot Faddy’s Donuts that were being served up inside Engel & Voelkers, and the balloon Santa hats outside BK&Co.were worth the wait, too.

The streets were filled with families getting in on all of the festivities.

The Vidal family of West Hartford tries to come to the event every year. “We love it, it gets you in the festive mood. We love running into all her friends from school and neighbors, it’s fun,” said Betsey alongside her daughter Victoria, 5, and son George, 3.

“I climbed in the truck!” said Victoria, showing off her sticker from the firemen who brought one of two pieces of apparatus for kids to climb in. “It’s great, weather’s perfect, lots of things, people are always friendly, it’s nice,” said dad, Matthew Vidal.

The Holiday Stroll was a fun and festive night for all, but there’s one more activity that didn’t end Thursday night. The window display contest runs until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Click here to vote for your favorites.

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