West Hartford Holiday Stroll Welcomes the Season in Classic New England Style

Published On: December 1, 2023Categories: Blue Back Square, Entertainment, Happenings, Lifestyle, The Center
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The Vargas family of West Hartford poses with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

Thousands of people visited West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square on Thursday, Nov. 30 during the 36th annual Holiday Stroll.

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

Jack Frost was doing just a bit of nipping at noses Thursday night – and there were actual chestnuts roasting on an open fire – as thousands visited Blue Back square and West Hartford Center on Thursday night for the 36th annual Holiday Stroll.

Magical New England winter spirit filled West Hartford with a tree and menorah lighting, carolers, dancers and other live performances on three stages, hot cocoa and other heart-warming treats, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, brightly-decorated windows, and the opportunity to donate toys to those in need.

Taylor Kinzler of NBC Connecticut’s CT Live once again emceed the Blue Back Square activities, which included a ballet performance prior to the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a stylish convertible. Santa led a countdown to the lighting of the tree.

“Another” Santa was transported to Relax the Back by the West Hartford Fire Department. Scores of holiday wishes were shared at both locations by wide-eyed children.

First Church West Hartford once again held the Festival of Trees, raising money for charity.

Holiday cheer could be found from one end of West Hartford Center to the other and throughout Blue Back Square as the local businesses and the Chamber of Commerce hosted the free – and very successful – annual event as a thank you to the community.

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Kate Kobs

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Kate Kobs

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Kate Kobs

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Kate Kobs

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Kate Kobs

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Kate Kobs

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Kate Kobs

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Kate Kobs

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Kate Kobs

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Kate Kobs

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Chris Conway

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Chris Conway

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Chris Conway

West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo credit: Chris Conway

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One Comment

  1. Mary Collins December 1, 2023 at 5:17 PM - Reply

    Thanks for compiling a photo album of a great evening. A huge shout out of thanks to all that made last night happen.

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