The 2014 Holiday Stroll will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4.

By Ronni Newton

Santa will once again visit the West Hartford Holiday Stroll. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The Thanksgiving turkey and its trimmings are now a memory, and it’s time for the traditional start of the holiday season.

West Hartford’s annual Holiday Stroll is a great family-oriented activity to get into the spirit of the season. According to a news release from West Hartford Public Relations Specialist Renée McCue, the event includes: “Horse drawn carriage rides, carolers and street entertainment . . . all evoke images of a traditional New England winter season and now West Hartford Center brings the magic of the holidays to the Annual Holiday Stroll.”

Children will have a chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will be outdoor marshmallow roasting, and local choirs will perform. Ballerinas from The Nutcracker will make an appearance, area restaurants will provide food samples, and many merchants will offer promotions.

First Church of Christ Congregational, at the corner of South Main Street and Farmington Avenue, is also holding West Hartford’s first ever Festival of Trees, a fundraiser for local charities, in conjunction with the Holiday Stroll.

The Stroll is free of charge. It runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4.

For more information, contact Barbara Lerner, West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, 860-521-2300.