Winterfest Hartford, celebrating its 10th year, will return to Bushnell Park on Friday, Nov. 29.

Submitted

The iQuilt Partnership has announced that the Winterfest rink in Bushnell Park will return this year, offering the public free ice skating, free skate rentals and free learn-to-skate classes.

The rink will open on Friday, Nov. 29, and remain open until Monday, Jan. 20, 2020 (Martin Luther King Holiday).

“We would not be able to bring this amazing family activity back to the capital city without the generous support of local foundations, the corporate community and the many individuals who give to make Winterfest a reality,” said Jim Carter, chair of the iQuilt Partnership Board.

Highlights of this year’s schedule include: Free/open skating daily from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (except for Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, noon to 4 p.m. and New Year’s Eve, when it will be open from 11 a.m. to midnight). Free learn-to-skate classes are offered on Saturdays beginning Dec. 7 from 10-11 a.m.

In addition, Winterfest offers free photos with Santa Claus on Saturdays and Sundays until Christmas from noon-3 p.m. at the Bushnell Park Carousel. So many events this year from a mascot skate, to a makers day, to music Mondays, and so much more!

The carousel will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays of Winterfest from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. offering rides for $2.

A carol sing will be held on Dec. 12 on the steps of UConn Hartford on Prospect Street. Gathering will be at 5 p.m. and a community carol sing-a-long will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Winterfest sponsors to date include: Launc[H], Travelers, United Bank Foundation, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, Eversource, Bissell Foundation, The Hartford, LAZ Parking, Comcast/NBC/Telemundo, Roggi’s Automotive, People’s United Bank, Max Cares Foundation, Community Health Solutions, Hartford Steam Boiler, Greater Hartford Arts Council, Robinson & Cole, Global Atlantic Financial Services, SINA, Reid & Riege, Betty Knox Foundation, Gaylord Hospital, Freed Marcroft, Bushnell Park Foundation, Nassau RE, and blumshapiro.

Winterfest’s media sponsor is NBC/Telmundo.

Other partners include the MetroHartford Alliance, the Hartford Business Improvement District, Business for Downtown Hartford, the City of Hartford, Coursey & Co., and the New England Carousel Museum. The rink is constructed and operated by Champions Skating.

For more information on Winterfest and an up-to-date schedule of events please visit the website winterfesthartford.com.

To donate go online winterfesthartford.com or mail a check to Winterfest Hartford, c/o The iQuilt Partnership, 31 Pratt Street, 5th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103.

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