🎄 December Happenings in Greater Hartford
December is overflowing with holiday magic across Greater Hartford — from pajama parties and light festivals to Nutcracker performances and festive train rides. Here’s your guide to everything happening December 5–22, organized by weekend so you can plan with ease.
(As always, we sift through the noise so you don’t have to — giving moms the gift of time 💗.)
✨ December 5–8
Polar Pajama Party — Connecticut Science Center
December 5 • 5–9 PM
A cozy night of hands-on fun, winter-themed activities, and exploring the exhibits after hours. PJs encouraged!
Hartford Wolf Pack vs. Springfield Thunderbirds — Sonar’s Birthday!
December 5 • 6 PM
Celebrate Sonar’s big day with a family-friendly night on the ice.
Essex Steam Train — North Pole Express
December 4–6 • Times vary
A magical holiday train ride featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, carols, and cocoa. Check the website for available departures.
Northern Lights Limited — Railroad Museum of New England
December 4–6 • 5 PM & 7:15 PM
A festive evening ride through twinkling lights on the Naugatuck Railroad.
Annual Festival of Trees & Traditions — Wadsworth Atheneum
December 4–6
Thurs–Fri: 12–5 PM • Sat–Sun: 10 AM–5 PM
A beloved Hartford tradition, featuring beautifully decorated trees and wreaths throughout the galleries.
Playtime Adventures — The Children’s Museum (West Hartford)
December 5, 7, 10
Wednesdays & Fridays: 9 AM–12 PM • Sundays: 10 AM–12 PM
Open play with themed stations and interactive fun for littles.
Glow Hartford — Holiday Light Festival & Market
December 5–7 • Times vary
A dazzling walkthrough light experience with holiday shopping, treats, and photo ops.
✨ December 12–14
Visit with Santa — Flamig Farm
December 6–7 & 13 • 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
A charming, relaxed Santa visit on the farm. Your ticket time = your Santa time.
Winter Dreams — Belding Theater at The Bushnell
December 12–14
Fri & Sat: 8 PM • Sun: 3 PM
A magical seasonal performance perfect for a festive night out.
Little Explorers — The Children’s Museum (West Hartford)
December 12 • 9–10 AM
A hands-on early childhood program for toddlers and preschoolers.
The Nutcracker — Warner Theatre
December 13–14 • Times vary
A classic holiday ballet performed in a stunning historic theater. Check listing for showtimes.
Glow Hartford — Holiday Light Festival & Market
All weekend • Times vary
Holiday Enchantment — Connecticut Science Center
December 12–14 • 10 AM
Daily holiday programming, activities, and festive fun for all ages.
Playtime Adventures — The Children’s Museum
Wednesdays & Fridays: 9 AM–12 PM
Sundays: 10 AM–12 PM
✨ December 19–22
Playtime Adventures — The Children’s Museum (West Hartford)
Wednesdays & Fridays: 9 AM–12 PM
Sundays: 10 AM–12 PM
Hartford Wolf Pack vs. Syracuse Crunch — Ugly Holiday Sweater Night
December 19 • 7 PM
Throw on your best ugly sweater for a festive game night at the XL Center.
Holiday Enchantment — Connecticut Science Center
December 19–21 • 10 AM
More seasonal programming, STEM fun, and photo-worthy holiday moments.
Glow Hartford — Holiday Light Festival & Market
Times vary
Little Explorers — The Children’s Museum
December 19 • 9–10 AM
Northern Lights Limited — Railroad Museum of New England
Evenings at 5 PM & 7:15 PM
A final weekend of magical nighttime rides.
If you go to any of these events, tag @greaterhartfordmoms — we LOVE seeing your family moments and sharing them with the community.
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