Christmas Events In Hartford 2024
Hartford Connecticut Christmas Shows: A Guide to the Best Holiday Performances
With a downtown located on the shores of the Connecticut River, Hartford is one of the oldest cities in America - a beautiful place rich in history and steeped in culture.
During the Christmas season, the city comes alive with a variety of holiday shows and events with something for everyone to enjoy. From classic performances to modern interpretations, the shows in Hartford are sure to delight audiences of all ages.
One of the most popular Christmas shows in Hartford is the annual production of "A Christmas Carol" at the Hartford Stage. This timeless tale of redemption has been a holiday tradition for many families in the area for years. The production features a talented cast, stunning set design, and beautiful costumes that transport audiences back in time to Victorian England.
Another must-see Christmas show in Hartford is the "Holiday Cirque Spectacular" at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts. This dazzling performance combines the art of circus with the magic of the holiday season. Audiences will be amazed by the acrobatic feats, aerial acts, and other breathtaking displays of talent. With its festive atmosphere and high-energy performances, the "Holiday Cirque Spectacular" is a show that is not to be missed.
Popular Theatre Christmas Events in Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford, Connecticut is home to a variety of popular theatre Christmas events that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Here are some of the most popular theatre Christmas events in Hartford, Connecticut for 2023:
"A Christmas Carol" at Hartford Stage
"A Christmas Carol" is a timeless classic that has been performed countless times, but the Hartford Stage's production is one of the most beloved. The production (Nov. 25 - Dec. 24) features stunning sets and costumes, as well as a talented cast that brings the story of Ebenezer Scrooge to life. This is a must-see event for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit.
"The Nutcracker" at The Bushnell
"The Nutcracker" is a holiday classic that is beloved by people of all ages. The Connecticut Ballet’s production of "The Nutcracker" will be held Dec. 22-23 at the Belding Theatre at the Bushnell is one of the most popular in the area, featuring stunning sets, beautiful costumes, and talented dancers. This is a great event for families looking to create lasting holiday memories.
"Elf: The Musical" at The Bushnell
Based on the hit movie, "Elf: The Musical" is a fun and festive show that is sure to put a smile on your face. The production at Mortensen Hall at the Bushnell (Dec. 22-23) features catchy songs, colorful sets, and a talented cast that brings the story of Buddy the Elf to life. This is a great event for anyone looking for a lighthearted and entertaining Christmas show.
"The Santaland Diaries" at TheaterWorks
For those looking for something a little different, TheaterWorks' production of "The Santaland Diaries" is a hilarious and irreverent take on the holiday season. The show is based on David Sedaris' essay of the same name and follows the misadventures of a man working as an elf at Macy's Santaland. This is a great event for anyone looking for a laugh during the holiday season.
Hartford has a wide variety of popular theatre Christmas events that are sure to delight audiences of all ages. Whether you're looking for a classic holiday story or something a little more irreverent, there is something for everyone in Hartford's vibrant theatre scene.
The Connecticut Ballet's Nutcracker Performances
The Connecticut Ballet's Nutcracker performances are a must-see during the holiday season in Hartford, Connecticut. The Nutcracker is a classic ballet that tells the story of a young girl named Clara and her magical journey to the Land of Sweets. The Connecticut Ballet's version of The Nutcracker is a beautiful and enchanting production that is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
The Connecticut Ballet's Nutcracker performances are held at the historic Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts. The Bushnell is a beautiful venue that provides the perfect setting for this magical holiday ballet. The Nutcracker is performed by a talented cast of dancers who bring the story to life with their graceful movements and stunning costumes.
The Connecticut Ballet's Nutcracker performances feature a live orchestra, which adds to the magic of the production. The music is performed by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, and it perfectly complements the beautiful dancing on stage. The Nutcracker is a timeless ballet that is made even more special by the live music.
The Connecticut Ballet's Nutcracker performances are a holiday tradition for many families in Hartford and the surrounding areas. The production is suitable for all ages, and it is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season. If you are looking for a magical and enchanting holiday experience, be sure to check out The Connecticut Ballet's Nutcracker performances at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts.
Holiday Concerts and Bands in Hartford
There are several concerts and bands coming to Hartford this holiday season, offering a range of musical genres and styles to suit every taste, from pop music to the Pops at the symphony.
One of the most highly anticipated concerts is the annual "Holiday Pops" series by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. This concert features classic holiday tunes and festive arrangements, as well as special guests of the renowned Cirque de la Symphonie – aerialists, contortionists, and gymnasts who will dance, soar, and tumble on, around, and above the stage in what’s sure to be a thrilling and memorable concert.
Whether you prefer classical orchestral music or upbeat rock and roll, there is something for everyone in Hartford this holiday season. Be sure to check out the full lineup of concerts and events to plan your holiday entertainment.
Other Holiday Events in Hartford
In addition to the Christmas shows, there are many other holiday events happening in Hartford this season. Here are a few popular ones:
- Holiday Light Fantasia: This drive-through light display at Goodwin Park is a beloved tradition for many families. Visitors can enjoy over a million twinkling lights and animated displays from the comfort of their car.
- Bushnell Park Ice Skating: Take a spin on the ice at Bushnell Park's outdoor skating rink. The rink is open daily and offers skate rentals and concessions.
- Festival of Trees & Traditions: The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art hosts this annual event, which features dozens of elaborately decorated trees and wreaths. Visitors can also enjoy live music, crafts, and a holiday marketplace.
- Winterfest Hartford: This free event in Bushnell Park includes ice skating, carousel rides, and visits with Santa. There are also food vendors and live entertainment on weekends.
These are just a few of the many holiday events happening in Hartford this season. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly activity or a night out with friends, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Christmas Sports Events in Hartford
Hartford is centrally located in a place that is galvanized around sports teams and leagues including the gridiron of the National Football League, and of course – hockey.
Hartford Wolf Pack, the American Hockey League team that plays at the XL Center have a three-game homestand just before Christmas hosting Rochester Americans (Dec. 15), Toronto Marlies (Dec. 17), and Bridgeport Islanders (Dec. 22).
For those willing to travel around New England, there are a number of competitive sports teams playing during the holiday season that will have sports fans cheering.
The Celtics will be in the midst of a road trip to the West Coast to challenge the Warriors, Kings, Clippers, and Lakers Christmas week, but they return to TD Garden on Dec. 28 to host the Pistons. The Patriots will host the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 18 the week before Christmas and all of New England will surely be asking if Taylor Swift will be joining the crowd. We’ll be keeping an eye out ourselves for Taylor Mania.
The Bruins reppin’ the NHL for Boston will be on the road as well, but return to TD Garden to face the New Jersey Devils on Dec. 30.
Going to the Sun
A short drive from Hartford brings music fans to a well-known sanctuary of entertainment, lodging, and gambling – the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville.
From late November through December, a number of show-stopping holiday events and concerts will take place at the Mohegan Sun Arena, including:
For most of our lifetime, Dave Matthews Band has relentlessly toured the globe. From small venues in Virginia to legendary arenas and amphitheaters, DMB has been synonymous with summer. This go-around, they make a special stop at the Mohegan Sun for two nights, Nov. 13-14 for what’s sure to be a memorable event.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra is one of the most highly anticipated concerts on the holiday calendar for Hartfordians is the annual performance from Trans-Siberian Orchestra. This time around, they’ll play at the Mohegan Sun on Nov. 26.
Some bands stand the test of time. That’s the case for Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, who will bring their Last Encores tour to the Mohegan on Dec. 1. Given the proximity to the holidays, we can only imagine they’ll sprinkle a Christmas song or two along with hits like “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
On Dec. 7, Pentatonix, the three-time Grammy-winning a cappella group hailing from Texas will bring their show-stopping tour to Mohegan. With a new Greatest Christmas Hits album out, there will certainly be some opportunities to hear holiday classics.
So grab your tickets and get ready for a fun-filled day of sports and holiday cheer.
