Hartford is the capital city of Connecticut. As a cultural hub, there is plenty to see and do. It can be especially exciting at Christmas time when the city lights up in all its Holiday glory.
If you are thinking of coming by for a seasonal visit, here are some things you won’t want to miss.
A Visit to the Mark Twain House and Museum
The Mark Twain House and Museum is one of Hartford’s main attractions and during Christmas, you can expect it to be dressed up to the nines.
The 1874 mansion houses thousands of artifacts including the desk where Twain created his best-known works. During the holidays, you can visit to find out how the Clemens (Twain’s real name was Samuel Clemens) celebrated Christmas back in the day. It was always an elaborate affair with handmade decorations and scrumptious treats.
There may also be special events happening at the museum during the holiday season. One year, the Ballet Hartford dropped by for a few holiday themed numbers in the decorated rooms. Check their events page to find out about goings-on you won’t want to miss.
Check out the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center
The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center features the author’s Victorian House, period furnishings and a garden. The house is dressed for the season from late November to New Year’s Eve. Guests can take a tour to find out how 19th century reformers celebrated the newly popular holiday of Christmas.
In past years, Hartford Nook Farms has reserved the weekend before Christmas to celebrate the spirit of Twain and Stowe and how they always opened their house to visitors. In doing so the farm hosts an event opening both centers to visitors for educational tours.
Horse drawn carriage rides through the grounds of both properties are available before and after the tour. Guests can also stop at the Stowe Visitor Center to hear high school carolers performing. Museum stores are open for great holiday shopping.
Live performances are presenting by youth groups and puppet show troops to better illustrate how things were in the days of old.
Stop Off at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum
The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is a great place to check out Renaissance and Impressionist pieces. During the Christmas season the facility hosts a Festival of Traditions and Trees event. Established in 1973 by the Women’s Committee, community members, artists and organizations decorate trees and wreaths to be displayed throughout the gallery. All items are for sale with proceeds going towards the museum’s special exhibits, educational programs and operating expenses.
The sale starts in late November and runs just two weeks into December. Be sure to catch it before it ends.
Hartford’s Holiday Light Fantasia Parade
Holiday Light Fantasia transforms Goodwin Park into a 2-mile drive through holiday show. It features over a million lights, holiday scenes, familiar characters and displays that pay tribute to Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years and Three Kings Day. All proceeds benefit the Channel 3 Kids Camp which provides a camp experience to children without financial restrictions.
Festival of Lights at Constitution Plaza
Constitution Plaza is a commercial mixed-use development in the Downtown area. Every Christmas it transforms with an impressive lighting display that is worth checking out. There are often concerts and sing alongs in the area and when the Christmas season is underway, you can expect plenty of holiday fun.
The Capital Building
The Capital Building is located north of Capital Avenue and it houses the Connecticut General Assembly, the upper house, the State Senate, the lower house, the House of Representatives and the office of the Governor. During Christmas, it lights up with twinkling displays. There is also a Christmas tree in the main lobby.
Christmas Shopping
There are plenty of holiday shopping destinations in Hartford. These include shopping malls and squares that are sure to be decked out for the seasons and may even be hosting meet and greets with Santa. Here are some that are worth checking out.
· Corbin’s Corner
· Charter Oak Mall
· Wethersfield Shopping Center
· State House Square
· Somerset Square
· Constitution Plaza
· West Farm Shopping Center
· Bishops Corner
· Blue Black Square
· Westfarms Mall
Eat a Holiday Meal
There are plenty of Hartford restaurants that offer delicious holiday meals. Here are a few to choose from.
· Union Kitchen: Enjoy a holiday meal consisting of goodies like chilled calamari salad, mini meatballs, pork dumplings, penne a la vodka, stuffed bread and holiday cookies.
· Blue Plate Kitchen: Blue Plate serves up braised brisket, herb roasted chicken, pot roast, honey glazed ham and turkey dinners with an assortment of sides, salads and popovers. Got room for more? Check out their apple pie, cornbread and cocktail add ons.
· Arugala: Arugala is open Christmas Eve and New Years Eve and it’s a great place to party. It’s a terrific Mediterranean food destination.
· Café Louise: Visit Café Louise for a holiday meal consisting of hors d’oeuvres, sides, entrees, dessert and brunch items. The menu includes baked stuffed shrimp, Dijon crusted lamb, filet mignon and beef Wellington.
· The Kitchen: The Kitchen offers a variety of holiday items including porchetta, whole roasted beef tenderloin, salmon, lobster, quiches, soups, pies and desserts.
· The Capital Grille: The Capital Grille offers three course meals that include items like beef tenderloin, lobster tails, scampi-style jumbo shrimp, salads, sides and its signature cheesecake for dessert.
Hartford is a great place to spend the holidays. What will you be doing when you visit?
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