“Hartford for the Holidays” Promotes City-Wide Season of Holiday Events

November 6 press conference to launch Hartford’s holiday-focused tourism campaign

(October 29, 2025 | Hartford, CT) Hartford’s holiday season is kicking off with a press conference on November 6 announcing an impressive lineup of festive events and attractions happening throughout the city.

Winterfair: Hartford’s Holiday Market is back at Union Station beginning on Small Business Saturday (November 29).

“Hartford for the Holidays” is a collaborative campaign from the Hartford Chamber of Commerce to unify marketing efforts throughout the community and increase tourism from Small Business Saturday (November 29) into the New Year. Partners include the City of Hartford, the Hartford Business Improvement District, and more than 30 venues, hotels, nonprofits, and event organizers making the city bright.

“There’s so much more to Hartford during the holidays than just what’s on the surface,” said Marian Andoh Clarke, Director of Small Business Development at the Hartford Chamber of Commerce. “Yes, there’s ice skating, theater, shopping, and attractions — but at its heart, Hartford for the Holidays is about community. It’s about coming together to support our small businesses, celebrate local creativity, and rediscover the magic of our city when we show up for each other. Don’t just come for one event and leave — spend the day, bring your friends and family, explore something new, and feel what makes Hartford special. This campaign is a reminder that joy, connection, and impact are right here in our own backyard.”

The Festival of Trees and Traditions takes place at the Wadsworth from December 4 - 14

Popular holiday events include Winterfair: Hartford’s Holiday Market at Union Station, Pratt Street’s Winter Village, Glow Hartford, Winterfest Hartford’s free ice skating in Bushnell Park, and live performances such as Christmas on the Rocks at TheaterWorks Hartford, A Christmas Carol at Hartford Stage, and Connecticut Ballet’s The Nutcracker at The Bushnell. For a complete list of events, visit hartfordfortheholidays.com.

The press conference takes place at the Wadsworth Atheneum in its Avery Court. The museum hosts several holiday experiences, including its long-running Festival of Trees and Traditions and CONNetic Dance's “Nutcracker Suite & Spicy.”

“Hartford for the Holidays is about showcasing the spirit and warmth of our community — a call to action for all of us to come together and support the local businesses, venues, and non-profits that make our city so unique,” noted Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam. “From the free ice skating at Winterfest to our world-class theater performances and unique markets like Winterfair, the holiday spirit lights up Hartford in a truly special way. To our residents and visitors: spend the day here! Shop, eat, explore the magic, and celebrate and invest in the vibrant future of our capital city.”

WHAT: Press Event

WHO: Mayor Arunan Arulampalam - Mayor, City of Hartford; Marian Andoh Clarke, Director of Small Business Development, Hartford Chamber of Commerce; Amanda Roy, CEO, Greater Hartford Arts Council.

WHEN: Thursday, November 6, 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art (600 Main Street, Hartford, CT in the Avery Court)

Media should RSVP to Jenn Accuosti at jaccuosti@metrohartford.com