A jolly laugh, a bushy white beard, a big red suit and even bigger sack of gifts— who could it be but Old Saint Nick? Taking a picture with Santa Claus is a yearly tradition for families all around the country… and so are long lines, heavy bags, and tantrums under fluorescent lights. Avoid the mall Santa mayhem this year and see Father Christmas in his natural environment! Here are five festive places to see Santa right here in Hartford, Connecticut.
Westfarms
Great option for: Scrapbookers and memory-makers
Sometimes, your phone’s photo library just doesn’t cut it. Westfarms offers multiple photo printing packages— and multiple different Santas— so you can preserve your holiday memories exactly how you want them. Make sure to reserve a spot; these Saint Nick photoshoots fill up quick!
Dates: Now – Dec. 24
Reservations available here.
Winterfair
Great for: Gift-givers and seasonal shoppers
Winterfair returns for its third run this year, and Santa Claus is coming to town with it! Visit from Nov. 24 – Dec. 23 to meet Christmas’s most famous gift-giver, then shop for gifts yourself at the holiday market, or make them yourself at the fair’s arts and crafts stations. And by featuring small local businesses, Winterfair is a gift to the community too!
Dates: Nov. 24 – Dec. 23
Brunch With Santa
Great for: Maximizing your Santa time
It’s hard to make brunch even better, but having Santa as a guest does the trick! The Pond House Café’s Brunch With Santa event lets you and the kids enjoy a delicious meal with Father Christmas himself, plus a gingerbread house kit to build at home. You get a lot out of your ticket, so make sure to get it quick; they sell out fast!
Dates: Nov. 25 – Nov. 26
Tickets available here.
Winterfest Hartford
Great for: Getting outdoors and learning new skills
Taking place in Bushnell Park, Winterfest Hartford is a great way to get outdoors this holiday season. Listen to local bands live in the park and enjoy the free ice skating on the pond— come on Nov. 24 for free lessons! Santa also comes on Nov. 24, so make sure to time your visit right for a festive photo.
Dates: Nov. 24
More information here.
Glow Hartford
Great option for: An all-in-one Christmas outing
Santa Claus is no stranger to Glow Hartford; you can meet him any day you visit, and photos with him are free! For even more of Saint Nick, kids can go on the Santa’s Perfect Gift scavenger hunt as a fun holiday activity, and for even more photos, there’s a million (literally!) lights on-site. There’s also food, drink, shopping, and live entertainment on-site for a whole day of holiday cheer.Dates: Nov. 18 – Dec. 23
Tickets available here.
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