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Winterfest Hartford: Free Ice Skating & More
Experience the magic of Winterfest Hartford, a beloved holiday tradition in Bushnell Park. They offer free ice skating with complimentary rentals, perfect for a fun-filled day. Join their free learn-to-skate classes or capture a memorable moment with Santa. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the winter season with family and friends.
What to Expect
Free ice skating and skate rentals in a city park.
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: FREE โ Get tickets
- Parking: FREE street parking on Elm (Between Trinity and Pulaski Circle) and Jewell Streets during Winterfest Hartford. On other streets in the City, on-street parking is free after 6 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.
- Pets: No pets allowed
Other Christmas Events Near Hartford
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, friends, couples
Vibe
Festive, lively, community-oriented
Energy Level
Low
Budget
FREE
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
High
Special Events & Promotions
- Free ice skating
- Free skate rentals
- Free learn-to-skate classes
- Photos with Santa
- Performances by local artists
Location
Event Details
Duration
Daily 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Ages
All ages (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)
Neighborhood
Downtown Hartford
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- Nightfall Puppets
- Hartford Steel Drum Symphony
- MakerSpace
- Sea Tea Improv
- Hartford Hot Several
- Hartford Proud Drill Drum and Dance Corp
- Mascots (Miles-Hartford Marathon, Banty -Trinity College, Choppers and Cho Cho-Hartford Yard Goats, McGruff -Hartford Fire Department, Howie the Hawk -University of Hartford, Sam the Ram-Watkinson School, Sonar -Hartford Wolf Pack)
Organizer
The iQuilt Partnership
Food & Drink
Food trucks available on weekends; hot chocolate sold at the Bushnell Park Carousel.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early on weekends, especially during peak holiday times, to secure free skate rentals and avoid longer wait times.
- Check the Winterfest Hartford website for any weather-related closings or adjusted hours before your visit.
- Consider visiting on a weekday for a more relaxed skating experience with fewer crowds.
- Bring your own helmet for added safety, as they are not provided by the event.
- Combine your skating visit with a stop at a local Hartford restaurant to make a full day of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Winterfest Hartford?
Winterfest Hartford is a seasonal outdoor skating rink located in Bushnell Park, offering free ice skating, skate rentals, and lessons.
How much does it cost to attend Winterfest Hartford?
Admission to Winterfest Hartford is completely free, thanks to sponsors and donors. You will need to complete an online skate waiver.
When can I skate at Winterfest Hartford?
Winterfest typically opens the day after Thanksgiving and runs through January, with daily hours from 11 am to 8 pm, though holiday hours may vary.
Do you offer skating lessons?
Yes, free skating lessons are offered on Saturdays in December and January from 10 am to 11 am. More details can be found on the Winterfest Events page.
Where can I park?
Free street parking is available on Elm and Jewell Streets during Winterfest. On other city streets, parking is free after 6 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.