Winterfest Hartford Ice Skating
Winterfest Hartford offers free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park. The event includes free learn-to-skate classes and photos with Santa.
What to Expect
Free ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park
Event Details
Duration
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily (entry closes 7:30 PM)
Ages
All ages (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)
Neighborhood
Downtown Hartford
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- Night Fall Hartford Puppets
- Hartford Steel Drum Symphony
- MakerSpace
- Sea Tea Improv
- Hartford Hot Several
- Hartford Proud Drill, Drum & Dance Corp
- Miles (Hartford Marathon)
- Banty (Trinity College)
- +5 more
Organizer
The iQuilt Partnership
Food & Drink
Food trucks available on weekends. The Bushnell Park Carousel sells hot chocolate. Local restaurants nearby.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, friends, couples
Vibe
Festive, community-oriented, active
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- 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.
- Accessibility: A handicapped bathroom is available. Please ask staff at the skate shack for the key.
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Tips & Advice
- Fill out your skate waiver online in advance to save time upon arrival.
- Check the website or social media for weather-related closures or delays before you head out.
- Consider visiting on a Saturday in December or January for a chance to participate in the free learn-to-skate lessons.
- Bring your own lock if you plan to use the available lockers in the warming shed for your belongings.
- Plan your visit during daylight hours if you are using a wheelchair, as the natural terrain around the rink may be easier to navigate with better visibility.
Special Events & Promotions
- Free ice skating
- Free skate rentals
- Free learn-to-skate classes
- Free photos with Santa
- Performances by local artists and community groups
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Winterfest Hartford?
Winterfest is a seasonal outdoor ice skating rink located in Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT, offering free skating, skate rentals, and various programming.
How much does it cost to attend?
Admission to Winterfest Hartford is free, thanks to sponsors and donors. A skate waiver must be completed to enter.
What are the operating hours?
The rink is open daily from 11 am to 8 pm, with special hours on holidays like Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Check the website for specific holiday hours and potential weather-related closures.
Are skate rentals available?
Yes, free skate rentals are available for children's size 9 to adult size 15.
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.
More Christmas Events near Hartford
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.