December 2014 Events

December 1

Getting a snack at the Kitchen Cafe at the Hartford Public Library? Show your library card during December and get a 10% discount.
Small Business Taxes: Local, State, and Federal. Is it something you want to do? Probably not. Is it something you need if you are running your own business? 6-8 p.m. Free workshop. University of Hartford’s Entrepreneurial Center, 1265 Asylum Avenue.
Want to learn to solder? MakeHartford is hosting another intro class. They say: “Participants will learn to solder electronic components to a printed circuit board while assembling and testing a small electronic project kit. The finished project is useful for the further study of electronics and is the participant’s to keep. Instruction will include workbench safety. All tools and materials will be provided. Eye protection is required. Safety glasses are available for an additional $4.00.” There are no prerequisites. “Materials provided: Commercially available kit containing printed circuit board and all necessary components. Solder. Liquid rosin flux. MH will also provide tools for each student (soldering iron and stand with sponge, needle nose pliers, diagonal cutters). Magnifying lens, “wall wart” power supply, and voltmeter for testing, these latter to be shared.” This $35 class is for teens and adults, 6:30-9 p.m. Confirm attendance and pay at door. MakeHartford is located at 30 Arbor Street, #B7.
Asylum Hill Congregation Church is holding a Service of Healing and Remembrance, in acknowledgement that it is especially difficult for those in mourning to experience the Christian holiday season. 7-8 p.m. AHCC is at 814 Asylum Avenue.
Venom Vintage is re-opening on 11 Whitney Street — party! Festivities begin at 7 p.m. in this art gallery/vintage boutique/community art space.
The Hartford Jazz Orchestra gives a free performance starting at 8 p.m. in the Arch Street Tavern.

December 2

The Connecticut Fair Housing Center is putting together a Renter’s Guide for Greater Hartford. They say this is ” to help low-income and very-low-income households and individuals address fair housing and mobility issues. The guide will focus on low-income and very-low-income individuals but should also have broad enough appeal to apply to anyone who is looking to move. We believe that addressing community issues requires the help and input of community members, particularly those who are affected and could benefit from such information. For that reason we are hosting a meeting (dinner provided) at Hartford Public Library from 5:30pm-7:30pm where we are inviting community members to come and give us their input and feedback on the project.” An r.s.v.p. is requested but not required. They want to ensure there will be enough food for everyone in attendance. Contact [email protected] or call (860) 263-0728. Let him know if child care will be required.
Board of Education Workshop Meeting begins at the Milner School (104 Vine) at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome to come listen, but there is no public comment during workshop sessions.
CTfastrak (New Britain-to-Hartford busway) is holding a series of open houses so that potential riders can plan their trips and buy tickets. There will be some sort of hands-on demonstration. This first one is from 6-8 p.m. at the Hartford Public Library, 500 Main Street.
Real Art Ways hosts its monthly Real Board Games: They provide the games (but you can also bring your own), you just show up. 6 p.m. until closing. Free.
Happy, Healthy Holiday Shinding: monthly healthy food meetup at ArtSpace, 555 Asylum. Bring a dish that can serve seven others. List all ingredients on a notecard (important so that people with allergies and sensitivities know what to eat or avoid). Bring own plate, utensils, and so forth. Free parking behind ArtSpace for those participating in this event. 6:30-8 p.m. Meet in the gallery space.
The Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies, College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board, Hartford Hillel and Muslim Student Organization are sponsoring tonight’s Muslim-Christian-Jewish Songfest and Poetry Evening. This event is free and open to the public. It will take place in Auerbach Auditorium of Hillyer Hall (H125) at the University of Hartford, 6:30-9.
This event is just over the line into West Hartford –> 92Y Talks – “Global Muckraking: 100 years of journalism from around the world”: Watch this live broadcast at Congregation Beth Israel. They say: “Columbia professor and winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics Joseph E. Stiglitz talks to Anya Schiffrin, editor of Global Muckraking: 100 Years of Investigative Journalism From Around the World, about a wide range of global issues from economics to journalism to politics. Selected by today’s leading journalists, the book collects gems of muckraking journalism from Britain to Burma. Crusading journalists have played a central role in American politics. Muckraking journalism is part and parcel of American democracy. But how many people know about the role that muckraking has played around the world? This groundbreaking new book presents the most important examples of world-changing journalism, spanning one hundred years of history and every continent.” All are welcome. Admission is $5 each. Pre-register to be guaranteed a seat: [email protected] or (860) 236-0580. This begins at 8:15 p.m. CBI is located at 701 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford.
Giving Tuesday: donate.

December 3

Get HYPEd: Happy Hour for young professionals and entrepreneurs. Bring business cards and network. 5:30-8:30 p.m. at CityPlace lobby, 185 Asylum Street. Free.
A Viola Cookie Christmas: Hartt Viola Ensemble Christmas Concert and Sing-Along, with bonus cookies. This recital is held in the Alfred C. Music Center’s foyer at the University of Hartford. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free.
Book launch of Hartford Through Time, captioned by Wilson Faude, with modern photographs by Andy Hart. The Hartford History Center publication shows never-before-published images of Hartford from the early 20th-century. Books will be for sale at the launch and reception, 5:30 p.m. at the Hartford History Center in the Hartford Public Library.
String Thing at MakeHartford. They say: “Bring your String Thing (knitting, crocheting, weaving, sewing, macrame, cross stitch, Hardanger, tatting, costuming, embroidery, Temari, etc. — honestly, it doesn’t even need to involve string; any project is welcome) to work on in the company of others who share a love of making things by hand. All ages welcome. We have some supplies to share and people who are happy to help you learn any of the above, and more.” 6-9 p.m.
Want to see Christmas on the Rocks at TheaterWorks, but low on cash? Tonight is “Pay What You Can Wednesday.” Show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Los Amigos Cantadores will play Parang music from Trinidad at the Austin Arts Center on Trinity College’s campus, 7:30 p.m. This is free and open to the public.
Jose Feliciano performs at Infinity, 8 p.m. Tickets are the opposite of free.

December 4

CTfastrak (New Britain-to-Hartford busway) is holding a series of open houses so that potential riders can plan their trips and buy tickets. There will be some sort of hands-on demonstration. This goes from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Old State House, 800 Main Street.
Come to the Smith House’s Reese Room at Trinity College for a reading by author Amity Gaige. They say: “Amity Gaige is the author of three novels: O My Darling, The Folded World, and Schroder, which was shortlisted for the Folio Prize and named one of the Best Books of 2013 by The New York Times. Her work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, and O, The Oprah Magazine. She lives in Connecticut with her family and teaches at Amherst College. A reception and book signing will follow each event, free and open to the public.” 4:30-6:30 p.m.
The Wadsworth’s First Thursday: Night of Illumination is basically guaranteed to be its most hopping event of the year. There will be holiday music, a sneak peek of CONNectic Dance’s The Nutcracker Suite & Spicy, and view of the annual Festival of Trees & Traditions. Admission is $8; $3 for members. Following the 5-8 p.m. event is the film The Shop Around the Corner, included in the price of admission.
Los Amigos Cantadores will play Parang music from Trinidad in a processional from house-to-house on Crescent Street. This is free and open to the public. 6-8 p.m.
Franklin Avenue Holiday Sing-Along: The South Hartford Business Alliance will hold its annual Holiday Sing-Along from 6 – 9 pm in the parking lot at 392 Franklin Avenue on Thursday, December 4. Santa will stop by the event with gifts for young children at 8 pm. The event is free and open to the public.
Rabbi Stephen Fuchs will be launching his book What’s In It for Me? Finding Ourselves in Biblical Narratives tonight at the Charter Oak Cultural Center. 7 p.m. free.
Catch Dear White People at Cinestudio. This film begins at 7:30 p.m. See Cinestudio schedule for other days and times. General admission is $9; it’ll cost you less if you are a senior or student.
HartBeat Ensemble’s West End: Hartford begins tonight. They say: “West End: Hartford is a civic theater experience in two acts: half of the program will be a scripted performance using the interviews that HartBeat assembled from residents of the West End, and the other half will be a live, unscripted civic dialogue. This will give the audience an opportunity to listen, reflect, think and speak their minds on the issues that have been raised. Civic leaders and citizens will be in dialogue discussing action plans for the future of Hartford’s West End neighborhood.” $10 general, $8 students/seniors/Let’s Go Arts Members. Free for West End residents. This begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue. Nobody turned away for lack of funds.
The Professors of Sweet Sweet Music play at Peppercorns Grill, 357 Main, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. No cover.
The Red Light District Party begins at NIXS (40 Front Street) 9 p.m. — until late! Check out performances by the Beat City Beauties and Dani Arranka. There is no cover. Burlesque show every hour!

December 5

GAZE: Gay Happy Hour at Real Art Ways, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Light refreshments are provided.
Anita Gangi Balkun‘s UPcycled Sampler exhibit opens today at the Hartford Public Library’s ArtWalk Gallery. The reception is from 6-8 p.m.
West End: Hartford continues tonight at 7:30 at the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue.
Hip Hop for the Homeless: 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. at Burger Baby, 283 Asylum Street. Bring food and clothing to donate.

December 6

Hartford Prints! is hosting its second Holiday Letterpress PrintShop, beginning today. Over this two-day workshop, participants will learn letterpress by making their own holiday cards. Cost includes 50 personalized cards and envelopes. Contact: [email protected] for more information and to register (not a free workshop).
Join Gerson Escobar-Arroyo for a guided tour, en español, of the current exhibits at the Connecticut Historical Society. CHS says: “Learn more about artist Richard Welling, urban planning, and the built environment in Hartford, both past and future, and explore photographer Pablo Delano’s views of Hartford today.” This is from 3-4 p.m. and free, but is first come, first serve. It is free admission to the CHS museum galleries from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. today. An English tour will take place at 2 p.m., guided by one of the museum’s staff. From 10-1, free holiday poppers family program.
Last chance to see Janet Lage’s paintings at EBK Gallery, 218 Pearl Street.
Vegan Meetup at Fire-N-Spice restaurant, 248 Sisson. 6 p.m. Bring money for food.
West End: Hartford continues tonight at 7:30 at the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue.
Real Art Ways hosts Speak Up, an evening of storytelling, starting at 8 p.m. Free.

December 7

Last chance to catch the Cats-in-Residence-Program at Real Art Ways
56th Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols: Trinity College Chapel Singers, Trinity College Concert Choir, and organist Christopher Houlihan will give two performances today, 4 and 7 p.m. These free, public performances will be identical. Trinity College suggests showing up to the chapel early to ensure you get a seat. If you happen to miss out, you can watch the concert broadcast live.
The Chocolate Expo: Connecticut Science Center hosts this event featuring 40 vendors with chocolates, gelato, baked goods, and more. Ticket prices vary, capping at $19. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Asylum Hill Congregational Church hosts inter-religious conversations. Today’s is titled: “Who is My Neighbor?”. They say, “When we know each other more, we hurt each other less.” People of all faith traditions welcome to participate. 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Sea Tea Improv performs at City Steam Brewery, 7-9 p.m. No cover!
West End: Hartford: last chance to see it is 2:00 p.m. at the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue.

December 8

Build-a-Kit Night at MakeHartford. They say: “Build-a-Kit sessions are mentored workshops for the assembly of commercially available, electronic project kits. MakeHartford provides a workspace, tools and test equipment, and a session mentor. Mentors are experienced electronics personnel that are there to help get your project running. It is helpful if you know how to solder.” This is most appropriate for teens and adults. Cost: $5 for MH Members, $10 for Non-Members. Register online or confirm your attendance on the Facebook event, then pay at the door. 6:30-9 p.m.
The Hartford Jazz Orchestra gives a free performance starting at 8 p.m. in the Arch Street Tavern.
See Terrence Lavin‘s sculptures at EBK Gallery, 218 Pearl Street.

December 9

Today, Wednesday, and Thursday only — the Old State House is hosting its Holiday Shopping Fair. Participating vendors include The Bee Happy Co., Cinder and Salt, Baker’s Dozen Dog Treats, and more. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Salsa Socials continues in the Hartford Public Library, 6-8 p.m. Learn to dance, then do it. Free. No partner or experience necessary.
City Council meeting at 7 p.m.
Andrew Muench’s Super Senior Double Bass Recital at the University of Hartford’s Fuller Music Center (Fuller Organ Studio). 8-9:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.

December 10

Those choosing to protest the charges against Luis Anglero, Jr. will gather in front of the courthouse at 101 Lafayette Street at 8 a.m. Anglero is the individual who was tasered by a member of the Hartford Police Department.
The Trouble Begins at 5:30: Elisabeth Petry on “‘Can Anything Beat White?’ A Black Family’s Letters.” They say: “Author and journalist Elisabeth Petry discovered old letters and photos in a tin ice cream-cone box that recounted the lives of her African American family in Hartford and Old Saybrook from Twain’s era until the early 20th century. Her great-great grandfather was coachman to a prominent Hartford businessman and politician, and her great-grandmother collected the Clemens family’s autographs — and remembered seeing Clemens and his butler George Griffin, a family friend, walking down a Hartford street all dressed in white. Petry’s book — Can Anything Beat White? — recounts her discoveries and her family’s saga. ” Reception at 5 p.m., talk at 5:30. Free, but reservations are suggested for this Mark Twain House & Museum event.
HYPE says: “One of our most anticipated and well-attended events, Tons of Toys is a very spirited and sophisticated gathering combining delicious food, drinks and festive activities with charitable giving. This year’s event will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford. Admission to Tons of Toys is one new unwrapped toy valued around $20 (or $20 cash/check/credit). At 6pm we’ll kick off the adults-only cocktail party. Semi-formal dress is encouraged but not required (business or business casual is also acceptable). Hors d’oeuvres will be provided, there will be a cash bar (cash only), and an amazing cake from A Little Imagination Cakes!” They ask that you register in advance, but all payment/toys will be accepted at the door. This is held in the Gershon Fox Ballroom at 960 Main.
How to Develop Your Small Business: take a free workshop at the University of Hartford’s Entrepreneurial Center, 1265 Asylum Avenue. 6-8:30 p.m. Register online.
The Syllable reading series will feature works tonight along the theme of “desire.” Come to Hartford Prints! for the event, start time: 8 p.m. Suggested $5 donation. If you want to be a reader, get your submission in by Dec. 7th.

December 11

Learn to make cookies! Join Becky McGuigan at Billings Forge Community Works to learn how to make classic shortbread and more. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $45.
Take a refresher course on Kingian Nonviolence. The CT Center for Nonviolence is teaching Dr. Martin Luther King’s philosophy and helping people find ways to apply it in their lives. 6 p.m. at Asylum Hill Congregational Church.
MARG Holiday Meet & Greet: The Maple Avenue Revitalization Group (MARG) will hold its annual Holiday Meet & Greet from 6 – 9 pm in the lower level of Saint Augustine’s Church, 10 Campfield Avenue, Hartford. The event is free but those attending are asked to bring non-perishable food items for the Saint Augustine Church Food Pantry. For more information, call Hyacinth Yennie, 860-296-5543.
Holiday Sing Along: Join Susan Campbell and Susan Mazer for a holiday sing along at Charter Oak Cultural Center. Bring baked goods to share. They’ll provide beverages. Suggested donation $5. This begins at 7 p.m.
Also at 7 p.m., Prof. Mahmoud Ayoub, Faculty Associate in Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations; Prof. Timu Yuskaev, Assistant Professor of Contemporary Islam, Co-Editor of The Muslim World journal, and Co-Director of the Islamic Chaplaincy program at Hartford Seminary; and Prof. Feryal Salem, Assistant Professor of Islamic Scriptures and Law, Co-Director of the Islamic Chaplaincy program, and Director of the Imam and Muslim Community Leadership Program will discuss ISIS: Its Roots, Its Influence, and How It’s Viewed by the Muslim World. This free, public event will take place at the Hartford Seminary in its meeting room. Registration is requested.

December 12

Last chance to see The Sexuality Spectrum
It’s “Naughty & Nice” at Connecticut Science Center’s Liquid Lounge: Hot chocolate bars, ugly sweater contest, making your own lip gloss, holiday face painting, music, and more. 6-10p.m. No kids, tweens, teens, or others under 21 years of age. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door.
Christmas CLUE Tours at the Mark Twain House. They say: “Who killed that varmint Pap Finn??? And why during the holidays??? Play our live-action version of the classic game CLUE in the Mark Twain House. Was it Becky Thatcher with the revolver in the Conservatory? The Prince (or was it the Pauper?) with the knife in the library? This hour long tour features SEA TEA IMPROV as Twain’s beloved characters/suspects and all the murder, mayhem and merriment one would expect from Sam Clemens!” Tours begin at 7 p.m., every 15 minutes. Reservations are required. $22 with some discounts available.
Opening night for CONNetic Dance’s Nutcracker Suite and Spicy. This is the fifth year that CONNetic Dance will perform the fusion of ballet, modern, tap, jazz, and hip hop. They say: “The curtain opens on an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, featuring a break dancing doll brought by suave Drosselmeyer, and an athletic and dizzying snow ball scene with acrobatic dancing using pearly white exercise balls.” Tickets are $30 for the 8 p.m. performance; $15 more for entrance to the Red Carpet Opening Night Party at NIXS after the show. Show is in the Aetna Theatre at the Wadsworth Atheneum.

G. Fox display at CHS // Photo courtesy of Connecticut Historical Society

December 13

Free admission to the Wadsworth Atheneum during the Second Saturdays for Families program, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Connecticut Historical Society says: “Holidays in Hartford in the 1950s through the 1990s were synonymous with its largest downtown department store. Come take a holiday stroll down memory lane through the CHS’s collection of G. Fox memorabilia, store displays, and holiday ornaments.” Each tour lasts approximately one hour, with tours beginning at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. today. Tours are appropriate for ages 12 and up. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Call (860) 236-5621 ext. 289 or email [email protected]. $6 CHS members; $12 non-members.
It seems this season, Hartford is obsessing over the “ugly sweater,” a concept lost on some of us…but for the rest of y’all…enjoy? Today is the Winterfest Ugly Sweater Stroll from 12-5 p.m. The concept is to wander about downtown in a so-called ugly sweater, donning a “Hartford Has It” scarf, and drinking Onyx cocktails at participating restaurants, which will be announced in upcoming days. Admission is $25.
Watch Nutcracker Suite and Spicy in the Aetna Theatre at the Wadsworth Atheneum at 8p.m. Tickets: $30.

December 14

Center Church presents Navidad Nuestra with the Alturas Duo and Center Church Choir. The folk cantata begins at 10:30 a.m. Center Church is located at 675 Main Street. Free.
Last chance to see Nutcracker Suite and Spicy in the Aetna Theatre at the Wadsworth Atheneum…at least for this year. General admission to the 2 p.m. performance is $30.
Today is the last chance to check out the 41st annual Festival of Trees & Traditions at the Wadsworth Atheneum. All items are for sale and profits go directly toward the Wadsworth’s special exhibitions, educational programs, and operating expenses. Admission: $13 adult, $3 members.

December 15

Give your input on the plans for pedestrian and bicycle improvements near the Sigourney/Hawthorn CTfastrak station. This meeting, sponsored by the City of Hartford and Greater Hartford Transit District, will also include discussion of streetscape improvements for Laurel and Capitol Avenue. This is a public meeting — all are welcome! This begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Greater Hartford Transit District office inside of Union Station. They ask that those needing an auxiliary aid contact them in advance: 860-247-5329.
Last chance to see Chuck Paprzyca’sHartford and Beyond: Four Decades of Buildings, Boats and Bridges exhibit at the Hartford Public Library. This is in the second floor gallery.
The Hartford Jazz Orchestra gives a free performance starting at 8 p.m. in the Arch Street Tavern.

December 16

Frog Hollow NRZ monthly meeting and annual holiday party. Bring a bit of food to share. Meet your neighbors. The business meeting will be brief, followed by a chance to socialize. This begins at 5 p.m. at the Center for Urban and Global Studies at Trinity College, 70 Vernon Street.
First Fruits — an educational program about Kwanzaa for children at the Albany Branch of the Hartford Public Library, 5-5:30 p.m. They say: “Ages 5 and up. Food plays such an important role in the celebration of Kwanzaa. Communities honor crops and laborers. Share a special harvest treat as we create a paper mache bowl together to hold the Mazao, or fresh fruits and vegetables.”
Regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at MLK School (25 Ridgefield). If you wish to voice your questions, concerns, or what-have-you, come a few minute early to sign up to speak.

December 17

Hartford Symphony Orchestra Musical Dialogues: Holiday Concert: 12-1 p.m. in the Hartford Public Library atrium. Free.
On the third Wednesday of each month reSET (99 Pratt) opens its doors for an info session and orientation from 4-5 p.m. Meet entrepreneurs and learn more about what the social enterprise-focused organization does. Free, but r.s.v.p: [email protected]
Stop by Cinestudio to catch a screening of Samsara, described as “a mesmerizing non-verbal visual experience celebrating the diversity and inter-connectedness of life on Earth, shot in 100 locations and 25 countries. Samsara – a Sanskrit word meaning the ever turning wheel of life – was made, according to director Ron Fricke, to ‘delve deeper into my favorite theme: humanity’s relationship to the eternal.’” Movie begins at 7:30 p.m. with admission costing you $9.

December 18

Creative Cocktail Hour at Real Art Ways, 6-10 p.m. MakeHartford will be holding its monthly geometric origami class at the event, which also hosts a holiday market tonight. Admission price not listed on website.
Hartford Underground offers a swing dance lesson tonight, followed by, well, just everyone dancing. Lesson from 8-8:30 p.m., dance from 8:30-11 p.m. at the Polish National Home, 60 Charter Oak Ave. $5 for the dance, $10 for lesson and dance.

December 19

See Samsara at Cinestudio, 7:30 p.m. General admission, $9.
CT Cage Match: two improv teams compete for your votes. It’s “Romantic Baby” versus “Horse Lincoln” tonight at the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue. Fun starts at 8 p.m. $10.

December 20

Go skating at the rink in Bushnell Park!
Transport Hartford — an organization that promotes better public transit, walking, and bicycle infrastructure — is continuing its Walk Hartford event series today. The goal of this is just to get feet on the street, whether you do this kind of thing all the time, or have wanted to walk more but have been hesitant to go solo. This is an event for those who dawdle, who look around. It’s not power-walking or a race. The route and terrain varies each time. Gather near the playground in Elizabeth Park (Elizabeth and Oxford); group leaves at 1 p.m. Route will be five or six miles and will go off-road. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather, and footwear that can handle leaving the sidewalk. Free.
Last chance to see Terrence Lavin‘s sculptures at EBK Gallery, 218 Pearl Street.
All those holiday cards you forgot to send? Better late than never.

December 21

MakeHartford is hosting the Fixer’s Coop. They say: “Fixers’ Cooperative is a monthly work party in the spirit of making the most of what we have. Bring in your broken doo-dad, mending pile, project-in-progress, or things that aren’t working quite right. Fix them yourself or get help from fixers in the know; sharing skills and brainstorming are the cooperative and empowering aspects of this group. If you have a Christmas gift that needs putting together, we can help!” 6:30-9 p.m.
Buy some tissues. Then, hit up Cinestudio for a screening of It’s a Wonderful Life. Today it plays at 4 and 7:30 p.m. Admission: $9.
National Homeless Person’s Memorial Day: mark the date, stay tuned for details.

December 22

The Hartford Jazz Orchestra gives a free performance starting at 8 p.m. in the Arch Street Tavern.
Trivia night at the Wood-n-Tap. 9 p.m.

December 23

Free ice skating and skate rental in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Boyz Night is every Tuesday night at Tisane, 10 p.m. on. It’s basically a gay dance night, if you are wondering. Sometimes there’s a cover, sometimes not. No information on the Tisane website. It seems to depend on when you arrive.

December 24

Free ice skating and skate rental in Bushnell Park, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
See It’s a Wonderful Life at Cinestudio, 2:30 p.m. General admission: $9.
There’s a City Council meeting scheduled for tonight at 7. Why is it scheduled for a Wednesday? Who even knows. Our money is on them canceling.

December 25

Take a walk! Create your own entertainment.

December 26

Need to decompress? Ice hockey. The Hartford Wolfpack is playing the Springfield Falcons at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $15.

December 27

Clare Gallery’s “Between the Lines” exhibit showcases works from Carole P. Kunstadt’s “Revelations” and “Sacred Poem” Series

Ugly Sweater Dance Battle: Well, here’s a twist on the Ugly Sweater Party. This is a b-boy/b-girl dance battle, but with ugly Christmas sweaters involved. Winners will receive trophies and gift bags from Venom Vintage, HUF, Rocksmith, Mighty Healthy, EightSixty Custom Skateshop, Bitcoin Ninja Miners, and Dewy Neo Apparel. Money raised will be used toward the Trinity College International Hip Hop Festival BBoy Battle in April 2015. $8 to enter without an ugly sweater, $5 if you are wearing that sweater. Starts at 7p.m. at the Venom Vintage Creative Sanctuary, 11 Whitney Street.

December 28

Last chance to see Carole P. Kunstadt’s Between the Lines exhibit at Clare Gallery. 9-11:30 a.m. The gallery is located at 285 Church Street.
Maker Movie & the Aerodynamics of Reindeer: MakeHartford hosts a monthly movie that includes a talk about some sciencey aspect of the film. Tonight: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This is a potluck. The speaker will discuss the aerodynamics of reindeer for approximately 20 minutes. Then, the film begins. This is free, but donations are accepted. 6-9 p.m.

December 29

Kids can make Play-Doh creations at the Hartford Public Library’s Albany Branch, 2-2:45 p.m. Ages 3 .
The Hartford Jazz Orchestra gives a free performance starting at 8 p.m. in the Arch Street Tavern.

December 30

The ice rink in Bushnell Park is open from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free skating, free skate rentals.
Military appreciation night: Veterans and active service personnel receive free admission to Holiday Light Fantasia (with military/veteran ID). 5-9 p.m. Goodwin Park.

December 31

The Hartford Public Library is hosting a community program about Roberto Clemente, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Center for Contemporary Culture.
First Night Hartford: Celebrate the new year with family-friendly entertainment. This alternative to alcohol-fueled events will feature crafts and entertainment at venues like the Butler-McCook House & Garden, Center Church, Charter Oak Cultural Center, CT Science Center, Elks Club, Hartford City Hall, ice skating rink in Bushnell Park, Pump House Gallery, Wadsworth Atheneum, and more. Entertainment will include: music, circus performers, tours, magic, trivia, face painting, fortune telling, stories, capoeira, and of course, fireworks. See the website for more details about admission price and the exact schedule.

DISCLAIMERS

It snows in New England. Some events may be postponed or canceled due to weather — or for a variety of other reasons — so before you make a big trip out of it, consider confirming with the venue that all is going forward as planned.

This listing is not meant to include everything. Generally, events that are available to the widest range of Hartford residents are posted. Nothing is added after publication. The deadline is the 25th of the previous month to get information to realhartfordATgmailDOTcom.

Thanks: The event calendar is a collaboration with Andy Hart of Hartford News.