Hartford Courant Java columnist MaryEllen Fillo talks about what’s going on in greater Hartford this weekend including a Salvation Army “pajama party” and the Liquid Lounge at the Connecticut Science Center.
Below is the full list of events from Fillo’s blog. For more information, visit www.courant.com/java.
Less than two weeks and counting Christmas fans! And if you need a little fa la la la la lift, there’s a lot to choose from this weekend.
Thursday morning the Catholic Charities holds its 8th annual “Help and Hope Breakfast” at the Hartford Marriott Downtown. American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco is the guest speaker at the event that benefiting families in need.
On Friday, head over to the Glastonbury Hilton Homewood Suites where the Salvation Army and WTIC radio will hold the 24th annual Holiday Store “Pajama Party” beginning at 5:30 a.m. The event raises money and toys for gifts for those in need.
Friday is ”Liquid Lounge” night at the Connecticut Science Center. The party, beginning at 6 p.m. will include three floors of DJs, ice sculptors, gourmet food carts, games & crafts, specialty drinks and live burlesque from Hartford’s own Beat City Beauties. The entire event is Hollywood-themed and there will be prizes for guests who dress up like their favorite movie characters. Information: ctsciencecenter.org.
Hartford’s Nook Farm will provide a pleasant look back in time this weekend as it hosts its annual “Stowe & Twain’s Olde Fashioned Christmas.” Both the Stowe and Twain Houses will be decorated for the holidays Saturday from 10 to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
The open house includes tours, horse-drawn carriage rides, entertainment and a visit from St. Nicholas. Information: harrietbeecherstowecenter.org.
Thinking about eating out? You might want to consider Hartford and enjoy a trolley ride.
Several restaurants are among the stops as part of this year’s holiday trolley that runs between Keeney Memorial Cultural Center in Olde Wethersfield and Bushnell Park in Hartford.
Trolleys provide the free, continuous back-and-forth rides on Friday and Saturdays from 4 to 11 p.m. with stops at Costa Del Sol, Carbone’s, Casa Mia and Andreas, Mozzicato’s and Francesco’s, J Restaurant/Bar and Bushnell Park where Winterfest is underway. On New Year’s Eve, transportation will be available from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. The route takes about 30 minutes.
Looking for some on-stage inspiration when it comes to Christmas? Take your pick. Hartford Stage is featuring its annual production of “A Christmas Carol” (hartfordstage.org) through Dec. 28 , while over at TheaterWorks, catch the off-beat “Christmas on the Rocks” (theaterworkshartford.org) through Dec. 22.
And finally, the Wadsworth Atheneums’ 40th Annual Festival of Trees & Traditions continues through Sunday. Information: 860-838-4100 or thewadsworth.org