About
Winterfest Hartford

Winterfest Hartford has become a beloved holiday tradition for families near and far. Founded in 2010, Winterfest opens annually on the day after Thanksgiving and runs through January, transforming downtown Hartford into a festive winter destination.

Winterfest Hartford offers free public ice skating, free learn-to-skate programs, free skate rentals, performances by local artists, and photos with Santa. The event provides a welcoming opportunity for people from across the region to enjoy Hartford’s vibrant arts, cultural, and dining experiences, alongside wholesome outdoor family fun.

There is no other facility in the region like the outdoor ice skating rink in Bushnell Park, where skaters of all ages can enjoy fresh air, physical activity, and community connection — completely free of charge.

Each year, the iQuilt Partnership raises approximately $300,000 to build and operate the rink. Winterfest Hartford welcomes nearly 40,000 visitors each season and is open daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Beyond skating and lessons, Winterfest Hartford proudly hosts a wide range of local artists, organizations, and community groups. Past participants have included Night Fall Hartford Puppets, the Hartford Steel Drum Symphony, MakerSpace, Sea Tea Improv, Hartford Hot Several, and the Hartford Proud Drill, Drum & Dance Corp, along with appearances by community mascots such as Miles (Hartford Marathon), Banty (Trinity College), Chompers and Chew Chew (Hartford Yard Goats), McGruff (Hartford Fire Department), Howie the Hawk (University of Hartford), Sam the Ram (Watkinson School), and Sonar (Hartford Wolf Pack).

Winterfest Hartford is made possible through collaboration with a dedicated network of partners, including the iQuilt Partnership, City of Hartford, Hartford Business Improvement District, Bushnell Park Conservancy, Hartford Police Department, Hartford Department of Public Works, Riverfront Recapture, Picture Perfect Landscaping, Rabbit Ears Inc., Andy Hart Photography, LAZ Parking, and our generous sponsors and donors.

For more specific information on rink operations, sponsorships, and special events, please contact Jackie Mandyck at jackie@theiquiltplan.org or by phone at 860-614-6077.