Schedule of Events

  • Visit Santa & Mrs. Claus

    12:00PM to 4:00PM

    Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures! You must be in line BY 3:30PM.

    Location: West Central High School

    705 E 2nd St

  • Kids Carnival

    12:00PM - 4:00PM

    Inflatables, Games, Christmas Activities, Refreshments.

    Location: West Central High School Gym

    705 E 2nd St

  • Vendor Show

    12:00PM - 4:00PM

    Location: West Central High School Becker Center

    705 E 2nd St

  • Gingerbread House Contest

    12:00PM - 5:00PM

    Location: 120 Main Events (Downtown)

    120 N Main St

  • Mini Christmas Tree Contest

    12:00PM - 5:00PM

    Vote for your favorite tree! Local businesses decorate mini Christmas Trees that ultimately get into the homes of local community members who may not have the ability to decorate their own.

    Location: Senior Center/Gage House (Downtown)

    119 N Main St

  • Balloon Twisting & Crafts

    12:00PM - 5:00PM

    Location: 120 Main Events (Downtown)

    120 N Main St

  • Cookie Decorating

    12:00PM - 5:00PM

    Location: Buffalo Ridge Brewery (Downtown)

    102 N Main St

  • Christmas Movie and Caroling

    2:00PM-5:00PM

    Enjoy a children’s Christmas movie and refreshments starting at 2:00PM. Keep warm before the parade and join in on Christmas caroling from 4:00PM to 5:00PM.

    Location: United Methodist Church (Downtown)

    102 E 2nd St

  • Bonfire & Lighting of the Christmas Tree

    4:30PM BONFIRE

    5:30PM LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE

    *Hot Chocolate Available for Purchase

    Location: Century Square Park (Downtown)

  • Parade of Lights

    5:30PM

    *Hot Chocolate Available for Purchase

    Location: Downtown

  • Community Lighting Contest

    Show off your home lighting/decorating skills and enter our community lighting contest! Submit our form to enter your creation for judging on December 10th.

  • Coloring Contest

    Enter your masterpiece for a chance to win. Just pick up a coloring page at Hartford Building Center or Sunshine and turn in at the same location.

  • Crafts and Refreshments

    12:00-5:00

    Siouxland Libraries

Things to Do

There are numerous enjoyable activities and attractions to experience throughout Hartford’s Hometown Christmas Event. From a festive carnival to charming light displays, families and friends can find a variety of options to celebrate together. Whether you prefer outdoor adventures or cozy indoor gatherings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this wonderful time of year. Explore local traditions, indulge in seasonal treats, and create lasting memories with loved ones as you discover all that Hartford has to offer.

12:00 - 4:00 pm

  • Santa & Mrs. Clause @ WC High School

  • Kids Carnival: Inflatables, Games, Face Painting and more! @ West Central High School Gym

  • Vendor Show @ Becker Center

  • Balloon Twisting, Crafts & Activities @ 120 Main Events (Open until 5PM)

  • Cookie Decorating @ Buffalo Ridge Brewery (Open until 5PM)

  • Gingerbread House Contest @ 120 Main Events (Open until 5PM)

  • Mini Christmas Tree Contest @ Senior Center/Gage House (Open until 5PM)

  • Crafts and Refreshments @ Sioux Land Libraries (Open until 5PM)

2:00 - 5:00 pm

  • Childrens Movie (2PM) and Refreshments

  • Christmas Caroling (4PM) @ Methodist Church

4:30 pm

  • Bonfire @ Downtown

5:30 pm

  • Lighting of Christmas Tree @ Downtown

  • Parade of Lights @ Downtown

7:30 pm

  • Fireworks @ West Central High School (Southside Parking Lot)

Meals

8:00 - 11:00 am

  • Chamber of Commerce Breakfast @ Hartford Fire Station

12:00 - 4:00 pm

  • TBD @ Becker Center

4:00 - 7:00 pm

  • Knights of Columbus @ St. George Catholic Church (serving soup)