Ellington Winterfest Celebrates The Spirit Of The Season

The Ellington Winterfest will be spreading joy once again this holiday season beginning Friday, December 1st through Sunday, December 3rd with many activities by several Ellington organizations at various locations planned.

Friday, December 1st features the Ellington Singers Holiday Concert and Sing-Along at the Ellington Senior Center beginning at 7:00 pm.

Saturday festivities start with a Holiday Market at the Ellington Farmers' Market which runs from 9 am-noon at Ellington High School, 37 Maple St. Ten local crafters and artisans have been invited to join 30 full-time vendors who will be bringing a great selection of local farm products, specialty foods, bath, body and home products all sourced or made locally.

Saturday’s activities continue at 10:00 at the Hall Memorial Library with a Christmas Ornament Work Shop for kids ages 3-12. Pre-registration is required. Additional craft activities provided by the St. Lukes Youth Group and the Crystal Lake Community Methodist Church plus musical entertainment will be held from 5 pm-7 pm, no registration is required.

Also on Saturday, the Holiday Marketplace and Christmas Boutique at the Nellie McKnight Museum 70 Main St. will be open from 10 am-7 pm. The Marketplace features many Ellington and Connecticut-themed items plus local artisan wares. The Christmas Boutique features previously loved Christmas and Holiday items at incredible pricing. Hot chocolate, cookies, hot cider and adult beverages will be available on the museum grounds along with the Chick-fil-A' Filet food truck and the MH Cupcakes The Holiday Marketplace will be open again on Sunday from 10 am-2 pm.

A live nativity and collection of nativity sets from around the world will be on display at the Church of the Latter-Day Saints on Maple Street from 5:30 – 8:00 pm on Saturday.

The Ellington Congregational Church will open its display of the Gingerbread House Contest at 2 pm. Their musical program will begin at 3 pm and features bells and piano music and a sing-along carol session. A family-style dinner will be served from 4 pm until 6:30.

Events on the town green will begin at 4:00 pm with the arrival of Mrs. Claus and Rudolph. The elementary school choir will be performing, and the tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for 4:45. The much-anticipated torchlight parade begins at 5:15 on Main St.

All activities for the 2023 Ellington Winterfest are free and open to all. The complete schedule will be available on the Library website at library.ellington-ct.gov.