West Hartford, CT December 2025

December: Holidays & Giving

The holiday season is here, bringing with it the sights, sounds, and traditions that make this time of year so magical. For many of us, the holidays are a chance to recreate the joy we felt as children, whether it’s through the twinkle of festive lights, the aroma of holiday baking, or cherished family traditions.

We spoke with Ron and Jody Morneault, owners of  Morneault's Stackpole Moore Tryon in Hartford about their stewardship of the more than 100-year-old retail business and how it helps light up the downtown during the holiday season.

In our Experts Espresso Column we spoke with Jenny Andre, of Jenny Andre Hair & Skin Salon on how to get your best hair yet, and with Claudia Dawley, owner of the Stamped Passport Travel Co., about how she helps travelers through her concierge style travel business.

In our Must See feature we spoke with John Cavanna, of Cavanna’s Farm, about the  Gray Granite Railroad at Cavanna's Farm in Glastonbury. John's love of trains and Christmas led him to build his own railroad, where he and his family host Christmas train rides on what he dubbed the North Pole Express. The railroad has become a popular holiday tradition for people from near and far.

This month we’ve curated a Holiday Happenings guide with a list of numerous events tied to the festive season that are taking place in the Greater Hartford region.

Lastly, we have features on festive holiday drink recipes and an article on how to create great holiday party vibes.

We hope you enjoy this month's issue of West Hartford Lifestyle Magazine and hope your holidays are filled with love, peace, and the joy of giving.

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Srivathsa (Sri) Ramachandran srivathsa.ramachandran@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Eileen McNamara eileen.mcnamara@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Jill Barry | jill.barry@citylifestyle.com

Jayashree (Jaye) Subramanian jayashree.subramanian@citylifestyle.com

INTERN

Valentina Aramburo valentina.aramburo@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jenny Andre, Claudia Dawley

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Thomas J. Nanos, Kaitlyn Casso, John Helmke

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Arden Courts is a residential memory care community with nearly 30 years of memory care research and experience. We’re dedicated to care and programming that gives dignity and independence to every resident.

To learn more about our services and commitment to our community, or to arrange for a tour, please contact us today.

inside the issue

A Century of Style

The Store Morneault’s Stackpole Moore Tryon Shines at the Holidays

Cavanna’s Gray Granite Railroad

The North Pole Express Has Become a Popular Christmas Destination and Experience

Experts Espresso Corner

Jenny Andre; Two Decades of Beauty Expertise, Claudia Dawley; Creating a Lifetime of Family Memories

Hol

A

Jody Morneault, of Morneault's Stackpole Moore Tryon, is flanked by her husband Ron, left, and her new business partner, James Thompson.

John Helmke

city scene

1-7: The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce’s 39th Annual Golf Tournament at Wampanoag Country Club. The yearly tournament is the chamber’s largest fundraiser.

Scenes from The Look Fashion Event, sponsored by TK Management of West Hartford, showcases local designers, boutiques, TK Management models, and fashion pros. It supports the Susan G. Komen foundation and the local fashion community.

business monthly

For

Every

Seniors Job Bank Elects New Board Members

The nonprofit Seniors Job Bank, which connects older workers with job opportunities in the Hartford region, has elected six new board members: Beth Bolton, who brings both corporate and entrepreneurial experience; Larry R. Carr, a retired dean; Laura Hoffman, director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut: Meg McCrudden, of Capital Workforce Partners; Dr. Claudia Oakes, a gerontologist and UHA faculty member; and Richard Voigt, a retired attorney with labor expertise. Visit SJB.org for information.

Social Lounge Hosts Holiday Gatherings

Social Lounge announces curated menus for the holidays to accommodate larger gatherings and parties. From corporate gatherings to festive parties with friends and family, the Social Lounge, located in Somerset Square in Glastonbury, offers modern event spaces, speciality menus and exceptional services for unforgettable experiences during the festive season. Visit socialloungect.com or call 860-430-6438.

Patient’s Journey to Healing

This holiday season, spine surgeon Dr. M. Ayodele Buraimoh is reflecting on what truly matters — the opportunity to help patients find healing, strength, and a return to the life they love. Every story of recovery, every step forward, and every smile shared along the way is a reminder of why he does what he does. At the end of the day, your smile is all the thanks he needs. Discover the difference expert, personalized, compassionate spine care can make. Schedule your appointment today!

The Orthopedic Center of Connecticut • 130 Birdseye Road, Farmington | 860.247.3279 • hartfordspinemd.com

For over 100 years, Cummings & Lockwood has been building meaningful and lasting relationships with our private clients, their family offices, businesses and charitable entities. We serve as trusted advisors for multiple generations and provide sophisticated legal counsel at every important stage of life.

Paul L. Bourdeau

Principal, Private Clients Group

860.313.4930 pbourdeau@cl-law.com

Caroline Demirs Calio

Principal-in-Charge, West Hartford Office 860.313.4936 ccalio@cl-law.com

Robert B. Fawber

Principal, Private Clients Group 860.313.4931 rfawber@cl-law.com

Marc T. Finer

Principal, Private Clients Group

860.313.4946 mfiner@cl-law.com

Brianna L. Marquis

Principal, Private Clients Group 860.313.4923 bmarquis@cl-law.com

Kelley Galica Peck

Principal, Private Clients Group

860.313.4919 kpeck@cl-law.com

Heather J. Rhoades

Chairman, Private Clients Group 860.313.4933 hrhoades@cl-law.com

For a private consultation, please contact one of our attorneys.

Blue Back Square

75 Isham Road, Suite 400 West Hartford, CT 06107 Phone: 860.313.4900

Our core services include:

■ Estate planning

■ Estate, income and gift tax planning

■ Wealth preservation planning

■ Trust formation and management

■ Philanthropic giving

■ Generational wealth transfer

■ International estate and tax planning

■ Probate and estate settlement

■ Executor and trustee services

■ Business succession planning

■ Fiduciary, probate and tax litigation

■ Residential and commercial real estate services

■ Corporate and finance services

■ Business litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution

www.cl-law.com

A FESTIVE RASPBERRY MARTINI

directions: This lovely red-hued martini garnished with raspberries is a festive drink to serve at your next holiday party! To kick up the Christmasy vibe, try adding a sprig of something green - thyme or rosemary -  to the glass.

Our December Drink Recipe Comes to us Courtesy of the Social Lounge Raspberry Martini

• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 ounce raspberry simple syrup

• 2 ounces vodka

• Fresh raspberries

Fill a drink shaker with ice and chill a martini glass with a handful of ice.

Pour vodka, simple syrup and lemon juice into the shaker. Shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds to chill and incorporate all ingredients. Remove ice from the martini glass and pour in the contents of the shaker. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

A Century of Style

THE STORE MORNEAULT’S STACKPOLE

MOORE TRYON SHINES AT THE HOLIDAYS

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY

JOHN HELMKE

For more than a century, Morneault’s Stackpole Moore Tryon has exuded timeless style, craftsmanship, and community.

Located on Trumbull Street in Hartford, the store stands as both a nod to the city’s gilded retail past and a vibrant part of its current downtown resurgence — especially during the holiday season, when its windows glow with festive warmth and the Morneaults themselves help light up Hartford’s streets.

Stackpole, Moore & Tryon was founded in the late 1800s and it originally was located at the corner of Asylum and Trumbull streets. The building reflected Hartford’s sophistication and its once-thriving downtown. Though the department store era faded long ago, the name lived on — revived and reimagined by Ron and Jody Morneault, who purchased the business more than a decade ago and infused it with new life.

“We positioned our store for the 21st century,” Ron says, “and we maintain  the high standards established over 100 years ago.”

Jody’s journey to fashion was unique, she long enjoyed fashion and it eventually became her calling. Together, they’ve created more than a clothing store for men and women, they’ve built an institution rooted in personal connections and civic engagement.

Shopping at Morneault’s Stackpole Moore Tryon is a personal experience. The boutique carries fine European and American designer labels for both men and women, offering everything from ready-to-wear pieces to bespoke tailoring. Their in-house alteration services ensure each garment fits perfectly, while their “continuity buying” philosophy allows clients to add new pieces that harmonize with wardrobes from previous seasons.

Over the years, the Morneaults have built relationships that go far beyond the cash register. Clients often describe being greeted by name—and by style memory.

“We know our customers very well and we know their fashion tastes,” Jody says.

Nowhere is their commitment to community more visible than during the holidays. When Hartford’s Pratt

Street lighting ceremony kicks off each November, the Morneaults are front and center — cheering as thousands of twinkling lights transform the downtown corridor into a winter wonderland.

The boutique also participates in Small Business Saturday, joining other local merchants to promote downtown Hartford as a destination for unique, locally sourced gifts during the holidays.

Inside the store, the mood is pure holiday luxury. Seasonal window displays sparkle with curated ensembles; shelves feature elegant accessories, cozy knits, and perfect gift items. The store’s tailoring appointments are fully booked in December as customers prepare for holiday parties, charity galas, and New Year’s celebrations.

Ron and Jody see their business as a reflection of Hartford’s resilience and creative spirit,  a place where customers linger for conversation, dogs are greeted with treats, and every shopping experience feels like a personal occasion.

The store has been repeatedly recognized as “Best Women’s Boutique” by Connecticut Magazine and “Best Men’s Store” by Hartford Magazine.

Recently, Ron announced his retirement next year from his retail career. Though Jody continues on in the industry, she says she will be moving the store to a new, but as yet unknown, location with her new business partner, James Thomas. She and Ron, she says, remain thankful for all the years they’ve spent at the Trumbull Street store and the people they’ve met.

“We’re so appreciative of everything everyone’s done for us and we’re looking forward to our next venture!”

Morneault’s Stackpole Moore Tryon  242 Trumbull St., Hartford Hours: 10-5, Tue-Sat Online: Stackpolemooretryon.com Email info@stackpolemooretryon Phone: 860-522-0181

“We know our customers very well and we know their fashion tastes.”

“We

positioned our store for the 21st century and we maintain the high standards established over 100 years ago.”

Cavanna’s Gray Granite Railroad

Cavanna’s Farm is many things: a multigenerational family homestead, a seasonal destination for Christmas cheer, and an ambitious labor of love where train rail lines glint alongside fields of evergreens.

At the heart of it all today is the Cavanna family, whose devotion to preserving family legacy and building something new has transformed the farm into a year-round destination — one that takes on a particularly cheery glow when the year-end holiday season arrives.

The roughly 200-acre farm off Woodland Street in South Glastonbury has been in the Cavanna family since 1903, when the first generation began cultivating fruit trees and tobacco, strawberries and Christmas trees came in the 1950’s and then maple syrup in 1999.

Over time, the orchard diversified; more recently, the farm has become well known for its cut-your-own Christmas trees, drawing families from across Connecticut to select fresh firs from among the rows of evergreens.

John Cavanna, one of several Cavanna siblings, has built much of his life around the farm’s rhythms. A full-time Hartford police sergeant, he helps his family tend the farm fields with characteristic energy, rolling up his sleeves in planting, pruning, and promotion.

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAITLYN CASSO AND THOMAS J. NANOS

The crowning glory of Cavanna’s Farm nowadays is the Gray Granite Railroad, an ambitious labor of love John launched in 2017. The self-made railway runs through about a half mile of the tree-growing part of Cavanna’s Farm. It winds past two cabins that John built where Santa takes up residence each winter to meet with children and their families.

John began work on it after announcing one day to his father, Paul Cavanna, “Dad, I want to build a railroad.” His father, John says, just laughed it off. But John credits his mom,  Cathy Cavanna with encouraging him to “chase my dream and build the railroad.”

Today the 1-mile  line runs from the lower part of the farm along Woodland Street up a tree-lined ridge and alongside Roaring Brook, which winds through the farm property. John says he’s happy that his father, who was the heart of the farm for so many decades and who passed away this past year, was able to see the operation in action.

John and his brother Andy have overseen the track laying, mechanical restoration and safety operations of the railroad, which is more than whimsical — it’s a hands-on educational platform that invites children and adults alike to connect with mechanical history, steam power, and the rural past in a modern setting.

They have begun clearing and shaping the land to extend the railroad another three-quarters of a mile.

John has acquired numerous antique train cars and engines - some dating back more than 100 yearsthat he’s repaired and put to use. And during the rail project he started a new and profitable business on the farm, a quarry operation that also produces the tons of stone needed to make up the rail bed.

“This is what happens when you never got a toy train set as a kid,” John jokes as he overlooks his trains and tracks. “You end up building your own real train set!”

The train tours run throughout the year, not just at Christmas, ferrying visitors for farm tours, including berry-picking customers in the summer and pumpkin picking ones in fall.

During the holiday season, John leads farm tours, fires up woodstoves in the visitors’ cabins, and ensures that every tree lot is primed to evoke that classic Christmas tree farm ambiance.

The Gray Granite Railroad takes center stage at Christmas.. Car loads of fun-seeking families and adults converge on the farm starting in November. John says his family has developed a routine for them.

Parents send along the names of their children and even include anecdotes about milestones in their lives so Santa can talk to the children about them. Parents bring wrapped gifts for their kids, which are secretly taken to Santa so he can surprise the children with them.

The immersive experience is what sets Cavanna’s apart from other tree farms and has made it a must-see experience.  For many, a visit is as much about the ambiance — hot cider, twinkling lights, hayrides, warm bonfires — all while finding the perfect Christmas tree.

Cavanna’s Farm

80 Woodland St.

On Social: @Cavannasfarm, @Graygraniterailroad

Phone: 860-659-1856

Experts Espresso Corner

Jenny Andre; Two Decades of Beauty Expertise, Claudia Dawley; Creating a Lifetime of Family Memories

RESTORING HAIR VITALITY

At Jenny Andre Hair & Skin Spa we bring two decades of expertise, along with a unique deep philosophy of fusing European artistry with heartfelt community care. We repair over-processed hair to restore vitality, beauty and shine. We do so through an extensive array of  services, color correction and haircuts for all types of hair, including curly hair and kids’ haircuts. We offer a full spectrum of beauty products from around the globe; permanent colors, color gloss, styling and home care products, including new Japanese products where luxury meets 60 years of Japanese craftsmanship meets unparalleled technology. We also offer Milbon’s Gold line of hair products and salon hair treatments that represent the embodiment of elegance. Each product features a harmony of fragrances derived from natural essential oils. Scientific, sumptuous, glowing golden silk, vitalizing pearl peptide, and ultra-hydrating algae extract reawaken each strand, unveiling a new dimension of radiance.

Jenny Andre Hair & Skin Spa | jennyandresalon.com

CREATING LASTING TRAVEL MEMORIES

The best trips are the ones people talk about for years. Multi-generational journeys are my favorite to plan. Imagine a trip where teens put down their phones, grandparents feel included, and parents can finally relax. Knowing where to go and how to begin can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing different ages, interests, and travel styles.

Whether it’s on safari or private cooking classes in Tuscany, I draw on my own travel when possible and on close partnerships with trusted local experts to ensure great matches. That means choosing places with room to gather and space to unwind, creating a rhythm that blends guided activities with free afternoons, and anticipating the small details such as private transfers, trusted local guides, and timing that keeps everyone comfortable. All of this makes a complex trip feel effortless and I handle the planning so your vacation is easy and unforgettable. Email claudia@thestampedpassporttravel.com.

The Stamped Passport Travel Co. | thestampedpassporttravel.com

Holiday Happenings

A roundup of festive happenings in the Hartford region this holiday season.

It’s the happiest season of all and luckily for us the Greater Hartford region, and our state in general, has a multitude of events going on over the next few weeks to celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas!

Christmas & Holiday Season Events

• Glow Hartford – Nov 21 – Dec 23

Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford immersive indoor light gardens, market, live music, Santa photos, festive drinks, and family fun.

• A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas –Nov 22 – Dec 28

Hartford Stage, Hartford Beloved annual stage production of the Dickens classic.

• Christmas on the Rocks – Opens Nov. 25 TheatreWorks Hartford

A witty, grown-up holiday comedy imagining your favorite childhood characters all grown up.

• Festival of Trees & Traditions – Dec 4 – 14 Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford Decorated trees, wreaths, and holiday displays in support of the museum.

• West Hartford Holiday Stroll – Dec. 5 Blue Back Square & West Hartford Center Tree lighting, Santa, live music, treats, and a community menorah lighting.

• Holiday Tapestries: Dec 6

First Church of Christ Congregational, Farmington Farmington Valley Chorale presents festive lullabies and carols from around the world. Tickets available on Eventbrite, at the door or farmingtonvalleychorale.com

• Holidays in Hartford Tree Lighting – Date TBA (usually early Dec) Bushnell Park, Hartford City’s official tree lighting with caroling, hot chocolate, and ice skating.

• East Hartford Holiday Fest – Sat Dec 8

Various venues around Main Street, East Hartford

Pancake breakfast with Santa, craft fairs, cookie walk, library story time, and church concerts.

• Pentatonix – Christmas in the City Tour – Fri Dec 6 XL Center (Hartford)

Grammy-winning a cappella group performs holiday hits.

• The Nutcracker – Connecticut Ballet – Dec 20 – 21

The Bushnell, Hartford

A holiday tradition with full orchestra and lavish sets.

• Lake Compounce Holiday Lights – Weekends Nov 28 – Dec 28

Bristol/Southington

Millions of lights, family rides, Santa’s workshop, hot cocoa, and caroling.

Hanukkah & Festival of Lights Events

• Radiance: A Festival of Lights – Tue Dec 30 @ 4:30 pm Amistad Center for Art & Culture (at the Wadsworth Atheneum), Hartford

Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebration with menorah lighting, crafts, and family activities.

• Congregation Beth Israel Hanukkah Celebration

– Late Dec (date TBA)

701 Farmington Ave., West Hartford

Menorah lighting, music, latkes, and children’s activities.

• Chanukah Fire on Ice – Date TBA

Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Ave., West Hartford

Public menorah lighting with pizza, popcorn, and outdoor fun on the ice

Paula Fahy Ostop & Ellyn Marshall 860.748.1845 www.MarshallOstopRealEstate.com paula.ostop@raveis.com

EMBRACE THE SEASON WITH THESE HOLIDAY PARTY TIPS AND TRICKS.

Good Holiday PARTY VIBES

ARTICLE BY SYDNEY KATE LEWIS

Just like that, it’s officially the most wonderful time of the year. And while you may still be stuffed from all the turkey, it’s time to start planning the ultimate holiday party. I’ve included some tips and tricks to make sure it is the absolute best time for your guests.

01

SETTING THE ATMOSPHERE IS CRUCIAL.

The mood is subjective to the type of party you’re having, though. This could include a tree in the corner, an advent wreath on the table, a menorah on the counter, or other decor aligning with your celebration. Either way, I personally recommend lighting a fire in the fireplace or playing a looping video of one on your television to create a festive and cozy ambiance.

02

HOLIDAY GAMES ACT AS ENGAGING ENTERTAINMENT.

I once played a game where little trinkets from the Dollar Tree were wrapped in a massive ball of plastic wrap, and guests had 30 seconds to unwrap as much as possible before passing it to the next guest, claiming the unwrapped trinkets as their prize. It definitely gets the adrenaline up and provokes quite a few laughs at the random items wrapped inside.

03

Whether a simple apple dip (8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup toffee bits served with apple slices) or a festive drink, such as a cranberry Moscow Mule (2 oz vodka, 1 oz cranberry juice, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, ginger beer, and fresh cranberries with a sprig of rosemary for garnish), serving holiday-themed food and drinks amplifies the atmosphere.

THE PLAYLIST IS, IN MY OPINION, THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF ANY HOLIDAY PARTY.

04 FOOD AND DRINKS PLAY A MASSIVE ROLE IN THE HOLIDAY PARTY SCENE.

While everyone is mingling, it is crucial to have some festive background noise. And, while the classics are well, classic, here are my go-to, more modern song choices for some great holiday fun!

• “Christmas Isn’t Cancelled (Just You)” - by Kelly Clarkson

• “Drummer Boy” - by Justin Bieber

• “Fancy Like Christmas” - by Walker Hayes

• “Hot Chocolate” - by Tom Hanks  (From the Polar Express soundtrack)

• “It’s Not Christmas Till Somebody Cries” - by Carly Rae Jepsen

• “Naughty List” - Liam Payne featuring Dixie

• “Redneck 12 Days of Christmas” - by Jeff Foxworthy

• “Stretchy Pants” - by Carrie Underwood

• “Text Me Merry Christmas” - by Straight No Chaser featuring Kristen Bell

• “The Chanukah Song” - by Adam Sandler

Now go create your own, special playlist, pour yourself a mug of eggnog, and dance the night away!

WINTER in a glass

HOLIDAY COCKTAILS & COZY CREATIONS

SPICED CINNAMON RUM FLIP

A luscious holiday cocktail with warming spices, rich texture, and a beautiful cinnamon garnish.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz dark or spiced rum

• 3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup

• 1 oz heavy cream

• 1 whole egg

• Dash of ground nutmeg

• Dash of vanilla extract

Garnish: cinnamon stick and a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon

Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup:

Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 mins, let cool, and strain. Store in the fridge.

Add rum, cinnamon syrup, cream, egg, vanilla, and a pinch of nutmeg to a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to emulsify the egg. Strain into a coupe or stemmed glass like the one in your photo. Top with a cinnamon stick across the rim and a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon. Optional: Add 1/2 oz chilled espresso for a coffee kick.

FESTIVE CRANBERRY GIN FIZZ

A bright, elegant cocktail with a foamy top and a hint of holiday spirit.

INSTRUCTIONS:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz gin

• 1 oz cranberry juice

• 3/4 oz lemon juice

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• 1 egg white

Optional: splash of sparkling water or club soda

Garnish: fresh rosemary or thyme sprig

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to create the frothy top. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to get that smooth, foamy top. Add a small splash of sparkling water if you’d like a bit of fizz. Gently place a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top of the foam.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these holiday drinks are guaranteed to bring a little extra cheer to your cup.

BOURBON VANILLA BEAN HOT CHOCOLATE

An ultra-creamy, chocolatey holiday drink with a hit of warm bourbon and a vanilla bean twist.

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup high-quality dark chocolate (chopped or chips)

• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tbsp sugar or maple syrup

• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• Pinch of sea salt

• 2 oz bourbon

Topping: 4 large marshmallows

Optional garnish: grated dark chocolate, whipped cream, cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS: IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cream, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until smooth and heated through. Add chopped dark chocolate and stir constantly until melted and silky. Lower heat if needed to avoid scorching. Remove from heat, then stir in bourbon. Taste and adjust sweetness or strength to your liking. Top with marshmallows. Add whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and shaved chocolate. Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne for spicy depth

Kid-friendly version: Omit bourbon and add peppermint extract or caramel syrup instead.

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Schedule an appointment: Rios.Team@oahctmd.com (860) 549-8295

events

DECEMBER 4TH

38th Annual West Hartford Holiday Stroll

Blue Back Square, West Hartford | 5:00 PM

Get in the holiday spirit at West Hartford’s beloved New England-style Holiday Stroll, taking place throughout Blue Back Square and West Hartford Center. This free, family-friendly tradition transforms the heart of town into a winter wonderland, offering something special for everyone to enjoy. Meet Santa, sample food from popular local restaurants, and join in a Menorah Lighting. Whchamber.com for information.

DECEMBER 4TH

Social Lounge Hosts Acoustic Sets

Social Lounge, Somerset Square, Glastonbury | 5:30 PM

Musician Martin Piggot will take part in the Social Lounge's Acoustic Thursday Sets throughout the month. Enjoy live music, tasty bites, and delicious house made drinks. Visit Socialloungect.com for more information and additional dates.

DECEMBER 5TH

Glow Hartford

CT Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford | 4:00 PM

Celebrate the holiday season under the twinkle of a million lights at GLOW Hartford 2025, which runs  Nov. 21 through Dec. 23. GLOW Hartford is a family-friendly indoor holiday event featuring over one million lights. Stroll through the illuminated structures and magical gardens which are the perfect backdrop for family photos and selfies. Visit  hartford.glowgardens.com for times and tickets.

DECEMBER 5TH

All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914

Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road | 7:30 PM

On the Western Front at Christmas in 1914, a German soldier stepped into No Man’s Land between the combatants singing “Stille Nacht.” Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, peace. A remarkable true story, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. Visit Playhouseonpark.org for tickets and additional dates and times.

DECEMBER 10TH

Book Talk: "Tap Dancing on Everest"

The Mandell Jewish Community Center, 335 Bloomfield Ave. | 7:00 PM

Dr. Mimi Zieman, 2025 Georgia Author of the Year, will speak at the Jewish Community Center's Book Festival. Her compelling comingof-age novel "Tap Dancing on Everest,"  a story of the life and death struggle on Everest by a team from a past era of true adventure. It has won numerous awards since being published in 2024. Visit Mandelljcc.org for more information.

DECEMBER 20TH

The Nutracker by Connecticut Ballet

The Bushnell Performing Arts Center, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford | 2:00 PM

Connecticut Ballet’s annual holiday production returns to the Bushnell featuring guest stars from New York City Ballet & American Ballet Theatre with live accompaniment by Hartford Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Carolyn Kuan. Other performance dates and times are Saturday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 21, 1 p.m.; and Monday Dec. 22, 5 p.m.  Visit hartfordsymphony.org for more information.