Glow Hartford is definitely geared toward children (as is to be expected, but perhaps a tad more than expected), with lights, light swings, hoppity-hop areas, color-changing pads they can jump between, a small train, and some photo ops that kids will love. It's all indoors and warm, which is a plus for New England winters, but personally I'd rather find local outdoor light displays instead. For the lights themselves, the standout for most kids was probably the hanging "icicle" garden -- rows of lights you can walk through, which seemed to get the biggest reaction. Do it early enough next year, and you may even get a decent shot or two in time for your Shutterfly or equivalent Christmas card. The snack options were fine, and there's alcohol for adults, though some things are a bit on the expensive side. You'll probably also end up giving in to some of the add-ons -- glowing cups, light-up wands, or similar extras -- so your kid isn't the only one without one. (Maybe prepare yourself with a preemptive "OK, but just ONE.") The self-stamped passport activity was a nice touch, and the PEZ dispenser prize at the end was a cute detail. All in all, it's an OK experience and a nice family option if you take advantage of everything inside. I'd call it 3.5 stars -- fun to do once, but probably not something I'd make a yearly tradition. read more

"Morning glow, filled with light You can make the whole day bright" (Michael Jackson) Glow is a family-friendly indoor winter festival of lights currently open in five Canadian cities, Eugene Oregon, and good old Hartford, CT. It was a beautiful display of color and design, highlighted by plenty of dazzling lights in the shape of iconic landmarks from around the world. If you ever hoped to see Christmas lights in the shape of the London Eye, Eiffel Tower, Asian temples, Taj Mahal, the Louvre, and London Bridge... well you'll be amazed at the images you see here. Complementing the visuals are bars, rides, food, photo ops with Santa and the Grinch, live music, and a vendor trade show. Plenty of kiddie activities too - a bounce house, train ride, glowing swing sets, and games. We saw quite a few families with kids of all ages, including a lot of strollers enjoying the show and taking advantage of the hundreds of photo ops. No doubt many of the pics will end up on next year's Christmas cards. All in all, this was a very enjoyable experience. read more

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What an amazing experience this was. I was so excited to finally make it to Glow and I loved the around the world theme. There's so many fun activities around, it was so difficult at first to decide where to head first. We hadn't gotten passports, so I headed back to the main entrance to pick some up, and then we walked and twirled around the world and then made our way over to the kids section. The train ride was a lot of fun, and the little booths at the marketplace have lots of cute goodies for sale. I got to hang out with Santa too and we had an all out blast last night for girls night. Def cannot wait to come back again next year too! read more

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This was such a fun family holiday experience. Next year we will be sure to wear our matching pajamas. There was karaoke. The kids enjoyed the food vendors. The light up collectible cups truly made their night. So many vendors with unique items to surprise anyone on your wish list. We were so fortunate to see the grinch steal the train. It was fun overload. Lighted swings and photos options galore. My kids begged me to stop taking photos. The passport book is such an interactive way to ensure you get to view everything. I love how they connected so many cultures through the passport displays and showing monitors with merry Christmas in different languages. The prize at the end was cute, although my youngest was disappointed it wasn't the transformer he told Santa about. The Santa and elf interacts with the kids. All the staff were so fun and dressed for the holidays. The vibe was cheerful. Loved, loved, loved it! I would 1,000% recommend. read more

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What an experience. Make sure to get the Glow passport upon entry (treat for stamping all locations at end). We walked through 6 different locations; China, France, Netherlands, India, Mexico and the United Kingdom and experienced beautiful lighted displays. A selfie area with lighted hanging portraits, many photo opportunities and walk through lighted Icicles (safe of course). There is also a free train ride to enjoy that goes around more lights! Snack areas, a few bars, live music and karaoke. Face painting for the kids, a few local vendors. read more

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The around the world theme this year is super beautiful!! Seeing lights bring you into England, India and other places around the world is a sight. There are a multitude of spots for photo ops for people of all ages whether is for the Gram or family pics. I brought my 5 month old and he was amazed at all the lights. My two year old nephew had a blast at all the kid activities with glowing hopscotch, bouncing unicorns things and bounce house. Not to mention the adorable train ride for all ages! Was super great fun when the Grinch stole the train and drive it around the entire venue a couple times ! This is definitely a fun activity ahead of the holidays with something for everyone! I didn't try anything from the bars scattered around but those drinks looked fun too! read more

Glow at Hartford - Inside - Festivals Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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It was one of the best Family Holiday experiences I've ever had! The parking was quick and close. There were several ways to get to the event on the second floor. The event was well staffed. Everyone working the event was friendly and so helpful! Meeting Santa was a great experience. The stage and entertainment was a great place to stop and enjoy hot coco and eat some food. I would highly recommend this for families and anyone looking for a fun holiday experience while staying warm! read more

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What a nice event! There were light and wire sculptures depicting famous places in different countries- The Netherlands, France, England, Mexico, India and China. We were given cute little passports to stamp at each of the countries. There was a train decorated with holiday lights that was big enough for adults to ride, bounce houses for the kids and several vendors selling jewelry, soaps, ornaments, dog treats, etc. There were also vendors selling alcoholic and virgin drinks and assorted snacks. Santa was there as well as an animatronic Grinch. This would be a cute place to go on a date or to bring the family. Nice way to get into the holiday spirit! read more

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Glow returns to Hartford for its 3rd year and it's bigger, brighter and better every year!! I honestly was expecting similar lights this year and I'm completely blown away by the presentation. They have an activity for the kids and they get to walk away with a little something at the end of the night after it. The train was a nice ride too. There are a few bars along the spaces and nothing is where it was last year, if it was even a repeat of it. We loved it so much! read more

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What a cool way to get in the holiday spirit! Glow offers a fun and festive experience for all ages. Upon arrival, you get a passport to collect stamps while you explore different countries, each lit up with glowing, well-known landmarks. Super creative! For adults, there are stations with beverages served in glowing souvenir cups, and live entertainment including local performers and karaoke (I think later??). Families with young kids will appreciate the play area, the little train ride, and a chance to visit Santa. There's also a selection of food, candy, and local vendors, giving visitors a chance to shop for unique items while enjoying the event. This is a creative, interactive experience that's great to put you in the spirit of the holidays. read more

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It's so nice to be able to enjoy beautiful lights and music, and get in the holiday spirit at an INDOOR event! My guest and I spent a leisurely hour strolling through the various 'countries' on display at Glow Hartford. My favorite was India and the Taj Mahal. The event is definitely geared toward families with younger children, but don't worry. Kids and kids at heart will equally enjoy the decorations and especially the walk-thru icicle forest. There's food and drinks available onsite, and even a 'Glow-camotive' train to ride on. Spend as much time as you want...walk around and stamp your passport...but watch out for the Grinch! read more

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Glow Hartford is a perfect venue for you to get into the holiday spirit. You will experience expertly crafted lighting displays that you can go inside and around. The lighted displays represent some of the iconic landmarks in various world cities. Plus Glow Hartford is inside the convention center so the cold weather is not a concern. This experience is a must for families, kids, teens and adults. So many photo opportunities. Plus entertainment, vendors, food and drinks and plenty of parking. Don't miss it. read more

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Thank you Yelp for the great opportunity to check out Glow Hartford. At first I was scared I'd be in the cold, but this is an indoor light festival located at the Connecticut Convention Center with plenty of parking. This was my first time attending and I got to share the special moment with my loved ones. I hear every year they switch up the theme; this year's is "Around the World" highlighting China, France, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and UK. Get a passport at the entrance, stamp at each country's booth, and win prize at the exit. My little one took a photo with Santa; Rode the trackless train that at one point got abducted by the Grinch, enjoyed a cup of hot cocoa, bought candies and the stand; swung on the led swings, and jumped at the bouncy house. For adults there were many bars scattered with gimmicky drinks. I went for a craft beer. What a magical night. I can't wait to see what next year's theme brings! read more

Hartford has just an amazing interactive indoor holiday light display ; not to be missed! I went to outdoor this was a treat because you are away from the cold able to walk around at you leisure in warmth surrounded by beauty and a wonderful accommodating staff! Fabulous just an awesome experience. I have had the opportunity to travel... so I loved the fact that upon entering you get a passport to "travel" and get stamps to all your lighted destinations and as a reward you'll receive holiday pez if your choice. As if seeing the lights wasn't enough; this tour brought the kid out in us. We went through the hanging íceles ,took pictures in the lighted frames , bought a lighted souvenir drink holder; purchased amazing stockings stuffers from the candy kiosk and pet kiosk . I could go on and on what's available the. Eat way is for you to come and see it because it was fantastic. read more

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This place was a dream destination for my kids. They had so much fun exploring and seeing Christmas magic everywhere. It wasn't. crowded when we stopped by on a week night. So many fun photo ops and the best hot chocolate I've ever had. read more

Glow at Hartford - Festivals Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

This was my 1st Christmasy thing I've done so far this year!I loved it! It was pretty cool! There was different sections for different countries! I rode the little train! My niece took a photo w/ Santa! I ate Carmine's pizza. It wasn't really good to be honest. I wish I would have noticed the cafe more down before I ate that. I won 2 free tickets from Yelp. As soon as I got there I received an envelope @ will call. It contained my entry tickets, $20 voucher for food & drinks,a nice note, & validated parking. Score!!!! That was really nice! TY Yelp,Glow,& Lanasha for the cool experience!It was awesome!! I also got to get candy from the Hot Cocoa And Candy spot. My niece got a s'mores hot cocoa. She loved it. She said it was delish! read more

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We took our 21 month old toddler to Glow tonight and had a blast!!! During the week, it seems to be very quiet so we had so much space to explore without feeling crowded. My son loved all the lights and activities. We saw Santa and the Grinch; we walked around the beautiful light exhibits, listened to Carolers, had a tasty cocktail, rode the train, jumped in a bounce house, shopped from local vendors and went nuts on the changing floor lights. It was an easy in and out with the parking garage right on site. It's nice that the activities are included in the ticket price since sometimes they are extra $$. Drinks and food were reasonably priced. My only wish is that there were more food/snack options. We will be back next year!!! read more

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This was such a disappointing event. The lights were pretty enough but it felt really hollow and soulless. Between the concrete floors, exposed ceiling, and odd placement of everything it just felt like anything *but* Christmas. The worst part of the exhibits this year were, without a doubt, the completely unnecessary Tesla Cyber Truck with a big red bow right outside the entrance to the event as well as ANOTHER decorated Tesla when you walk in. Who the hell is that for? Definitely not the kids trying to celebrate Christmas, I'll tell you that much. Ridiculously expensive and the food was some of the worst I've ever eaten. All the staff and vendors looked like they hated being there but by the time I got done I really couldn't blame them. An honest to god waste of time and money, save yourself the trip and go drive around the neighborhood. read more

Back in November I was contacted by their marketing team to be a Social Media Ambassador for this event. I checked out their website and thought it looked cool so I accepted. The main purpose of my visit was to create content but I ended up having a really great time. There were many activities for kids and an appearance from Santa!! Giant illuminated light structures, a marketplace, interactive light garden, plenty to eat and drink, live entertainment. And adult beverages. This was a magical and fun event for all ages. I hope it returns next year! read more

What an awesome event. I absolutely LOVED the theme of "around the world." Each child is given a passport at entry and can stamp it at each "country" they visit. On their way out, if they've collected all the stamps, they earn a reward. So cute! Loved the cute candy/hot cocoa booth, and there are plenty of festive adult beverages also. A visit to Santa was fun and provided for a great photo op too. We did the little train ride around and enjoyed the bounce house too. We were there on a Thursday night just before 7pm and had the place to ourselves - it was great! The staff was super friendly and helpful as well, and it was so nice to enjoy a festive evening out while getting to stay warm indoors! read more

What an amazing way to start December! In the Christmas spirit! This was truly an amazing experience! I loved how it was indoors too.So many beautiful lights to see and enjoy. It definitely "Glowed". There were 3 bars located throughout the path and was perfect for adults to enjoy too. They even had these awesome light bulb to go souvenir cups that lit up which I loved as much as the kids. They had an awesome band playing live music and Santa was there!!! They had food everywhere and a hot cocoa stand too. There was face painting and henna. Lots of interactive light attractions and just all around entertainment everywhere you looked. The light tunnel was my favorite. What a fabulous evening filled with adventure and memories for a lifetime. Highly recommend this event for anyone! read more

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We have been to Glow every year since they opened but this year was the best year yet. Located in the convention center your kids can walk around exploring all different kinds of holiday lights, using the bounce houses or running through the light strings, riding the small train, jumping on the unicorn toys, visiting with Santa, and so much more! They send out emails if you bought tickets to the previous year as well as post on social media in November regarding certain dates where you can get pretty discounted tickets. We have tried going earlier in the season which has resulted in less crowds and a much more enjoyable experience. The closer to Christmas you go than it tends to be a bit busier. They have some minor concessions available for purchase, including alcoholic bars, refreshments, pizza, and standard concession fair. There is also a small craft fair area which has varied in size from year to year.Each year they have a different way for kids to interact with a different exhibit. This year it was a Passport where they could get it stamped after they visited each country with light displays representing important landmarks from each country. A great way to spend a few hours for families with kids as well as a lot of local influencers we saw taking creative pictures! read more

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I can't recommend Glow at Hartford enough this holiday season! What a fabulous, dazzling light display! Between the larger-than-life light shows and photo-ops, the Winter Wonderland of concessions, the Santa visits, and the artisan marketplace-- someone could get lost in here for hours! Admission is around $20-25 per person, but is well worth the price for the amount of luminary love there is to enjoy! read more

Glow at Hartford - Me with a signature Glow souvenir cup and a lit up backdrop - Festivals Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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This was my first time attending Glow Hartford. It was a great family event held at the Connecticut Convention Center. I really loved the location of the event, it was very spacious, easy to navigate, and plenty of parking. It's also great that it is held indoors so you can see beautiful Christmas lights and displays without freezing. The event had a variety of cool light displays and great photo opportunities. One of my favorite spots along the walk was the hanging twinkling lights. There are bars setup throughout the event where you can purchase both non alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. You could have your beverage served in a souvenir light bulb which I thought was so adorable. There is also Santa, face painting, food vendors, and non food vendors, as well as live music. I highly recommend attending! read more

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