The singers inside Crate and Barrel had a cushy spot from which to sing "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" during Thursday's Holiday Stroll in the Center and Blue Back Square.

Throughout the center of town, crowds braved a bracing but cloudless night to listen to choirs, watch dance ensembles, visit with Santa, ride the horse-drawn carriage and drink endless free samples of hot chocolate and steaming cider. The West Hartford Fire Department even lit up one of its extended ladders and let the kids climb aboard the firetruck for pictures.

"It's a little chilly, but it's December," James Denton said as he handed out information about the Playhouse on Park.

Denton, who works the box office and does various other jobs at the playhouse, said he was talking to people who didn't know West Hartford had its own theater.

"You've got to go where the people are," he said.

Performers entertained the crowds from two different stages, one on Lasalle Road and one at the pergola at Blue Back Square.