[Photos] A Holiday Stroll in West Hartford

Neither a thick fog dense enough to challenge Rudolph’s incandescent nose, nor a rainy evening were enough to keep people away from the annual Holiday Stroll in West Hartford Center on Thursday.

Kids told Santa and Mrs. Claus in front of The Toy Chest what they want for Christmas, while crowds were treated to musical performances from numerous choirs from Duffy Elementary School, the Hebrew Academy, Solomon Schechter Day School, Be Sharp A Cappella Group from Conard High School and West Hartford Women’s Chorale, among others.

Santa then made his way in front of Fleming’s and Besito to light the holiday tree.

There were other festivities around the Center as well.

At Kaoud Oriental Rugs, children held a milk snake, a rabbit and a bearded dragon (though not all at once, of course), which were provided by the New Children’s Museum. Sight had a photo booth for its “Sighted Around Town” contest and balloons for kids.

Shop Rite had two stations stocked with cupcakes and other goodies, while Ten Thousand Villages served free samples of fair-trade hot chocolate.

Several retailers, such as Philip David, offered discounts for the evening.