Major Mall In Farmington/West Hartford Kicks Off Holiday Season This Week

Westfarms Mall

FARMINGTON/WEST HARTFORD, CT — One week after Halloween, a major shopping destination in Farmington/West Hartford is turning the page from pumpkins to candy canes.

The Westfarms Mall has announce its holiday events calendar, "promising magical experiences for all ages."

Events start on Friday, Nov. 7, and continue all the way to Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.

Specifically, guests will be able to enjoy "Santa’s Flight Academy" for unique and interactive photo opportunities and special events for shoppers and families.

"Bringing back beloved holiday events and creating a truly magical experience for our visitors is the highlight of the year," said Elizabeth Ryan, general manager at Westfarms.

“We’re excited to welcome shoppers with the spirit of holiday traditions. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift, having a celebratory dinner, or creating a magical Santa moment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this year.”

The following are planned at Westfarms this holiday season:

• Santa’s Flight Academy: From Friday, Nov. 7, through Wednesday, Dec. 24, families can make their reservation now to meet Santa for their picture-perfect moment.

After, they can take off on an interactive adventure at Santa's Flight Academy, complete with his 22-foot-tall sleigh and magical snowfall dance party inside.

While reservations are recommended, walk-up Santa photo appointments are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Santa’s hours vary daily and can be found online: Santa's Flight Academy | Westfarms | W. Hartford, along with reservations.

• Santa Paws on Monday, Nov. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Bring your furry friend to Westfarms to have their holiday photo taken with Santa at Santa's Flight Academy, located in Center Court. Holiday pet costumes are encouraged.

• Sensory Santa on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Westfarms will host a serene Santa visit for sensory-sensitive children at Santa’s Flight Academy. Individuals and their families are invited to a private photo session where extra care is taken to support the sensory, physical, and other developmental needs to ensure that this a magical holiday experience is experienced by all.

Lights and music will be turned down to help create a calming environment.

Sensory Santa is held in partnership with Autism Speaks. Reservations are encouraged to this popular event.

• Holiday Hours Westfarms' extended holiday hours have been posted to www.shopwestfarms.com, and key shopping dates are listed below (department store hours may vary):

• Thanksgiving – Closed
• Black Friday, Nov. 28 – 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Christmas, Dec. 25 – Closed
• December 26 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2026 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information about the schedule of holiday events, visit Santa's Flight Academy | Westfarms | W. Hartford.