Thanksgiving is not yet here, yet it’s almost time for Christmas holiday plans to kick into high gear: Municipalities will soon be powering up their Christmas lights and welcoming the big man in the red suit. Here’s where and when to find the cheer.
Andover Township:
Tree lighting will be at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov 29 at Hillside Park, 146 Lake Iliff Rd., Newton. Christmas Party with snacks and activities will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec 8, at the Barn at Hillside Park. Santa arrives at 2 p.m.
Byram Township:
Tree lighting and Christmas party with Santa will begin at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec 8, at the Cranberry Lake Firehouse, 225 Rt. 206, Byram Twp. Enjoy snacks, stories, and a magic show after the tree is lit. Write a wish list for Santa’s mailbox.
Hampton Township:
Tree lighting and Christmas party will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec 6 at the Hampton Twp. Community and Senior Center, 1 Rumsey Way (off Halsey Road), Newton. Enjoy musical and dance performances and party with Santa while snacking on cookies and cocoa.
Newton:
The Town of Newton’s Annual Holiday Parade will kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov 30, on its regular route along Spring Street and down Moran Street to Memory Park. Tree lighting and a visit from Santa will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec 6 at Newton Town Hall, 39 Trinity St. Enjoy snacks, write letters to Santa, and sing Christmas carols.
Sparta:
The Township is hosting a visit with Santa from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec 1 at Station Park. Check out vehicles from Sparta Fire, Police, and Ambulance Squad, get photos taken with Santa and leave your wish list in his mailbox. Snacks will be provided, with live music by Sparta High School students. Bring a non-perishable food item or unwrapped toy for the Sparta Ecumenical Food Pantry.
Stanhope:
The Borough’s Annual Tree Lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec 7 at Borough Hall, 77 Main St., with carols led by the choir from the Valley Road School. Santa will arrive and lead everyone down the block to a party at the Presbyterian Church. Bring your camera to take photos.