In less than a month, Santa Claus will come riding down Walt Whitman Avenue in Mt. Laurel, ready to greet children from the township. A multi-scene live nativity will take root at a local church, and holiday songs will fill school auditoriums.
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and there are a number of holiday events residents can enjoy in Mt. Laurel. From school concerts to craft shows and religious events, there is something for residents of all ages to check out.
‘Santa Comes to Mt. Laurel’
Santa Claus will make an appearance at the Mt. Laurel Community Center on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. “Santa Comes to Mt. Laurel” will take place until 7 p.m. The event is free and open to all residents.
Meghan Shaddow, Mt. Laurel recreation clerk, said there will be plenty of activities to keep kids busy.
“We’re doing a candy bar and three different arts and crafts,” she said. “There’s also letters the kids can write to Santa.”
Santa will be available for pictures throughout the evenings. In addition to the candy bar, hot chocolate, munchkins and other refreshments will be provided.
The Shawnee High School choir will also get residents into the holiday spirit as they perform a medley of holiday songs.
Residents can call (856) 234–0001 ext. 1220 or email mshaddow@mountlaurel.com to register for the event.
Live nativity at Fellowship Community Church
Fellowship Community Church, located at 1520 Hainesport Road, is bringing back its multi-scene live nativity this holiday season. The nativity will be performed on Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. each night. There is no charge to attend.
The nativity takes place across the church grounds. It consists of 13 scenes depicting familiar stories from the Bible.
“We have some really creative people who have imaginations that are put to work,” said Phyllis Wallin, the office manager for the church.
Upon arriving, guests are sent to the church’s auditorium to stay warm and view live entertainment. They are then sent to a tour group, where a guide takes them through each scene.
“We have about 250 people who act as actors in the scenes,” Wallin said. “We have dialogue that is recorded and played at each scene.”
At the conclusion of the tour, each guest is offered free hot chocolate and cookies. Guests who attend the live nativity are encouraged to arrive early and dress warm.
“It’s our gift to the community,” Wallin said. “We have had as many as 16,000 come through in one season.”
The holidays at Mt. Laurel schools
All schools in the Mt. Laurel district will be having sing-a-longs, holiday shops and parties to commemorate the season.
Hillside School is having a children’s fun night on Friday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. for all students.
Countryside School’s PTO will host a Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for anyone looking for a good gift idea. Proceeds will benefit the school.
Larchmont School will have holiday-themed Gingerbread Party with a DJ on Friday, Dec. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. The party is open to all Larchmont students.
Holiday concerts
In addition to in-school events, a few Mt. Laurel schools are also hosting concerts.
Fleetwood School will have a winter concert on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.
Hartford School will host two concerts. The first is an orchestra and choir winter concert on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. The fifth and sixth grades will perform their concert on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.
Harrington Middle School will have its winter concert on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.
There will also be two concerts at Lenape High School. An instrumental concert will be held on Dec. 16 at 7 p.m., and a vocal concert is scheduled for Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.
Jingle Bell the Cat at Mt. Laurel Library
For kids looking for something fun to do during the winter break, the Mt. Laurel Library will have a puppet show on Tuesday, Dec. 30 featuring Jingle Bell the Cat. The event is for kids of all ages and will begin at 2 p.m.
The puppet show will be a holiday version of Aesop’s Fable “”Belling the Cat,” where a mouse and a cat learn about the holiday spirit of sharing.
The event is open to all families, but registration is required. Visit www.mtlaurel.lib.nj.us to register beginning on Dec. 4.
