You better not shout; you better not cry; you better not pout; I’m telling you why! Santa has already come to visit the town of Voorhees.
Santa’s Granting Wishes Tree Lighting and Promenade Event at the Voorhees Town Center already passed on Nov. 14 at the start of the Voorhees Town Center holiday season. However, if you missed the event on Friday, Santa will still be around, granting wishes through Dec. 24. A special “Wish Station” was built by elves in Macy’s Court, awaiting and collecting residents’ holiday wishes. Guests who stop by the wish station and share their wish may possibly find it come true.
Santa will also be taking pictures with children, individuals, families and pets. This year guests have the option of taking a picture with Santa in his chair or in front of the Rettinger Fireplace Systems. Santa photo hours can be found at the Voorhees Town Center website.
“Unique for families to enjoy is the Holiday Chalk Wall at the food court. Children can draw on the wall. It’s something fun for children to enjoy while visiting the food court,” Lisa Milideo, assistant marketing director of the Voorhees Town Center, said.
There are a lot of other holiday events and happenings at the Voorhees Town Center that include: the ShopUp-PopUp Boutique on the Boulevard on weekends from Nov. 14 to Dec. 21; Family Food Court Holiday Movie Nights every Wednesday evening; Meet the Grinch Red Carpet Event on Friday, Dec. 19; a Live Nativity on the Plaza! hosted by Amazing Grace Community Church of Williamstown on Dec. 19 and 20; Hadassah Gift Wrap Services; Wishing Tree in Macy’s Court to grant others wishes from Nov. 14 to Dec. 19; and Holiday Digital Contest Win Yourself a Merry Little Wish List with a $1,000 prize from Nov. 21 to Dec. 12.
For more information about these Voorhees Town Center events go to voorhees towncenter.com/ holiday2014 #happenings.
“The Voorhees Town Center is very happy to be serving the community this holiday season,” Milideo said.
The Town Center isn’t the only place where holiday events are happening in Voorhees. The next upcoming holiday event takes place at HOPE Church located at 700 Cooper Road. Saturday, Nov. 29 is HOPE’s Gingerbread House Party as well as HOPE’s Annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting.
The Gingerbread House Party is indoors in the church’s all purpose room and begins at 6 p.m. Families will get into the holiday spirit by listening to Christmas music while getting to decorate pre-made gingerbread houses. Families must preregister for the event. To register go to meethope.org/ginger.
“It’s good, old-fashioned family fun,” said Nancy Smith Seigle, director of communications at HOPE Church.
At the Christmas tree lighting there will be an outdoor stage filled with musical performers, booths with fun children’s activities, hot chocolate and cider, popcorn and cookies, and tons of Christmas fun. Santa will come for a visit, and there’s going to be a drawing for a $100 Visa gift card. This event is free and open to the public.
“It’s become a community event. I think people look forward to it. It’s fun, free and easy and the children really enjoy it. Actually, people of all ages enjoy it. It’s the perfect way to launch the Christmas season,” Seigle said.
HOPE Church is hosting many other holiday events including: a children’s choir performance of the Mystery of the Manger; Advent reflections; Voices of HOPE event that includes the adult choir, drama group and band; and Christmas Candlelight Services. To learn more about events and services, go to its website at meethope.org.
Children can get another meeting with Santa on Dec. 6 at the Gibbsboro-Voorhees Lions Club’s annual Breakfast with Santa. However, this time Santa will come to you by walking around and sitting with kids and families at the event. From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Voorhees Community Hall at Lions Lake Park, Route 73 and Dutchtown Road, families are invited to join Santa for a pancake breakfast and to bring cameras for memorable pictures with Santa. The cost is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $4 for children. All of the proceeds will help the sight impaired. For more information, call (856) 795–4273.
“It’s fun and enjoyable for all of us. Every year we hear from parents saying they absolutely love it because it is different. Santa walks around and sits with kids and talks to them. They find it unique,” said Dennis Hunt, event chairman and member of the Lions Club.
Be sure to get out and enjoy the Voorhees holiday events with family, friends and neighbors to spread the holiday spirit and cheer.
