Lately, you might have noticed people putting seasonal lights around trees in downtown Haddonfield.
The borough is getting ready for the holiday season with a number of winter events. From Small Business Weekend to Midnight Monday to First Night, downtown Haddonfield has many ways to go holiday shopping, spend time with family or just have a good time.
“I love how magical downtown looks with all of the white lights on the trees. It makes the downtown look so festive and magical,” Partnership for Haddonfield retail recruiter Remi Fortunato said. “(For this holiday season), we have something for everyone.”
Friday, Nov. 25 is the kick-off to the holiday season with the start of Candlelight Shopping and Small Business Weekend. Candlelight Shopping will start at 6 p.m. with luminarias lighting up the sidewalks, complementing the trees shining brightly with dazzling lights. Small Business Weekend, going on until Sunday, Nov. 27, puts a spotlight on the local businesses in town, encouraging people to shop within their community.
“The Small Business Weekend we do every year is to remind people to shop locally and keep the dollars in the community. When you shop downtown, 80 cents for every dollar goes back into the community,” Fortunato said.
Residents and visitors are welcome to attend a tree lighting of the Borough Holiday Tree on Nov. 25 at Library Point at 6 p.m., followed by a parade featuring Santa Claus to Kings Court.
Musical performances during this kick-off evening will include Haddonfield’s Pick Up Band, the Mp4! Quartet, Shades of Harmony Chorus, Cherry Hill Pine Barons Chorus, Special Occasion Quartet and Three Good Men. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available for all from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
On Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26, shoppers can enjoy musical performances by Here Comes Treble, Shades Harmony Chorus, Quartet 33, Music by Lou & Kenn and Bell Choir of Lutheran Church of Our Savior from noon to 3 p.m. Horse-drawn carriage rides will also be available during that time.
Downtown Haddonfield is also offering town-wide gift certificates at a discounted rate of 10 percent off from 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 25 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24. Gift certificates can be purchased at the Haddonfield Information Center, 2 Kings Court, during the center’s hours or online at downtownhaddonfield.com. The gift cards are accepted at stores and restaurants throughout downtown Haddonfield.
Haddonfield’s Candlelight Shopping will continue every Friday throughout the holiday season, offering shoppers exciting gift ideas and in-store holiday specials, as well as live entertainment
“Candlelight Shopping is a fun time to stroll around, shop, eat and enjoy entertainment for the whole family,” Fortunato said.
An outdoor live nativity will also be displayed at the First Baptist Church of Haddonfield on Friday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m.
The borough is also offering two Midnight Shopping days. On Monday, Dec. 19, late-night shoppers can explore downtown shops and boutiques until midnight during Haddonfield’s third annual Midnight Monday shopping event.
In case shoppers didn’t get enough late-night shopping in on Midnight Monday, there will be a Midnight Thursday on Dec. 22.
The end of 2016 wouldn’t be complete in Haddonfield without the annual First Night celebration. First Night Haddonfield is a family-oriented, alcohol-free New Year’s Eve festival held on Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. to midnight, featuring entertainment including magic, music, comedy, dance and theater for audiences of all ages. Admittance to First Night Haddonfield requires a First Night button costing $15, which is available online and at button outlets.
For more information about First Night, button sales and to see an entertainment lineup, visit www.firstnighthaddonfield.org.
