Here’s what Burlington County and your town have planned for December
It’s official: Cinnaminson residents can finally commence holiday festivities. Between the annual township traditions and county-wide winter fun slated for this season, the coming weeks are chock-full of events and activities suited for all ages.
Annual Tree & Menorah Lighting
The holidays just wouldn’t be the same without twinkling lights, and no one knows that better than Cinnaminson residents. From 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 10, the township will host its annual tree and menorah lighting at Wood Park.
Attendees can enjoy free photos with Santa, holiday carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, toy train rides, hot chocolate and live music.
Winterfest
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 3, kids from 1 to 92, as the Barry Manilow Christmas song goes, can enjoy a plethora of winter festivities, food and more than 80 vendors at Cinnaminson High School.
Volunteer Stacia Heath, who has helped stage Winterfest for the past three years, said attendees can anticipate in everything from a special children’s section to a choir to a poinsettia sale.
“It’s one of the biggest events of the year,” Heath said, adding the proceeds will benefit CEHASA. “All the money raised goes back into the elementary schools for the enrichment program for things like field trips, recognition days and different events like Family Fun Night.”
The event also includes all-local entertainment and a full kitchen open for lunch and breakfast. Children on the nice list this year can get their faces painted, tell Santa Claus what they want for Christmas and pose for a classic holiday photo.
Vendors will sell their handmade crafts and treats, which Heath said run the gamut. Be it candles, cookies, wreaths or even hot sauces for the spice-lover in your life, holiday shoppers can likely cross more than a few items off their lists.
“It really puts you in the Christmas spirit,” Heath said. “I can’t think of a better way to kick off the season.
‘Deck the Halls’ Community Chorus Concert
Sleigh bells are ringing, and the Cinnaminson Community Chorus is singing popular holiday classics at their annual winter performance. The annual holiday concert, this year named “Deck the Halls,” will kick off at Cinnaminson High School on Dec. 1
“Our audience really enjoys the tradition we have created, especially with the holiday shows,” Chorus director Alan Blackford added.
With more than 50 members, some of whom are his old high school classmates, Blackford and the pack of vocalists have no plans of stopping anytime soon.
“The music and the people are why I do this. They bring me so much joy,” Blackford said. “What’s really special for me is having my high school choir-mates with me.”
“Deck the Halls” beings at 7:30 p.m. at Cinnaminson High School. Tickets are available at the door and are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors and free for children 12 and under.
Breakfast with Santa
The only thing better than eating pancakes is doing it with everyone’s favorite jolly gift-giver, Santa Claus! On Dec. 10, join Chris Cringle at the Merion from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. for your favorite breakfast foods and a little holiday magic. See a live performance by the Rush School Advanced Choir, catch a magic show and get a snapshot with Santa to keep for years to come.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for ages 5 and up and free for children 4 and under. Get yours at the door, at the Cinnaminson Police Department between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays or at the fire department on select dates.
Holiday Winter Market
The Burlington County Community Agricultural Center’s annual holiday market will open for business Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 500 Centerton Road in Moorestown. Check a couple items off your holiday shopping list and your grocery list in one stop!
Santa Quest
Looking for a holiday activity that will burn off grandma’s Christmas cookies? Visit the Rancocas Nature Center on Dec. 10 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to search for Saint Nick on a hike the whole family can enjoy along with a cup of hot chocolate and a campfire. In addition to this event, there will be a bake sale hosted by South Jersey Homeschool Builder’s Club.
“Santa couldn’t fit into his suit this year, so Mrs. Claus is sending him out for some exercise,” the Burlington County Agricultural Center said.
Call (609) 261–2495 or email info@rancocasnaturecenter.org to register. The cost is $15 per parties of five for RNC members and $21 per parties of five for nonmembers.
Library Events
Don’t forget to check out Cinnaminson Public Library for a month full of fun crafts and events.
On Dec. 2 at 2 p.m., stop by Colorful Conversations: Live Holiday Harp Music, a coloring program for adults accompanied by harp music. Professional harpist Gloria Galante will be providing the music. Pictures and crayons will be provided, or feel to bring your own supplies. Other quiet, creative endeavors are welcome — your local librarians encourage you to bring your project.
Ain’t no party like an ugly sweater party! Cinnaminson Public Library is providing its own version of this popular theme with Teen Ugly Sweater Holiday Craft Night on Dec. 12. Come at 7 p.m. with your ugliest holiday sweater for some holiday craft making, including pop-up cards, candles and more.
As lively and joyous as the holidays are, they can also be stressful. If you have emotional difficulty this time of year, consider attending the library’s Coping with the Holidays seminar for practical tips on coping with the end-of-year season, discover meaningful ways to honor a deceased loved one or interact with others experiencing the same feelings. For more information on the Samaritan Center for Grief Support, visit www.SamaritanHealthcareNJ.org. Call the library at (856) 829–9340 to register.
