Christmas tree lightings, holiday festivities and community events through December have residents in the spirit
The holidays are here in Washington Township as the community prepares for upcoming festivities and winter events to ring in the season. Traditions will continue with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and The Magic of Christmas holiday celebration, while new programs will allow children to “Shop with a Cop.”
To kick off the holiday season, Washington Township will host the annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 1, in Washington Lake Park. Beginning at 7 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to meet and greet Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrive with sirens blaring on a Washington Township fire truck, while enjoying Christmas carols sung by the Washington Township High School Choir throughout the evening. Cookies and hot chocolate will also be available for those strolling through the holiday event.
“The tree lighting is truly a magical event,” said Lisa Collins, park manager and events coordinator. “More and more township residents come to our beautiful park to enjoy the festivities every year. This is [the township’s] final event of the year, and it’s my favorite.”
On Wednesday, Dec. 6, one or two children will join each Washington Township police officer for a holiday shopping trip in the newly implemented community outreach program “Shop with a Cop.” Police will escort the children throughout a store and assist in selecting gifts for their loved ones.
According to Chief of Police Patrick Gurcsik, who spoke on the program when it was approved by council on Nov. 8, the program aligns with the Washington Township Police Department’s “community caretaking goals.”
“The purpose of Shop with a Cop is to provide a fun-filled day for children in need throughout Washington Township, while creating a positive relationship with law enforcement in their community,” Gurcsik said.
After shopping, the officers and children will wrap their gifts and get to know one another during lunch.
Residents or local businesses interested in sponsoring a child for the event, or who would like to contribute by making a donation, should contact Office Gary Egizi at ggegizi@pd.twp.washington.nj.us.
On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Washington Township Historic Preservation Commission will wrap up 2017 with The Magic of Christmas at the Olde Stone House Village, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
According to Commission Chair Nicholas Appice, new this year will be a one-of-a-kind entrance by Santa Claus, who will commence the event’s first-ever Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony held in the village’s gazebo.
“This event has become a family tradition for many people, and everyone looks forward to it,” Appice said. “It is absolutely my favorite event of the year.”
According to Appice, the historic buildings throughout the property will be decorated in a Christmas theme related to the history of the property, with the opportunity for visitors to interact and participate in activities throughout the evening. For example, in the Railroad Station, children can enjoy readings of “The Polar Express,” while live music will be performed in the church on site. Throughout the village, attendees can also participate in a candle and bake sale in the Farm House, arts and crafts and more. At the village Post Office, children can write letters to Santa, “who always writes back,” Appice said.
“All of our buildings will be decorated with lights and live greenery, with a lot of the decor made from trees on site,” Appice said. “It will also be nice to see the interior of the Post Office and Railroad Station finally completed with plaster, wood repairs and paint, which was one of our restoration projects this year.”
Appice recommends the community carpool with family and friends to the free event, as parking can be limited at such a popular gathering.
“Events like these help nurture a sense of community and allow residents and visitors to enjoy everything Washington Township has to offer,” Mayor Joann Gattinelli said. “I invite everyone to attend these events and bring family and friends to enjoy this season.”
At the Margaret E. Heggan Library, children and families are invited to celebrate the holiday and winter season with a variety of events being offered throughout December.
Friends of the Library will host its second annual Holiday Bazaar featuring items for purchase, such as small Christmas and holiday decorations, jewelry, CDs, DVDs and books. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2, as well as from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3.
On Sunday, Dec. 10, children ages 3 to 7, with a caregiver, are invited to visit with special guest from the North Pole, Mrs. Claus. Children will play reindeer games, hear a story and participate in a “candy cane scavenger hunt.” Letters to Santa are encouraged.
On Thursday, Dec. 14, children ages 3 to 6 will have the opportunity to make a beautiful craft for someone they love, using an assortment of leftover projects. The “Make-A-Gift Workshop” will take place from 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. Advance registration is required for library cardholders at www.hegganlibrary.org.
