Grab your shovels, the snow is coming! At least that’s what experts are saying about the upcoming winter season. Whether or not predictions turn out to be correct, the upcoming holiday season in Deptford Township will feature events that range from holiday gatherings to community craft shows. Here are some of them:
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Bundle up and enjoy an outdoor evening of holiday activities with hot chocolate, cookies, candy canes and Santa and Mrs. Claus at Deptford Recreation Center, 52 Montague Lane, on Friday, Dec. 6 fromt 6 to 8 p.m. Guests can enjoy a Christmas themed hayride, live Nativity scene, Buzz and Woody from the “Toy Story” movies, Buddy from the film “Elf” and Elsa and Olaf from Disney’s “Frozen.” There will also be Christmas caroling and Christmas movies on the big screen. Each child will receive a free photo with Santa and a raffle ticket for a surprise. Four time slots will be available for Santa photos to make lines shorter. For additional information, call (856) 845-0804 or email deptfordparksandrec@deptford-nj.org.
Night of Lights Country Christmas Hayride
Located at Mullica Hill’s Creamy Acres Farm, Night of Lights Country Christmas Hayride features an old fashioned hayride through the farm, complete with holiday lights, Nativity scene and Christmas music. The hayride runs every Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 14, and daily from Dec. 16 to 21. Tickets available online and at the door are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older and $10 for children 3 to 12. Visit www.NightofLightsHayride.com for more information.
Photos with Santa at the Deptford Mall
From now until Christmas Eve, Santa will be available for photos and visits at his headquarters, presented by HGTV, in the Deptford Mall Center Court near Macy’s. Guests can try on the latest elf looks with Santa’s Magic Mirror, create an Elf ID Card and scan themselves on the Naughty or Nice O’Meter. New this year is Fast Pass, which cuts wait time. Guests can bring an unwrapped toy and participate in Help Through Holiday Giving. The mall hopes to gather over 1,000 toys to be donated to Toys for Tots. For more information and to buy a Fast Pass, visit www.deptfordmall.com/SantaHQ.
Santa Parade and Tree Lighting
Meet Santa Dec. 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in front of City Hall, 33 Delaware St., and enjoy holiday treats as Woodbury lights the city tree to kick off the season. The Santa Parade will start at 6 p.m. near Red Bank Avenue and North Broad Street and go down North Broad Street, ending in front of City Hall. The tree lighting will follow the Santa Parade and afterward guests can take pictures with Santa and partake of holiday treats. During the event, the city will collect toys for Toys for Tots. The first 40 people to bring a toy will receive a free Santa hat. Visit www.woodbury.nj.us for more information.
Duffield’s Christmas Festival
Join Duffield’s Farm from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m Dec. 7 as it celebrates the season with artisan gift vendors; gingerbread decorating; hot chocolate bar; and the farm’s picturesque, country Christmas photo area with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This event is free. For more information, search Duffield’s Christmas Festival on Facebook. Duffield’s Farm is at 280 Chapel Heights Road.
Senior Light Bus Tour
Deptford Township mayor and council invite 55-and-over residents to enjoy a ride around town to admire holiday decorations starting at 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at the township municipal building, 1011 Cooper St. Light refreshments will be served immediately after the tour. To reserve a seat and for additional information, call (856) 845-0804 or email deptfordparksandrec@deptford-nj.org.
