Cherry Hill residents who savor all the sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season don’t have to wait much longer. The township’s holiday-related events get underway shortly, and will continue through the end of the year.
From the traditional holiday display lighting to fun events in an educational setting, there are a multitude of ways for the community and children of all ages to enjoy what’s in store.
Holiday Lighting ceremony scheduled for Dec. 9
Cherry Hill Township’s annual holiday lighting ceremony is set to take place on Monday, Dec. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Carman Tilelli Community Center located at 820 Mercer Street in the municipal complex. The event features youth choirs and musicians from Cherry Hill schools.
Santa Claus is also expected to make an appearance to help Mayor Chuck Cahn and members of council light the community Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah, while also commemorating Kwanzaa.
“With so many wonderful events planned around the holiday season, I always look forward to our Township’s Holiday Lighting Ceremony,” Cahn said.
“Each year, our community comes together for one night to celebrate the kick-off of the holiday season with our annual tree and menorah lighting, festive music, readings, laughter, and so much more. I am excited to celebrate this time of year surrounded by our community and truly appreciating the holiday spirit.”
Light refreshments will be served. The event is free to attend and open to all residents. For more information, call (856) 488-7868 or email [email protected].
Hanukkah Celebration
Katz JCC will be hosting a delicious event dealing with the Festival of Lights.
On Saturday, Dec. 15, from 2 p.m to 3:30 p.m., join an inter-generational Chanukah family fun day with Chef Jerzy Gonzalez. Attendees can design a unique family latke recipe and recipe card, prepare the latkes, and take them home to fry. Children are also encouraged to decorate their own aprons and engage in an oil-themed STEM activity.
For more information, call (856) 424-4444. To register for the event online, visit: https://katzjcc.org/event/make-it-take-it-fry-it-try-it-chanukah-event/.
Barclay Farmstead presents Holiday House
For three straight days, Friday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 24, Barclay Farmstead Museum will present its annual “Holiday House.” Celebrate the holiday season’s efforts to bring illumination to the approaching darkness as local artisans and businesses set out to decorate the Farmstead with an array of magical lights.
A suggested donation of $5 at the door helps to support ongoing restoration and award-winning programs. Hours are 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 22 and 23, then 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 24.
For more information, contact the Barclay Farmstead at (856) 795-6225 or email: [email protected].
Cherry Hill Public Library celebrates the season
The Young Entrepreneurs Craft Fair is slated for Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you’re in search of that perfect gift for a friend or loved one and not finding it online or in stores, look no further. Stop by to find affordable, unique items crafted by young, business-minded individuals. For more information, contact Beth Cackowski at [email protected], or by phone at (856) 903-1232.
Essential Oils for a Healthy Holiday will be a one-night only event, Thursday, Dec. 12 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m in the library’s Half Conference Center, Lower Level. Be sure to show your love this holiday season with a handmade gift. Create a personalized blend of oils with Essential Oils. Learn tips and recipes to create the perfect blend for sleep and stress management, how to prevent illness, or make an aromatic scent for the holiday. Limited space – registration is required. For more information, contact Elby Wang at [email protected] or (856) 903-1227.
“History is Served: Gingerbread for Liberty” will be a tasty way to give kids a dose of family-oriented educational fun. Taking place on Monday, Dec. 23 from 2 to 2:30 p.m., parents and kids will learn about how one baker changed the course of the American Revolution one loaf at a time. Leave with a tasty gingerbread treat. To find out more, contact Alia Shields at [email protected] or (856) 903-1231. For allergy concerns and to register, call (856) 903-1229.
New Year’s Eve
Finally, ring out the old and ring in the new at the library on Tuesday, Dec. 31 for the annual “New Year’s Eve at Noon” celebration. Lasting from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., kids ages 18 months to 6 years can enjoy themselves with dancing, top 40 music and other fun activities. No registration required.
Have a holiday event you’d like to see in the Sun? Email [email protected].