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As the holidays hastily settle upon the borough, families and friends search for events to fulfill their festive frenzies. With rosy cheeks and frosty air, residents are ready to embrace a month of twinkling lights and gift-giving. Whether you’re munching on pancakes with a special guest from the North Pole or cruising on a trolley ride through the downtown district, Berlin is offering a scope of holiday delights this season.
Long-A-Coming Historic Holiday Tour
Step back into yesteryear with a Yuletide twist. For the second year, the Downtown Berlin Revitalization Corp is hosting the Long-A-Coming Historic Holiday Tour on Dec. 9, featuring 24 points of significance scattered throughout the borough’s downtown district. Encompassing both a trolley tour and self tour, the route incarnates Camden County history, revealing the rich narratives concentrated right here in Berlin.
“This is a story we’re telling,” said Cindy Williams, design director of the DBRC.
From New Jersey’s oldest railroad station to the Vault History at Victor Records, the tour supports the DBRC’s preservation arts initiative. By conserving the past, the organization strives to foster an innovative vision for the district’s future, establishing creative retail, eateries, the arts and outdoor living.
Set to the sounds of St. Nicolas Aurora Carolers, the various points of interest range from exhibits to ride-bys. The route is populated with decorated window displays, vintage toy displays and miniature train villages — to name a few. Horse-drawn carriage rides and samples of holiday treats will greet you along the way.
“Arts leads to revitalization. It’s always the last thing standing … it’s a creative energy and economic booster,” Williams said. “A historic holiday tour really fits well into that concept.”
The tour, which runs from 3 to 8 p.m., starts at Village Square, 59 S. White Horse Pike, Berlin. Following the tour, the Holidays Through the Decades performance will take place at the Vault from 8 to 9: 30 p.m.
Tickets, which cost $15 per person, support the DBRC. Tickets can be purchased at Foulk Huber at 82 S. White Horse Pike, Century 21 Reilly Realtors at 39 N. Route 73, Marie Fleche Library at 49 S. White Horse Pike or online at www.downtownberlin.com/tours. Tickets will also be available day-of at the tour information tent.
The event is sponsored by the Hassman Research Institute.
Library Poinsettia Sale
Friends of the Marie Fleche Memorial Library are selling beautiful holiday poinsettias. Orders can be made through Nov. 30. Payment is due at the time of the order. The plants can be picked up on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the library. Order forms are available at the library, from a member of “Friends of the Library,” or by visiting www.berlinboroughpubliclibrary.org/ Prices: 15 to 20 blooms cost $25, five to nine blooms cost $10 and a Christmas cactus costs $5. Donations will help support the purchase of an outdoor bench and bicycle rack.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Berlin’s annual tree lighting ceremony will take place at Borough Hall on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. Following the glistening illumination, Santa Claus will cruise through the borough at 7 p.m.
Marie Fleche Holiday Open House
Following the Dec. 2 tree lighting, the festivities and socializing will continue inside the Marie Fleche Library from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy the sounds of OLMC’S band while munching on refreshments. Wander out back to find a few local crafters and vendors under the Holiday Tent. For more information, call (856) 767–2448.
Centenary United Methodist Church’s Breakfast with Santa
On Saturday, Dec.2, Santa Claus will stop by Centenary UMC from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m in the fellowship Hall. Munch on delicious breakfast goodies and tell the guest of honor if you’ve been naughty or nice. The breakfast is $8 dollars for adults and kids are $4. Tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information, call (856) 767–3881.
Christmas Holiday Food Basket Collection
On Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3, St. Simon Stock Conference of St. Vincent de Paul Society will hold a holiday food basket collection. Donors are encouraged to contribute ingredients for holiday meals, including stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, applesauce, instant mashed potatoes, canned green beans, peas, carrots, corn, yams, pudding, jello, brownie mix, cake mix and frosting.
On Dec. 16, items will be distributed for both the SVdP holiday food basket and the Giving Tree items that the Knights of Columbus Archangel Council 7429 collect. Contact the church at (856) 767–7391 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Folks are also welcome to come to the Food Pantry and Thrift Store at 157 W. White Horse Pike during those same hours. The SVdP Thrift Store and Donation Door hours now include Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Eastern Regional Annual Holiday Craft Show
On Saturday, Dec. 2., Eastern Regional High School’s 24th Annual Craft Show includes raffle baskets, jewelry, woodwork, portraits, photography, stationery, soaps, holiday floral, stained glass, pottery, hand-painted furniture, quilts, candles, honey, holiday décor and so much more. Viking Café for lunch and snacks. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call (856) 784–4441.
St. Simon Stock Conference of St. Vincent de Paul Society’s Breakfast with Santa
Enjoy pancakes with a special guest from the North Pole on Saturday, Dec. 2. from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Father Burke Memorial Hall (our Lady of Mount Carmel’s School Gym). The menu includes eggs, breakfast meat, pancakes, breakfast potatoes, coffee, tea, juice, milk and water. The event is free for children under the age of 4. For ages 5 to 12, the price is $3. For children over age 12, the price is $7. Profits and collected non-perishables/canned goods will go to St Vincent DePaul Society.
Library Christmas Basket Drawing
The Friends of the Marie Fleche Memorial Library are selling raffle tickets for their Christmas Basket. Stop by the library during normal business hours to purchase some tickets. Proceeds from these tickets help support the library and the annual scholarship fund. The basket includes Christmas cookie scented diffuser, candleholder Santa stocking holder, wooden sign, holiday Kleenex, Rudolph can opener, table cover, holiday mug, box of Christmas cards, ladder with snowman, two Christmas CDs, two wine glasses with candy and much more. The ticket prices are two for $1. The drawing will take place on Monday, Dec. 11. Please call the library for more information at (856) 767–2448.
Eastern Regional High School Holiday Concerts
On Wednesday, Dec. 20 and Thursday, Dec. 21, Eastern Regional is hosting two holiday performances. Both shows run from 7 to 9 p.m.
