Nutley's Traditional Holiday Celebration Set for December 6th
posted: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Nutley, NJ – Mayor Joanne Cocchiola and the Board of Commissioners recently announced plans to host one of Nutley’s oldest traditions – the annual Holiday Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting. The entire community is invited to attend the Township’s official kick-off of the Holiday Season. The annual celebration will take place on Sunday, December 6th from 5pm to 7pm, with activities scheduled to take place both inside John H. Walker Middle School and areas in and around the Nutley Park Oval. Franklin Avenue will be closed between Chestnut and New Streets. Chestnut Street between Franklin Avenue and Vincent Place will also be closed during the festivities.
“The annual holiday celebration is one of the most anticipated events of the year for our residents,” commented Mayor Joanne Cocchiola. “There is such a big sense of community when we all come together to enjoy this beloved tradition. This is a good time to reconnect with families, friends and neighbors and reflect on all that we are thankful for,” the Mayor added.
Santa returns to Nutley with his reindeer and will be ready to have his picture taken with the children. (Photographs will be available for individual purchase.) Carrying on the holiday tradition, the celebration will include live entertainment from local musical groups approximately every 15 to 20 minutes, including the Elementary School Chorus, the Nutley High School Chamber Singers, the John H. Walker Middle School Debonaires, the Nutley High School Brass Ensemble, and the Nutley High School Concert Choir.Those attending can also enjoy a mini-train ride, horse & carriage rides, roasted chestnuts, hot cider & coffee and other traditional holiday treats and family entertainment. All are invited to stay after the tree lighting for a special parade of fire trucks down Franklin Avenue. This year the parade has expanded to include fire trucks from surrounding towns all looking to grab the title of “Most Festive Fire Truck.”
Also returning to Nutley this holiday season is the Santa Express Mailbox. Children of all ages are encouraged to write letters to Santa and deliver them to the Santa Express Mailbox located at the Oval gate entrance on Chestnut Street. Mayor Cocchiola is working closely with Santa so that the letters make it to the North Pole extra quick to insure that all letters are answered in a timely fashion. Be sure to include your age and return address and Santa promises to respond to your letter. “Children should bring their Santa Letters with them to the Holiday celebration,” noted Mayor Cocchiola. “The Mailbox is a great way to get letters to Santa fast!” The mailbox will be in place from Friday, November 27th through Sunday, December 20th.
The annual Mayor’s Holiday Treasure Chest is also in full swing again this year. This program is designed to help local community families who struggle during the holiday season. The program is carefully monitored by Mayor Cocchiola, along with a committee of volunteers who work closely with school officials in the district to ensure that families who really need assistance are getting it. If you wish to adopt a family through the program, or to make a donation please contact Ann Marie Nicolette at 973-284-4975.
Feel free to visit the Township’s website at www.nutleynj.org or contact the Department of Public Affairs at 973-284-4900, Ext. 4973 for additional information.
Share this Page
