The holiday season is here and the Township of Nutley is preparing to ring in everyone’s favorite time of year with their annual schedule of festive events!
 
 “This is the season for giving,” says Mayor Joseph P. Scarpelli. “It is our goal to give back to the community in as many ways as we can. These are just a few of the events going on across town. Hopefully, we can spread some joy throughout Nutley during this wonderful time of year.”
 
 This Friday, November 25 will bring - straight from the North Pole! - Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Park Oval. Sponsored by the Nutley Chamber of Commerce, gates open at 1pm for the 60th annual helicopter arrival of Santa.
 
 The Park Oval will also host one of Nutley’s oldest traditions – the annual Holiday Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting - on Sunday, December 4th. The celebration will take place from 4:30pm to 6:00pm, with activities scheduled to take place both inside John H. Walker Middle School and outdoors in and around the Nutley Park Oval. Santa will return with his reindeer and he will be ready to have his picture taken with children in an outdoor heated tent. Carrying on the holiday tradition, the celebration will include live entertainment from local musical groups including the Nutley High School Chamber Singers, NHS Strings, Elementary Choir, JHWMS Jazz, NHS Brass Ensemble and JHWMS Debonaires providing a medley of holiday music sure to please all in attendance!
 
 Additional festivities on December 4 will include a mini-train ride, horse and buggy rides, roasted chestnuts, doughnuts and family entertainment. There will also be Nutley School System support groups hosting fundraising tables. At the conclusion of the celebration, all are invited to visit the Live Nativity at the Vincent United Methodist Church from 6:35pm-7:00pm, with performances every 25 minutes.
 
 On Monday, December 12th, the Nutley Department of Parks and Recreation will present “A Christmas Cookie Decorating Party.” Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci is pleased to invite grandparents and their little angels to this special holiday event. This event will be held at the Parks and Recreation Department, located at 44 Park Avenue, from 6:00pm. to 7:30pm. The evening will include light refreshments, Christmas Cookies and a visit from Santa Claus.  
 
 The Nutley Department of Public Affairs and Health and the Nutley Board of Education’s ongoing Annual Holiday Treasure Chest / Adopt-a-Family Program, which is designed to help families needing assistance during the Holiday Season through gift card donations, continues to run through Monday, December 12th. To donate, please call 973-284-4976.
 
 “Nutley has something for everyone,” Mayor Scarpelli adds. “We welcome all to come out and experience the holidays with us.”