Mayor John V. Kelly III and the Nutley Township Board of Commissioners proudly invite the entire community to one of Nutley’s most cherished traditions: the annual Holiday Christmas Tree Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration. This year’s official kickoff to the holiday season will take place on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Township’s Municipal Plaza, right in front of Town Hall at 1 Kennedy Drive. Chestnut Street and Franklin Avenue will also be closed off for festivities.

Families can look forward to Santa’s return, complete with his reindeer and elves. Photos with Santa will be available in an outdoor heated tent! Musical entertainment for the evening will include performances by the Chamber Singers and Brass Ensemble under the direction of Vincent J. Vicchiariello, Coordinator of Fine, Practical & Performing Arts for Nutley Schools.

A message from Mayor Kelly, who is currently on deployment in Iraq, will make this year’s event extra meaningful. Deputy Mayor Tom Evans along with Commissioners Alphonse Petracco, Dr. Joseph Scarpelli and Mauro G. Tucci will be on hand to flip this year’s light switch. 

Attendees can also enjoy classic activities such as a mini train ride, horse and buggy rides, roasted chestnuts, and doughnuts. Nutley School System support groups will host fundraising tables throughout the night. At the event’s close, all are invited to the Live Nativity at Vincent United Methodist Church, with viewings at 7:10pm and 7:35pm

For full event details, please contact the Office of Mayor Kelly at (973) 284-4976 or visit www.nutleynj.org.