The December holiday season is around the corner and with it, the festivities of the happiest time of the year!
Collingswood Borough is proud to bring back their annual tree lighting ceremony and live ice carving spectacle this year for families and residents of the borough on Friday, November 26th, 2021 starting at 7p.m. at the Collingswood Municipal Building located at 678 Haddon Avenue. The tree lighting ceremony will include a live choir performance and an appearance by Santa Claus.
Cassandra Duffey, Collingswood Borough Administrator for 15 years, said the holiday season in Collingswood is filled with exciting events that are unique and family friendly.
“The events the borough plans every year are so sweet, they will give you a cavity!” Duffey said.
The most exciting moment of the ceremony is when Santa descends from atop Borough Hall with assistance from the Collingswood Fire Department’s ladder truck. Season’s greetings are also made by Mayor Jim Maley.
“It is truly a lovely moment that formally kicks off the holiday season in our borough,” Duffey said. “It’s a great way to have families come together especially considering recent times we have spent apart.”
On the other side of Collingswood’s busy business district, is the set up for the live ice carving ceremony. After the tree lighting, residents can catch a live ice carving demonstration as they stroll the downtown area.
“In Collingswood, we strive to make our events include multiple parts for an overall fun experience,” Duffey said. “The ice carving demonstration allows attendees to be fully immersed in the holiday spirit.”
The fun doesn’t stop there! Residents of Collingswood can join the borough on Saturday, November 27th for the annual Collingswood Cash Bonus Tailgate Party. The tailgate is the borough’s opportunity to get to know the borough’s small businesses as part of Small Business Saturday and also wish great cash prizes, according to Cassandra.
“We do some exciting giveaways that really get our residents pumped for the holiday shopping season,” Duffey said. “We also love giving our small businesses the exposure they need.”
For the first Friday in December, Collingswood is proud to bring back their annual Parade of Lights. The parade goes around Knights Park sponsored by The Collingswood Fire Department.
“The parade usually has an average of 3,000 lights per truck and is an exciting spectacle for those who enjoy the warmth and excitement of holiday lights,” Duffey said.
New for 2021 are the borough’s Christmas Village Pop-Up shops being held every Saturday in December. The experience includes holispex glasses, where guests can wear these while walking around and see more than a quarter million lights transform into holographic images.
“We think this not only brings a fun experience but something that is a bit retro and creative to the borough,” Duffey said.
Families can also look forward to caroling on Friday nights, Santa visits Fridays and Saturdays as well as a sensory Santa for children with special needs. For specific information on times and availability, visit Collingswood.com
Amid all the holiday celebration, Collingswood is looking forward to the opportunity to promote their borough as one where families and businesses can thrive.
“It’s great that Collingswood’s holiday events have been named the best downtown experience in South Jersey but that’s not the only reason why we do this every year,” Duffey said. “We love promoting our tight-knit community and letting others know we are a place that is happy, successful and most importantly where you want to be.”
