Area towns planning holiday events

Tree trimming, caroling, house decorating and other festive activities will take place during the holiday season.

By: Dana Lynn Flatekval
   Area towns will be spreading holiday cheer and getting into the spirit of the Christmas season with tree trimming, caroling and festive activities in the next several weeks.
   The annual Allentown Borough Christmas Open House weekend, sponsored by the Allentown Business Community Association (ABCA), will run from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and will feature a live Nativity with animals, including a camel on Sunday.
   "In the past (the open house) generally has been businesses offering things," said Karen Deets, president of the ABCA. "This year we will be doing things we haven’t done before."
   The Nativity at the Old Mill on Main Street will be complete with young children playing Joseph and Mary and will include rented sheep, goats and donkeys.
   Dee Higgins, organizer for the Nativity and owner of Mill Stream Pottery of Allentown, said different girls and boys will play Mary and Joseph throughout the day.
   "I think a lot of families with children want to pet and see the animals," Ms. Higgins said. "Even if people aren’t Christian they still love the animals."
   People will be able to walk through town, stop and carol, visit stores and hear upbeat seasonal music and Christmas favorites during the Allentown Borough Christmas Open House Weekend.
   At Off the Wall Craft Gallery on Main Street, Liz Solomen, a harpist, will play Christmas music from noon to 3 p.m., and from noon to 2 p.m., Jason Keller, a one-man band, will perform seasonal songs on a guitar. Flutist Kathy Kaewell will accompany Ms. Solomen during some of her songs.
   On Saturday and Sunday between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Cream Ridge Winery on Route 539, Christmas carolers will be singing their hearts out for all to hear.
   The Women’s Association of Allentown will sponsor caroling on Sunday beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Borough Hall, followed by a tree lightings at Borough Hall and at Pete Sensi Park and a visit with Santa himself at the Methodist Church on Church Street.
   A brass ensemble from the Golden Eagle Community Band of Mount Holly will play downtown.
   Santa will be visiting Keris Tree Farm on Route 524 on Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12. There will be cider, cookies, 4-H Club animals and carolers.
   Other local businesses will be offering free festive refreshments.
   "It’s really a party for the customers and residents," Ms. Deets said. "It’s when most people are still enjoying the season. It’s just good old-fashioned fun."
   Plumsted will be kicking off the holiday season as well its annual Christmas tree lighting on Saturday.
   Ileen DePasquale, Main Street New Egypt staff member, said the tree lighting will begin at 6 p.m. at 40 Main St.
   Main Street New Egypt, a grass-roots organization dedicated to the redevelopment of downtown New Egypt, and the Plumsted Township Economic Development Authority are sponsoring the ceremony. The tree has been donated by Big Woods Nursery on Brynmore Road.
   "This event brings families together," Ms. DePasquale said. "It helps people to realize the things that are important and it gives them a chance to enjoy the small hometown feel of New Egypt. That homey feeling is what makes New Egypt, New Egypt."
   Ms. DePasquale said the celebration will feature a toy drive and festive music by the New Egypt High School instrumental ensemble and local church choirs.
   Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the old municipal building on 31 Main St. and give children a chance to ask for that special present. Children can have their picture taken for $3.
   The Christmas tree will be decorated by local Girl, Boy and Cub Scout troops. Businesses on Main Street will be open late. As children await Santa they can have their faces painted.
   The Municipal Alliance will be providing free hot chocolate and homemade cookies. In keeping with the holiday spirit, Main Street New Egypt will be selling luminaries that will line walkways on Christmas Eve.
   Main Street Bucks, gift certificates in increments of $10, $20, and $50, will be sold during the event as well.
   Millstone Township also will be enjoying seasonal festivities on Saturday.
   The Millstone Township Parks and Recreation Commission is sponsoring its holiday lighting ceremony from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Millstone Township Elementary School. The township will light a Christmas tree and a menorah.
   Parks and Recreation Coordinator Kristin Furlani said the elementary school’s seventh- and eighth-grade wind ensemble and the Millstone Township Middle School choir will be providing holiday music.
   Santa will be giving out gifts to children at the celebration and baked goods will be available, Ms. Furlani said.
   Residents of Upper Freehold Township will have the chance to outdo each other with lights and holiday decorations during the upcoming holiday home decorating contest.
   The date for judging has not yet been decided, but will be within the next few weeks. Awards will be presented at the township’s reorganization meeting in January.
   Residents can win best decorated home in five categories: whimsical, patriotic, business, traditional, and continued contribution to holiday spirit.
   Washington Township’s second annual Winter Fest will take place on Dec. 19 at the Pond Road Middle School between 1 and 4 p.m.
   Township Recreational Specialist Chris Merias said the festival is sponsored by both the Washington Township Recreational Department and the Washington Chapter of the Mercer County Chamber of Commerce.
   Mr. Merias said the festival will feature seasonal music, refreshments and games and activities for all ages.
   Washington Township children will get to see Santa as well when he arrives at the school.
   The township also is sponsoring a Toys for Tots program, where people can bring new, unwrapped toys to either the Recreation Department at 54 Robbinsville-Allentown Road or the Washington Township Fire Department on Route 130.