Festivities in the area
By: Madeleine Johnson
Now that the temperature has dropped to a seasonally appropriate chill, it finally feels like the holidays can begin.
And it’s a good thing, too, because there will be a variety of events going on to help usher in the most wonderful time of the year.
To help local residents get into the holiday spirit, Christmas, Hanukkah and even some New Year’s events will be taking place through the rest of December.
Concerts, religious services, tree- and menorah-lightings, and visits from both Frosty and Santa are only some of the festive happenings that will be offered this holiday season.
The Christmas Cookie Walk offers guests the chance to purchase cookies by the pound while sampling a variety of these holiday treats on Sunday, from 9 a.m. to noon at the First Presbyterian Church, Georges Road.
Six Mile Run Reformed Church, Route 27, will hold a Christmas bazaar on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The bazaar will feature handmade gifts, as well as breakfast, lunch and baked goods.
The Chabad Jewish Center of South Brunswick, Riva Avenue, will host a gift-wrapping event on Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. The gift-wrapped items will be donated to the children at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, and the St. Peters University Hospital. Materials also will be provided to make cards to send along with the wrapped gifts. For more information, or to register, call (732) 398-9492.
Children can meet Santa and take their photos with him on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. at the Premiere Hotel, Route 1 and Ridge Road. The event is sponsored by South Brunswick’s police unions, the Police Benevolent Association Local 166 and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 51. Gifts will be given to children while supplies last and refreshments will be served. Donations are optional and will benefit local charities.
The tree lighting in Dayton will be held at the Five Corners, in front of Dayton Video, on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Frosty will make his arrival in a classic touring car, and refreshments will be served after the celebration at Indian Fields School, Georges Road.
St. Augustine of Canterbury R.C. Church on Henderson Road will hold its Parish Advent Celebration on Sunday at 7 p.m. The event will include songs, prayers, a tree lighting, desserts and an appearance from a surprise guest. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children between 2 and 12 years.
Hanukkah events for the Chabad Jewish Center of South Brunswick, Riva Avenue include the follow events: Herbal oil blending and aroma therapy on Monday at 8 p.m. Admission is $7. A Shabbat Hanukkah dinner will be held on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children and $50 per family. There will be a menorah lighting, latkes, a raffle music and more on Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. Hanukkah on Ice will be held Dec. 17 at 12:15 p.m. at the Princeton Sport Center. Call (732) 398-9292 to make reservations for these events.
The South Brunswick High School Concert Choir will offer a free performance of holiday songs at the South Brunswick Senior Center, Kingston Lane, on Dec. 12 at 12: 30 p.m.
The honors band and orchestra of St. Augustine of Canterbury School, on Henderson Road, will perform Christmas songs in the school’s auditorium on Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m.
The Pioneer Grange No. 1 will hold its annual Christmas party and program on Dec. 12 at the Grange Hall, Ridge Road. The pot luck dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m., the caroling and program will begin at 7:30 p.m.
The South Brunswick Family YMCA on Culver Road will hold a breakfast and photos with Santa on Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $20 per family.
Santacade, sponsored by the three South Brunswick fire departments, will begin around noon on Dec. 17. Santa will be touring South Brunswick in a fire engine, and giving out candy canes to children.
The Kingston Presbyterian Church on Route 27 will hold a Christmas Pageant on Dec. 17 at 9:30 a.m.
The South Brunswick Senior Center on Kingston Lane will hold its New Year’s Eve party on Dec. 28 at noon. The free celebration will include food and music.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9111 on Henderson Road will hold a New Year’s Eve dinner on Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. The cost is $35 in advance, $40 at the door for an evening of live music, dinner, dancing and more. Call either (732) 297-9823 or (732) 297-6629 for reservations.

