Santa Claus rolled into Pennington on a fire truck Friday night for the borough’s 32nd Holiday Walk, sponsored by the Pennington Business and Professional Association.
Enjoying the relatively mild early winter night, a crowd had gathered under and around a tent on the Howe Commons on Main Street for the festivities marking the start of the holiday season.
Crooked cane and all, Santa walked among the crowd, greeting youngsters and listening intently to what they had to tell him. The youngest among them were carried wide-eyed at the hubbub and spectacle; more wizened young lads and lassies took the opportunity to describe in detail wishes they especially wanted Santa to note.
With a countdown from the crowd, Santa threw the switch to light the town tree on the Commons lawn.
Hot chocolate, cider and holiday cookies were at the tree lighting, compliments of Pennington Bagel and The Place, both local eateries. Holiday music was played by the Hopewell Valley Central High School Brass Band.
Young ladies from Danceworks led a parade, as Santa on his sleigh with brightly illuminated metal reindeer made its way down Main Street to Sun Bank, where children lined up for free photos with Santa, courtesy of Heather Raub of FrontRoom Images.
Other events were a dance performance by the Pennington Dance Company and the Wallaby Traveling Tales, a Holiday Walk tradition, at the library.
Twirl Toy Shop offered holiday crafting for kids at the holiday market at the Pennington Presbyterian Church. Teens could enjoy activities at the Youth Activity Center at the YMCA, and the Teen Coffee House in Morrell Hall, at the Pennington Methodist Church.
