Holiday Lights, Festivals And Celebrations Fill The Basking Ridge Calendar

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — With Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa festivities filling the December calendar, the problem may be deciding which events in Basking Ridge to attend.

Outside these religious and cultural celebrations, there are plenty of holiday light shows, parades, fairs and festivals to attend in Basking Ridge. Here are some to consider:

Basking Ridge Winter Market and Tree Lighting - Coordinated by the Basking Ridge Business Alliance. On Saturday, Dec. 6, from noon to 7 p.m. at Bishop James United Methodist Church, 22 S Finley Ave., Basking Ridge. It includes local vendors, live performances, tree lighting, and holiday cheer.

Holiday Community Sing - The annual Sing Downtown will be held at the Basking Ridge Green from 6:55 to 7:30 p.m.

Cookies and Cocoa with Santa at Ross Farms - Ross Farms at 135 N. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge, is hosting a Cookies and Cocoa with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit Rossfarm.org for more information.

Lord Stirling Stables Winter Festival - On Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Stable at Lord Stirling Park at 256 S Maple Ave., Basking Ridge. The event includes:

• Pony Rides: Children of all ages 10 and under weighing less than 95lbs. can enjoy a delightful pony ride. *(Available with Toys For Tots Toy Donation)
• Hot Cocoa: Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa while enjoying the stable grounds.
• Crafts: Kids can unleash their creativity with a variety of holiday-themed crafts.
• Hayrides: Winter themed hayrides will take you through the magical trails of Lord Stirling Park. *( Available with Toy Donation)
• Visits with Santa: Santa Claus will be on hand to spread holiday cheer and take photos with children and families, making it the perfect opportunity for a festive family portrait.

Downtown Hannukah Menorah Lighting - On Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Allen Street Gazebo

Basking Ridge Fire Company Santa Delivery - On Saturday, Dec. 20, Santa Claus will be making his way through the streets of Basking Ridge and delivering gifts to children on a firetruck with the help of the Basking Ridge Fire Company. This is part of a fundraising effort by the all-volunteer organization.

Liberty Corner Fire Company Santa Delivery - On Saturday, Dec. 20, Santa Claus will be making his way through the streets of Basking Ridge and delivering gifts to children on a firetruck with the help of the Liberty Corner Fire Company. This is part of a fundraising effort by the all-volunteer organization.

Holiday Lights At Norz Hill Farm - On select days through Dec. 21 the farm offers a tractor-drawn Holiday Hayride, Live Nativity with animals, picture-perfect holiday moments, bonfire with marshmallows and hot cocoa, and more. Norz Hill is located at 120 South Branch Rd., Hillsborough.

Flounder's 5th Annual Kringle Market - Dec. 13 and 14 and Dec. 20 and 21. $10 per car and includes 45-plus craft vendors, food, Christmas trees and wreaths, alcohol for sale, pictures with Santa, live music, and more. Flounder Brewing is located at 2 Clerico Lane, Hillsborough.

Somerville Annual Holiday Lights Parade - The Somerville Fire Department is hosting its annual parade on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m.

Santa Claus Returns To Bridgewater Commons - Santa Claus will be at the Bridgewater Commons for nearly six weeks from Nov. 15 to Dec. 24, including a birthday party for Santa Claus, live performances, pet-friendly events, and, of course, visits and photos with Santa

As you plan your calendar, here are some key dates to consider:

• Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods, begins at sundown on Dec. 14 and continues until sundown on Dec. 22. The dates vary every year.
• Christmas, of course, is always Dec. 25.
• Kwanzaa, a weeklong celebration primarily held in the United States to honor African heritage and African-American culture, is observed from Dec. 26 - Jan. 1, culminating with gift-giving and a lavish feast. The dates of this holiday do not change.