‘Santa’s Arrival’ Celebration Will Return To Nutley: 2025 Holiday Events

NUTLEY, NJ — Get ready for a holiday season “blast-off” in Nutley.

The Nutley Chamber of Commerce will present the 63rd annual Santa’s Arrival holiday celebration on Friday, Nov. 28. The event will take place at Nutley High School Park Oval, 300 Franklin Avenue. Gates open at 1 p.m. Spectator admission is free.

Here’s what to expect at this year’s celebration, organizers say:

• SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS – Santa is scheduled to arrive at 2 p.m. on a Nutley fire truck. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for group family photos until 3 p.m.
• ENTERTAINMENT – Entertainment and guests will include event host Robert Frannicola of Ultimate Entertainment, Christmas music, photo opportunities with IWF wrestlers Kevin Knight, Dark Oracle Sage and Patrick Sanchez, and performances from local singer Anna Felice, Dancers in Motion and GIA Dance Studio.
• LETTERS TO SANTA – A “Letters to Santa” initiative will provide children with a kit containing materials needed to write their Christmas list. The letters can be placed in the special mailbox outside the Oval Gate on Chestnut Street and will be “hand-delivered with care to Santa.”
• GIVEAWAYS – Free giveaways from the chamber’s sponsors and vendors will be available, and a few attendees will receive door prizes and gift cards donated by supporters.

The highly anticipated and tradition is produced by Nutley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Township of Nutley, and is funded by the chamber.

“The coordination of this annual event would not be possible without the Township of Nutley, who serve as our incredible partner,” Chamber President Joe Graziano said.

“We are grateful for the efforts of Public Safety, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Health & Public Affairs, Department of Finance, and Nutley Board of Education to make this massive event happen,” Graziano said.

Chamber vice president Robert Frannicola noted that the event also serves as an opportunity for honors students from Nutley High School and John H. Walker Middle School to work as volunteer helpers and receive valuable community service hours for their transcripts.

In addition to ushering in the holidays, Santa's Arrival takes place on “Black Friday” – the start of holiday shopping season.

“Nutley Chamber of Commerce Small Business Saturday, in partnership with American Express, is November 29, followed by Cyber Monday on December 1, and Giving Tuesday for our Non-Profit Organizations on December 2,” said Jim McGuire, a former president of the chamber.

“We encourage you to shop, dine and donate in Nutley – support those businesses and civic groups who support the community,” McGuire said.

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