Christmas, Hanukkah Events In Bridgewater: Parades, Tree Lightings

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — There are plenty of things going on around Bridgewater to celebrate the 2023 winter holidays.

Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, starts at sundown on Dec. 7, and ends at nightfall on Dec. 15. Christmas, of course, is on Dec. 25, but you don’t have to wait to start taking in all the sights and sounds of the season.

Menorah lightings in Bridgewater are:

• Bridgewater Township along with Bridgewater JCC and Temple Shalom will light the Menorah outside of the Bridgewater Municipal Building at 100 Commons Way on Monday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. For information click here.

Christmas tree lights occur:

• Bridgewater Township Christmas Tree Lighting at 100 Commons Way. On Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Complex the event will include a tree lighting, singing, hot chocolate, family activities, and - of course - Santa.

Christmas parades, often complete with Santa Claus, festively decorated floats and marching bands, are a holiday tradition, both nationally and locally.

Parades in Bridgewater may not be able to match the size of Macy's Thanksgiving parade, but the heart behind them is just as big. Parades to catch here at home include:

• Somerville's Holiday Lights Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street in Somerville will feature lighted and decorated fire trucks, ambulances, and emergency responder vehicles with Santa as well.

Holiday lighting displays and events are another holiday favorite. Some to catch in Bridgewater are:

• The Downtown Somerville Alliance's annual Holiday Jubilee on Friday, Dec. 1 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at 61 W Main St. and will feature a variety of performances and activities in the district including a visit from Santa himself.
• Norz Hill Farm & Market, LLC will once again be offering the Holiday Lights Hayride at 130 S Branch Road, Hillsborough. Norz Hill Farm offers Hayride experiences complete with holiday lights, outdoor interactive displays, a spin by the animals, and perhaps a stop by Santa's cornfield office.
• Warren Township will host its 2023 Holiday Festival on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 46 Mountain Blvd. and will include a bonfire, horse and carriage rides, petting zoo, Holiday music, free hot chocolate, food and business vendors and more. Click here for more information.
• Santa @ The Commons, Located in Center Court on the shopping center’s Lower Level at 400 Commons Way, Bridgewater, visits to Santa Celebration will run through Sunday, Dec. 24.
• Green Knoll Fire Department will be hosting Cookies With Santa on Friday, Dec. 22. Santa will be attending their annual fundraiser. On Saturday, Dec. 23rd the Green Knoll Fire truck will be escorting Santa around town in their responding district. To register for cookies click here.
• Country Hills Volunteer Fire Company is teaming up with Santa Claus to spread Christmas cheer and help raise funds for the fire company. They will be escorting Santa around their primary response area in Bridgewater and Branchburg Twps. For $50, your family can have Santa Claus come to your home with lights and sirens blaring to deliver gifts to your children. Limited dates are available. To register click here.

Other Holiday Offerings:

• Where To Cut Or Buy A Christmas Tree Around Bridgewater
• Where To See Santa In Bridgewater This Christmas Season