Holiday Lights, Festivals And Celebrations Fill The Bridgewater Calendar

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — With Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa festivities filling the December calendar, the problem may be deciding which events in Bridgewater to attend.

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

Bridgewater Township Christmas Tree Lighting - The lighting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Complex, 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater. The event will include hot chocolate, music, activities, and Santa.

Bridgewater Township Menorah Lighting - The Township, in partnership with the Jewish Community Center and Temple Sholom, will host its annual Menorah Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 6:30 p.m. at 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater.

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

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.

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.

Christmas Market at Abma's Farm - On Dec. 5 from 3 to 9 p.m. and Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Christmas market will include craft vendors, food trucks, a visit from the Grinch, and more. Abma's Farmis located at 240 Township Line Road, 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.

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.