Free Holiday Parking is Back! Plus: Santa Hours and More

Save those coins and card swipes for your neighbors' small businesses, Collingswood, because the borough government is once again providing free street parking throughout the month of December.

"Obviously, you can't park in permit areas," said Collingswood Police Chief Richard Sarlo.

(Sarlo also added that the borough is "looking at doing some major parking structural changes" involving permitting and hours of operation "in the very near future," so stick with Patch for the latest there.)

But that's not all that the Collingswood downtown will offer this holiday season.

Extended shopping hours
Shoppers can look forward to extended evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays throughout December in a typically festive atmosphere that includes lit trees, snow-making machines and the Hotsy Totsy carolers. Expect a holiday-themed Second Saturday on December 8 as well.

Free pictures with Santa 
Want to take photos with Santa, but you're not up for visiting the mall? Stop by Knight's Bistro and take free pictures with Saint Nick at the Santa House from 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays, 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 to 3 p.m. Sundays. The jolly old elf will be walking Restaurant Row from 1 to 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve (Monday, Dec. 24) as well.

Parade of Lights — Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Fire engines from companies in the area muster on Park Avenue and loop around from Zane Ave. to the Post Office, aglow in lights, tossing candy to the kids, and warming residents who gather on both sides of Haddon Avenue.

"Collingswood’s Fire Department and civic organizations will come decorated and ready to represent their groups," read a statement from the borough. "Trucks will compete for top honors and prizes. Santa will follow on the last truck to greet children and spectators and send season’s greetings."

Want to participate in the parade? There's still time: call the Collingswood Fire Department at 856-854-1043.