Christmas, Hanukkah Events In Cranford: Parades, Tree Lightings, More

CRANFORD, NJ — There is no shortage of things to do in Cranford to get the winter holiday season off to a rollicking good start.

Christmas and Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, intersect this year, with Hanukkah running Dec. 18-26. 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 holidays.

Tree and menorah lightings in Cranford are:

• Cranford's tree lighting will take place Friday, Nov. 25 at the gazebo on North Union and Springfield Avenue. It will also feature a visit from Santa and Christmas carolers.
• There are menorah lightings in Westfield and Summit for those interested.

Read more: Cocoa + Caroling: Holiday Tree Lighting Event Coming Soon To Cranford

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

Several big parades are taking place this year, including the Mayor’s Annual Christmas Parade in Baltimore City, Maryland; and the Christmas Boat Parade in Newport Beach, California.

Parades in Cranford may not be able to match those in size, but the heart behind them is just as big. Parades to catch near home include:

• Parade And Tree Lighting Ceremony Planned For This Week In Madison

Holiday lighting displays are another holiday favorite. Some to catch in New Jersey are:

• 'Festival Of Trees' Returns To Cranford This Holiday Season
• Winter Walk Among Thousands Of Lights In Essex County Through Jan. 15

Clarification: An earlier version of this story mentioned the defunct Target Holidazzle Parade in Minneapolis, which no longer takes place.