Christmas, Hanukkah Events In Hillsborough: Parades, Tree Lightings

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — There are plenty of things going on around Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough are:

• Hillsborough Township will hold its annual Menorah Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m. Admission to the Menorah Lighting is free and all residents are invited. For more information click here.

Christmas tree lights occur:

• The 2023 Hillsborough Township Christmas Tree Lighting will be held on Friday, Dec. 1 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Municipal Complex at 379 S Branch Rd. in Hillsborough. Santa will arrive to light the tree at 7 p.m. There will also be hot cocoa and cookies (while supplies last), holiday characters, train rides, and inflatables, kids can drop off letters to Santa, food available for purchase, music, a fire pit, and more.

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

Parades in Hillsborough 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 are another holiday favorite. Some to catch in Hilsboroughare:

• 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.
• The Hillsborough Fire Co. #3 - Station 38 is hosting Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 2. The all-you-can-eat breakfast will be held at the Hillsborough Township Volunteer Fire Co. #3 at 324 Woods Road in Hillsborough. Doors open for Seating 1 at 8:15 a.m. Doors open for Seating 2 at 10:30 a.m. For more information click here.
• The Hillsborough PBA 205 and Hillsborough Cinemas are hosting the 3rd Annual Christmas Movie Toy Drive on Saturday, Dec. 2 to support foster children and their families. Films will be shown at the Hillsborough Cinemas at 111 Raider Blvd. at 5 p.m. The featured films are The Grinch (2018) and Christmas Vacation, and the price of admission is one new toy per guest. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., complimentary pictures with Santa will be provided by Memories with Mae Photography. Starbucks will be providing complimentary hot chocolate from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will also be complimentary cookies.
• Iron Peak Sports & Events will host its third annual Breakfast with Santa. This festive occasion will take place on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Iron Peak at 137 Mountain View Road, Hillsborough.
• 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.

Other Holiday Offerings:

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