Holiday Lights, Festivals And Celebrations Fill The Mendham/Chester Calendar

MENDHAM/CHESTER, NJ — With Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa festivities filling the December calendar, the problem may be deciding which events in Mendham/Chester to attend.

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

Chester Township Tree Lighting

• Where: Municipal Field Gazebo, 155 Main Street, Chester
• When: Dec. 7, 5 to 7 p.m.
• What: “Let the holiday festivities begin! It’s almost time for Chester’s Annual Tree Lighting at Municipal Field Gazebo! Join Chester Recreation & the Municipality of the Borough of Chester on the first Sunday of December for live music by the West Morris Mendham High School Choir & Band, free refreshments donated by local businesses, special appearances by Chester Volunteer Fire Company, Chester, NJ, Chester Police Department, Chester First Aid Squad, and the one and only Santa Claus.”

Chester’s Festival Of Trees

• Where: The Barn at Highland Ridge Park, 100 N. Road, Chester
• When: Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 7 through to Dec. 11, noon to 6 p.m., Dec. 12, noon to 8 p.m., and Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• What: Sponsored by the Senior Resource Center, this program showcases all kinds of Holiday trees. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Mendham-Chester Food Pantry. $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.

Chanukah Palooza

• Where: Brookside Community Club, 1 E Main St, Brookside
• When: Dec. 14, 5 p.m.
• What: This event will feature a Gand Fire Truck Gelt Drop, Menorah Lighting, food, music, fun for all ages and more. RSVP online here.

Chester Menorah Lighting

• Where: Municipal Field, Chester
• When: Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
• What: This annual Chester event will feature Chanukah swag, apple cider, latkes, music, and more. RSVP online here.

Sisters of Christian Charity 1st Tree Lighting

• Where: The Sisters of Christian Charity Congregation, 350 Bernardsville Rd., Mendham.
• When: Dec. 18 at 6 p.m
• What: “The Sisters of Christian Charity invite you to their First Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at 350 Bernardsville Rd., Mendham. Enjoy caroling, the nativity, tree lighting, and hot chocolate and cookies. You are invited to bring a new warm gift for someone in need such as socks, scarves, gloves, or hats. All are welcome!”

Holly Trail Community Holiday Concert

• Where: Mendham United Methodist Church at 10 E Main St, Mendham.
• When: Dec. 6, 3 p.m.
• What: "The Mendham United Methodist Church is hosting a free Community Holiday Concert featuring the Hackettstown Community Band Ensemble. The concert will run from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. and all are welcome to come and hear some seasonal music. There will be a free will offering."

Mendham Holly Trail

• Where: Historic Phoenix House, 2 West Main Street, Mendham
• When: Dec. 6, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• What: Photos with Santa, complimentary cookies, Holly Trail. (Reservations required, click here)

(Mendham has yet to announce its annual Tree Lighting or Menorah Lighting, so check back with Patch to mark your calendar.)

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.