Holiday Lights, Festivals & Celebrations Fill The South Brunswick Calendar

SOUTH BRUNSWICK — With Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa festivities filling the December calendar, the problem may be deciding which events in South Brunswick to attend.

Outside these religious and cultural celebrations, there are plenty of holiday light shows, parades, fairs and more to attend in and around South Brunswick.

Here are some to consider (some events may require registration or tickets):

• Pancakes with Santa
• Date: Saturday, Dec. 6
• Location: Pioneer Grange #1 (410 Ridge Road, Dayton)
• Details: Enjoy pancakes, treats, crafts, and more and get a picture with Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman. Admission is $5 for individuals and $10 for families. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable item for the SB Food Pantry.
• Holiday Craft Fair
• Date: Saturday, Dec. 6
• Location: Kingston Firehouse (8 Heathcote Road, Kingston)
• Details: Sponsored by the Kingston Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, this Holiday Craft Fair will take place at the Kingston Firehouse and give attendees a chance to visit with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
• Dayton Tree Lighting
• Date: Sunday, Dec. 7
• Location: First Presbyterian Church at Dayton (362 Georges Road, South Brunswick)
• Details: Enjoy holiday music, crafts and games, plus a surprise guest and the Tree Lighting. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the South Brunswick Food Pantry.
• Giant Menorah Lighting
• Date: Sunday, Dec. 14
• Location: Chabad Jewish Center (One Riva Avenue, North Brunswick)
• Details: Enjoy latkes, donuts, dreidels, crafts and more at this Giant Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration. RSVP here.
• Holiday Ornament Workshop & Photos With Santa
• Date: Sunday, Dec. 14
• Location: Board & Brush Creative Studio (3562 NJ-27, South Brunswick)
• Details: Join Board & Brush Creative Studio for a DIY holiday ornament workshop and have your picture taken with Santa Claus.
• Winter WonderLights
• Dates: Can get tickets through Dec. 28
• Location: 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick
• Details: Enjoy New Jersey’s largest animated holiday light show drive-thru at Winter WonderLights.

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.