Santa Sightings, Menorah Lightings Scheduled To Celebrate Holidays In Wayne

WAYNE, NJ — There are plenty of things going on around Wayne to celebrate the 2023 winter holidays, including festive displays, seasonal shopping, and more.

Chanukah (or Hanukkah), the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, starts at sundown on Thursday, Dec. 7, and ends at nightfall on Friday, Dec. 15. And Christmas is on Monday, Dec. 25, but you don’t have to wait to start taking in all the sights and sounds of the season.

Wayne Township is holding a menorah lighting and a Christmas tree lighting in early December, and there are also several opportunities for "Breakfast with Santa," a fun holiday tradition for some families. Plus, you can check out several other seasonal events in the township.

Here are the details for upcoming events to celebrate the holiday:

Wayne Township Christmas Tree Lighting

• Tuesday, Dec. 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m, 475 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470

The annual tree lighting kicks off with music from Bach to Rock, followed by the tree lighting with Mayor Vergano and other community leaders at 7 p.m. Then, Wayne Scouts will lead a sing-along of Christmas favorites before Santa arrives with Mrs. Claus for photos.

Wayne Township Chanukah Celebration and Menorah Lighting

• Thursday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m., 475 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470

Enjoy song, dance, and refreshments as Mayor Vergano and members of the Jewish community in Wayne light the menorah for the first night of the "Festival of Lights" and watch the grand dreidel drop. Latkes and doughnuts will also be served.

Breakfast With Santa at the Boys & Girls Club of Wayne

• Saturday, Dec. 2 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at 153 Garside Avenue, Wayne, NJ 07470

Admission is $10; children and adults must purchase tickets. All proceeds benefit the Wayne Panthers Keystone Club. Ticket price includes a surprise gift from Santa for each child.

For more information or to RSVP (not required), contact Kevin Rebner at 973-956-0033 or krebner@bgcnwnj.org.

Antique and Collectibles Show and Vintage Flea Market fundraiser at the Wayne Police Athletic League

• Sunday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 1 PAL Drive, Wayne NJ 07470

"Come in out of the cold and shop in comfort" with more than 150 vendors selling a variety of antique, collectible, and vintage items. Find a unique holiday gift, a new statement piece, or something you never knew you needed — the show includes jewelry, glassware, coins and watches, vintage Christmas ornaments, figurines, and décor, antique and collectible dolls and action figures, and a whole lot more.

Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for seniors. Children 12 and under are free.

Breakfast With Santa at the Wayne Police Athletic League

• Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon, 1 PAL Drive, Wayne NJ 07470 (Sal Borrelli Hall)

All kids will receive a gift as Santa arrives for this free breakfast.

Breakfast With Santa at Wayne Dave & Buster's

• Sunday, Dec. 10 beginning at 9 a.m., 310 Willowbrook Mall, Wayne NJ 07470

Visit the one-stop Santa Shop, enjoy unlimited game play, and load up at the All-American breakfast buffet for a "morning of holiday fun." Tickets are $31.55.

Holiday Craft Show at Wayne Valley High School

• Sunday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 551 Valley Road, Wayne NJ 07470

More than 100 crafters will set up for this exhibition of ornaments, apparel, photography, jewelry, handmade wood sculptures, vases, and a whole lot more. Other unique finds include bonsai, olive oils, origami, birdhouses, and charcuterie boards. Plus, homemade pickles and kettle corn will be set up outside, and you can find a variety of other sweet treats as you look for "that special unique gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list."

The Wayne Valley PTO is sponsoring the event, with PJ's Promotions organizing and promoting. Admission is $3.