3 Fun Holiday Activities In West Orange For The Family: 2023 Events

WEST ORANGE, NJ — There is no shortage of fun, family-friendly activities to do this holiday season in West Orange, it seems.

Here are three events that you might want to check out in West Orange.

Gnome Roam Scavenger Hunt

• Sponsored by the Downtown West Orange Alliance (DWOA)
• Saturday, November 25 to Sunday, December 3

This year – for the first time – the DWOA is kicking off a Gnome Roam Scavenger Hunt week-long event, starting on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 25) and continuing through Sunday, Dec. 3. Come visit downtown West Orange to find holiday gnomes hidden in participating businesses and shops. Find all the gnomes and you will be entered to win one of three $100 Visa gift cards. Winners will be announced at the Tuesday, Dec. 5 township council meeting.

Holiday Open House and Historic Trolley Tours

• Sponsored by The Downtown West Orange Alliance (DWOA)
• Saturday, December 2

The downtown’s annual Holiday Open House takes place on Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Washington Elementary School, 289 Main Street. Festivities begin at 9 a.m. during Breakfast with Santa (and other fun characters) and continues throughout the day with Historic Downtown Trolley Tours guided by Mayor Susan McCartney and other township officials, crafts and entertainment, photo opportunities, a curated selection of vendors and other fun activities. Catch the holiday energy (and the trolley) at the Washington Street School parking lot.

Mayor McCartney’s Musical Mingle Jingle Tree Lighting

• Sponsored by the West Orange Recreation Department
• Saturday, December 2

End the festive day with the West Orange Christmas Tree Lighting at Town Hall at 4:30 p.m. The township will celebrate the holiday season with an evening of holiday-themed activities including live music and dance performances, train rides, petting zoo, complimentary Christmas ornament, photo opportunities, and a chance to meet Santa. This multitude of events will be capped off by the lighting of the township Christmas tree. Featured events include, but are not limited to, live performances, train rides, petting zoo, complimentary Christmas ornament, photo opportunities, and an opportunity to meet Santa. This event is free to all.

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