Parades, Tree Lightings: Gloucester Township Holiday Events

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ - Thanksgiving is over, and the holiday season is upon us. Gloucester Township residents looking to get into the holiday spirit have plenty to look forward to in the next few weeks. Here’s a look at some local offerings.

The festivities begin Friday night, Nov. 30, with the Gloucester Premium Outlets’ fourth annual tree lighting ceremony, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Santa will arrive, and there will be giveaways from retailers and local businesses. The outlets are located at 100 Premium Outlet Drive in the Blackwood section of the township. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

The 30th annual Blackwood Fire Company Christmas Parade steps off at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, at the fire department, 14 West Central Avenue. This year's theme is “The Night before Christmas.” Come back to the Fire Station after the parade to meet Santa. For more information, call 856-227-7798 or visit the event’s Facebook page.

Gloucester Township children are invited to have Brunch With Santa on Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to noon at the Gloucester Township Recreation Center, 10 Broadacres Drive in the Clementon section of the township.There will be bagels, donuts, fun and games at this free event. Bring your camera and get your picture taken with Santa, and bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child in need. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

The township will host its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 9, 6;30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Veterans Park, 1261 Chews Landing Road. There will be Christmas carols provided by Mainstage Center for the Arts, amusement rides, sleigh rides, hot chocolate, food trucks and more. The game between the Eagles and the Cowboys will be shown on the big screen. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

The Building Bridges Family Success Center and the Kiwanis Club of Blackwood will host a Seasons Greetings Holiday Dinner on Thursday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Gloucester Township Community Center, 1261 Chews Landing Road. All children will get a little gift. An RSVP is required by calling David Scolari at 609-238-0685 or emailing him at david.scolari@centerffs.org by Monday, Dec. 10. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

Patch file photo.