Grinch Steals Hillsborough Christmas Tree, Township Asks For Help

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — The Grinch has stolen the Hillsborough Township Christmas Tree and

Hillsborough’s annual tree lighting is in jeopardy, announced Mayor Shawn Lipani.

"Thanks to the quick thinking of a resident with a video camera, the entire incident was captured on film, and Hillsborough Police responded quickly to apprehend the Grinch. Unfortunately, it was not in time to save the Township Christmas tree," said Lipani at the July 18th Township Committee meeting. (Watch the video below)

Now the Hillsborough Recreation Department is holding a contest to help them find a replacement tree.

All individual homeowners who have a tree on their property that matches the requirements are invited to enter.

"We are currently looking for a replacement tree," Robert Wagner, Director of Parks and Recreation and Social Services said. "Similar to the hunt for the annual Rockefeller Center tree, but on a smaller scale, we will also have our own news crew covering the harvesting, loading, and delivery of the Hillsborough tree."

Trees should be around 25 to 35 feet high, preferably a Norway or Blue spruce.

In addition to local fame, the winning family will receive the following VIP perks, guaranteed to make the Grinch very unhappy:

• VIP access to the Santa line at the 2023 Christmas Tree Lighting
• Recognition by Mayor Lipani at the 2023 Christmas Tree Lighting
• A plaque will be placed on the new tree with the winning family's name
• A proclamation will be presented to the winning family at a future Township Committee Meeting
• Free Parking Pass for the 2024 Family Fun Day/Fireworks

Interested families can complete this form.

"The Grinch may have stolen our Christmas tree," said Lipani, "but he didn’t steal our Christmas or our community spirit."

For questions, reach out to the Recreation Department at 908-369-4832 or email recreation@hillsborough-nj.org.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com