Events Announced For Major Livingston Holiday Display

LIVINGSTON, NJ — More than 50 years ago, toymaker Ernie Camuso built a beloved light display for the holidays in Livingston. As organizers prepare for it to reopen, some of the events have been announced.

The display typically runs from early December through New Year's.

The LACD (Livingston Advisory Committee for Disabilities) and the Camuso Committee announced this week that a special event will be held Saturday, Dec. 17 for people with special needs and their families.

The event will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Livingston Oval Gazebo on Robert Hart Drive. In case of snow or rain, the event will be postponed to Monday, Dec. 19 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. To check on the event status or for more information, call 973-535-7961 extension 231.

In addition to enjoying the beautiful Camuso holiday display, those attending will be able to meet and take pictures with a fully vaccinated Santa and will receive a gift and refreshments.

RSVP by Dec. 9 by emailing Ana Millan at amillan@livingstonnj.org, or by calling 973-535-7961 extension 231.

Other Events

Opening night this year was Dec. 3.

There's also often as a menorah lighting event around Hannukah (the holiday is Dec. 18 at sundown this year) and other events.

According to the webpage, "For many decades prior to his passing, Ernie Camuso of Burnet Hill Road in Livingston designed and built one of the most elaborate Christmas Displays New Jersey has ever seen.

"A toymaker, and later machinist by trade, Mr. Camuso collected numerous animated robotic figures. Many were designed to be doing specific tasks related to toy building and loading Santa’s Sleigh full of gifts."

Looking For Sponsors

The Livingston Community Partnership is looking for businesses to sponsor this year's display, and gave a hint in a message about what's to come.

"The Holiday Season is fast approaching and the Camuso Holiday Display committee has been hard at work preparing all the characters and scenes for display this December," they noted. "Barney is returning to the display this year! He has been under the weather, but the elves are bringing him back to life. The holiday workshop at the looks as though it could be the North Pole!"

They noted, "The winter display is hard on the characters that are over 50 years old. Each year the 'elves' work on the characters, repairing or replacing their motors, clothing and body parts. The tree is always in need of repair. This year the tree needs to be rewired.

"We are in need of funding to support the efforts of our dedicated volunteers and we are asking for your help in honoring this wonderful tradition the Camuso Family has donated to Livingston!"

You can get involved here.

On Opening Day

Each Saturday night will have special features.

They wll include horse and buggy rides with Clydesdale horses, pony rides, a petting zoo, trackless train rides, characters walking around, face painting, and balloons.

Event sponsors will be acknowledged on the sponsor board place at the entrance to the display.

More upcoming events can be found here.

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