New Brunswick Tree Lighting, Santa Visit Dec. 1

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Come to Monument Square in downtown New Brunswick this Friday, Dec. 1 for a visit from Santa and the annual Christmas tree lighting, now in its 25th consecutive year in New Brunswick. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 1, and will include live performances, a craft market, the annual hot-pot cook off and a visit from Santa. The tree will be lit up at 7 p.m.

New Brunswick families are invited to come get a free photo with Santa at the United Methodist Church of New Brunswick, 323 George Street, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, September 9.

Free horse drawn carriage rides will take place between the hours of 4-7 p.m. on Friday, December 15, Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17. Carriages will pick up riders in front of the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick on Neilson Street.

If you want to donate this holiday season:

• The New Brunswick Fire Department will continue to collect clothing, food and supplies through November 30 for its next disaster relief drive shipment. Items to be donated include batteries, personal items, baby items, and canned goods. Donations can be brought to 93 Joyce Kilmer Avenue.
• Elijah’s Promise and the Salvation Army New Brunswick Corps are in need of winter clothing and canned goods through mid-December. Donations can be brought during regular business hours to the Elijah’s Promise Community Kitchen, 18 Neilson Street and the Salvation Army building, 287 Handy Street.
• Middlesex County 4-H is accepting new toys, clothing, games, gift cards and other items for children ages infant to 18 through December 8th as part of its Project GIFT event. Donations can be dropped off at the Middlesex County Administration Building, 1st Floor, 75 Bayard Street.