Christmas, Hanukkah Events Around Parsippany: Festivals, Light Displays, More

PARSIPPANY, NJ — There is no shortage of things to do around Parsippany to get the winter holiday season off to a rollicking good start.

Christmas and Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, intersect this year, with Hanukkah running Dec. 18-26. Christmas, of course, is on Dec. 25, but you don’t have to wait to start taking in all the sights and sounds of the holidays.

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Here are some events around the Parsippany area:

Santa's Arrival & Tree Lighting Festival

Parsippany Municipal Building, corner of Route 46 West and Parsippany Boulevard

It's about to look a lot like Christmas in Parsippany. Festivities will run from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.

Santa Claus will arrive via firetruck. And immediately following the tree lighting, Kris Kringle will meet with children to get their wishes. Bring a camera, since the township encourages people to take their child's photo with Santa. Refreshments will be served after each child's visit with Santa Claus. Read more: Santa's Arrival, Tree Lighting This Weekend In Parsippany

Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green

Morristown Green

It all began in 1913, when a small group of volunteers lit a single star atop a tree on the Morristown Green. The downtown Christmas celebrations have carried on for more than a century.

Santa will arrive Sunday, Nov. 27, kicking off a season of photos, holiday crafts, ice sculpture demonstrations, a vintage-style rocking horse and rides on a miniature train. Activities are free for visitors, with the exception of a $15 fee for a photo with Santa. Find out more.

Brunch With Santa

Harvest Hall, 100 Route 24, Chester

Alstede Farms is hosting their annual Brunch with Santa throughout December. For a truly memorable experience, guests will be able to enjoy a festive atmosphere at Harvest Hall with featured guest Santa and his helpers while indulging in a casual, family-style buffet meal. Find out more.

Menorah Lighting in Madison

The Chabad of Southeast Morris County Menorah Lighting on the first night of Hanukkah. A livestream will be available for those who wish to view from home. Find out more.

Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo

560 Northfield Ave., West Orange

Take a stroll through Essex County's zoo, decked out in sparkling lights. Admission is free, but consider donating non-perishable food items; new, unwrapped toys; and gently used coats. Find out more.

Ort Farms Winter Wonderland

25 Bardley Rd., Long Valley

Ort Farms will become a winter wonderland, complete with horse-drawn carriage rides and a greenhouse filled with Christmas crafts and activities for children. Guests can sip hot chocolate and eat gingerbread cookies while listening to holiday music. Find out more.

Did we miss any festive events in the Parsippany area? Contact josh.bakan@patch.com, so we can update the list.