Scotch Plains To Host Virtual Holiday Celebrations

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — The holidays will indeed be different this year in Scotch Plains due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The township announced Monday it will host two virtual holiday celebrations in December to maintain social distancing among residents.

On Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. a Christmas Tree lighting will be held and on Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. a Menorah lighting will be held.

Both will be streamed live on the Scotch Plains' Facebook page.

Residents are encouraged to watch the events at home with a family craft thanks to the partners from the Scotch Plaines Business and Professional Association.

Craft registration is now open on the Community Pass. Crafts are limited to the first 100 participant families for each event.

The switch to virtual event follows Mayor Al Smith's coronavirus recent update. The township recently suffered its first death from the coronavirus in four months, an older person with underlying conditions, said Smith.

"We should keep everyone who suffers from this terrible virus in our thoughts and our prayers. We should never minimize the harm it has wrought on the families who have lost loved ones, or on those who have recovered less than perfectly," Smith said.

Since March the township has reported a total of 565 positive cases.

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