Christmas Tree Lighting Set In Downtown Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The holiday season is upon us, and Toms River is gearing up to kick it off with the annual Christmas tree lighting celebration at Town Hall.

The celebration is set for Dec. 2, and kicks off a full weekend of festivities, with the return of the Winter Wonderland Village in the courtyard at Town Hall.

The tree-lighting festivities on Dec. 2 begin with live entertainment at 5 p.m. The Donovan Catholic and Toms River South choirs are scheduled to perform, and there will be entertainment by Applaud Our Kids and More Chaos. Toms River Fire Company 1 sells hot chocolate during the event.

Mrs. Claus will be on hand to read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" while the kids wait for the arrival of Santa Claus by fire truck about 7 p.m. to light the tree.

Afterward, get your photos taken with Santa inside Town Hall. The proceeds benefit Toms River Fire Company 1.

On Saturday, the courtyard will be transformed into the Winter Wonderland Village. There will be vendors, kids' activities including a petting zoo and pony rides, a s'mores station, fire pits, and carolers walking around performing. There also will be performances by Broadway on Main and the Dance Center.

Downtown restaurants and businesses will be open for the Winter Wonderland, which will be from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 3 and 4.

The events are organized by the Downtown Toms River Business Improvement District in coordination with Toms River Township.