'Tis The Season: How You Can Celebrate The Holidays In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — The holiday season is right around the corner, and Westfield is hosting several events to get you in the festive spirit.

From a Christmas tree lighting ceremony to Winter Wonderland activities and the first-ever "Santa Convoy," Westfield has lots to offer in the next few weeks.

Tree, Menorah Lightings

The season will kick off with annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 27 at 5 p.m. at the North Avenue train station.

The Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC) will have a DJ spinning holiday tunes as attendees wait for Santa’s arrival on the Westfield Fire Department truck. Cookies from downtown Westfield bakeries, as well as candy canes, Hanukkah gelt, dreidels and Kwanzaa stickers will be given out at the event.

Santa will arrive on the fire truck to light the Christmas tree with Mayor Shelley Brindle at 5:30 p.m., and attendees will have a chance to take pictures with Santa on the stage.

Westfield's annual menorah lighting will also take place on Sunday, Dec. 18, the first night of Hanukkah, at 4:30 p.m. with the Union County Torah Center Chabad.

Downtown Westfield Holiday Activities

The DWC will spread even more holiday cheer with Winter Wonderland Activities on Dec. 18 in Foundation Park. This will include a bouncy house park, indoor magic shows and family photos with Santa.

"Hanukkah Hoopla" and "Kwanzaa Fun" will take place from Dec. 18 through Dec. 26. You can read more details about these events on Westfield's website.

A "Miracle on Elm Street" weekly gift card giveaway will also be hosted by the DWC where residents can get deals at their favorite downtown businesses.

Locals can enjoy holiday music by carolers and musicians on Sundays, Dec. 11 and 18, as well as "Instagrammable" moments at new holiday attractions downtown.

Santa Convoy

Westfield Police Department, Fire Department, Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Department of Public Works are launching the town's first-ever Santa Convoy on Dec. 17 where Santa will drive around Westfield to hand out candy canes to children.

For more information, or to sign up to get a Santa visit on your street, go to westfieldnj.gov/santa-convoy.

Toys For Tots

Lastly, the Westfield Police Department is partnering with Toys for Tots to collect new unwrapped toys for less fortunate children this holiday season.

There is a toy collection bin located in the Police Department lobby, which is accessible 24/7, as well as an Amazon wish list.

The deadline to contribute is December 14. For more details, visit westfieldnj.gov/toys-for-tots.

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