Christmas, Hanukkah Events In Livingston Area: Parades, Tree Lightings

LIVINGSTON — There are plenty of events in and around the local area to celebrate the 2023 winter holidays.

Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, starts at sundown on Dec. 7, and ends at nightfall on Dec. 15. 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 season.

(NOTE: Don't see your event listed below? Post it for free in Patch events, any time! Here's how.)

Tree Lightings:

In Livingston and Essex County, the Camuso holiday display will have a tree lighting on Dec. 2. Get details here. Also watch the town's webpage for upcoming events.

Menorah Lightings

Since Hanukkah is happening early this year, several area synagogues and towns are planning menorah lightings soon, although some may have not been announced yet. Here are a few in the area so far:

Livingston and Essex County: Watch Chabad for details. Also check the upcoming events at the Camuso holiday display, and on the town's webpage.

Winter Wonderland At Van Saun Park

In nearby Bergen County, officials have reopened their annual "Winter Wonderland" at Van Saun Park in Paramus, with ice skating, bumper cars, Santa visits, and more. Find out all the details and hours here.

Other Holiday Events At Local Malls And Attractions

Here are a few upcoming Santa appearances in your area and around North Jersey. Always double check the times before heading over.

• Santa's coming to the Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City for photos. They offer special pajama photos, "ugly sweater" photos, and more. Check the schedule and make reservations here.
• Santa's also coming to the Short Hills Mall in Millburn, as part of Santa's Flight Academy, an immersive experience. Get more details and a link here.
• Want another option for photos and shopping? Head to the Livingston Mall. More details are here.
• The sprawling American Dream Mall in East Rutherford has a host of Santa events, discounts, and attractions scheduled, including "Holiday Dreamland." Find out more here.
• Livingston's annual Camuso Holiday Display runs through the new year. It pays homage to a local toymaker who created a large display of lights on his property for decades. Santa visits and other events are coming up, as well as a special night for any family that has a family member with special needs. Get more details here.
• Hoboken's holiday tree lighting is scheduled early, for this coming Tuesday, with appearances by Santa Claus, Elvis the (musical) Elf, and more. Find out more here.
• Ridgewood has several events coming up at which Mr. Claus will sled in. The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce will hold its 38th Downtown for the Holidays-Tree Lighting will be on Friday, Dec. 1, 6-9 p.m., with Santa, a trackless train, music, and much more. And the next day, Dec. 2, Santa and his elf will drive from the Fire Department to Columbia Bank’s branch located at 60 South Broad St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Photos and candy canes will be available.

This is only a partial list. Have a holiday event coming to your New Jersey town? Post it for free in Patch events, any time! Here's how.