The holidays are here, bringing along aromas of cinnamon and gingerbread, stores packed to the brim with shoppers and plenty of local events to make this season count.
So, where to begin? The town has weighed in with some special events to check out.
Friday night candlelight
Stroll through town and take in the borough’s shops by candlelight with luminaries lining the streets each Friday night through Dec. 21.
The holiday tree lighting at Library Point was to be held last Friday, marking the start of the holiday season.
There will be plenty of fun events and activities for all ages, including visits from Santa Claus in Kings Court’s gazebo from 6 to 9 p.m., horse-drawn carriage rides, entertainment, in-store events and, of course, white lights and vibrant trees, according to a release.
This Friday, Nov. 30, performances are slated as of publication for MP4, Shade of Harmony, The Essential Brass Ensemble and Woody, the Holiday Stilt Walker.
Coming up next week, Dec. 7, there will be a live nativity scene at 7 and 7:30 p.m. at the Baptist Church, 124 Kings Highway East, as well as performances by MP4, The Essential Brass Ensemble and Shades of Harmony.
On Dec. 14, come out to see MP4, Pick Up Band, Shades of Harmony, the Cherry Hill East Mimes, Belles and Madrigals and Woody the Stilt Walker.
As Christmas nears, there will be performances on Dec. 21 by Jersey Sound Chorus of the Sweet Adelines International, The Essential Brass Ensemble and Shades of Harmony.
Visit www.ShopHaddonfieldNJ.com or call the information center at (856) 216–7253 for up to date borough information.
Shop, shop, shop
Snag unique gifts and support the Historical Society of Haddonfield at the same time by stopping by the second annual Holiday Shop at Greenfield Hall, 343 Kings Highway East.
The two-day event will feature work from South Jersey artisans and designers, according to a historical society release, including Dr. Sam Moyer “Jersey Jerry Broom Squire,” who is the founding father of a network of more than 300 broom crafters in North America.
Shop on Friday, Dec. 7 from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Other attendees will include Dianne Snodgrass, who specializes in distinctive scarves, Haddonfield native Kathy Malcarney Baier of JMC Creations, who creates nature-inspired jewelry and Seth Belsen, who is known as the state’s best beekeeper and honey producer.
Only cash or checks will be accepted as payment methods.
A flyer for the event can be found online at www.haddonfieldhistory.org.
Call the historical society’s office at (856) 429–7375 or email [email protected] for more information.
At the library
Youngsters can create a sparkle snowflake during Preschool Story Time on Dec. 18 and 19 as well as at Toddler Time on Dec. 20.
Visit www.haddonfieldlibrary.org or call (856) 429–1304 for more details.
Tour houses
Decked out homes in the borough can be viewed as part of the Haddonfield House Tour on Thursday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.
Residents can purchase tickets at the information center for $15 in advance or $20 on Dec. 13.
Keep an eye on www.ShopHaddonfieldNJ.com for updates.
Back in time
The Haddonfield Memorial High School Madrigal Singers will entertain at their annual Dessert Theatre on Friday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 15 at 2 and 7 p.m. in the Royal Court of Grace Church, 19 Kings Highway East.
According to a release from the 20-singer group, the show will include songs and dances, a presentation of the Boar’s Head and a coffee and dessert buffet.
Admission is $10 and can be purchased by calling Ellen at (856) 427–0905.
High school performs
Make sure to stop by the high school auditorium on Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. for its holiday concert.
The roughly hour-long show will include bands, choirs and the orchestra, according to the school’s music department.
There is no admission fee, and members of the public are welcome to attend.
Bye, 2012!
Festivities to celebrate the coming of the New Year (also Haddonfield’s 300th birthday) will commence at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31.
The alcohol-free night is a great option for families with a plethora of musical performers, comedy acts, dancing food, and who can forget fireworks?
This year’s theme, according to a release, is “The Year of the Tribute.”
Learn more at www.FirstNightHaddonfield.org.
Stay with us
Follow The Sun through the holiday season for updates. To submit event information, email [email protected].