The weather is getting cooler and the days are getting shorter, meaning the holiday season is almost here in Cherry Hill.
In between putting up decorations and getting done some shopping, residents will have a chance to attend a number of free events. From the township’s senior holiday party to holiday-themed activities at the Cherry Hill Public Library, there are events for residents of all ages to enjoy.
Holiday House at Barclay Farmstead
One of Cherry Hill Township’s historic sites will be decorated for the holidays this week as Holiday House opens at Barclay Farmstead on Nov. 20.
Each year, Friends of Barclay Farmstead decorate the historic farmhouse in a specific holiday theme. This year, the theme is Homespun Holidays and features handmade artifacts and decorations.
“The Friends put a lot of effort into decorating the house with a specific theme,” township director of communications Bridget Palmer said.
Holiday House is the final event each year for the farmstead before closing for the winter.
This year’s event is extra special as it serves as a lead in for Barclay Farmstead’s 200th anniversary in 2016. During Holiday House, winning photos from the farmstead’s 200th anniversary photo contest will be on display. The contest is just the first of many 200th anniversary contest events the farmstead will host in the next year.
As in previous years, numerous vendors and crafters will have their latest products available for purchase. The farmstead’s museum gift shop will also be open throughout the weekend.
Holiday House is open on Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 22 from noon to 5 p.m. Tours are free, but a $2 donation is suggested at the door. All donations go to Friends of Barclay Farmstead and help fund educational programs. For more information, call (856) 795–6225 or email [email protected].
Township to host annual holiday lighting ceremony
For those who want to kick off December with a festive holiday event, Cherry Hill Township’s annual holiday lighting ceremony will take place on Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Carmen Tilelli Community Center.
Palmer said the event has something for all ages.
“It’s really a nice opportunity for everyone to come together and get into the holiday spirit,” she said.
Youth choirs from various Cherry Hill schools will perform during the event. The event will be punctuated with the arrival of Santa Claus, who will help Mayor Chuck Cahn and members of council light the Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah inside the community center.
The event is free and open to all Cherry Hill residents. Light refreshments will be served.
Senior holiday party scheduled for Dec. 13
Seniors can enjoy a lunch and holiday entertainment at the township’s Senior Holiday Party on Sunday, Dec. 13 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn on Route 70.
Seniors can enjoy a lunch featuring either grilled chicken or grilled salmon followed by dessert. A cash bar will also be available.
This year’s entertainment will feature Pal Joey, who will perform hit songs from a number of well-known singers.
“He performs in the spirit of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Dean Martin,” Palmer said.
The Senior Holiday Party is not limited to Cherry Hill residents. Seniors from all area communities are invited to attend.
“We definitely encourage our residents to bring their friends,” Palmer said.
Those interested in attending the party are encouraged to buy their tickets early, as the event has sold out in the past. The cost is $15 for seniors with a gold card and $20 for seniors without the gold card.
Tickets can be purchased at the recreation department office in room 102 of town hall. For more information, call (856) 488–7868 or email [email protected].
Celebrate the holidays at the Cherry Hill Public Library
Residents thinking of making homemade holiday cards this season are invited to the Letter Writer’s Alliance meeting at the Cherry Hill Public Library on Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The alliance will be making cards from scratch. The event is free and open to all members of the public.
The library is also encouraging residents to give a different kind of gift this holiday season. The library is teaming up with the Red Cross on Tuesday, Dec. 22 from 2 to 7 p.m. for a blood drive. Anyone who is at least 17 years old and weighs at least 110 pounds is encouraged to give blood. To make an appointment, call (856) 903–1207.
The library will also be ending 2015 with a bang during its New Year’s at Noon on Thursday, Dec. 31 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Families are invited to the library to celebrate New Year’s 12 hours early. The event will include unstructured play, dancing and a countdown to the New Year.
Winter concerts at Cherry Hill schools
Residents will have plenty of chances to see a winter concert in Cherry Hill Public Schools this holiday season.
Each of the middle schools, both high schools, and the all-Cherry Hill Elementary School Chorus will be hosting concerts from Nov. 30 to Dec. 21. The concerts are free to attend.
- Nov. 30 — All Cherry Hill Elementary Chorus concert, 7 p.m. at Cherry Hill West
- Dec. 1– Beck and Carusi Winter Choral Concert, 7:30 p.m. at Cherry Hill West
- Dec. 2 — Cherry Hill West Instrumental Concert, 7 p.m. at Cherry Hill West
- Dec. 3 — Rosa Band & Orchestra Concert, 7 p.m. at Cherry Hill West
- Dec. 10 — Cherry Hill East Instrumental Concert, 7:30 p.m. at Cherry Hill East
- Dec. 10 — Beck Orchestra/Jazz Band Concert, 7:30 p.m. at Beck Middle School
- Dec. 15 — Rosa Vocal Concert, 7 p.m. at Cherry Hill West
- Dec. 17 — Cherry Hill West Vocal Concert, 7 p.m. at Cherry Hill West
- Dec. 17 — Cherry Hill East Instrumental Concert, 7:30 p.m. at Cherry Hill East
- Dec. 21 — Beck Winter Band Concert, 7:30 p.m. at Beck Middle School
