As winter approaches, dozens of events within the community seek to bring joy to children, families, pets and all others during the holidays
This holiday season in Voorhees, make sure to be aware and take advantage of all the festivities going on around the community that are available for residents.
“There are a lot of events going on around the community,” Mayor Michael Mignogna said. “And it makes for a very exciting holiday season.”
Santa has already arrived in Voorhees and the Christmas tree has been lit, but now Santa will begin driving around town with the fire department for the second straight year, starting on Friday, Nov. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. to visit boys and girls in the community. Visit the Voorhees Township website to see the fire truck schedule, where Santa will visit dozens of communities during the next two weekends, at www.voorheesnj.com.
“We brought back the idea of Santa visiting all of our families through the fire department last year, it was a tradition and it was received very well by the community,” Mignogna said. “It’s always a treat for the kids, and even the parents too.”
Additionally, the fire department will be hosting Cookies with Santa, another tradition for the township, on Saturday, Dec. 15, from noon to 4 p.m. with cookies, refreshments and photos with Santa. The department will also have a fire truck on display. The fire department is located at 2002 S. Burnt Mill Road.
Santa will be available for pictures at the Voorhees Town Center Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pet photos are exclusively from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday evenings.
Children with autism and other special needs are able to enjoy their time with Santa in a calmer environment, if needed, on Dec. 2 and Dec. 9 by meeting with a sensory-friendly Santa. Parents can make reservations now at Autismspeaks.com. Scroll down to the New Jersey link and select a date and time.
Lastly for the Voorhees Town Center, the Voorhees Arts Council Holiday Craft Show will be Saturday, Dec. 15, and Sunday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. near Macy’s Court. Cost to participate is $30 for artists and $10 for gallery residents artists, with space limited to 20 accepted applicants. Visit Voorhees Arts Council on Facebook for more info.
Celebrate Shabbat Chanukah with Congregation Beth El on Friday, Dec. 7. The Kabbalat Shabbat service begins at 6 p.m. at the synagogue, which is located at 8000 Main St., Voorhees. Dinner follows at 7 p.m. and RSVP is required. Visit bethelsnj.org to sign up. Questions? Call Tamar Barkan at (856) 675–1166.
Congregation Beth El continues the Chanukah celebration with another dinner on Sunday, Dec. 9, following a concert with Rick Recht on his Halleluyah Tour. Tickets for the concert only are $8. For dinner and the concert, tickets are $15 for children age 12 and younger and $18 for adults and children over the age of 12. There are also sponsorship opportunities. Learn more at bethelsnj.org.
On Saturday, Dec. 8, Chabad of Camden & Burlington Counties invites the community to Chanukah on Ice. The fun is from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Flyers Skate Zone, 601 Laurel Oak Road, Voorhees. Skate to Jewish music, enjoy donuts and hot latkes and take in a giant carved ice menorah. RSVP at www.thechabadcenter.org. For more information, email [email protected] call (856) 874–1500.
For those with a soft spot for furry friends, both the Animal Welfare Association and the Voorhees Animal Orphanage is hosting events where owners can get pictures with their pet and Santa in early December.
The VAO will be hosting Pet Pictures with Santa at Dambly’s Garden Center in Berlin on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $10, and Pet Pictures with St. Nick at The Promenade at Sagemore in Marlton on Sunday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to noon. Supplies and donations will be accepted at both event locations during the day to benefit the VAO.
Meanwhile, the Animal Welfare Association will have a long day in store on Saturday, Dec 8, for residents looking to come out with their pets or those who are searching for one of their own.
According to Sophia Barrett, special events and community programs manager, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the AWA will be hosting the Share the Love Adoption Event thanks to a grant from the ASPCA and Miller Subaru, where the first 30 adoptions of the day will be waived for those adopting animals, thanks to the grant.
Additionally, Subaru will have a car on site that residents are encouraged to fill with donations for the shelter. Also going on will be AWA Pet Photos with Santa from noon to 4 p.m. in the Pet Clinic Lobby. Photos cost $10 each.
The Gibbsboro-Voorhees Lions Club will be hosting a Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 1 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for children to get their pictures with Santa while also enjoying pancakes and sausage at Lion Lake at 101 Dutchtown Road in Voorhees.
Be sure to check out the numerous churches in the community for their services and events throughout this holiday season. Many are accepting food and clothing donations to support food banks and charities for those in need in the area, as well an putting on shows and hosting other events.
