Holiday spirit abounds in our charming communities. Whether you live in New Providence or Summit, you’ll find plenty of activities that appeal to all ages. Celebrate the season with friends and neighbors at one or more of these festive events.
Dec 1
Relive the magic of gift buying before online shopping became so prevalent. Stores will be open late so you can do your holiday shopping right in downtown Summit. Music will fill the air while hot chocolate and goodies will be served at Regal Bank (370 Springfield Ave., corner of Beechwood Rd.). Horse and carriage rides deliver shoppers and diners to their next destination from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lyric Park (corner of Beechwood Road and Bank Street). Free babysitting is available at the Summit YMCA from 5 to 9 p.m. Pizza and activities included. Pre-registration is required.
Where: Downtown Summit
When: 3 p.m to 9 p.m.
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The New Providence Diversity Committee will be hosting the 3rd Annual “A Night of a Thousand Stars” community tree lighting event in Centennial Park. This will be a free, fun, and festive outdoor community family event and includes free hot cocoa, live music, and more.
Where: Centennial Park
When: 7 to 9 p.m.
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Dec 2
A free throw shooting contest sponsored by the Summit Elks will be held at the New Providence Municipal Center Gym on Elkwood Avenue in New Providence. The contest is open to boys and girls ages 8 through 13. There is no fee to enter. Parent does not need to be a member of ELKS Lodge.
Where: New Providence Municipal Center Gym on Elkwood Avenue
When: 3 p.m.
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Dec 7
Reeves-Reed Arboretum hosts its annual tour of elegant Summit area homes decked out with holiday spirit. Attendees also enjoy the Holiday Boutique & Garden Shoppe at Reeves-Reed Arboretum’s historic Wisner House.
Where: 165 Hobart Ave, Summit
When: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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Dec 9
Enjoy cookies and cocoa with Santa at Reeves-Reed Arboretum and have your photo taken with Santa by photographer Lisa Berkery Photography.
Where: 165 Hobart Ave, Summit, NJ 07901
When: Members: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Non-Members: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Enjoy free horse and carriage free rides through beautiful downtown Summit. Take a break from your holiday shopping and enjoy the window displays, lights, and decorations throughout downtown.
Where: Lyric Park, at the corner of Bank Street and Beechwood Road
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, Saturday, Dec. 16, Saturday, Dec. 23 1 to 4pm
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Visit the American Legion Post 433 for the annual Cookie Walk. A $5 donation provides your choice of delicious, traditional, homemade cookies in a decorative, recyclable, holiday motif box. Proceeds to benefit the Christopher B. Cosgrove III, United States Marine Corp Memorial Fund.
Where: American Legion Post 433 at 357 Elkwood Avenue
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Santa Claus will be delivering gifts on a New Providence Fire Department fire engine to residents who drop off presents in advance at the firehouse (175 Floral Avenue). A minimum donation of $35 per family is requested at the time of drop off. This year, Santa will be delivering in both morning (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and afternoon (1 to 4 p.m.) timeframes, which are available on a first come, first serve basis. Please note that because of time limitations, there will be a set number of deliveries available in each timeframe. This event is open to New Providence residents only.
Where: Delivery is made to your home.
When: 9 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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Dec 31
Ring in New Year’s Eve in style at The Hat Tavern with entertainment, hats, noisemakers and a champagne toast at midnight. A mini continental breakfast will be served at 12:30 a.m. at the Arts and Crafts lobby bar and will include coffee, tea, decaffeinated coffee, herbal teas, and adult Pop Tarts.
Where: 570 Springfield Ave. Summit
When: 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
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