With the holidays approaching fast, the Township of Nutley is looking forward to celebrating with the community through several themed events.

The Township’s jam-packed holiday schedule kicked off in early November with the annual Holiday Treasure Chest Adopt-a-Family program, followed by the Nutley Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service held on Monday, November 22. Looking ahead, the unveiling of the special “Santa Express Mailbox” at the Nutley Park Oval entrance (Chestnut Street) happens Friday, November 26, and the highly anticipated Annual Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting, hosted by Mayor Mauro G. Tucci and the Nutley Board of Commissioners, is scheduled for Sunday, December 5.

“We are always excited when this time of year comes around,” Mayor Tucci said. “Nutley has a history of celebrating the holiday season in many traditional ways. It is our honor to continue those traditions, and especially coming off the last 18 months, this year will be something extra special.”

The Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony will begin at 4:30 p.m. on December 5 at Franklin Avenue between Chestnut Street and Church Street, with Santa Claus entering in style on a beautiful holiday float. Children are encouraged to bring their letters to Santa so they can place them in the “Santa Express Mailbox.”

This year, the Township’s signature holiday event has been expanded to feature some new and exciting activities such as a synthetic ice rink, old-fashioned horse and carriage rides, a life-sized blow-up snow globe available for residents to take photos inside and much more.

The lighting of the Holiday Tree will take place following the arrival of Santa Claus, at 6:00 p.m. At the conclusion of the celebration, all are invited to visit the Live Nativity at the Vincent United Methodist Church from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m., with performances every 20 minutes.

“This event expresses everything that Nutley truly stands for: Family, friends, unity, and of course celebrating the most wonderful time of the year,” added Mayor Tucci.