With the holidays approaching quickly, the Township of Nutley has announced its annual schedule of festive events guaranteed to bring thrills and smiles to all attendees.

“I think everyone looks forward to this time of year,” says Mayor Joseph P. Scarpelli. “And Nutley has an incredible tradition of going all out to provide the best holiday experiences. We have several events lined up to share the joy of the holiday season. There’s really something for everyone!”

The season’s kickoff event has Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving straight from the North Pole at the Nutley Park Oval this Friday, November 24th at 2pm. Sponsored by the Nutley Chamber of Commerce, gates open at 1pm for the 61st annual helicopter arrival of Santa and Mrs Claus. 

One of Nutley’s oldest traditions (and highlight of the season!), the annual Holiday Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting takes place on Sunday, December 3rd, also at the Park Oval. The celebration will begin at 4:30pm, with activities scheduled to take place both inside John H. Walker Middle School and outdoors in and around the Nutley Park Oval. The tree lighting will take place at 6pm. Santa will return with his reindeer to have his picture taken with children in an outdoor heated tent. Carrying on the holiday tradition, the celebration will include live entertainment from local musical groups including the Nutley High School Chamber Singers, NHS Strings, Elementary Choir, JHWMS Jazz, NHS Brass Ensemble and JHWMS Debonaires, providing a medley of holiday music sure to please all in attendance!

Additional festivities on December 3rd will include a mini train ride, horse and buggy rides, roasted chestnuts, doughnuts and family entertainment. There will also be Nutley School System support groups hosting fundraising tables. At the conclusion of the celebration, all are invited to visit the Live Nativity at the Vincent United Methodist Church (100 Vincent Place) from 6pm-7pm, with performances every 20-30 minutes.

Commissioner Alphonse Petracco hosts a “Santa Meet and Greet” on Thursday, December 7th at the Department of Public Safety. The event will feature snacks, drinks, photo opportunities with our police officers, fireman, EMTs and of course, the one and only Santa!

On Monday, December 11th, Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci and the Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to invite grandparents and their little angels to a special holiday event, "Christmas Cookie Decorating with Grandma and Grandpa.”

This event will be held at the Parks and Recreation Department (44 Park Avenue) from 6pm-7:30pm The evening will include cookie decorating, light refreshments, and a visit from Santa Claus.

On December 16, 2023, Mayor Scarpelli and the DPW office, along with the Nutley Music Boosters and High School Choir will spread Holiday Cheer by visiting our local businesses and restaurants singing Christmas carols throughout the afternoon and evening.

Public Affairs and Health Commissioner Kelly recently announced plans to once again collect letters written to Santa by children in the Township and forward them directly to Santa Claus in the North Pole.  Santa has promised that each and every letter will be read and responded to, thanks to the Santa Express Mailbox.

The special “Santa Express Mailbox” will be placed at the Nutley Park Oval entrance on Chestnut Street where children can deliver their letters starting on Friday, November 24th.  The last day of collection will be Sunday, December 17th, allowing Santa enough time to respond to each letter. 

Parents are asked to please remember to have children include their ages and return address, or an email address, if you prefer to receive an “e-letter” from Santa this year.  Yes, even Santa is going digital!  Keep in mind that mail service may be delayed during the Holiday season.  If you choose to receive a mailed letter, including your street address is very important since Santa doesn’t always have the luxury of time to look up addresses during the busy holiday season.

The Nutley Department of Public Affairs and Health and the Nutley Board of Education’s ongoing Annual Holiday Treasure Chest / Adopt-a-Family Program is designed to help families needing assistance during the Holiday Season. Gift card donations to local stores such as Target, Kohl’s, Walmart, ShopRite and online stores like Amazon will be accepted through Friday, December 8th. To donate, please call 973-284-4976.

“Every one of our events are uniquely Nutley,” Mayor Scarpelli adds. “We take the season of peace, love and joy very seriously…but with lots of smiles, cookies and treats!”