Christmas, Hanukkah Events In Basking Ridge: Parades, Tree Lightings

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — There are plenty of things going on around Basking Ridge to celebrate the 2023 winter holidays.

Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, starts at sundown on Dec. 7, and ends at nightfall on Dec. 15. Christmas, of course, is on Dec. 25, but you don’t have to wait to start taking in all the sights and sounds of the season.

Menorah lightings in Basking Ridge are:

• Bernards Township will host the Grand Outdoor Menorah Lighting featuring the Chanukah gelt drop on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Chabad of Somerset County, 3048 Valley Road, Basking Ridge. The event includes lighting of the menorah, gelt raining from the sky, donut decorating, swag, games, crafts and more For information click here.

Christmas tree lights occur:

• The 10th Annual Winter Market and Christmas Tree Lighting in Basking Ridge on Saturday, Dec. 2 will feature Tony award-winning star of stage and screen, Laura Benanti who will perform a selection of holiday songs. The Winter Market is held from noon to 7 p.m. at Bishop Janes United Methodist Church. With more than 30 local vendors and artisans in attendance, the Winter Market is a great place to shop for holiday gifts for family and friends. After the tree lighting, children can visit Santa from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. on the front porch of RidgeFamily Dentistry.

Christmas parades, often complete with Santa Claus, festively decorated floats and marching bands, are a holiday tradition, both nationally and locally.

Parades in Basking Ridge may not be able to match the size of Macy's Thanksgiving parade, but the heart behind them is just as big. Parades to catch here at home include:

• Somerville's Holiday Lights Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street in Somerville will feature lighted and decorated fire trucks, ambulances, and emergency responder vehicles with Santa as well.

Holiday lighting displays and events are another holiday favorite. Some to catch in Basking Ridge are:

• The Downtown Somerville Alliance's annual Holiday Jubilee on Friday, Dec. 1 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at 61 W Main St. and will feature a variety of performances and activities in the district including a visit from Santa himself.
• Norz Hill Farm & Market, LLC will once again be offering the Holiday Lights Hayride at 130 S Branch Road, Hillsborough. Norz Hill Farm offers Hayride experiences complete with holiday lights, outdoor interactive displays, a spin by the animals, and perhaps a stop by Santa's cornfield office.
• Warren Township will host its 2023 Holiday Festival on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 46 Mountain Blvd. and will include a bonfire, horse and carriage rides, petting zoo, Holiday music, free hot chocolate, food and business vendors and more. Click here for more information.
• Santa @ The Commons, Located in Center Court on the shopping center’s Lower Level at 400 Commons Way, Bridgewater, visits to Santa Celebration will run through Sunday, Dec. 24.
• Basking Ridge Fire Co. No 1 & EMS will host its annual 2023 Santa Gift Delivery on a Firetruck. Santa will to homes in their response area on a fire truck and deliver a gift to kids on Saturday, Dec. 16. For information click here.
• Liberty Corner Fire Company will host its annual Santa Claus' Early Christmas on a Firetruck on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sana will arrive on a firetruck to homes in its response area and deliver gifts. To register or more information click here.

Other Holiday Offerings:

• Where To Cut Or Buy A Christmas Tree Around Basking Ridge
• Where To See Santa In Basking Ridge This Christmas Season