By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

Pennsauken Township is ready to celebrate the most festive time of the year. In the next few weeks, residents can look forward to Pennsauken’s Holiday Parade, several community events, and the town’s annual initiative to help those in need during the holidays.

Pennsauken’s 44th Annual Holiday Parade On November 29

The 44th annual Pennsauken Holiday Parade marches down Westfield Ave. at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29. This perennial family favorite features fire engines, holiday-themed floats, musical entertainment, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The Holiday Parade begins at the Pennsauken Community Recreation Facility on Bethel Ave. and ends at 44th St. Pennsauken residents are invited to bundle up, set up along the parade route, and help their little ones scoop up a variety of candied favorites.

“Like so many Pennsauken residents, my family has enjoyed our Holiday Parade for years,” said Mayor Nicole Roberts. “We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the fire trucks, bands, dance teams, and a special visit from the North Pole. It’s a wonderful way to start the best time of the year!”

Pennsauken natives who have moved out of the area and others unable to attend can watch streaming video of the parade via Facebook Live on both Pennsauken’s and the Pennsauken Township Holiday Parade pages.

Community groups are encouraged to participate in this year’s parade. Their involvement will go a long way to bringing joy and hope to Pennsauken families during this festive season.

For more information about the Holiday Parade, or to learn how to participate, call (856) 665-1000, ext. 1420 or email jvazquez@pennsauken.gov. You can also visit PennsaukenEvents.com and follow the Township’s official Facebook pages: @PennsaukenTwp and @PennsaukenHolidayParade.

Breakfast And Lunch With Santa

With the ever-growing popularity of Pennsauken’s Breakfast with Santa, Pennsauken’s Parks and Recreation Department has added a second event so that more families can enjoy a meal with Jolly Ole’ Saint Nick. On Saturday, Dec. 6, children and their families have an opportunity to join Santa Claus for breakfast from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Pennsauken Country Club, 3800 Haddonfield Rd. And on Sunday, Dec. 7, families can enjoy the town’s first-ever Lunch with Santa, held from noon to 2:30 p.m., again at the Pennsauken Country Club. Each event features visits from costumed characters, face painting, music, balloon twisting, and gifts. Tickets are $15 for children and $20 for adults.

“We’ve added a second event so even more families can enjoy a wonderful meal with Santa at the Pennsauken Country Club,” said Mayor Nicole Roberts. “Don’t forget to bring your phone or camera to capture the moment as your children share their wish lists with Santa Claus.”

All tickets must be purchased in advance and are only available through Pennsauken’s Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, visit PennsaukenEvents.com.

Tree Lighting Held On December 3

For the first time ever, Pennsauken’s Tree Lighting will be held at the new Municipal Building and Library Complex, 2400 Merchantville Ave. On Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., residents will enjoy fun family activities amid the glow of holiday lights.

“We’re so excited to have Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their friends come to our new Municipal Building and Library to light our 30-foot tree for the holidays,” said Mayor Roberts. “Our Tree Lighting gets bigger every year, and we have so much lined up for our families to enjoy.”

Santa Claus will arrive via fire truck, courtesy of the Pennsauken Township Fire Department. From there, Jolly Ole’ Saint Nicholas will join Township officials and some other special friends to officially light the Township’s tree for the holiday season. Throughout the event, families can enjoy a variety of activities, including a carousel, trackless train rides, video game truck, petting zoo, and ice sculpting demonstrations. In addition to photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, attendees can snap pictures with other holiday-themed costumed characters and stilt walking toy soldiers.

Brand new for this year’s Tree Lighting is a 24’ x 48’ skating rink. One hundred pairs of ice skates in a variety of sizes will be made available for guests.

Children who want their letters to Santa delivered to the North Pole can drop them off that evening in a special mailbox set up on site. Mr. Claus will read some of these notes in a special video that will be shared later in December on Pennsauken’s YouTube channel and via social media.

The Township will also be accepting new, unwrapped toys during that time for the annual Angel Tree program, which helps local families in need during the holidays.

Angel Tree Program

Once again, Pennsauken residents and businesses are preparing to pitch in to help children in the community during the holiday season through the Angel Tree program.

Last year, dozens of Pennsauken families were helped through the Angel Tree program; the initiative for 2025 hopes to support the same number of families.

“When it comes to our Angel Tree program, we know that our community comes together to help those families in need,” said Mayor Roberts. “Thanks to the generosity of so many of our residents, businesses, and organizations, those who would have gone without will be able to have their children open presents from under the Christmas tree.”

Individuals can purchase a new, unwrapped toy and leave it at the Pennsauken Municipal Building, 2400 Merchantville Ave., from Monday, Nov. 24, through 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated.

Each year, the Pennsauken-Merchantville Area Chamber of Commerce holds a collection event for the Angel Tree program at the Pennsauken Country Club. More details will be shared via social media closer to the event.

For more information, or to volunteer for the Angel Tree program, call (856) 665-1000, ext. 1420 or email jvazquez@pennsauken.gov.