By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

With Pennsauken’s 45th annual Holiday Parade, the town begins its celebration of the most festive time of the year. In addition to the town’s longstanding parade down Westfield Ave., residents can participate in a variety of public events, as well as the annual initiative to help community members during the holidays.

Pennsauken’s 45th Annual Holiday Parade On November 28

The 45th annual Pennsauken Holiday Parade marches down Westfield Ave. at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28 (rain date Sunday, Nov. 29). This perennial family favorite features fire engines, holiday-themed floats, musical entertainment, and a special visit from two of the North Pole’s most famous residents.

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 children scoop up a variety of candy favorites.

“Pennsauken’s annual parade has helped start our community’s holiday celebrations for 45 years. What an amazing tradition to share with our families, friends, and neighbors,” said Pennsauken Mayor Patrick Olivo. “I’ve been honored to be a part of this parade for many years, and I warmly invite everyone to come out and join us along Westfield Ave.”

Pennsauken natives who have moved out of the area, as well as others unable to attend, can watch a livestream of the parade via Facebook Live on Pennsauken Township’s and the Pennsauken Holiday Parade’s Facebook pages.

Community groups and organizations 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 once again added a second event so that more families can enjoy a meal with Jolly Ole’ Saint Nick. On Saturday, Dec. 5, 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. 6, families can enjoy the town’s 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 go on sale Monday, Nov. 16, at 8:30 a.m. at the Municipal Building, 2400 Merchantville Ave. Because both events are extremely popular and expected to sell out quickly, residents are encouraged to purchase tickets early. Tickets cost $15 for children and $20 for adults and may be purchased with cash or check. Residents must choose either the breakfast or lunch event and may not purchase tickets for both. A maximum of 10 tickets may be purchased per person.

Tree Lighting Held On December 2

Pennsauken’s Tree Lighting will once again be held at the new Municipal Building and Library Complex, 2400 Merchantville Ave. On Wednesday, Dec. 2 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., residents will enjoy fun family activities amid the glow of holiday lights.

“If last year’s tree lighting is any indication, our residents are in store for an amazing holiday event,” said Mayor Olivo. “We can’t wait to hold our countdown and light our giant tree to celebrate the holidays.”

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, and video game truck. Food trucks will also be on site, offering attendees a variety of options to enjoy during the festivities. 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.

Returning for this year’s Tree Lighting is a 24-by-48-foot 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 2026 hopes to support the same number.

“Through our annual Angel Tree program, we know that Pennsauken comes together to help those in need during this special time of year,” said Mayor Olivo. “Thanks to the generosity of our residents, businesses, and organizations, more local families will be able to experience the joy of watching their children open presents on Christmas morning.”

Individuals can purchase a new, unwrapped toy and leave it at the Penn sau ken Municipal Building, 2400 Merchant ville Ave., from Monday, Nov. 23, through 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated.

Each year, the Pennsauken-Merchant ville Area Chamber of Commerce holds a happy hour collection event for the Angel Tree program at the Pennsauken Country Club, 3800 Haddonfield Rd. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Attendees are asked to donate a new, unwrapped toy for the Angel Tree. Individuals can R.S.V.P. for the event by emailing pmac1team@gmail.com or calling (856) 910-1100.

For information about this year’s Angel Tree program or to volunteer to help local families in need this holiday season, call (856) 665-1000, ext. 1103, or email emartz@pennsauken.gov.

Be sure to visit PennsaukenEvents.com, as well as the Township’s official social media channels (@PennsaukenTwp on Facebook, Instagram, and X) for more on Pennsauken’s holiday events and the latest updates.