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 43rd Annual Holiday Parade On November 30

The 43rd annual Pennsauken Holiday Parade marches down Westfield Ave. at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30. 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.

“I am so excited to invite everyone to join us for Pennsauken’s 43rd annual Holiday Parade! This annual tradition brings our families and neighbors together as we celebrate the start of the season,” said Pennsauken Mayor Marco DiBattista. “From the excitement of fire engines with their sirens to awesome performances by local groups, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And of course, the parade will conclude with a special visit from the real Santa and Mrs. Claus! We hope to see you there!”

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. 151 or email jvazquez@pennsauken.gov. You can also visit PennsaukenEvents.com and follow the Township’s official Facebook pages: @PennsaukenTwp and @PennsaukenHolidayParade.

Breakfast With Santa On December 7

Children and their families have an opportunity to join Santa Claus for breakfast, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 8:30 to 11:00 a.m., at the Pennsauken Country Club, 3800 Haddonfield Rd. There will also be face painting, music, balloon twisting, and gifts. Tickets are $10 for children and $15 for adults. The event is sponsored in part by the Pennsauken Education Association.

“Families are treated to a great breakfast and plenty of holiday-related entertainment,” said Juan Vazquez, Parks and Recreation coordinator. “Kids also get a chance to talk with Santa and share their holiday wish lists.”

All tickets must be purchased in advance and are only available through Pennsauken’s Parks and Recreation Department. Tickets officially go on sale Monday, Nov. 18 and can only be purchased in person at the Pennsauken Township Municipal Building, 5605 N. Crescent Blvd. during normal business hours. Ticket sales are first come, first served, and sell out very quickly.

Tree Lighting Held On December 4

For the fourth year in a row, Pennsauken’s municipal complex will be aglow during the town’s Holiday Tree Lighting. Held on Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., residents will be able to stroll through a holiday light display at the Township’s Municipal Building Complex, 5605 N. Crescent Blvd.

“Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their friends are coming back to town to help us light the Township’s tree for the holidays,” said Mayor DiBattista. “Afterwards, they’ll be greeting residents who stop by to enjoy a fun and entertaining light display.”

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 evergreen tree for the holiday season.

“We have a variety of activities planned throughout the event,” added Vazquez. “You’ll be able to take photos with holiday characters, grab a snack from a food truck, and enjoy your favorite holiday songs.”

In addition, 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 Television’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 2024 hopes to support the same number of families.

“When it comes to the Angel Tree program, we know we can count on the Pennsauken community to help those in need. That’s what our town is about,” said Mayor DiBattista. “A lot of residents, businesses, and organizations are extremely generous with a variety of donations.”

Individuals can purchase a new, unwrapped toy and leave it at the Pennsauken Township Municipal Building, Rt. 130 and Merchantville Ave., from Monday, Nov. 25, through 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated. For more information, or to volunteer for the Angel Tree program, call (856) 665-1000, ext. 151 or email jvazquez@pennsauken.gov.