UPDATED: Because of the rain forecast for Friday night into Saturday, the Township is moving its virtual tree lighting and holiday light drive thru to Sunday, Dec. 6. The article below has been updated.
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
This year’s celebration of the holidays in Pennsauken looks significantly different than in 2019. But Township Committee is determined to create opportunities for residents to capture some of the joy that the season brings.
“With all that’s going on, Township Committee wanted to still offer events that our families can enjoy during the holidays,” said Deputy Mayor Marco DiBattista. “We’ve definitely thought outside the box to help residents create special moments in spite of all the things that 2020 is throwing at us.”
Virtual Tree Lighting And Holiday Light Display
On Sunday, Dec. 6, the Township will hold a virtual tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Afterwards, residents will be able to drive through a holiday light display at the Township’s Municipal Building Complex, 5605 N. Crescent Blvd.
“We got in touch with Santa Claus at the North Pole. He’s got some time to come down to Pennsauken on Dec. 4 to help us light the Township’s tree for the holidays,” explained DiBattista. “Saint Nick, Mrs. Claus, and some of their friends will be able to stay and greet residents via social distancing as they drive around our municipal parking lot and enjoy a fun and entertaining light display.”
Pennsauken’s tree lighting will be completely virtual; residents will not be able to attend in person, but can view a livestream of the event via the Township’s page on Facebook. However, residents can drive through a light display at the Municipal Building from 5:45 to 8:30 p.m. 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 the month 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.
Virtual Breakfast With Santa
On Saturday, Dec. 5, from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m., children at their breakfast tables can eat with Santa and Mrs. Claus via Zoom. Families are asked to register in advance online via twp.pennsauken.nj.us; those that do so will receive a confirmation email prior to the event with details on how to log into the virtual breakfast.
Pennsauken Fire Department’s “Operation Santa”
Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, Santa Claus, escorted by the Pennsauken Township Fire Department, will visit every neighborhood in Pennsauken in a single day. Residents are asked listen for the sirens and air horns from the Fire Department apparatus as Santa is driven around town.
Virtual “Cookies And Milk” With Santa
Pennsauken Township and the Pennsauken Free Public Library are hosting “Cookies and Milk” with Santa. Families can get their own cookies and milk ready and login via Zoom to hear Saint Nick read a story and then interact with children during the online event. Storytime sessions are scheduled for Dec. 14, 15, and 17 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Spaces are limited and registration is required; to do so, visit the Township’s website at twp.pennsauken.nj.us.
Ask Santa Anything
On Friday, Dec. 18, Santa will be hosting a Facebook Live video via the Pennsauken Free Public Library. By visiting Facebook.com/PennsaukenLibrary at 6:30 p.m., participants will be able to ask Santa Claus a variety of questions. There will also be virtual sing-alongs during the event, courtesy of Miss Sabrina.
