December 2, 2021, East Orange, NJ: East Orange will kick off the Holiday Season with a variety of activities including the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, a Holiday Toy Drive Party and a Holiday Caravan.
In addition, the city is hosting a Holiday Community Collection for East Orange residents Jashyah Moore and her younger brother. Citizens are encouraged to deliver or drop off new toys and/or clothing to City Hall by Friday, December 17, 2021.
This year, the city is also sponsoring a “Deck the Halls, Y’all” Holiday House Decorating Contest to light up East Orange with holiday spirit. One grand prize winner will receive a 70-inch screen TV and an individual winner from each ward will receive a $100 gift card. Submissions are due by December 15, 2021 and winners will be announced on the city’s Facebook page on December 21, 2021.
This year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, which will be held on Monday, December 6* starting at 5pm, will feature Santa Claus, a hot cocoa and treats truck and selections performed by the Cicely L. Tyson Middle School Choir before guests and residents count down the display of thousands of sparkling lights on the nearly 30-foot tree in front of East Orange City Hall. At this event, residents will receive vouchers for a gift to be given at the Toy Giveaway to be held on Thursday, December 23 at 5pm. *In the event of rain, the tree lighting will be held on Tuesday, December 7.
The Holiday Toy Drive Party, which will be held on Thursday, December 16, 2021 from 5 pm–9 pm at 527 William Street, will serve as a collection point for the donation of unwrapped gifts to distribute to our city’s children. Social distancing guidelines will be strictly enforced and masks must be worn by all.
Lastly, a Holiday Caravan led by Mayor Green and East Orange City Council members will parade through the city on December 21 starting at 5pm.
“These special events are highly-anticipated community traditions that we are proud to continue as we ring in the season,” said Mayor Green. “Spreading holiday spirit and joy with our families is what this time of year is all about.”
Residents are encouraged to drive past City Hall Plaza after dark to see the lights following the December 6th ceremony.
For more information, please call 973.266.5151.