After handing out 1,200 turkeys and 300 bags of meal ingredients last week, North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco is preparing for December’s holiday activities. So, too, are Guttenberg Mayor Wayne Zitt and other local officials.
Below is a list of events coming up in both towns.
North Bergen
On Nov. 28 at 6 p.m., Santa Claus invites all residents to attend North Bergen’s second annual tree lighting at Braddock Park on Palisade and Woodcliff avenues. This year, the tree is a Norwood Spruce which has soared to 22 feet tall. It’s located at the park entrance at Palisade Avenue and Woodcliff Avenue.
Those who attend will have the opportunity to take pictures with Santa and friends, and sign holiday carols with the North Bergen High School chorus.
On Nov. 29 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Winterfest will take place on Bergenline Avenue between 76th and 85th streets.
As one of the biggest events of the year in North Bergen, Winterfest offers entertainment for all ages, including rides, games, food, music, giveaways, face painting, photos with Santa, and more.
On Dec. 1 at 9 a.m., the city will host a children’s holiday party at the recreation center at 6300 Meadowview Ave. Pre-registration is required.
On Dec. 5 residents are also invited to join North Bergen’s Winter Celebrations from 6 to 8:30 p.m. hosted at two different locations; one downtown and one midtown
The Winter Celebrations will take place downtown at the Food Bazaar parking lot found at 1425 Kennedy Blvd and the midtown celebration will be held at the Nutrition Center at 1441 45th St. The event features free photos with Santa Claus, free rides, bounce houses, and activities for kids, plus free hot chocolate, popcorn, cotton candy, refreshments, and goody bags.
On Dec. 7 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., North Bergen’s main library at 8411 Bergenline Ave. will host a holiday celebration in which attendees can take a photo with Santa.
Can’t make it? Don’t fret. On Dec. 12 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., the Kennedy Branch Library at 2123 Kennedy Blvd will host its Holiday Celebration.
At noon on Dec. 15, the city will host very special guest Santa Claus at the Kids’ Holiday Party at 5906 Meadowview Ave.
Not everything is gear for children and families. North Bergen will also host four holiday parties for seniors.
The first will take place Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Terrace Building at 6800 Columbia Ave. The second will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the following day on Dec. 18 in the Nutrition Center at 1441 45th St.
Later that day, at 7 p.m. the next senior holiday party will take place in the Lawler Building at 6121 Grand Ave. and the final senior holiday party will take place at 7 p.m. on Dec. 19 in the Renaissance/ Theresa Ferraro Building at 6201 Grand Ave.
On Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. NB C.A.R.E.S will have their holiday giveaway at the recreation center at 6300 Meadowview Ave.
Guttenberg events
Guttenberg will also host several holiday events this year, including the annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at town hall at 6808 Park Ave.
They will also host a holiday celebration at the Guttenberg Resource Center at the Galaxy Towers Mall on Dec. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The following day, Dec. 14 at noon, a senior holiday lunch buffet will be held. Registration is required. Those wishing to attend should contact Marisol Montanez at (201) 868-2315 x 152 to RSVP.
On Dec.21 at 5 p.m. the Santa parade will commence starting at Guttenberg Town Hall and at 7 p.m. in the Cullum Building at 6299 Grand Ave the senior holiday party will take place.
Marilyn Baer can be reached at Marilynb@hudsonreporter.com or comment online at hudsonreporter.com
