Santa arrives Sunday for annual Christmas on the Green in Morristown
A renovated residence awaits Santa Claus' arrival Sunday for the launch of the annual Morristown Christmas Festival on the Green.
Santa is scheduled to arrive via firetruck at the Green at 5 p.m., just in time for the annual "Lighting of the Green" event, which includes thousands of colorful lights on the Green as well as lamppost wreaths throughout downtown.
At the Green, visitors will discover a new centerpiece tree and a "charmingly upgraded" Santa House, according to the Morristown Partnership. Resident Janet Simon organized and led a group of volunteers who executed the makeover of the cozy cabin where Santa will greet children Fridays through Sundays from Dec. 1 to 17.
“Over the years, I have admired the efforts to make downtown Morristown beautiful at the holidays for all those that live, work and visit our community," Simon said. "However, I have also recognized the need for a long-overdue refreshing, and in some cases replacement, of the festive scenery."
The opening celebration on Sunday will include live music from holiday carolers and complimentary cookies, hot chocolate and hot apple cider provided by the event sponsor, Hyatt Regency Morristown. Visits with Santa will continue until 8 p.m.
110 years of Morristown festivities
The festival began in 1913 with a small group of volunteers lighting a single star topping one tree on the Green.
The COVID pandemic restricted access from 2020 to 2021, but the event resumed in full force last year.
The Morristown Partnership improvised in 2020 to place Santa inside a vacant storefront on North Park Place — redecorated as the North Pole — where children could interact with him remotely from outside through a window. Regular operations resumed in 2021, but adults were required to show proof of vaccination or wear a mask to enter the Santa House.
Attractions during this year's festival include an activity tent, holiday music and crafts, an oversized rocking horse, ice sculpture demonstrations, miniature train rides and more.
All activities are free with the exception of a $15 fee for photos with Santa. A full schedule of activities can be found on the Morristown Partnership website.
This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Santa to arrive on Morristown Green for Christmas festival Sunday
