Westwood Home for the Holidays kicks off month of festivities in borough. Here's the list

Stephanie Noda, NorthJersey.com
·2 min read

December will kick off with an all-day holiday celebration in Westwood, with festivities including a parade, live music, a Christmas tree lighting and a community band concert.

Westwood Home for the Holidays, which will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2, is just the beginning of holiday events scheduled throughout the month. The borough also plans a menorah lighting, giveaways of handmade ornaments that will benefit neighbors in need, and a gingerbread house contest.

Local residents can take part in "Westwood Shop for the Holidays" on Friday, Dec. 1. from 5 to 8 p.m. The event, sponsored by Celebrate Westwood, will feature in-store discounts, treats and entertainment.

People on the Polar Express float wave to the crowd during the 'Home for the Holidays' parade in Westwood on Saturday December 1, 2018.
People on the Polar Express float wave to the crowd during the 'Home for the Holidays' parade in Westwood on Saturday December 1, 2018.

Westwood Home for the Holidays schedule

  • The annual Home for the Holidays festival will begin the next day around 5 p.m. at the public library on Park Avenue with a performance from the Westwood Chamber Singers. The library will also feature holiday crafts, candy canes and more.

  • Around the same time, at 5:15 p.m., three dance troupes, a chorus and a DJ will perform on Center Avenue. Dancers will perform with Perpetual Motion Dance Studio from River Vale, the Holy Angels Dance Team of Demarest and Just Off Broadway Performing Arts Academy in Hillsdale. Organizers say more groups may be added.

  • The parade is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., starting at Kinderkamack Road and heading down Westwood Avenue. The tree lighting will follow at Veterans Park.

  • Community members can enjoy live music at the night’s final event, a concert by the Westwood Community Band at the borough community center on Jefferson Avenue at 8 p.m. The Community Band's brass ensemble will also play during the parade.

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Hanukkah menorah lighting

The holiday fun won't end there. A menorah lighting, presented by Valley Chabad, will be held at the Westwood Train Station on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 5 p.m.

Gingerbread house contest

Celebrate Westwood plans to host a gingerbread house contest on Monday, Dec. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Westwood Community Center. For more information or to sign up, visit celebratewestwood.org/gingerbread.

Ornament sale to benefit Westwood Cares

Residents also can decorate their Christmas trees and help neighbors in need with a handmade ornament pre-sale sponsored by Celebrate Westwood. All proceeds will benefit Westwood Cares, a nonprofit organization that helps people who are in need of help but who do not qualify for government assistance. The nonprofit helps with utility and medical bills, rent, car repairs, food gift cards and more.

The expected delivery for the ornaments, which cost $15 each, is in early December. Those who wish to order can visit givebutter.com/Westwood2023Ornaments.

Stephanie Noda is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: noda@northjersey.com

Twitter: @snoda11

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Westwood NJ Home for the Holidays kicks off month of celebrations