Collingswood, n. J. , glows as one of the state’s top christmas destinations

Collingswood, N.J., glows as one of the state’s top Christmas destinations

by
December 5, 2024
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COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. — This South Jersey town transforms into a winter wonderland each year, earning its reputation as one of New Jersey’s most celebrated holiday destinations.

From late November through December, Collingswood becomes a hub of festive activity, starting with its Holiday Tree Lighting on November 29 and a vibrant Holiday Parade the following day. These events set the stage for weeks of seasonal celebrations, including a Community Menorah Lighting on December 13 and free Santa visits every weekend on Haddon Avenue.

The downtown area sparkles with more than 250,000 lights adorning tree-lined streets, creating a festive backdrop for holiday shopping. Fridays and Saturdays in December feature live carolers serenading visitors as they explore local shops and restaurants, adding to the charm. Free parking throughout December ensures easy access for holidaymakers.

“Collingswood offers a quintessential small-town holiday experience,” residents and visitors alike note, with its historic downtown and welcoming atmosphere drawing families from across the region.

Whether shopping for unique gifts, enjoying live music, or simply soaking in the cheerful ambiance, Collingswood is a must-visit destination this holiday season.

From the town’s website:

Santa is available for visits every weekend in December free of charge! Santa will welcome families at his Collingswood Headquarters at Extraordinary ED, 808 Haddon Ave. Visits are scheduled Friday nights from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM and on Sunday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.  Visit Santa to drop off your wish list and take photos and enjoy all the fun, shopping, and dining in downtown Collingswood! 

Also, be on the lookout for Santa in your neighborhood (one of our favorite town traditions)! Starting on December 16, Santa will cruise Collingswood’s streets dancing and waving on a beautifully decorated truck. Santa will visit weeknights following the leaf schedule route. Listen and you’ll hear them coming in December – be sure to wave and say hi to your local firefighters!

Santa will also be accepting letters in his mailbox in front of Borough Hall beginning Friday, November 29. Get your letters in early so Santa has time to answer them.

Holiday Shopping, Dining & Strolling
Collingswood transforms into a winter wonderland – a beautiful shopping streetscape all along the downtown. There are extended shopping hours every Friday and Saturday in December and parking is FREE downtown throughout the month to make shopping a breeze. Find just the right gifts for underneath the tree. From home décor, candy, art, gourmet items, toys, and games to comic books, entertainment experiences, dining gift cards, and so much more – Collingswood has all your gift-giving needs covered.

We have the holiday magic covered too – get a pair of HOLOSPEX glasses to check out all those twinkling lights with holographic lenses that bend the light to create a magical holiday pattern from every light displayed. Look for the retailers with HOLOSPEX signs to score a pair, then check out all the lights throughout the downtown. Grab your favorite cup of hot cocoa, put on some holiday tunes, and soak in the tinsel and lights.  We also make sure it snows in Collingswood during special events, even when mother nature doesn’t!

Collingsweird Holiday Bizarre, Sunday, December 8, 11:00am – 5:00pm
Now in its 3rd season, the Collingsweird Holiday Bizarre offers guests an afternoon of local weirdness at the Collingswood Grand Ballroom. 55 artists and makers, two food trucks and a bar make for a good afternoon of holiday shopping for yourself or that special weirdo in your life. Free tote bags for our first 100 guests. More info: www.collingsweird.com

24th Annual XTU Toy Truck Parade, Saturday, December 14
Decorate your vehicle, fill it up with NEW and UNWRAPPED toys, and meet us at Cooper River 8am! XTU radio personalities will be on-site judging the best decorated vehicles. Trucks will parade through Collingswood to their destination at the Scottish Rite. At approximately 10:45am, XTU will be at the Scottish Rite accepting toys from our amazing listeners and building a mountain of toys. All toys donated will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Camden County.

Second Saturday Arts and Music, Saturday, December 14, 5:00 PM
The festive lights will make for an extra special Second Saturday event starting at 5:00 PM! As always, the evening of art and entertainment will host artists, crafters, and musicians at studios, galleries, coffee houses and retail shops. Experience art, demonstrations, performances, and exhibits at several locations along Haddon Ave.  Visit the Second Saturday page for more info.

Community Menorah Lighting: December 26
Join us for a Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration.  All are welcome! Connect with the community and enjoy an evening of fun for the whole family with music, latkes, donuts, dreidels, and choco-gelt! Sponsored by Chabad of Camden and Burlington Counties. 

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