Family fun will include screening of ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas,’ photos with Santa, holiday chorales, tree lightings, menorah lighting, horse & buggy rides and more
CARTERET, NJ – With Hanukkah coinciding with Christmas and New Year’s this year, Carteret is pulling out all the stops with three Borough-sponsored holiday events, plus several additional ticketed entertainment events at Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center.
On Friday, Dec. 6, Mayor Daniel J. Reiman will join with the Borough Council in hosting the town’s annual Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting at Carteret Park on Carteret Avenue and Cypress Street. Festivities will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. with the annual tree lighting at 7 p.m.
“Our Holiday Festival transforms Carteret Park into a winter wonderland, capturing the true spirit of the holidays for families and visitors with lavish festivities,” Mayor Reiman said.
Holiday Festival highlights will include live holiday music, photos with Santa, hot cocoa, cookies, hot pretzels, and horse & buggy rides.
This year, Hanukkah coincides with Christmas and New Year’s, taking place Dec. 25 to Jan. 2. In celebration, a menorah lighting can be enjoyed at 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 with Rabbi Azriel Brown of Yeshiva Gedola & Mesivta of Carteret.
Also on the holiday event menu in Carteret is a Winter Open House on Dec. 13 at Blazing Star Cultural Arts Center, the nonprofit home of Central Jersey Arts Council, Carteret Historical Committee, the Carteret Arts Committee, and Carteret Community Choir. For 6 to 9 p.m., Blazing Star will present a festive evening with performances by Carteret Community Choir and Junior High Essence, a Carteret Junior High School vocal ensemble; a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus; a reading of “The Night Before Christmas”; exhibits from the Historical Committee, and a holiday art activity with the Arts Committee.
On Dec. 11, Mayor Daniel J. Reiman will join with the Borough Council and Carteret Business Partnership in presenting “Celebrate the Holidays with Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center.”
The free 6 p.m. event will feature a screening of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” photo opportunities with Santa Claus, performances by Carteret High School’s Varsity Vocals acapella group, and a second tree lighting with the Mayor.
“Our holiday celebration will transform the gorgeous Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center into a winter wonderland, capturing the true spirit of the holidays for families and visitors,” Mayor Reiman said. “It’s a great opportunity for the community to celebrate the holidays together while showcasing our state-of-the-art arts & events center.”
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center also will present the following holiday events, tickets for which are on sale at the box office at 46 Washington Ave., carteretpac.com, and 877-849-2722:
- “A Winter World of Love” with Engelbert Humperdinck, 8 p.m., Dec. 6. $49-$99
- “The Smithereens Holiday Homecoming,” feat. Robin Wilson & Marshall Crenshaw, 8 p.m. Dec. 7. $39.50-$59.50
- Holiday Dreams Cirque, 3 p.m. Dec. 8. $39.50-$79.50
- “’Twas a Girl’s Night Before Christmas: The Musical,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12. $45-$65
- “A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage!,” 3:30 & 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15. $29.50-$95.50.
Updates about Carteret holiday celebrations will be available at Carteret.net, and by following @MyCarteret on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
