By Jaimie Julia Winters
Santa and Mrs. Claus invite all to join them at Kearny’s Annual Tree Lighting Festival to kick off the holiday season with music, magic, and family fun. The magic takes place Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at Kearny Town Hall.
Hometown Concert
The night opens on the Town Hall steps with a lively Hometown Concert featuring performers of all ages, including the Kearny High School Ensemble, K-Birds, Kearny 6th Grade Chorus, West Hudson Arts & Theater Company Carolers, The Next Step School of Dance, Hudson Arts and Sciences Choral Group, Visions Dance Studio, The Great Learning Center, Ritmo Latino Dance Studio, KAM Dance Academy, and more.
Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival
At 6:30 p.m., Santa rolls in to help Mayor Carol Jean Doyle and the Town Council light the town tree—an annual moment of holiday magic.
Festival in the Park
The celebration then moves to the Town Hall American Revolution Bicentennial Park, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet children (12 and under) and pose for photos until 8:30 p.m., handing out gifts and goodies while supplies last.
Families can enjoy free activities all evening, including performances on the Jingle Bell Stage (sponsored by River Terminal Development), a visit from Oz favorites Elphaba and Glinda, face painting, and more. The giant inflatable snow globe—perfect for holiday photos—returns thanks to Provident Bank, along with a brand-new surprise attraction.
The KUEZ will also host its annual giant free Toy Raffle.
Kearny Avenue will be closed between Liberty Street and Quincy Avenue during the event.
Sponsored by the Kearny Urban Enterprise Zone (KUEZ) and Mayor Carol Jean Doyle and the Town Council, with additional support from Provident Bank, River Terminal Development, Rosa Agency, ShopRite, and Tilcon NY.
For more information, visit kearnynj.org or follow the KUEZ and the Town of Kearny on Facebook and Instagram.