By: Najla Alexander
Hi, RLS Media family and friends. Najla here! It’s that wonderful time of year again when you get to be in the holiday spirit with the ones you love the most, especially with fun festivities right here in Carteret for everyone to enjoy in December!
The Honorable Mayor Daniel J. Reiman and the Borough Council hosted the town’s annual Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting at Carteret Park on Friday, Dec. 6, at Carteret Avenue and Cypress Street. Festivities took 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. The Holiday Festival highlights included live holiday music, photos with Santa, hot cocoa, cookies, hot pretzels, and even horse and buggy rides1
“I could not believe my eyes at the turnout, ” a community member exclaimed, “The cold really does not stop our community from being in the holiday cheer and seeing Santa!”
Despite the freezing temperatures outside, the community showed up to celebrate this holiday year with one another, all with smiling faces, enjoying the time spent together.
According to Carteret officials, this year, Hanukkah coincides with Christmas and New Year’s, taking place from 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.
Officials say that our Blazing Star Cultural Arts Center, the nonprofit home of the Central Jersey Arts Council, Carteret Historical Committee, the Carteret Arts Committee, and Carteret Community Choir, is hosting a Winter Open House on Dec. 13.
“From the beautiful Christmas lights to seeing Santa, I can always count on Carteret to show out for the festivities!” a community member said.
According to Carteret officials, from 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.
Carteret officials say that on Dec. 11, Mayor Daniel J. Reiman will join the Borough Council and Carteret Business Partnership to present “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, officials stated.
“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, officials say, 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
Watching the town be lit up with beautiful lights and decorations, sipping hot cocoa while all bundled up, and seeing Santa bring smiles to all the kids. There is nothing better than that feeling in the air, and Carteret does it better than anyone else. A community that ensures we all feel the cheer no matter what.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from RLS Metro Media and myself!