By Stephanie Loder
Egg Harbor Township is getting festive for December with a Christmas tree lighting, a Holiday Light Display Contest, and the most anticipated event of the year – Santa Claus on a fire truck.
The sixth annual holiday tree lighting will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 7) outside the Egg Harbor Township Community Center at 5045 English Creek Avenue in Cardiff.
Mayor Laura Pfrommer will light the tree and the event will conclude with a visit from Santa.
The tree lighting includes live music entertainment, crafts and activities for children.
At 3 p.m. in the Community Center, children can enjoy Sprinkles with Santa, a fundraiser by the Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary.
Preregistration is required.
Each child who is registered receives a sugar cookie to decorate – and an opportunity to spend some time with Santa.
Are you hearing fire sirens in Egg Harbor Township? Then you better watch out because it’s likely Santa is in your neighborhood.
The Egg Harbor Township Fire Department has coordinated with the North Pole to bring Santa Claus to every street in the township.
Santa, who will be on top of a fire truck driven by volunteer firefighters, begins making the rounds at 6 p.m. December 9 in the Farmington section of the township.
Bargaintown and Cardiff residents will hear sirens and see Santa beginning at 10 a.m.
Santa will be driven through Scullville neighborhoods from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 20 and again starting at 1 p.m. on Dec. 21.
West Atlantic City residents should be ready at 6 p.m. Dec. 21 to see Santa arrive in their neighborhood.
Firefighters in the township are volunteers, and there’s a chance Santa might have to take a detour if there is a fire call.
The fire companies ask that residents don’t dial 911 or call the Egg Harbor Township Dispatch Center to find out Santa’s location.
Check your fire company’s Facebook page to find out more about tracking Santa.
The judging of the township’s Holiday Light Display Contest, a combined effort by Egg Harbor Township Parks and Recreation and the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, will take place from Dec. 13 through Dec. 16.
To enter, email your name, phone number, and address along with a photo of your display to recreation@ehtgov.org. Entries must be received by Dec. 10 and winners will be announced on Dec. 19.
Other township holiday events for children at the Community Center include Gingerbread Decorating from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 17 for children ages 7 to 12 and Craftin’ Day 11 which will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 21 for children ages 4 to 8.
Both are drop-off events geared to give parents and guardians a chance to do some last-minute holiday shopping. The staff will provide holiday crafts, activities, a short movie, and pizza. Children should bring a water bottle and a snack.
The cost for each event is $15 for the first child and $10 for each additional child.
To register, visit www.ehtrec.com or call 609-272-8120.
Don’t forget to enter the township’s 2024 Winter Photo Contest.
Snap a shot of your favorite snowy place or snowman in Egg Harbor Township. Email photos to recreation@ehtgov.org but remember that photographs must be taken in Egg Harbor Township to be eligible.
