Santa Makes Stop in Berkeley Heights

A horse drawn carriage carrying a merry band of elves and Santa Claus himself, arrived at Town Hall Saturday morning in Berkeley Heights.  

A brass band played Christmas carols as the big guy in the red suit high-fived his way down a doorbuster-sized line of Township families.

Councilman Craig Pastore escorted Santa to the council chambers, redecorated for the day as a winter wonderland. 

Mayor Joe Bruno officially welcomed the cheering crowd of residents to the annual program which is sponsored by the special events committee, and thanked the numerous volunteers of all ages who turned out to help make this Berkeley Heights tradition another resounding success. 

Many of the children were dressed in their holiday best for the event, donning faux fur trimmed red velvet or tartan plaid. Elves gleefully served hot cocoa and cookies to the cheerful as they waited patiently in line to speak to Santa.  Bake You Crazy, Berkeley Heights’ newest bake shop, also provided a sampling of sweet treats for the room, which was bursting with excitement. 

The elves, many of whom were PAL cheerleaders, or those who attend the Township’s recreation program, were on deck to help calm fussy babies and hand out candy canes to the kids, after sitting on Santa’s lap. 

Friends and neighbors savored the morning event, which lasted several hours.  Crayons kept the tots busy at a coloring table and some penned letters to Santa. A red, snowflake-adorned mailbox located outside of Town Hall will provide express delivery to the North Pole and Santa will respond to letters received by December 16, provided a return address is included on the envelope.

After their visit with Santa, families enjoyed wagon rides drawn by draft horses, proceeding through the downtown, spreading good cheer and holiday wishes to passersby on the sunny and crisp December afternoon.