Maybe it was the perfect December weather: crisp but not too cold, dry and clear. Maybe it was the tree: It’s definitely grown and the lights really shine! Maybe it was the crowds: The biggest we’ve seen in years.
The Maplewood Village Tree Lighting of 2015 was one to remember.
Families thronged around Dickens Village peering into windows, New Jersey DJ Services kept the classic holiday tunes playing, Maplewood Deli & Grille offered free hot cocoa, Committeeman Jerry Ryan read to an enraptured audience from “A Christmas Carol,” and Mayor Vic DeLuca clearly delighted in his recitation of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” — his voice booming down Maplewood Avenue.
The crowd joined in the countdown to the tree lighting with relish, shouting, “10, 9, 8, 7….”
And then the tree was lit. People cheered. And no-one wanted to go home.
Earlier in the afternoon, Santa and Mrs. Claus made their customary arrival to Dickens Village on a fire truck escorted by Maplewood’s bravest and finest. They were greeted by a crowd of eager children and families.
See the remaining scheduled of holiday and Dickens Village activities here. (Be sure to check out the Ebenezer Scrooge House – sponsored by The Village Green!)
Enjoy our photo gallery of the entire day’s events; click on any photo to begin.
