The Holidays Come to Maplewood, NJ

The holidays are a big deal in Maplewood, New Jersey. It all starts with the annual Halloween Parade that's sponsored by the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce and continues to New Year's Day with celebrations, events and activities mostly hosted by the Chamber and the Maplewood Village Alliance. The annual Dickens Village event is a series of activities that help ring in the holiday spirit for the old and young alike.

Holiday decorations transform the village downtown streets and the Dickens Village is set up in the Ricalton Square, the little park across from the Maplewood train station along Maplewood Avenue. The base of Dickens Village is an assortment of small houses each decorated uniquely for people to come by and admire and take pictures. But, it's so much more. You'll see the holiday spirit come alive through many festive activities. There will be carolers dressed in character, you may see Scrooge causing havoc in the pub or store, and Santa will be around, too. Santa will arrive via a fire truck on December 5 for the annual tree lighting cermeony at Ricalton Square. Live reindeer will be around and visitors can take a horse-drawn wagon ride through the village. There will be live music on some days, a petting zoo on other days, and more things to come. Stay tuned to the Dickens Village website, www.maplewooddickensvillage.com for the full schedule.

This all began years ago as a "thank you" from local merchants and has become a part of the town tradition. The Maplewood Village Alliance is comprised of property owners, merchants and residents dedicated to the betterment of Maplewood Village. The Maplewood Chamber of Commerce promotes and strengthens the business community through goals and programs that encourage the entrepreneurial spirit and foster a positive image of Maplewood.

It's great to have these groups around to help insure a great community spirit for Maplewood, New Jersey.

Come by and get in the spirit.