Cinnaminson Lights Tree, Santa Comes This Friday

Santa Claus will come to Cinnaminson Friday during the township’s annual tree lighting ceremony that not only features pictures with St. Nick, but live music, kids’ activities, horse-drawn carriages and more.

“It’s going to be a great night,” said Mayor Don Brauckmann. “I’m really looking forward to it.”

The event runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. by the gazebo at Wood Park. The night kicks off with songs sung by Cinnaminson Middle School choirs. At 6:45, the mayor will speak, and soon after, Santa Claus will arrive.

People can start lining up for pictures with Santa—which will be printed out on the spot.

The tree will be lit after a group countdown.

At 7 p.m., Fralinger String Band will perform on the basketball court. At 7:30 p.m., the Rush School Music Makers—who made the semifinals in the B101 Christmas Choir Contest this year—will sing.

Throughout the night, kids can ride on a toy train or a toy fire truck, also located on the basketball courts.

There will be horse-drawn carriage rides around Wood park and free hot chocolate and cookies, courtesy of the St. Charles Holy name Society.

There will also be a United States Marine Corps Toys for Tot collection box located near the tree. Residents are encouraged to bring new and unwrapped toys for those less fortunate.

“This annual event has grown each year and gives our families, friends and neighbors a great way to come together to kick off the holiday season,” Brauckmann said.

Click here to see photos from last year's ceremony.

UPDATE: If you thought the tree looked a little different, you're right. The township replaced the tree by the gazebo at Wood Park due to damage and suspected disease, Mayor Don Brauckmann said.

The tree was donated when the gazebo was installed several years ago. The new tree is an upward branching Norway Spruce—typically known as a Christmas tree.

"This tree is much fuller, faster-growing, and most importantly, upward branching which is better for lighting," Brauckmann said.

The tree was purchased from Haines Farm and Garden in Cinnaminson for $266 from the public works budget.