Fanwood Borough holds annual Holiday Celebration

(above) The Christmas tree lit

Fanwood’s Holiday Celebration

Borough of Fanwood

Fanwood officially welcomed Santa Claus and lit the borough Christmas tree at its holiday celebration held on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at Fanwood’s historic train station on North Avenue.

The celebration was held all outdoors, Santa arrived via fire engine and set up shop under the eaves of the front porch of the Fanwood Train Station, which doubles as the Fanwood Museum. He sat on the original sled that adorned the former Homestead Hotel, the spot now occupied by Borough Hall. Families lined up the length of the parking lot to wait their turn to sit with Santa and have their picture taken. Afterwards, they enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies. Live on stage, student musicians and a choir performed seasonal songs while an ice sculptor created a Christmas tree and a snowman.

Mayor Mahr counted down the tree lighting, and Councilwomen, Trisha Walsh and Francine Glaser, pulled the switch. Applause from the large crowd followed, along with more holiday songs by the high school choir.

The holiday celebration was a production of the Fanwood Recreation Commission and Public Works Department. The stage was made possible by the County Board of Commissioners. The Fanwood Rescue Squad and Fire Department were also on hand, along with Special Police Officer, Jack Ross.

Photos by Tom Kranz

(above) Choir at lit tree
(above) Santa with the Kalmbach family of Fanwood
(above) Fanwood Rescue Squad and Firefighter, Sean Manette
(above) Ice Sculptor
(above) Santa with Mayor Mahr, Councilwomen, Trisha Walsh and Francine Glaser, and Recreation Commissioner, Bruce Zakarin
(above) The Fanwood Train Station
(above) Choir earlier on stage
(above) Recreation Commissioner, Scott Sinclair, at the cookie table
(above) Ice Sculptor
(above) Mayor speaks on stage