Plainfield Holiday Happenings Roundup

Tree lightings, visits by Santa, and more...

Plainfielders have many opportunities to enjoy the holiday season. Here is a roundup of local holiday activities --

City Hall Tree Lighting
Friday, December 5, starts at 6 PM

Young people of all ages will gather on City Hall steps for the annual tree lighting ceremony, hosted by Mayor Adrian Mapp. Kids look forward each year to Santa's arrival on a Plainfield Fire Division truck and the opportunity for a photo with Santa. There will be music of the season and each child will get a candy cane treat.

Plainfield SID Santa's Visit
Saturday, December 6

Continuing this ten-year tradition, the Plainfield SID will host a visit to the community by Santa in TWO locations.

From Noon to 12:45, Santa will visit the downtown, in the pocket park near McDonald's. There will be a drawing for a toy-filled stocking at the downtown event.

From 1:00 to 2:00 PM, Santa will visit at Plainwood Square Park on South Avenue, where there will be opportunities for photos with Santa.

Santa's visit this year is being coordinated by the Plainfield Fire Division -- thanks to Plainfield's bravest for their community spirit!

Christmas Miniatures at Swain's
Saturday, December 6, 5-7 PM

Small paintings as holiday gifts in an exhbit and sale, offered by Swain Galleries, which is celebrating its 146 year of service to Plainfielders. A reception with the artists will be held from 5 - 7 PM.

Swain Galleries is at East 7th and Watchung Avenue. Parking in the lot on Watchung Avenue.

Hajj Dinner of Masjidullah Plainfield
Sunday, December 7, 1-5 PM

Friends of Masjidullah Plainfield are invited to attend a dinner in honor of three Plainfield Hajjis -- a term reserved for Muslims who have made the pilgrimage to Mecca. The dinner will run from 1 - 5 PM. For more information, contact Miriam Abdul-Aziz at (908) 531-0554.

Masjidullah Plainfield is at 321 Grant Avenue at the corner of West 4th Street. Parking in the lot on Grant Avenue.

duCret Miniature Art Show & Sale
Sunday, December 7, 2-4 PM

duCret School of Art Students will host their annual Open House and Holiday Miniature Art Show and Sale from 2 - 4 PM. Here is an opportunity to find small items for holiday gifts -- and get to be a collector of a rising star's early works! There will be refreshments and music as well as an opportunity to meet the students and tour the school.

duCret School of Art is at 1030 Central Avenue (across from Cedarbrook School). Entry to the auditorium is off the parking lot at the rear of the complex.

Drake House Tree Lighting & Santa's Visit
Friday, December 12, 6:30 PM

The Historical Society of Plainfield hosts its annual Christmas party for the community at 6:30 PM.

In addition to the tree lighting ceremony, there will be holiday carols, prizes and refreshments. Santa will make a special visit and distribute small toyr to the youngsters. There will be a total of four decorated trees, including in the museum's period rooms.

Donations of unwrapped toys ($10-$15 value) are gladly accepted. To schedule a drop-off, call (908) 753-5831 or bring them by the Drake House on Sunday, December 7, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM.

The Drake House Museum at 602 West Front Street (at the foot of Plainfield Avenue) is open to the public Sunday afternoons and at other times by appointment.

Crescent Concerts: Yuletide by Candlelight
Sunday, December 14, 5 PM

Crescent Concerts annual holiday gift to the community is this year titled 'What Sweeter Music'. The concert is free and begins at 5:00 PM.

The concert features music of the season from Renaissance to modern times, plus carols and hymns joined in by the audience. This is always a joyful and uplifting occasion.

At Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, East 7th Street at Watchung Avenue. Parking available in the church lot on First Place and in Swain Galleries lot on Watchung.

Trip to 'A Christmas Carol' at McCarter
Sunday, December 14

The Friends of the Plainfield Public Library and the Plainfield Division of Parks & Recreation are jointly sponsoring a theater trip to see this year's production of 'A Christmas Carol' at the McCarter Theater in Princeton.

Though the deadline has passed, there may be a couple of seats available. Tickets are $60/person, payable in advance. Bus departs from the Library's 9th Street parking lot at 11:00 AM sharp; the performance is at 1:00 PM.

For more information, call the Rec Division at (908) 753-3097.

Muslim Community Soup Kitchen Fundraiser
Sunday, December 21, 11 AM - 3 PM

Masjidullah Plainfield's community soup kitchen is celebrating 25 years of service to Plainfield residents with a fundraiser. A buffet lunch will be served.

Dr. Mubaashir Uqdah will give a presentation on Christ and Christmas: Unique Insights from an Islamic Perspective.

All are invited. Contribution is $15/person, buffet lunch included. Masjidullah Plainfield is at 321 Grant Avenue at the corner of West 4th Street. Parking in the lot on Grant Avenue.

Besides these holiday events, many organizations and houses of worship are gathering contributions of toys, clothing, food donations and other items for our fellow Plainfielders. Please be generous with your gifts.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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