Cranford Holiday Events 2025: Tree Lighting, Home Tours & Family Traditions

There’s something extra special about the holiday season in Cranford.  Our downtown glows a little brighter and local organizations fill the calendar with traditions that bring families together year after year.  Here’s your guide to some of the most beloved Cranford holidays events that make our town feel like home.

🔗Cranford Tree Lighting & Photos with Santa

Friday, November 28 – Downtown Cranford

Cranford’s holiday season kicks off the day after Thanksgiving with one of the town’s most anticipated annual events. The Girl Scouts will decorate the tree from 10 AM to noon, followed by caroling at 5 PM. The tree will be lit at 6 PM, and photos with Santa will take place immediately afterward.

This year includes some added touches, including new photo opportunities and special keepsakes available for purchase. The event is free and open to the community.

🔗Santa’s Mailbox

November 28 – December 12 • Cranford Gazebo

Families can drop letters to Santa into the red mailbox at the Cranford Gazebo, located at North Union and Springfield Avenue. Every child who includes a return address will receive a letter back from Santa.

This tradition is sponsored by Lightbridge Academy and the Cranford Area Chamber of Commerce and runs through December 12.

🔗Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 29 – Eastman Plaza

Support local businesses while getting a head start on holiday shopping. Thanks to the generosity of Cranford business owners and sponsors, thousands of dollars in gift baskets will be raffled off.

Beginning Monday, November 24, save your receipts from any Cranford business. Every $10 spent earns one raffle ticket. Eligible receipts include restaurants, shops, salons, dry cleaners—any business located in Cranford. Bring your receipts to Eastman Plaza on November 29 to enter.

🔗Cranford Jaycees Kids Christmas Party

Saturday, December 6 • 9:30 AM – 12 PM • Cranford Community Center

The Jaycees’ annual free family holiday party includes face painting, treats, festive music from Cranford Middle School bands, and photos with Santa. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly morning that has become a favorite Cranford holiday event for local families.

🔗Cranford Women’s Club: Home for the Holidays Tour

Sunday, December 7

This self-guided tour features six Cranford homes beautifully decorated for the holidays. This year’s homes include restoration projects, renovations, additions, and one newly built property. Each stop is enhanced with floral arrangements by local florists or garden clubs, and some homes will feature live holiday music.

Ticket holders will collect a crystal heart keepsake at each home and can stop into the Hospitality House for warm cider, tea, baked goods, and holiday shopping opportunities.

🔗Alluem Holiday Market

Sunday, December 7 • Droescher’s Mill

A curated selection of local vendors returns to Droescher’s Mill for one of the most charming seasonal markets and a favorite Cranford holiday event.  Expect handmade gifts, local makers, and the cozy atmosphere Alluem is known for.

🔗Trolley Rides & Sing-Along with Santa

Saturday, December 13 • 1 PM – 4 PM • Downtown Cranford

Hosted by the Cranford Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Benner’s Auto Body, the beloved holiday trolley will loop through downtown with Santa aboard. Riders can enjoy a sing-along while taking in the festive sights. The trolley departs every 15 minutes from the Gazebo.  This Cranford holiday event is a popular one and lines typically form early, so plan to arrive before 3 PM.

🔗Cranford Jaycees Santa Deliveries & Toy Drive

Toy Drop-Off: December 10 and 13
Santa Deliveries: December 19 and 21

The Cranford Jaycees partner with the Cranford Police and Fire Departments to collect toys for children in need and deliver gifts to Cranford homes. Registration for deliveries opens November 29, and full details are available on their website.

Last year, the Jaycees collected more than 3,000 toy donations and delivered over 2,400 gifts across town—one of Cranford’s most meaningful and memorable holiday traditions.

🔗Holiday Movies at the Cranford Theater

All Month Long – Various Dates

The Cranford Theater officially reopens on November 25 following renovations, just in time for a full lineup of holiday programming.

Sunday Dinner & a Movie

Presented with Garlic Rose Bistro. Enjoy dinner and trivia at 2 PM, followed by a 4 PM screening at the Theater.

• December 7: It’s a Wonderful Life

• December 14: White Christmas
  Tickets available via Downtown Cranford Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/4p91JC3

Pajama Series

A family-favorite series featuring holiday classics, cozy pajamas encouraged. Santa will make a special appearance, and the theater will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for donation.

• December 6: Elf

• December 7, 13, 14, 20, 21: The Grinch

Cranford shines during the holiday season, and these community-driven traditions are part of what makes this town so special. As we get closer to December, even more pop-up events, markets, and local happenings will be announced. For weekly updates, a curated list of events, and the latest real estate insights, be sure to subscribe to The Weekly Local. It’s the easiest way to stay in the loop on everything happening around town.