the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood central business district was bustling with holiday spirit as crowds gathered to celebrate the season during the town’s beloved Downtown for the Holidays event. Despite the cold, residents and visitors came together for an evening of festive fun, live performances, and the highly anticipated Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
A Special Tree Lighting Tradition
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce kicked off the festivities with the official lighting of the town’s towering 72-foot Christmas tree, located next to the Ridgewood Train Station, just outside Stella Artisan Italian restaurant. Standing only 2 feet shorter than the famed Rockefeller Center tree, Ridgewood’s tree remains a local landmark of holiday cheer.
The tree lighting was led by Joan Groome, Executive Director of the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, and Mayor Paul Vagianos, who took a moment to thank everyone who made the event possible. Special recognition was given to Downes Tree Service, which has been delivering Ridgewood’s Christmas trees for over 15 years.
This year’s tree held a particularly meaningful dedication. Lou Francis, Commander of American Legion Post 53, and his wife, Yvonne, donated the tree in honor of service members who won’t be home for the holidays. It was also dedicated to Blue Star Families, the loved ones of those currently on active duty.
The event was broadcast on Downtown for the Holidays TV, hosted by Scott Lief, ensuring that even those who couldn’t attend in person could share in the celebration.
Holiday Fun for All Ages
The event turned Ridgewood into a pedestrian-friendly wonderland. E. Ridgewood Avenue and Broad Street were closed to traffic, allowing attendees to roam freely among the holiday attractions.
- Live Performances: The Ridgewood High School Marching Band brought energy to the event, and the School of Rock students delivered live music that had the crowd dancing along.
- Touch-a-Truck: Public Works and Police Department vehicles, decorated with twinkling lights, were parked along the streets for children to explore.
- Family Fun at Van Neste Square: The Ridgewood Fire Department hosted a s’mores station, while kids enjoyed festive bounce houses shaped like Santa and a gingerbread house.
For those craving a train ride, a trackless train whisked passengers from its station outside Raymond’s Restaurant, adding another layer of magic to the evening.
A Visit from Santa and Some Mischief
No holiday event would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus, who delighted families throughout the night. However, Santa wasn’t alone—there were rumors of the Grinch causing a bit of playful mischief around town, much to the delight of younger attendees.
A Community United in Holiday Spirit
The event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of local businesses and organizations. Shop windows were decked out in festive displays, offering a picturesque backdrop for the evening, while vendors lined the streets, sharing their services and holiday offerings.
Ridgewood’s Downtown for the Holidays proved once again to be a cherished tradition, bringing the community together to celebrate the season with joy, laughter, and goodwill.
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It’s very nice, but it’s time to plant a nice tree there and leave it, we don’t need to drag a tree through the towns, put up and then take it down. It’s there and it’s done just put lights on it. That would be a big savings.
thats exactly what I suggested they do in the other article. Why are they chopping down 70 ft trees and bringin them into town. That take a heck of alot of resources and is not very sustainable in the future. You cant do something like this. It eats up budget too. This can be done much more naturally and pleasantly too, but hey im just a dirt farmer.
Well, then let everyone volunteer, so we don’t have to spend the overtime. It’s ridiculous.👍
Bah Humbug to you 💩
It’s a village tradition to bring in and put up a new Christmas tree every year. Where is your spirit?
You should have seen all the garbage left behind, overflowing from the fancy trash bins.
It would be nice also to mention the window display contest, the winners and second place of each category! A lot of effort to light up the town for the Holidays!
that is a great idea !