HOLIDAY MAGIC! Ridgewood Downtown for the Holidays Lights Up the Night with Touching Tribute

54-Foot Christmas Tree Dedicated to Ridgewood Guild Founder Tony Damiano Marks “Greatest Night of the Year”

photos courtesy of the Village of Ridgewood

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Central Business District of Ridgewood officially transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland last night for the annual “Downtown for the Holidays” celebration! Despite the cold weather, massive crowds gathered for the spectacular event, culminating in a deeply emotional tree lighting ceremony that honored a beloved community leader.

Hosted by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce and hailed by Mayor Paul Vagianos as the “Greatest night of the year,” the festivities marked the official start of the holiday season in North Jersey.

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A Centerpiece of Light and Legacy

The highlight of the evening was the illumination of the truly massive Village Christmas Tree.

• The Tree: A magnificent 54-foot spruce generously donated from a private residence on Cedar Avenue.

• The Lights: The tree is decorated with a stunning 10,000 lights, casting a warm glow over the downtown area.

• The Location: Installed as the centerpiece at the intersection of Broad Street and East Ridgewood Avenue, with the help of the Ridgewood Police Department for its safe transport.

The tree lighting, which took place at 6:45 pm, served as a heartfelt tribute to Tony Damiano, the respected Founder of the Ridgewood Guild, making the lighting especially poignant for the thousands in attendance.

Downtown Transformed: Santa, S’mores, and Spectacular Cheer

From 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the downtown area buzzed with activity, creating a memorable family experience. The event, skillfully managed by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce and Scott Alan Lief, featured a host of holiday attractions:

• Live Performances & Music: Featuring local talent, including the RHS Music Ensembles.

• Festive Activities: S’mores stations with fire pits, trackless train rides, and dancers in shop windows.

• Santa’s Visit: Santa Claus made an appearance, delighting children and families.

• Community Spirit: Mayor Vagianos noted that the cold weather “did not deter the crowds,” highlighting the enduring community spirit in Ridgewood.

For those who missed the magic, you can catch the recorded coverage on the “Downtown for the Holidays TV” special, available on the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

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