Hometown Christmas Celebration 2023

Photos taken by Neil Grabowsky & Ryan Schwertfeger

The Borough of Roseland held their annual Hometown Christmas Celebration on Saturday, December 9 in front of the Borough buildings at 140 Eagle Rock Avenue and 19 Harrison Avenue, with some new additions and changes for 2023.

Close to 700 people were estimated to have attended the event, with kids swarming to see Santa land in a helicopter in front of the Harrison Avenue tennis and pickleball courts, adults perusing and making purchases at the Holiday Craft Fair that was added to the festivities this year, to senior citizens taking a ride on the festively decorated horse drawn carriage that rode around the entire complex.

Non-profit organizations sold merchandise, several local businesses set up tables, a zeppole truck gave out free food, a food truck set up shop to feed the crowd, and kids were also able to ride a trackless train, pet farm animals, play carnival games, write letters to Santa and take part in other activities. Families who registered were also able to take photos with Santa in the Mayor’s Office, decorated festively for the occasion.

“It was an amazing way to usher in the holiday season with our largest turnout ever,” said Roseland Mayor James Spango. “We try to expand and enhance on our holiday celebration every year. Seeing the smiles on our children’s faces is what makes this night one of my favorites in Roseland! We already are planning next year’s event!”

During the tree lighting part of the event, the Borough also publicly unveiled its new crèche, the structure of which was built by local students from the Essex County Technical School in West Caldwell and figurines which were donated by local residents and spearheaded by former Mayor Michael Pacio. Lights were also placed on the “new” Borough Christmas tree, in addition to the newly planted future Borough Christmas Tree.