Summit Celebrates the Holidays

Summit's holiday season will officially start with Santa's arrival at the Square Yard on December 6 at 3:00 p.m.

First he will land on the roof of a nearby building and be greeted by Mrs. Claus, according to Tony Melchionna, Chairman of Summit Downtown Inc.  Santa and Mrs. Claus will hand out toys and candy, and then children will line up to have the chance to sit on Santa's lap.  Summit Downtown Inc.will take free pictures, and the event goes on until all children are taken care of, said Marin Mixon, administrator of Summit Downtown Inc.

Two musical groups will perform in preparation for his arrival.  The True Blues, an all-female a cappella barbershop quartet, will perform from noon to 3:00 p.m.  Meanwhile, the Yuletide Carolers, clad in Victorian garb, will act as walk-around performers from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

"(The Yuletide Carolers) give it a more whimsical Dickens feel," said Melchionna.

A block from Summit Avenue to Beechwood Avenue will be blocked off from vehicular traffic.  No reservation is required for this event.  The Square Yard is located at 343 Springfield Avenue.

Roger Von Bing of the Patchwork Puppet Theater will put on two free performances in the Square Yard on December 13.  He performs an act about such things as the spirit of winter and holiday spirit, according to Melchionna.

"It's a light comedy about the holidays and winter he wrote himself," said Melchionna. 

For reservations, call Square Yard at (908)-277-4580.  There will be two showings: one at 12:30 p.m. and the other at 2:00 p.m.

Children can enjoy brunch with Santa at Winberie's on December 13 and 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  They can choose from the Sunday brunch menu while getting pictures with Santa.  Children under 3 eat for free and all other children are $1.00 each, according to host Giovanna Brooks.  Meals are $24.95 for an adult.  For a reservation, call (908) 277-4224.

The Office will provide lunch with Santa on December 19 and 20.  For a reservation, call (908) 522-0550.

The Horse and Carriage Rides will be available every Sunday this month from noon to 2:30 p.m. starting between Beechwood Road and Bank Street Park.  The carriage seats between 20 to 25 people who can sing Christmas carols as they stroll through the streets.

"This it the biggest highlight of the holiday season," said Melchionna.  "Kids' faces light up when they see these big Belgian horses clotting down the road."

Select stores will also celebrate the month by staying open late on Thursday evenings and Sundays this month.  Open Red Door Posters on the doors distinguish which stores are participating and what their hours are.  The Summit Downtown Inc. Web site also has a listing of all the stores and their hours.

"They're open late for those people who work and want to shop on a weeknight," said Mixon.

The True Blues Women's Quartet will continue to perform throughout the month on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.  This group from New Providence is registered with the award-winning Hickory Tree Chorus, according to its Web site.

Residents can enjoy the sight of two Christmas trees in town this year.  The first is already lit and is located in the Village Green across from the YMCA.  Another tree will be lit and is located in the Summit Promenade between Maple Street and Woodland Avenue, near Seal and Company.