Santa Claus is coming to town this weekend. Photos with Santa is springing up at all our major shopping malls. The biggest event of them all will be Friday night. New York Yankees fans are in for a treat too because one of their legends will be on hand.
Do you like historical re-enactments? There’s a big one this weekend because it’s the anniversary of Washington’s Retreat. Since Thanksgiving is coming up, there’s a demonstration and class on making your own holiday centerpiece too. Don’t forget about Clue by the Bergen County Players that’s ending it’s run this weekend. It’s been so popular that they’ve added performances. Plus there’s Let It Glow at Van Saun Park which runs through mid January.
Additionally I’d like to mention that there’s a very special production aimed at children coming up. It would be a good idea to get your tickets now because it will sell out quickly. The Velveteen Rabbit is coming December 3rd for a 2 week run. This is another Bergen County Players production. Every year during the December holidays they put on a production aimed at the younger set. So let’s get to it –
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town 
Santa Claus is coming to town because the December holiday season is starting this weekend. Shopping malls are decorated and opening up their Photos With Santa this weekend. The biggest celebration of them all is at the Westfield Garden State Plaza this Friday starting at 5:30 pm.
We Bergen County residents grew up with a 50 foot high Santa Claus on a chimney at the Garden State Plaza Mall. You could see it from the highway and it was so iconic. I don’t know why but someone decided to stop putting it up every year. Whether or not you believed in Christmas, nearly everyone looked forward to it every year. Thankfully the Westfield folks have brought it back. AND they’ve brought it back in style because it’s now a major holiday celebration.
This is a free event that starts outside with a drone show among other things and then goes indoors. It’s more than worth it. You must RSVP so they are prepared for everyone.
Roy White, A New York Yankee Legend
Roy White is a New York Yankee legend. He was a super star player who went on to be one of the best coaches in baseball. He groomed other Yankee prospects into their success such as Derek Jeter and Don Mattingly among others. This Thursday night you’ll have the very rare opportunity to meet Mr. White who will be presented by Dr. Paul Semendinger at Ramapo College in Mahwah. Dr. Semendinger himself is an award winning baseball historian.
It isn’t every day that you get to actually meet a Yankee great and hear him tell his story from poverty and polio to greatness in Yankee Pinstripes. If I had a younger member of my family around (they’re all grown up now), I’d bring them. This is an inspiring story and since all proceeds go to Mr. White’s charity, it’s for a great cause too. Tickets are only $30 and the evening starts at 6:30 pm.
Washington’s Retreat Re-Enactment 
General George Washington pulled his army back from New York, crossed the Hudson coming down Closter Dock Road among others and went south camping at Fort Lee on his way to crossing the Delaware River. Every year this is re-enacted at the Fort Lee Historic Park.
You’ll see Continental Army and British Army soldiers as well as local colonial people all day demonstrating everything from cooking to battles. There will be artillery demonstrations too. This happened in 1776 just 246 years ago. It’s inexpensive too – only $5 cash per car to get in for parking. Come early on Saturday so you don’t miss anything because you’ll see history come to life all day.
Holiday Centerpiece Class at The Hermitage
Learn how to make a holiday centerpiece at 2 pm on Sunday at The Hermitage (335 N Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus). This program is being taught by Cathy Miller who is quite renown. She’s made centerpieces for 5 US Presidents so that’s quite a statement.
Because The Hermitage is a national treasure and non-profit, tickets are very reasonable. $15 for members and $20 for non members. The web page on this is where you’ll get your tickets online. It’s going to be a fun afternoon for sure.
While Santa Claus is coming to town this weekend, there’s also several other things going on as you can see. Car shows will return in the spring. For now those classic beauties are stored away until the weather turns warm and sunny. That’s about it for this week.
