New Holiday Traditions in Madison

Additional Information for Friday's Events 

Madison, NJ – November 23, 2020 – As mentioned last week, like most things in 2020, the holidays will look a bit different this year, but there will still be plenty of holiday spirit in the Rose City! For the safety of all residents, our traditional Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting have been cancelled for this Friday, November 27, and replaced with what we hope will be some wonderful new traditions.  

Below, please find detailed information on Santa’s Journey through Madison (Operation Santa Claus), as well as information on the virtual tree lighting of this year’s spectacular tree. 

Operation Santa Claus 
On Friday, November 27, 2020 around 10:00 A.M. Santa will begin his journey around town on Geraldine, Madison’s antique fire engine, by the Madison Fire and Police Departments. Santa will travel each street in Madison, by zones. An interactive Google Map, identifying the seven zones can be found here. We will begin in Zone 1 and proceed accordingly. For everyone’s safety, Santa will only be waving, but his helpers will be handing out treats to all those who cheer him on throughout his journey. Just listen for the sirens to know that Santa is on his way! 

Follow along on Santa’s journey throughout Madison on Borough of Madison social media channels, Facebook and Twitter, where we will be continuously monitoring and updating residents on his journey, while attempting to answer any questions that might arise. Please note that the complete journey throughout Madison will take approximately 4-5 hours. Your patience is greatly appreciated.  

Madison Christmas Tree 
This year’s tree, a pine tree that had been growing on the grounds of St. Vincent Martyr for years, was graciously donated by Father George from St. Vincent Martyr. When first approached about offering it up for this year’s tree, Father George was hesitant on removing a tree that they had been so fond of. After much thought, Father George thought, “wouldn’t it be truly wonderful to gift the town with our beautiful tree in this year that we are so in need of the Christmas spirit!” Because of their generous donation of the tree, it will stand on Waverly Place through the holiday season as a sign of Hope, Peace, Light - reminding us to let our lights shine through as acts of kindness, care, and compassion - and Joy.

 We are so grateful to Father George and the entirety of St. Vincent Martyr for sharing their beautiful tree for of Madison to enjoy. 

Virtual Tree Lighting 
The virtual lighting of the Christmas Tree on Waverly Place will commence following Operation Santa Claus, and will be broadcast live on the Borough of Madison YouTube Channel. Links will also be posted on www.rosecitychristmas.com.  

Approximately five minutes before the lighting, notices will be posted on Borough of Madison social media channels, Facebook and Twitter, with direct links to the livestream for all residents to watch and enjoy. Our primary concern is everyone’s health and safety during these unprecedented and difficult times, and therefor crowds will not be permitted to form on Waverly Place during the lighting. We are urging and requesting that all residents watch the lighting from the comfort of their own home. 

We would like to thank the following organizations who made this year's traditions possible: Madison Christmas Committee, Toto Family, BoxCar, Inc., Madison Chamber of Commerce, Madison High School - Key Club, Provident Bank of Madison, Madison Fire Department, Madison FMBA Local 74, Stop & Shop of Madison, North Star Athletic Club, Madison PBA Local 92, Walgreens of Madison, Madison Rotary Club, Madison Elks Club

A PDF of the release can be found here.