Hackettstown’s Hometown Holiday Weekend returns Dec. 5–7; Friday road closures set for parade and tree lighting

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — The Hackettstown Business Improvement District will kick off its Annual Hometown Holiday celebration the weekend of Dec. 5–7, offering three days of festive events, live entertainment and opportunities to shop local.

The celebration begins Friday, Dec. 5, with a Holiday Bazaar Tent behind Stella G’s from 6 to 9 p.m., the Grand Illumination at Centenary University at 5 p.m., an Open House at the Hackettstown Historical Society from 5 to 9 p.m., and a Hackettstown Free Public Library Open House from 5 to 8 p.m. at 110 Church Street. Live entertainment will take place throughout the evening in the Festival Area.

A Santa Parade will follow from 7 to 7:30 p.m. along Main Street from West Plane Street to West Moore Street, concluding with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Main & Moore Street Gazebo at 7:30 p.m.

Events continue Saturday, Dec. 6, when families can join Santa at the Hackettstown Recreation Center for Winter Wonderland, presented with the Hackettstown Recreation Department. SC3 DJ will provide holiday music downtown, and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the historic Strand will host Christmas at the Strand, featuring entertainment, snacks and activities.

On Sunday, Dec. 7, the Kudos Barbershop Quartet will stroll and perform from noon to 3 p.m., beginning at the BID office and visiting Main Street businesses. Man Skirt Brewing will host Hops and Shops from noon to 6 p.m., and Vermella Hackettstown, 112 Bilby Road, will hold a Gingerbread House Decorating Contest at 2 p.m.; registration is closed.

Throughout the weekend, the BID encourages residents and visitors to eat, drink and shop locally in support of downtown businesses.

The Hackettstown Parking Authority will offer free parking in all municipal lots and metered spaces from Dec. 5–7.

The Town of Hackettstown is advising residents and visitors of several temporary road closures on Friday, Dec. 5, to accommodate the Santa Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting. The following roads will be closed during the listed times:

• West Plane Street between Madison Street and Route 46 from approximately 6 to 7 p.m.
• West Moore Street between Route 46 and Washington Street from approximately 5 to 9 p.m.
• East Moore Street between Route 46 and Sharp Street from approximately 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Route 46 between Route 517 (High Street) and West Plane Street from approximately 7 to 7:30 p.m.

Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to plan alternate routes.

More information about Hometown Holiday Weekend is available at hackettstownbid.com.