Hackensack Holiday Tree Aglow

Photos Courtesy: Gail Vachon

On an unusually warm December evening, the City of Hackensack hosted its annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony on The Green where hundreds gathered with their families to welcome Santa and share in some seasonal cheer.  Although the weather on Dec. 3 certainly wasn’t frightful, the entertainment was delightful as Victorian-style carolers wandered through the crowd while children enjoyed hot chocolate, popcorn and pretzels compliments of the City of Hackensack, the Upper Main Alliance and Starbucks.

The Hackensack High School choir performed several holiday songs followed by an excerpt from the production of A Year with Frog and Toad, presented by the Hackensack Cultural Arts Center.

Mayor Michael Melfi and his fellow city council members counted down to the lighting of the tree followed by the arrival of Santa on a Hackensack Fire Department truck. Children then lined up for a chance to recite their holiday wish lists to Santa. The Hackensak Trolley offered event-goers free rides along Main Street to enjoy Restaurant Week.