Santa, holiday characters, free goodies and more….Yes, it’s that time of year again!

Downtown Washington will be the place to be when the holiday season kicks off in grand style on Friday Dec. 9 with its annual Hometown Holiday!

Hometown Holiday is a celebration that lights up the downtown in more ways than one!  Taking place on Friday December 9^th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., this event, sponsored by Pasta Grill by Enzo, Investors Bank,  First Energy Foundation, HairMazing, Sunshine Tree &Landscaping, WRNJ, and Arcana Toys & Games, will once again feature not one, but two tree lightings, first at the Town Hall at 5:45 p.m. and then in the Downtown Pocket Park by the Town Clock, upon Santa’s arrival. Join the parade from one tree lighting to the next and await Santa Claus at about 6:15 p.m.

Also taking place that evening are meet-and-greet photo opportunities with Santa Claus at Arcana Toys & Games located in the center of the Downtown, the Gingerbread Man, Frosty the Snowman, Penguin, Santa’s Elves and other seasonal characters. There will other activities throughout as well as DJ Mitch Hess playing your favorite holiday tunes. Hannukah will also be celebrated with the lighting of the Menorah.

Kathy’s Kove will be hosting its monthly open mic that night as well with featured performers from Mr. Music and Kevin McCann from 6-8 p.m. Additionally, Kathy’s Kove will be having its monthly fundraiser dinner to benefit Project Ghana, also from 6-8. This month’s dinner, just $15, is Cheese Lasagna, salad, bread & butter, Tiramisu and a beverage. Regular menu items will be available as well!

The Washington BID, host of the festivities, also thanks this year’s Tree Sponsors, Stew’s Auto Body, Wyckoff’s Tree Farm, JP Landscaping, Washington Borough, and the Washington Borough Volunteer Fire Department.

For more details, call the Washington Business Improvement District office at 908-689-4800, check out the Washington BID Facebook Page, or  visit www.washingtonbid.org.