Galloway's Holiday Season Kicks off in Smithville Friday Night

Santa Claus is coming to town Friday night, Nov. 30.

He’ll kick off the holiday season when he arrives via fire truck at Historic Smithville and the Village Greene at 6:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by Galloway Township Community Services.

According to Community Services, numbers will be distributed so those hoping to meet Santa don’t have to wait in line. Residents will have opportunities to take pictures with Santa and the other characters, and all shops in Smithville will be open.

The following day, Saturday, Dec. 1, the Smithville Inn will host Breakfast With Santa, at 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. The event is completely booked.

Fred and Ethel’s Lantern Light Tavern will also host Breakfast With Santa, on Sunday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 9 a.m.  There are no remaining seats.

Dec. 1 is also Hospitality Night and Frost Bite Car Cruise in Smithville. Each shop will host a special event from 6-8 p.m.

The Galloway Senior Center will host its Holiday Social on Thursday, Dec. 13 at the senior center, 621 West White Horse Pike and Carton Avenue, at 11 a.m. Lunch will be provided, and transportation is available upon request for those in need. To make a reservation, call 609-568-5073. Space is limited and R.S.V.P.’s are needed by Dec. 6.

Additionally, the Magical Talking Tree will be in Smithville every weekend in December, from noon-5 p.m.; Smithville will host weekend Christmas Train rides from 10 a.m.-closing, for $2 a ticket; and Mrs. Claus will read stories to children in her Christmas Cottage from 1:30-4:30 p.m. every weekend. These events are free.

The village's annual Holiday Light Show is already under way.