With the air growing colder and holiday music playing worldwide, it is time for Glassboro to ring in the holidays. On Dec. 1, in Glassboro’s Town Square off of Rowan Boulevard, families came together to witness the spectacular tradition of the 32-foot LED tree to be lit by the one and only Santa Claus and his wife, Mrs. Claus! 

Even though it was rainy, everyone looked past it to enjoy quality time together. In the Town Square, attendees could enjoy a small petting zoo, horse and carriage rides, and even pictures with Santa. All along Rowan Boulevard, vendors helped families spread some holiday cheer including Inspira Urgent Care who gave out LED reindeer antlers for everyone to wear. Food trucks lined Victoria Street for people to have a fun snack or meal. 

In the Rowan College of South Jersey Welcome Center, families could hear about and watch the holiday-themed train models running freely throughout the building made by the Glassboro Historical Society. The sounds of trains running and small holiday-themed noises such as Christmas Carols, other holiday music, and even the choo-choos of the trains filled the room putting smiles on everyone’s faces. 

Kevin Jenner a junior and radio, television, and film major at Rowan University who also works with the Glassboro Historical Society expressed how hard the team worked on making the displays and the joy they felt in making them for everyone to see.

“It really is a rewarding experience. I don’t think people understand all the work that goes into a display,” said Jenner. “It’s an artistic process and I am glad all the families appreciate what we do. This was my third year doing it and we keep exceeding expectations each year”. 

Escorted by the Glassboro Firefighters, Santa and Mrs. Claus were brought in to help light the holiday tree in the Town Square. With a countdown done by Mayor John E. Wallace, Santa, and Mrs. Claus light up the traditional Christmas Tree with their Christmas magic! Once the tree was lit, families began taking pictures with the fully lit tree behind them capturing this event for the holiday season.

This event wasn’t just for the families of Glassboro, students from Rowan University also came to show their holiday spirit, and some had never been to this traditional tree lighting before. Vincent Giasullo, a junior political science major had never been to this event but enjoyed seeing the magic run throughout the boulevard.

“The scenery of it all, how beautiful it is, how the tree and all the decorations will be here for the next couple of weeks, all of it! It’s amazing,” said Giasullo. 

Luke Michetti, a sophomore geographical information science major attended the event with Vincent as well.

“I have stumbled upon the event and walked around the boulevard,” said Michetti. “I just love how the town’s like all lit up for Christmas and, you know, brings in a warm feeling when there’s Christmas decorations around”. 

Not only were holiday songs playing throughout the night, but the beautiful sounds of everyone wishing each other a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays filled the night sky. Adults smiling as children dance, and even the vendors making jokes to their customers made the start of the true holiday season.

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