Collingswood puts on its 2016 Holiday Parade this weekend

Christmas comes to Collingswood this weekend with the return of its Holiday Parade.

Friday, Nov 25

Santa Claus will help get the festivities started with a visit in time for the official tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m.The event features choral groups singing favorite holiday carols and season’s greetings from Mayor Jim Maley and Commissioners Joan Leonard and Mike Hall.

Saturday, Nov 26Then, on Saturday at 10 a.m., catch the Holiday Parade as it makes its way through the borough’s historic district.The two-hour procession will feature numerous marching bands, Mummers, dancers, the Phillies Phanatic and other entertainers, plus dozens of vintage cars and motorcycles. Santa will appear last, riding atop a firetruck decked out in holiday lights.The parade begins at Haddon and Zane avenues. and continues through the heart of town, ending at W. Linden Ave.Both events kick off the holiday season for the borough, packed with free visits with Santa on weekends, caroling and holiday concerts, plus free parking and extended shopping hours.Bonus: Jersey S Gaugers train show at the First Baptist Church (23 Frazer Ave.) on Saturday.