New route for the 2016 Collingswood Parade of Lights

‘Tis the season for holiday light displays and Collingswood, New Jersey, has a tradition of making that magic mobile with its annual Parade of Lights. 

More than 25 firetrucks and first responders from area fire and police departments, as well as floats, will drive through downtown streets all decked out in tens of thousands of Christmas lights.

Route change

This year, the parade route has been changed.

The decorated vehicles will set off from the Scottish Rite Auditorium parking lot and proceed down W. Franklin Ave. to Grant Ave., heading towards Knight Park Playground. The parade will then turn north on Browning Rd. and follow the perimeter of the park along Park Ave. to Collings Ave. and then head to N. Atlantic Ave. for the finish.

Event hours will be Friday, Dec. 9, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. – Knight Park Playground, Collingswood, N.J.

Santa Claus will also get in on the fun as he brings up the rear atop a firetruck.The lights and music can get pretty elaborate as vehicles compete for bragging rights and prizes.

Visitors are encouraged to sit in Knight Park to enjoy the parade and are welcome to bring chairs and hot cocoa.

Parents with young children please take heed – roads will be open to traffic for duration of event.

Knight Park will be closed to parking during event and there will be no parking along Browning Rd. and Park Ave.

Also happening

If you’re hanging around town, there will be other holiday happenings to take in.

Santa Claus will be visiting at the Pop Shop (729 Haddon Ave.) between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The Collings-Knight House (500 Collins Ave.) will be hosting a free candlelight open house from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., where guests can see the homestead decorated for the holidays and learn about historic seasonal traditions.

Art Within Reach will host a holiday showcase at The Factory (13 Fern Ave,) featuring 28 local artists and crafters from noon to 10 p.m.

Holiday carolers (Hotsy Totsy and the Cherokee High School Chamber Choir) will be spreading Christmas cheer on Haddon Ave. between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Parking is free this month in downtown Collingswood, including the Lumberyard Garage and at a lot on N. Atlantic Ave at W. Collings Ave.