The Village Council of Ridgewood held a meeting on December 5, 2024, where community leaders expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that brought the Christmas tree to downtown Ridgewood. The tree, generously donated by Louis Francis, commander of American Legion Post 53, will be the centerpiece of the upcoming holiday festivities.

The highlight of the meeting was the announcement of the "Downtown for the Holidays" event scheduled for December 6, from 6 PM to 9 PM, featuring a tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 PM at the intersection of East Ridgewood Avenue and Broad Street. Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities, including a Touch a Truck event, a trackless train, Nutcracker dancers performing in store windows, and Santa Claus making appearances in his golf cart.

Santa's schedule for the holiday season was also shared, with multiple visits planned throughout December. He will be at Santa's house on December 7 at Columbia Bank from 10 AM to 1 PM and at Memorial Park at Van Ness Square from 2 PM to 4 PM. Additional visits are set for December 14 and 21, from 11 AM to 2 PM.

The Ridgewood Fire Department will host "Santa Claus Coming to Town" on December 20, making stops at local elementary schools between 4 PM and 7 PM. A flyer detailing the specific times for each school will be circulated and available in the village's e-news.

In observance of the Christmas holiday, all village offices will be closed on December 24 and 25. Garbage and recycling pickup will occur on Christmas Eve, and the recycling center will be open from 8 AM to 3 PM.

Lastly, the annual menorah lighting at Memorial Park at Anna Square is scheduled for December 29, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, coinciding with the start of Hanukkah this year. Residents are encouraged to participate in this celebration of community and tradition.

The meeting underscored the village's commitment to fostering community spirit during the holiday season, with numerous events designed to bring residents together.