Residents of Ridgewood are gearing up for a festive weekend as the Village Council announced several holiday events during their recent meeting. Santa Claus will be making a special appearance at Van Ness Square this Saturday, December 14, from 11 AM to 2 PM, inviting families to take pictures with him.

In addition to Santa's visit, the Ridgewood PBA Local 20 is hosting its annual toy drive, also on December 14. Community members are encouraged to donate unwrapped toys at local elementary schools, with scheduled pickups throughout the day. The Ridgewood FMBA, Local 47, will bring Santa around town on a fire truck the following week, visiting various schools on December 20.

The council also reminded residents that village offices will be closed on December 24 and 25 for the Christmas holiday, but garbage and recycling services will continue as usual on December 24. The recycling center will be open from 8 AM to 3 PM that day.

Looking ahead, the twelfth annual menorah lighting is set for December 29 at Van Ness Square, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, with council members encouraging community participation.

During the meeting, council members reflected on recent successful events, including a well-attended tree lighting ceremony and a sensory-friendly tree lighting for families with special needs children. The council expressed gratitude to volunteers and local businesses that contributed to these events, highlighting the community spirit that defines Ridgewood.

The next village council meetings are scheduled for January 6, 8, and 22, all starting at 7:30 PM, marking the beginning of a new year of community engagement and governance.