By: Najla Alexander
Hi, RLS Media family and friends. Najla here! It’s that time of year again, if you couldn’t tell by the arctic blast, to celebrate the winter holidays as a community! The Borough is truly pulling out all the stops with several holiday events to get you in the holiday spirit and enjoy with friends, family, and all your loved ones.
Carteret lit up the Town with its annual Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting, which took place on Friday, Dec. 5, and was hosted by the Honorable Carteret Mayor Daniel J. Reiman. Who was joined by residents at Carteret Park on Carteret Avenue and Cypress Street to enjoy all the festivities from 6 to 8 p.m., with the annual tree lighting at 7 p.m.
Of course, there can’t be a winer festival without photos with Santa, not to mention live holiday music, hot cocoa, cookies, hot pretzels, all to warm you up, and fun horse-and-buggy rides.
“Our Holiday Festival transforms Carteret Park into a winter wonderland, capturing the true spirit of the holidays for families and visitors with lavish festivities,” Mayor Reiman said.
You can always count on a big crowd showing up and supporting, no matter the temperature, and that says something about the community!
“My family can never get over the pretzels, how soft and warm they are, especially when it’s freezing, such a good snack during this festival! My dad can never get enough!” I exclaimed.
According to Carteret officials, Hanukkah this year runs from Dec. 14 to 22. Carteret will celebrate with a Menorah Lighting at 6 p.m. on Dec. 15 at Carteret Borough Hall with Rabbi Azriel Brown of Carteret Jewish Community Center.
Also on the holiday event menu in Carteret is a Winter Open House on Dec. 12 at Blazing Star Cultural Arts Center, the nonprofit home of Central Jersey Arts Council, Carteret Historical Committee, the Carteret Arts Committee, and Carteret Community Choir, officials say.
From 6 to 9 p.m., officials said, Blazing Star will present a festive evening with performances by Carteret Community Choir and Junior High School Choir; a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus; a reading of “The Night Before Christmas”; exhibits from the Historical Committee, a holiday art activity with the Arts Committee, a celebration of Whoville from Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” plus lots of holiday treats and cheer. Blazing Star is located at 63 Carteret Ave.
“This event is a beautiful reflection of Carteret’s community spirit and creativity,” CJAC Executive Director Elham Hussain said.
“It’s a night to gather, celebrate, and showcase the incredible talent and collaboration that define our borough.”
On Dec. 10, Mayor Reiman will join with the Borough Council and Carteret Business Partnership in presenting a Community Holidays Open House at URSB Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center, according to Carteret officials. The free 6 p.m. event will feature a screening of “Elf,” photo opportunities with Santa Claus, and a second tree lighting with the Mayor.
“Our holiday celebration will transform the gorgeous Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center into a winter wonderland, capturing the true spirit of the holidays for families and visitors,” Mayor Reiman said.
Other holiday happenings in Carteret include:
-“Shop til You Drop,” a holiday shopping fundraiser for the Carteret High School Marching Band, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 6 at Carteret High School, 199 Washington Ave. Admission is free, but a portion of vendor and basket raffle sales will go to the Marching Band. Presented by the Carteret Band Parents Association, the event will include a holiday-themed food court run by band parents.
-“The Winter Wonderland Show,” a free children’s concert with Jennifer Hyjack, 4-4:45 p.m. Dec. 11, Carteret Public Library, 100 Cooke Ave. A teacher at St. Joseph School in Carteret, Hyjack has performed at preschools and daycare centers throughout New Jersey and New York for more than a decade.
I know I speak for myself and many others when I say this: this year hasn't been without its trials and tribulations, and this is the time of the year when you get to see how far you’ve come. Where you get to sit and reflect on this past year, but while doing so, enjoy the magic of the holidays—the magic of being with loved ones, loving yourself more, and appreciating where you are.
“My favorite part is the pretzels and hot cocoa…of course, here for the kids too, haha!,” a parent exclaimed. 
It’s incredible to see the town be lit up with beautiful lights and decorations, sipping hot cocoa while all bundled up, and seeing Santa bring smiles to all the kids. Forgetting about all the noise in life for a while and just being in the magic. There is nothing better than that feeling in the air, and Carteret does it better than anyone else! 
Happy Holidays and Have an Even Better New Year from the RLS Metro Media family and me!