Photo credit Township of Belleville: Santa Claus and Mayor Michael Melham pushed the plunger, illuminating the 75-foot-tall Christmas tree on the lawn of Belleville High School. The tree is illuminated with 2,800 lights.

A rush of happiness filled the chilly air Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 as Santa Claus and Mayor Michael Melham pushed the official holiday plunger, illuminating the 75-foot-tall tree decorated with 2,800 lights on the Belleville High School lawn.

A gleeful glow was cast across the lawn and throughout the town as an estimated 3,500 people turned out for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Extravaganza, courtesy of the Mayor, Township Council and Board of Education.

Children posed for photos with Santa, couples shared sips of hot chocolate and families brushed Dora the Horse, D.J. the Donkey and other farm animals in specially arranged petting zoo as Belleville rolled out its biggest and brightest holiday celebration.

There were horse-drawn carriage rides down Passaic Avenue, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus inside their tent and carolers dressed in Victorian-era costumes spreading holiday cheer all around.

Photo credit Township of Belleville: Dancers in festive costumes, along with a stilt walker, Victorian Era carolers and a juggler, mingled with residents at the Holiday Extravaganza in Belleville.

Photo credit Township of Belleville: Children penned letters to Santa - complete, no doubt, with their wish lists - during Belleville's Holiday Extravaganza.

Photo credit Township of Belleville: Families sipped hot chocolate and watched holiday classics during Belleville's Holiday Extravaganza.

Photo credit Township of Belleville: Children penned letters to Santa - complete, no doubt, with their wish lists - during Belleville's Holiday Extravaganza.

View Additional Information Here