Local Events December 19, 2025

East Brunswick Winter WonderLights 2025

It’s hard to believe, but Christmas is less than a week away. One of the parts of this holiday season that I love best is seeing the beautiful twinkling lights on display around town. One of the best places to see millions of gorgeous nighttime Christmas lights is at the East Brunswick Winter WonderLights event going on right now.

What: East Brunswick Winter WonderLights 2025
Where: Middlesex County Fairgrounds (655 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick)
When: Now through December 28th from 5:30 pm to 10 pm
Admission: $45 per car

East Brunswick Winter WonderLights 2025

Guests enjoy hundreds of thousands of lights on display from the cozy comfort of their cars at WonderLights. Fan favorites like the giant Christmas trees, a special tribute to our military men and women as well as our first responders, a 25-foot alien invasion set, and a 27-foot gingerbread house made entirely of lights return for this year’s event. Additionally, guests will be treated to several brand new displays as well as a huge 16-foot monitor showcasing classic holiday scenes in full color.

When you arrive at the fairgrounds, you will be directed to tune your car’s radio to a specific channel. All light displays feature music synchronized to the music on that channel. Depending on how busy the venue is, it typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes to drive through the entire venue.

Ticket Info

Tickets cost $45 per vehicle. However, if you plan on coming back several times this season, you might want to consider an unlimited season pass. For $100, you get to come back as often as you want until the season ends on December 28th. Either purchase your tickets online here or get them at the gate when you arrive for the festivities. However, keep in mind that the season passes are in limited supply. So if you wait until you get the gate, you might miss your opportunity to take advantage of this discount.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

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Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events December 12, 2025

Westfield Community Blood Drive

We only have a couple of weeks left before Christmas. What’s on your list of presents this year? How about giving the gift of life by signing up to donate at the Westfield Community Blood Drive.

What: Westfield Community Blood Drive
Where: Westfield Memorial Library (550 E Broad St)
When: Tuesday, December 16th from noon to 6 pm
Contact: Genvieve, Coordinator, (732-672-5281)

Westfield Community Blood Drive

New Jersey Blood Services comes to the Westfield Memorial Library next Tuesday. All eligible adults can donate blood between noon and 6 pm. However, you must make an appointment before you go. To do so, please visit the NYBC appointment site here. Choose between donating whole blood or double red cell and pick a time to donate.

What’s the Difference Between Whole Blood or Double Red Cell?

Whole blood donation takes about an hour to donate one pint of blood. It then gets divided up into red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Double red cell donation takes about 80 minutes to donate two units of just your red blood cells. After the red blood cells are separated, your plasma and platelets get put back into your body. The higher volume allows you to save even more lives with the one donation. Plus, people tend to feel better afterward than those who donate whole blood.

Downtown Cranford Sweets & Treats Walk 2025

The Sweets & Treats Walk takes place tomorrow (December 13th) at Eastman Clock Plaza. Make sure to purchase your ticket ahead of time. Then, meet up at the plaza at 1 pm. Once there, you will receive a map and treat container. The map lists the various businesses participating in the walk. Visit each stop shown on the map for a unique treat provided only by that particular business.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

What’s My Home Worth?

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events December 5, 2025

Downtown Cranford Sweets and Treats Walk 2025

I certainly hope that everyone’s Thanksgiving went well. We only have three more weeks until Christmas. One of the fun holiday events planned in the Westfield area is the Downtown Cranford Sweets and Treats Walk.

What: Downtown Cranford Sweets and Treats Walk 2025
Where: Eastman Clock Plaza
When: Saturday, December 13th from 1 pm to 4 pm
Admission: $30 per person

Downtown Cranford Sweets and Treats Walk 2025

Fourteen different downtown Cranford businesses plan on participating in the walk. First, purchase your ticket. Then, visit the walk. Upon check-in, guests receive their own container and a special map featuring all 14 of the businesses. Stop in at each one to collect entries. Each stop along the way includes specially made treats for the evening. So make sure you pick one of those up at each stop along the way. If you visit each shop during the walk, you will have a whole container full of goodies to take home with you.

Ticket Info

Tickets cost $30 per person (+ service fee). Purchase your ticket only here. But you need to hurry. Spaces are limited and tickets sell out quickly.

Cranford Oh What Fun Event

For some weeknight fun, visit Venue 104 in Downtown Cranford on Thursday, December 11th. Organizers planned an afternoon of cocoa sipping and cookie decorating. For every $20 you spend between 4 pm and 7 pm on that date gets you one entry into the drawing for a $300 gift card.

Westfield Miracle on Elm Street 2025

Don’t forget. You still have plenty of time to enter the Westfield Miracle on Elm Street contest. First, grab your Christmas gift list. Then, head to Downtown Westfield. Pick up a postcard inside one of those businesses while you are shopping. Make sure to get it stamped by that business. After that, visit as many local shops as you wish. Stamp your postcard at each stop. Once it’s full, drop it into one of the designated red mailboxes located in the area. Organizers plan on holding one random drawing each week from the postcards received. Each weekly winner receives a $50 gift card to be used at the business who’s name is on the front of the postcard that gets drawn. Good luck!

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

What’s My Home Worth?

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Market Reports December 4, 2025

December 2025 Market Update

Curious about your home’s value?

Please click below for the market update of interest to you:

Berkeley Heights

Chatham

Clark

Cranford

Fanwood

Garwood

Madison

Millburn

Mountainside

New Providence

Scotch Plains

Short Hills

Summit

Westfield by Grade School:

Franklin

Jefferson

McKinley

Tamaques

Washington

Wilson

Scott Gleason scott@luxuryhomesnj.com

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events December 1, 2025

Westfield Miracle on Elm Street 2025

I certainly hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday. Now it’s time to switch gears. We only have a few short weeks left until Christmas. While you’re out running around, checking off presents on your Christmas gift list, join in on the Westfield Miracle on Elm Street event. You just might bring home a gift all your own.

What: Westfield Miracle on Elm Street 2025
Where: Downtown Westfield Businesses
When: Now through January 5th, 2026

Westfield Miracle on Elm Street 2025

Dozens of local downtown businesses will be participating in the Miracle on Elm Street event this year. All you need to do to participate is pick up a special postcard from one of those businesses. Then, fill it out and drop it off at one of the designated red mailboxes located on Elm Street (either at Elm and Broad or South and Summit). One winner will be chosen from all entries each week. That winner receives a $50 gift card for the business listed on the postcard entry. Weekly drawings continue through January 5th. So, please visit often and feel free to pick up a card from each and every business you frequent. Good luck!

Free Gift Wrapping in Westfield

Do you avoid gift wrapping until the last minute because it feels tedious? Or do you doubt your wrapping skills? Forget about it. When you purchase a present from one of the downtown Westfield shops, bring it and proof of purchase to the gift wrapping station located at Heirloom x AHD (112 Elm St). Their expert “elves” wrap presents absolutely free of charge. Their station is only open from 12 pm to 4 pm on every Saturday and Sunday through December 21st.

Santa promises to show up for photos from 1 pm to 4 pm on December 6th, 13th, and 20th. Bring your pet to pose with the jolly old elf on December 13th. Each photo costs $10 and you will need to purchase tickets ahead of time.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

What’s My Home Worth?

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events November 14, 2025

Westfield Tree Lighting Ceremony 2025

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away. That makes the Christmas season a little short this year. In fact, there are only 28 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. But the season officially kicks off with the Westfield Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

What: Westfield Tree Lighting Ceremony 2025
Where: North Side Train Station Parking Lot
When: Saturday, November 29th from 5 pm to 7 pm
Admission: FREE

Westfield Tree Lighting Ceremony 2025

Christmas season cannot officially begin until the City’s tree is lit. That takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (November 29th). Simply make your way to the North Side train station anytime between 5 pm and 7 pm. Festivities start with a visit from Santa Claus. So make sure you bring your camera with you for this great photo-op. A DJ helps get everyone in the holiday spirit by spinning cheerful music. Fill up your bellies with delicious treats from local restaurants. The festivities end with the official lighting of the tree.

Scotch Plains Gingerbread House Contest

If you enjoy the tradition of creating and decorating a gingerbread house, then I have a contest for you! You still have time to enter the Scotch Plains Gingerbread House Contest. Registration ends on December 4th. You must be a resident of either Scotch Plains or Fanwood to enter. Every single part of the gingerbread house must be edible. That includes the foundation as well as the decorations. Only one entry per person.

Scotch Plains Holiday Home Decorating Contest

If you wish to participate in this year’s holiday home decorating contest in Scotch Plains, you must register no later than December 5th. Your house must be decorated no later than December 7th. The public then votes for their favorites between December 12th and January 2nd. Winners will be announced after judging closes.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events November 7, 2025

Scotch Plains Holiday Home Decorating Contest 2025

Thanksgiving takes place late this year. We only have four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. Scotch Plains has a few Christmastime events scheduled this year. One of the fun things you can do is the Scotch Plains Holiday Home Decorating Contest 2025.

What: Scotch Plains Holiday Home Decorating Contest 2025
Where: Neighborhood Homes
When: Starting December 7th
Contact: Scotch Plains Dept of Parks & Recreation (908-322-6700 x223)

Scotch Plains Holiday Home Decorating Contest 2025

If you enjoy decorating your home for the holidays, you might want to participate in the holiday home decorating contest in Scotch Plains. Registration is open now online at the Scotch Plains Community Pass website. It ends December 5th. Homes need to be decorated by December 7th. The public will be allowed to vote for their favorites between December 12th and January 2nd.

Local Food Pantry Donations Wanted

This time of year, the food pantries get inundated with requests from families. Our food pantries have trouble keeping up with requests. If you can afford to make an online donation to Community Food Bank of NJ, that would be great. They also plan on helping local community members who lost their SNAP benefits recently. So any donations will be well appreciated.

Scotch Plains Gingerbread House Contest 2025

The Scotch Plains Recreation Department hosts a gingerbread house contest on December 7th. If you want to participate, you must be a resident of either Scotch Plains or Fanwood. You also need to be registered online by 4 pm on December 4th in order to be allowed to enter. All entries must be assembled and ready for judging by 1 pm on December 7th. Winners will be announced by the end of the day.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events November 7, 2025

Scotch Plains Gingerbread House Contest 2025

Thanksgiving is still over three weeks ago. Christmas takes place just 29 days later. I realize that it is still November, but December will be here before you know it. One Christmastime tradition is to build and decorate gingerbread houses. If that is something you enjoy, consider participating in the Scotch Plains Gingerbread House Contest 2025.

What: Scotch Plains Gingerbread House Contest 2025
Where: Alan M Augustine Village Green (430 Park Ave)
When: Sunday, December 7th, 1 pm to 5 pm
Admission: FREE
Registration: Scotch Plains Rec Dept (908-322-6700 x223 or Community Pass website

Scotch Plains Gingerbread House Contest 2025

The gingerbread house contest is open to both Scotch Plains and Fanwood residents. Only one entry is allowed per person. Everything used for building the gingerbread house must be edible. That includes the walls, roof, and anything put on the house itself.

All entries must be completed and on display by 1 pm on the day of the event at Augustine Village Green. All entries will be on display throughout the entirety of the event. All entries will be judged at that time, with the winner announced around 4:45 pm.

How to Register for the Contest

Registration for the gingerbread house contest is free of cost. You must register online at the Scotch Plains Community Pass website. You will need to create a free account if you do not already have one. Then you can register for the event there. In order to participate, you must register by 4 pm on December 4th. If you have any questions, please call the Recreation Department at (908-322-6700 ext. 223).

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Market Reports October 31, 2025

November 2025 Market Update

Curious about your home’s value?

Please click below for the market update of interest to you:

Berkeley Heights

Chatham

Clark

Cranford

Fanwood

Garwood

Madison

Millburn

Mountainside

New Providence

Scotch Plains

Short Hills

Summit

Westfield by Grade School:

Franklin

Jefferson

McKinley

Tamaques

Washington

Wilson

Scott Gleason scott@luxuryhomesnj.com

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events October 17, 2025

Scotch Plains Trunk or Treat 2025

Halloween is just two short weeks away. What do you plan on doing? One event that will get you in the mood for this fun holiday is the Scotch Plains Trunk or Treat 2025,

What: Scotch Plains Trunk or Treat 2025
Where: East 2nd Street, Scotch Plains
When: Saturday, October 25th, from 3 pm to 5 pm
Admission: FREE

Scotch Plains Trunk or Treat 2025

Looking for a safe alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating? Or do you just want another excuse to let the kiddos put on their costumes and grab themselves some candy? The Scotch Plains Recreation Department hosts their annual Truck or Treat event on East 2nd Street on Saturday, October 25th.

Are you interested in being one of the trunks that provides the treats? Visit the Scotch Plains Community Pass website to register. Just make sure you do it before the October 23rd deadline. Also, make sure you decorate your vehicle. Prizes will be awarded to those deemed “the best”.

AddamsFest 2025

AddamsFest 2025 takes place all month long. Although several one-day events have already taken place, there are still a few more left. For example, Addams Family Fun Day takes place this Sunday on Quimby Street. The Wednesday Night Crawlers event takes place every Wednesday. Creepy and kooky Addams Family-inspired murals pop up on the windows of several businesses as well as on the Central Ave Mural Gallery. Commemorate the month with a selfie at the Bewitched Selfie Station on Quimby and Elm. Finally, visit Mindowaskin Park to see the floating replica of the Addams Family home.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

What’s My Home Worth?

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes