WESTWOOD, N.J.—Decorations light up the night as Westwood Avenue is all decked out for the 1973 holiday season. This image was captured by photographer Thomas Moorhead of Emerson.
December is a festive time in Westwood, where the annual Home for the Holidays parade draws upwards of 10,000 people from surrounding towns.
The tradition of the parade dates back to the 1950s, when Santa would visit children at Pascack Valley Hospital and then ride on a float through Westwood. In the 1980s, the Westwood Chamber of Commerce got involved and added a welcome element of hospitality to the event, giving away hot beverages, hosting open houses and playing music.
Decades later, Home for the Holidays continues to be the de facto start to the holiday season in the Pascack Valley. This year’s parade is set to take place on Saturday, Dec. 7. The theme will be “125 years of Celebration” to cap off Westwood’s anniversary year (the borough was incorporated in 1894).
As always, Home for the Holidays will feature floats, costumed characters, marching bands, hot chocolate and Santa on the fire truck. The parade will kick off at Five Corners (Westwood Avenue and Kinderkamack Road) at 6 p.m. and will proceed up Westwood Avenue to Veterans Park.
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