Today, Main Street South Orange and The Baird will present their 2011 Holiday Festivities. 

Merchants are invited to shop in South Orange during the annual South Orange Holiday Open House.  The event, which will go from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., will feature in-store promotions, restaurant specials, refreshments, and special discounts in many downtown shops and restaurants.  In addition, free holiday parking will be in effect courtesy of the South Orange Parking Authority.

The South Orange Fire House on Sloan Street will have a special guest from 3-5 p.m.  Santa Claus will be riding his sleigh down to South Orange to visit with all the village kids.  Hot cocoa and refreshments will be served.  Bring your camera or Main Street South Orange will send you the photo.

At 5 p.m., Santa Claus will ride a fire truck down the street to 76 South Orange Avenue to visit Village President Alex Torpey and let him know if he has been naughty or nice.  If he’s been nice, they will flip the switch to light the village’s Christmas tree.  The tree lighting ceremony is sponsored by Keller Williams Midtown Direct.  Seasonal music and refreshments will be served.

Following the day's events, Seton Hall University's gospel choir will be putting on a free performance at 7 p.m. in Jubilee Hall.  The choir will be performing In His Presence.