Santa Claus Spreads Holiday Cheer Across Harrison This December

The magic of the holiday season has officially arrived in the Town of Harrison, and there’s no one more excited to visit than Santa Claus himself. Fresh from a joyful morning of pancakes and other wonderful breakfast treats and photos at the Centro Romeu Cascaes Portuguese American Community Center’s Breakfast With Santa, the jolly man in red has several more appearances scheduled in Harrison, ensuring smiles, celebrations, and community spirit throughout the month.

Tree Lighting at Harrison Library Park – Tuesday, December 9th

Santa’s next stop is the Annual Harrison Christmas Tree Lighting on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Harrison Library Park, 415 Harrison Avenue. Families from across the community are invited to share in this cherished tradition as the town comes together to kick off the holiday season with warm lights, festive music, and a special visit from Old Saint Nick.

Santa’s Ride Through Town – December 21st

Holiday excitement continues when Santa returns to Harrison for a special Sunday ride through town on December 21, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

With a sleigh transformed into a Harrison Fire Truck, and escorted by both the Harrison Fire Department and Harrison Police Department, Santa will bring joy to every neighborhood. Residents can listen for Christmas music and sirens as a sign that Santa is on his way and should hurry outside to wave hello and show their holiday spirit.

A Special Visit to the Harrison Senior Center – December 22nd

The following day, Monday, December 22, 2025, Santa Claus will make a heartfelt stop at the Harrison Senior Center, 221 Harrison Avenue, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This exclusive visit ensures the town’s senior residents can enjoy quality time with Santa, reminding everyone that the holidays are a time for joy at every age. This event is only available to Harrison Seniors.

How Santa Became the Symbol of Christmas Cheer

While the modern Santa Claus is beloved for his red suit, flying reindeer, and yearly gift deliveries, his origins stretch back centuries. Santa’s story begins with Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop from Myra (in present-day Turkey), known for his generosity and miraculous acts of kindness, especially toward children.

As European settlers immigrated to the United States, their traditions blended. By the early 19th century, Sinterklaas from Dutch culture evolved into Santa Claus, thanks to influential works like Clement Clarke Moore’s famous 1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” better known today as “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Throughout the 20th century, illustrations by artists such as Haddon Sundblom, who created Coca-Cola’s iconic Santa advertisements beginning in the 1930s, helped shape the image we know today: a joyful, round-bellied figure with a white beard and a twinkle in his eye.

Today, Santa Claus is recognized across the globe as a symbol of hope, generosity, and the magic of the season, values that come alive in communities just like Harrison each December.

A Season of Community and Celebration

With multiple opportunities to see Santa in Harrison, families, children, and residents of all ages can look forward to a holiday season filled with wonder. From tree lighting to neighborhood cheer to honoring our seniors, Santa’s appearances remind us of what matters most: community, kindness, and the joy of sharing the season.

Your Harrison will continue to provide updates on all local holiday events throughout the month of December. Until then, keep your eyes open and your hearts full — Santa Claus is coming to town! Please share your photos on our Community Discussion Board.

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