Haddonfield Happenings: Haddonfield's Christmas Candlelight Shopping Tradition

It was cold and the air was damp from rain that had passed through earlier in the evening. Luminaries lined the sidewalks and gave off a warm glowing light. The trees and store front windows were wrapped in white lights and covered in scarlet colored bows. Carolers in festive attire sang Christmas songs and in the distance a trumpet could be heard boldly playing “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

Haddonfield’s Candlelight Shopping tradition was up and running for another holiday season celebration.

“I think it’s great!” said Haddonfield resident Danielle Dayton. “It’s family-friendly, very festive and I’m really glad the rain stopped.” Danielle was waiting in line for the carriage ride with her family. “This is our first year and so far we’re having a good time.”

This year, every Friday evening from November 23rd through December 21st, downtown Haddonfield celebrates the Christmas holiday with extended shopping hours, horse drawn carriage rides and special appearances from Santa Claus.

“I love coming here,” said Mr. Kris Kringle. “I never get tired of it.” When asked how long he has been appearing at Haddonfield’s Candlelight event, he said, “Oh I don’t know, maybe four or five years. Time flies when you’re having fun.” In response to questions about what most people were asking for this year, Santa said, “This year I’ve gotten some requests for American Girl Dolls, horses, and a lot of iPads.”

Not far from where Santa was greeting the children, the Essential Brass Ensemble could be heard playing popular Christmas carols in the Kings Court Gazebo. One of the band members, Nathan Gable, plays a bright red, plastic and fiberglass trombone, which is incredibly light-weight compared to a traditional brass instrument. “I’ve been playing the trombone since seventh grade,” he said. “I’ve been with this group for eleven years. This is our first year playing here in Haddonfield. It’s great fun!”

Down the street from the Brass Ensemble, Christine Schrader, a computer programmer by day and a Volunteer Auxiliary Police Officer by night was found hard at work directing traffic and helping pedestrians cross the street. “I’ve been doing this about eight years.” she said. When asked about any major issues that happen during her shift, she responded, “The drivers get very distracted by everything that’s going on, and sometimes I worry about that. People get excited- they don’t wait for the traffic, but honestly, it’s a pretty fun gig!”

Standing outside one of the shops was Alan Moore, who has lived in Haddonfield for 60 years. Mr. Moore said that the Candlelight Shopping event was not his idea of entertainment, but thought it was a good time to promote the opening of his new bookstore to passers-by. “I’m opening a book store [December 8th]. It’s going to be called ‘None Such Books’ and it will be located on 24 Ellis Street near the Kings Court Gazebo.”

Not far from where Mr. Moore stood, MP4! could be heard singing “Jingle Bell Rock” and other Christmas carols. The group members of MP4! are a part of the “Sweet Adelines,” which is one of the world’s largest groups of women singers that use a barbershop quartet harmony. “We’ve been together for five years. This is our fourth year here in Haddonfield and we’re here every Friday night,” they said.

This year’s Candlelight Shopping event began with a Tree Lighting at the library on November 23rd. Next Friday, December 14th there will be a live nativity scene at the Baptist Church, Mimes from Cherry Hill East High School, and a special appearance from Woody the Stilt Walker. Carriage rides and caroling begin at 6:00 p.m.