Thanksgiving is a great time to celebrate with our families and friends and head into holiday events happening throughout Cumberland County. In my last column I wrote about the great holiday promotions to save you money while supporting the artists and independent businesses in Millville’s Glasstown Arts District and we are thankful for your support during this special time of year.

Wheaton Arts, 1501 Glasstown Road in Millville, invites everyone to the Event Center for the annual Holiday Studio Sale beginning on Friday, November 25. It will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sunday, December 4. The sale features discounted prices on a wide selection of handcrafted ceramic and glass items. A table will be set up for visitors to create their own unique gift tags for all the perfect gifts they find. Proceeds from the sale support individual artists and arts programming at WheatonArts.org.

Also on Friday, November 25, the Millville Christmas Parade begins at 7 p.m. at High and Harrison ending at Main Street. Just prior to the parade will be the 27th annual Jolly Holly Run – Walk. The one-mile walk and run starts at High and Main at 6:15 and the 5K run begins at 6:30. You need to register at JollyHollyRun. If you wish to enter the parade, contact the Millville Chamber of Commerce or the City by phoning 856-825-7000, ext. 7394.

Vineland Main Street will host the Christmas Parade on Landis Avenue starting at 7 p.m. Register to enter the parade or for more information at 856-794-8653. Santa will be on hand at the end of the parade to bring the lights to life strung across The Ave. Enjoy all of the floats, bands, and marching groups at both of these downtown parades.

The three cities in our county have holiday events planned for December 2 and 3. On those dates, Vineland Main Street will be hosting an Olde Fashioned Christmas from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. Carolers, photos with Santa, carriage rides, shopping and more will abound throughout the two days.

In Millville, a Winter Wonderland will take place on December 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. on the first block of High Street (Main to Sassafras streets). Indoor and outdoor events will include crafts, games, live music, holiday short films, pictures with Santa, hair tinseling, and special guests Elsa, Anna, & Olaf. The city Christmas tree will be lit at the corner of High and Main. Call the City at 856-825-7000, ext. 7394 for details. Along High Street, businesses will be open with holiday treats and great gift shopping ideas for you.

Bridgeton Main Street is sponsoring the annual Open House Tour. Many of the 20 plus homes on the tour are from the Victorian era. They will be fully decorated, and the owners will welcome you to see the splendor of the holidays and a bygone era. There will be entertainment, special displays, and food and drink at many of the homes. Tour hours are from 3 to 7 p.m. Tickets must be purchased online at BridgetonHouseTour.org.

Make sure to mark your calendars for December 10 when The Grinch will be at the Village on High, 501 N. High Street, for a special event from 1 to 3 p.m. There will be photos with the Grinch, crafts and storytime for your youngsters. Check the Village on High’s Facebook page for more details.