It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

The township will kick-off its holiday festivities this Friday, during the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the municipal building. Sponsored by the West Orange Recreation Department, the jolly event begins at 4:30 p.m.

A holiday petting zoo will remain open until 6:30 p.m. The tree will be lit at 5:40 p.m. The red-suited man himself — Santa — will round out the day and be available for photos in his workshop. Hot chocolate and cookies will be doled out compliments of Pal's Cabin and Shoprite.

The event also includes a Kwanzaa Booth and musical performances.

But, hold your horses, the festivities aren't quite over.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, the Downtown West Orange Alliance will host a full day of holiday happenings in the downtown.

Start your day off at 9 a.m. and have breakfast with Santa at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Skirt your children off to the West Orange Library for a "Reading in Winter Wonderland."

Meanwhile, carolers will fill your ears with holiday music as they sing in front of Our Lady of Lourdes in the morning.

From 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. children can make crafts at the Valley Community Police Center on 555 Valley Road.

Santa will be having some milk and cookies at Supreme Bakery and available for photos from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Trolley tours will take residents on a historic tour of West Orange. Tours will depart from the community house on 242 Main Street.