Cape May Court House, N.J. – Middle Township residents will be rockin’ around the Christmas tree on Friday, Dec. 2, as the town hosts its annual Christmas parade and celebration.

The parade will include decorated fire trucks and ambulances, floats, marching groups and the Middle Township High School Panther Marching Band. Santa and Mrs. Claus will close out the procession, which begins at 6 p.m. on Pacific Avenue next to Memorial Field.

After the parade, a tree-lighting celebration will take place around 7:15 at Town Hall at 33 Mechanic St. Santa and Mrs. Claus will stop by before dashing to the Middle Township Volunteer Fire Department on Hand Avenue to hand out candy canes and stockings. The public is also invited to the fire department, for a Christmas carol sing-along and hot beverages and cookies.

New this year, Girl Scout Troop 46436 will run a S’mores bar and the Township’s Environmental Committee will welcome guests to a crafts station.

Dance performances will take place in front of the library after the tree lighting. Judges will select winners in the following parade categories: first responders, dance groups, community group, single/family, and float.

Those who want to participate in the parade can register by 3 p.m. on Nov. 30 at middletownship.recdesk.com or call (609) 465-8728 for more information.

House decorating contest

Residents who want their homes to make the season bright are encouraged to enter Middle Township’s Christmas House Decorating Contest. Registration is required and must be completed by Dec. 9. Judging takes place Dec. 13 and winners will be announced on Dec. 15.

To register, visit middletownship.recdesk.com, or email a registration form to nmcdevitt@middletownship.com. For more information, call (609) 465-8728.