Happy holidays! The Central Jerseyan Newsletter is back after taking a one-week hiatus while we all enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. It felt nice to have a few days to be with family and shop for some great early holiday deals. This is also the time of year when strange things can happen at local government meetings. Funding is shifted, and priorities are rushed through before the year ends. We’re looking at you, Trenton Democrats.

This week, we check in on some odd moments during local government meetings. You can also find a rundown of upcoming holiday events.

David and Scott Rudd of Woodbridge have turned a single holiday donation box into a countywide toy drive supporting more than 200 children each year. With help from local businesses, volunteers, and the Kiwanis Club of Edison, their Hearts & Hands Toy Drive now spans more than 50 drop-off locations. The toys are delivered to New Jersey’s child protection agency, where caseworkers say the donations bring joy to children who often face difficult circumstances. This year, the Rudds also secured their first municipal partner as Woodbridge Township joined the effort.

Learn more, including how you can help →

A plan to build a 14,346-square-foot “French chateau” mansion in north Edison hit a wall Tuesday night as the Zoning Board pushed back hard on the home’s size, stormwater impacts, and multiple variance requests. Board members said the proposal, larger than what was publicly noticed and nearly double the permitted floor-area ratio, violates the standards set when the property was subdivided in 2019. After tense exchanges, a recess, and an attempted outburst from the audience, the board delayed the case to February, giving the homeowner time to scale down the design.

Get the full rundown →

Edison’s Township Council advanced a major ordinance that would update salary ranges for top officials, including the mayor, police and fire chiefs, and department directors. A final vote is set for Monday, December 8. The council also moved forward with stricter tree-removal rules and new environmental impact requirements for large development projects, while adopting updated filming regulations to attract more movie shoots. More than $1 million in internal fund transfers were approved as well, shifting surplus salary funds in police, fire, and recreation to cover rising costs in lighting, energy, and public building operations.

Find out more →

Friday, December 5 | 6:00 PM
Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, Linden | Free Admission

Linden kicks off the season with its annual Holiday Tree Lighting, featuring music, dance performances, local school groups, and a visit from Santa. Families can enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and festive displays as the city lights its community tree. The celebration is hosted by Mayor Derek Armstead and the Linden Department of Parks & Recreation. More info →

Saturday, December 6 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church of Woodbridge | Tickets Required

The Woodbridge Boy Scouts are hosting their annual Breakfast with Santa, offering pancakes, photos, crafts, and holiday activities for families. All children receive a small gift, and proceeds support local scouting programs. Tickets are available by presale or at the door while supplies last. More info →

Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Merchants & Drovers Tavern Museum, Rahway | Free Admission

Shop local and support Rahway’s historic tavern museum at the annual Holiday Bazaar, featuring handmade goods, vintage items, seasonal décor, and unique gifts from local artisans. The event includes festive music, hot beverages, and tours of the 19th-century tavern. All proceeds benefit preservation and programming at the Merchants & Drovers Museum. More info →

Sunday, December 7 | 1:30 PM
Main Street, Woodbridge | Free Admission

Woodbridge Township brings the season to life with its annual Holiday Parade, featuring marching bands, community groups, decorated floats, and a Santa appearance to close the route. Families are encouraged to line Main Street early to get a good view. The parade kicks off at Woodbridge High School and ends at Town Hall. More info →

Friday, December 5 - Sunday, December 7
Edison Main Library (340 Plainfield Ave) | Free Admission

The Edison Public Library Foundation is hosting its final Bookfest of 2025 inside the newly renovated ground floor of the Main Library. Readers can browse thousands of gently used, new-to-you books, with all proceeds supporting future library renovations, new furniture, shelving, and community programming. A special Friday pre-sale is reserved for members of the Friends of the Edison Public Library, with membership available online or at the door. It’s an easy way to support the library while expanding your own home collection. More info →

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As always, you can see even more events on The Central Jerseyan website. See the full events calendar ➝

Have an event you’d like included in this newsletter or a tip for a local news story? You can simply reply to this newsletter or contact me here ➝

Have a great weekend!