New Providence Gathers for a Festive Night of 1,000 Stars at Annual Community Tree Lighting

By Bobbie Peer

Published December 6, 2025 at 10:07 AM

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ — Centennial Park shined bright Friday night as families, friends, and neighbors bundled up for the 10th annual New Providence Community Tree Lighting, a beloved “Night of 1,000 Stars” that filled downtown with music, holiday cheer, and a strong sense of community.

Despite the brisk, wintry air, the crowd remained steady throughout the evening. The New Providence Lions Club and Paca Club kept hands warm and spirits high, serving hot chocolate — generously donated by Prestige Diner — along with bags of popcorn for the long line of attendees.

The event, hosted by the New Providence Community Activities Department, featured a new attraction this year: a festive indoor photo booth where guests could step out of the cold, pose with “Naughty” and “Nice” signs, and snap photos with friends and family.

A Night for Community and Giving

Before the official lighting, several local organizations took the stage to highlight their work — groups that play a vital role not only during the holidays but year-round.

Mayor Al Morgan welcomed the crowd and opened the program with a message about the meaning of the season.

“Last week we celebrated Thanksgiving, and we are all thankful for the blessings that have been bestowed on us,” he said. “It’s a time for caring, being thoughtful of others, and being charitable. There are a lot of people for whom this is a tough time of year. Please be generous when you can, and kind and thoughtful.”

The Community Service Association of New Providence, which has supported residents since 1954, expressed gratitude for the community’s ongoing support. Donna Zane thanked residents for their continued generosity.

“Your generosity has made a real difference in the lives of your neighbors,” Zane said. “This holiday season, we’re especially mindful of families in need. Together, we can help warmth, kindness, and hope reach every home.”

The LINK Program — Linking Initiatives for Neighborhood Change — also addressed the crowd. Co-founders Abby Franco and Aiden Barth, who started the youth-led organization as high school students, described their mission of supporting families facing food insecurity.

“For those who don’t know us, we help support our neighbors in need who might be fighting food insecurity or anything else they need support with,” Franco said. “As of last month, we’ve served over 46 tons of food, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies to local families.”

They encouraged residents to visit their table to learn more about donating or volunteering.

To learn more about the CSA, visit www.csanewprovidence.org, and for more information about LINC Resource Pantry, visit www.lincnj.org.

Children’s Ornaments and Community Music Fill the Park

In the weeks leading up to the celebration, the New Providence Business Community distributed blank ornaments at NP Fuel, Elefante Music, Prestige Diner, Terrana Orthodontics, and Braunschweiger Jewelers. Children decorated the ornaments at home and brought them to hang on the community tree.

Before the lighting, Elefante Music and School for the Performing Arts and the New Providence Select Choir led the audience in carols. Volunteers handed out music sheets so the community could sing along, filling the park with holiday favorites.

The evening closed with a lively appearance by La Befana, portrayed by Emma Peterson, who brought an extra touch of magic as she arrived with her guitar to perform a cheerful seasonal tune. Children hurried into the pavilion afterward to pick up a treat before the tree lighting countdown.

As the crowd gathered shoulder to shoulder, Mayor Morgan led the countdown from ten, and the tree sprang to life in a brilliant glow befitting the “Night of 1,000 Stars.”

The lights, music, generosity, and sense of togetherness created a joyful start to the holiday season in New Providence. The festive decorations throughout the park were provided by the New Providence Beautification Committee.