The holidays are a time to come together and cherish the moments we have with loved ones. Every year to celebrate the holidays Bernards, just like many towns, hosts a celebratory parade where they welcome everyone to join in a short march. 

On December 14th, at 5 pm Bernardsville hosted its annual marching parade where participants will walk for a 0.7-mile walk from Seney Drive to Bernards High School. This march is accompanied by music, hot cocoa, and discounts on the local stores on the main street.

Many love decorating their cars as fun floats, Christmas lights, bows, etc., and creating fun signs and posters. The Bernardsville firetrucks escort Santa and his firemen elves through the town while there are horse-drawn carriages in front of them. This parade has been known to bring holiday spirit to Bernardsville for years. As it is not only accessible for everyone, it is incredibly fun for everyone since you can bring cars or bikes, or you can walk. James Ferrante ‘27 says, “I enjoy walking to the parade every year, it is a great way to spread the holiday spirit.”

After talking to Michael Melitski, a junior here at Bernards High School, he stated that the Christmas parade was something he and his family did annually. Since Michael Melitski’s dad, Jeff Melitski, is a Bernardsville Police officer, his family has been involved with this parade ever since he can remember. “It truly brings the family together for the holidays and creates new memories that we will never forget,” says Michael Melitski. It’s a bonding experience that the residents of Bernards will never forget. All participants encourage each other and new families to join the march and accompany them in the music and holiday joy afterward.