On Christmas Eve, the heart of Basking Ridge comes alive with voices, tradition, and the sound of church bells as residents and visitors gather for one of New Jersey’s most enduring holiday celebrations. The Basking Ridge Christmas Eve Community Sing returns on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, beginning promptly at 7:00 p.m. on the Basking Ridge Town Green, continuing a tradition that has connected generations for more than a century.
This year’s gathering holds special meaning, marking the 100th anniversary of the community sing. Families, neighbors, and guests of all ages are invited to assemble outdoors, share in the joy of familiar Christmas carols, exchange warm holiday wishes, and then continue on to their own evening traditions. The event is entirely free and open to the public, reinforcing its role as a welcoming, inclusive celebration at the center of town life.
As the clock strikes 7:00 p.m., church bells signal the start of the evening. Over the next half hour, participants sing nine traditional carols together, filling the Town Green with music that has echoed through Basking Ridge for generations. The program typically concludes around 7:35 p.m., once again accompanied by the ringing of bells, a moment that has become just as cherished as the songs themselves.
Recognized as the oldest continuously held Christmas Eve sing in New Jersey, the event is less about performance and more about shared experience. There is no stage, no tickets, and no formal seating—just a community coming together in the open air to celebrate the season. The simplicity of the evening is part of its enduring appeal, offering a pause from the rush of the holidays and a reminder of the power of tradition.
The Town Green, located at the intersection of Finley Avenue and Oak Street, provides a picturesque setting for the sing, especially as darkness falls and the surrounding area glows with seasonal light. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and arrive a few minutes early to find a comfortable spot and settle in before the bells begin.
Events like the Basking Ridge Christmas Eve Community Sing highlight the rich tapestry of local traditions that make the holidays special across the Garden State. From small-town gatherings to large seasonal festivals, New Jersey offers countless ways to celebrate together. Readers looking for more family-friendly outings and seasonal events can find additional ideas through Explore New Jersey’s activities and fun section, which features experiences for all ages throughout the year.
As voices rise in unison and the bells ring out over Basking Ridge, the Christmas Eve sing once again serves as a reminder that some traditions endure not because they change, but because they continue to bring people together, year after year.
