Summit Prepares for Holiday Season with Festive Events and Traditions
The most magical time of the year is almost here! As Thanksgiving approaches, downtown Summit is transforming into a winter wonderland filled with festive cheer, family fun, and holiday traditions for all ages. From the return of Carriages & Carolers and the HillTop Elf Scavenger Hunt to our grand finale celebration, Celebrate in Summit, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season!
Of course, you can’t forget about the Summit VISA Gift Card, which is accepted at over 150 Summit businesses citywide! It makes the perfect “shop local” gift for everyone on your list! Give the gift of Summit this holiday season and learn more about all of Summit’s holiday happenings and gift cards at SummitDowntown.org.
Summit Downtown 2025 Holiday Event Schedule
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
Saturday, November 29 | All Day
Kick off the holiday shopping season right in downtown Summit! Small Business Saturday celebrates the heart of our community… our incredible local merchants. Shop, dine, and explore all day long while enjoying the festive atmosphere downtown.
The day also marks the start of several beloved Summit traditions:
The “Find the HillTop Elf Scavenger Hunt” begins! On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, start your search for hidden elves in over 100 local shops!
Carriages & Carolers returns, filling the streets with holiday music and free horse and carriage rides from 1-4PM.
The Summit VISA Gift Card Giveaway Promotion launches too – during select dates & times, you can get an additional 20% of bonus gift cards (up to $100)!
Come to downtown Summit, find some treasures, enjoy the festive tunes, and experience the magic of the season in Summit.
CARRIAGES & CAROLERS
Saturdays, November 29, December 6, 13, & 20 | 1–4PM
Take a break from your downtown shopping to experience the charm of the holidays! Enjoy holiday music from Summit Street Sounds Musicians and festive strolling brass bands, and hop in line for free horse and carriage rides. Embrace the twinkling lights, the joyful sounds, and the spirit of the season with your family and friends. Rides begin at Lyric Park (corner of Bank Street & Beechwood Road; use 17 Beechwood Rd for GPS). Please note: lines close early (usually at or before 3:30pm) to ensure timeliness – thank you for your holiday cheer and patience!
THE HILLTOP ELF SCAVENGER HUNT
November 29 – December 20
The elves are back and they’re hiding all over downtown Summit! Spot the mischievous HillTop Elves tucked inside more than 100 local shops and window displays. This festive hunt is fun for kids and adults alike – no purchase necessary! Pick up or download your Scavenger Hunt Form from any participating business or the SDI website. Find as many elves as you can, list their locations, and return your completed form by 5PM on Saturday, December 20 to be entered to win a $500 Summit VISA Gift Card! Five lucky runners-up will each receive a $100 card. Winners will be announced on Thursday, January 8.
Summit Downtown Gift Card Giveaway
Saturday, November 29 and Fridays, December 5, 12, & 19 | 1-4pm
SDI is spreading extra joy by bringing back the Summit Visa Gift Card Giveaway! For every $50 in Summit Visa Gift Cards purchased, you’ll receive an additional $10 bonus card (up to $100 in bonuses per promotional date). This special offer will only be available for in-person purchases in the SDI office, on Saturday, November 29th and Fridays, December 5th, 12th, and 19th, from 1 – 4PM (only while supplies last). Summit Visa Gift Cards can be used at over 150 downtown Summit businesses, and it is the perfect way to shop local and give the gift of Summit this holiday season.
CELEBRATE IN SUMMIT
Saturday, December 21 | 1-4PM
Join us downtown for an afternoon of holiday magic! Enjoy live music, free horse and carriage rides departing from Lyric Park (corner of Beechwood Road & Bank Street), and delight in the seasonal sounds that fill the streets. Don’t miss Jimmy’s Artistic Creations crafting spectacular holiday ice sculptures live at The Promenade (426 Springfield Ave). Meet Soirée NJ’s Winter Princesses and make your own holiday crafts to take home. All activities are free and open to the public – come shop, dine, and celebrate the season in downtown Summit!
FREE HOLIDAY SHOPPER PARKING
December 13-31
Thanks to the City of Summit and Summit Downtown, Inc., holiday shopping just got easier! Enjoy free shopper parking in downtown Summit at:
- 90-minute on-street meters (time limits enforced)
- The Bank Street Lot
- The 1st floor of the Tier Garage on Springfield Ave
Shop local, stress-free, and find the perfect holiday gifts in downtown Summit!
About Summit Downtown, Inc.
Summit Downtown, Inc. (SDI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the on-going development and promotion of the business community in downtown Summit, NJ
