17 holiday events happening near you | Inquirer Cherry Hill
Plus, a new interactive gaming spot puts a modern twist on childhood favorites.

Hello, Cherry Hill! 👋
Happy Thanksgiving! While you’ve probably got your sights set on Turkey Day, the winter holidays aren’t far behind. We’ve rounded up over a dozen events you’ll want to add to your calendar. Also this week, we pay a visit to a recently opened interactive gaming spot, the mall has added a new luxury shop, plus why a Say Yes to the Dress Star was in town last weekend.
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The holiday season is officially upon us and with it, a slew of festive events. Whether you’re looking to snag a picture with Santa Claus, go ice skating on an outdoor rink, see a menorah parade, or tour a historic house decked-out for the season, there’s no shortage of events in Cherry Hill.
We’ve rounded up more than a dozen holiday festivities this season, including shopping pop-ups, ornament workshops, and seasonal concerts.
See the full list of holiday events here.
Activate, a new immersive gaming spot, opened on Friday at 1509 Route 38, taking over a former Rite Aid. The 14,000-square-foot chain lets users bring to life old-school games like hide-and-seek and “The Floor is Lava,” and more modern ones, like a Mission Impossible-esque laser gauntlet, all in giant LED-filled spaces. In total, there are 13 stalls with different games that last one to three minutes each.
Reporter Henry Savage took a look inside Activate’s first South Jersey location.
💡 Community News
Reminder: Trash and recycling pickups will operate on an altered schedule this week for the holiday. See how your pickup is impacted here.
A 36-year-old man was hospitalized last week after he was found with a gunshot wound inside a Cherry Hill recording studio. He was listed in stable condition.
Bridal wear royalty was in town last weekend for the opening of a wedding dress shop’s second storefront. TV star and designer Randy Fenoli, who is known for his years-long tenure on TLC shows Say Yes to the Dress and Randy to the Rescue, helped brides at the new Cherry Hill location of Dress 2 Impress find the perfect gown for their big day as part of his cross-country tour promoting his Keepsake Kollection. He also imparted some wisdom about finding the right fit.
In other shopping news, handbag and accessories store Coach is now open at the Cherry Hill Mall. If you’re planning to shop this week, the mall is closed tomorrow and reopens at 7 a.m. on Friday.
Big Blue Swim School is set to open its doors on Monday at 2100 Route 38, near the mall. The swimming lesson chain will offer programs for kids as young as 3 months old and will be open every day but Friday.
Need a little help tackling your gift list? We’ve put together a guide to over 70 very Philadelphia ideas, complete with a quiz to find the perfect one for yourself or your hard-to-shop for friends and family.
🏫 Schools Briefing
Reminder for families: There’s an early dismissal today, and schools are closed tomorrow and Friday.
Last year, 62.2% of township residents’ taxes went toward the school district. Cherry Hill’s average property taxes were $9,383, just shy of the $10,000 average property tax bill statewide, according to a new NJ Advance Media analysis. (NJ.com)
🍽️ On our Plate
A new Korean restaurant specializing in hot lava pots is taking over the former Ten Hot Pot and Crabby Crab on Route 70. A timeline for the new eatery hasn’t been announced yet. (A View From Evesham)
🎳 Things to Do
🛼 Wicked Skate Party: Whether you’ve already seen Wicked: For Good or are planning to catch it in theaters soon, share your love of the movies at this themed skate party, which includes trivia, a soda bar, and a glam station where you can add tinsel to your hair. ⏰ Friday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and 6:30-9:30 p.m. 💵 $12 admission, $6 skate rental 📍 Hot Wheelz
🖤 18th Annual All Black Holiday Affair: Celebrate the holiday season at this annual 21-and-over event featuring DJs and dancing. There will also be a holiday toy drive collection. All black attire is encouraged at this Black Friday event. ⏰ Friday, Nov. 28, 7 p.m.-12 a.m. 💵 $87.30-$201.06 📍 DoubleTree by Hilton
🎴 Cherry Hill Card Expo: Card collectors can browse everything from sports art and memorabilia to trading, playing, and collectible cards, including for Pokémon, during this two-day event. There will also be on-site authentications available. ⏰ Saturday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 💵 $10-$25 📍 DoubleTree by Hilton
🎧 Cherry Hill Record Riot: Shop from an array of vinyl albums and CDs from dealers. ⏰ Sunday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 💵 $4.26-$26.66 📍 Holiday Inn Philadelphia-Cherry Hill
🏡 On the Market
This renovated Olde Springs home has an elegant rounded front entryway that sets the tone for the interior, where some of its highlights include a crystal chandelier, marble-inspired tiles, and a stone wall fireplace. It has five bedrooms, including a first floor suite, an updated kitchen, and a new deck.
See more photos of the home here.
Price: $719,000 | Size: 3,441 SF
🗞️ What other Cherry Hill residents are reading this week:
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