Holiday Night at the Wayne Historical Museum

Meet Santa at the tree lighting on December 1st.

By Sarah Shurge – If you and your family are looking for a night of good holiday fun, an event is coming up just for you. Mark your calendars because Wayne’s annual Holiday Night at the Museum will be Friday, December 1st, at the Wayne Historical Society on 1 Towne Square St. The event will start at 5 p.m. and will go until 9 p,m.
The evening will kick off with a parade at 6 p.m. The Wayne Memorial High School Marching Band and the Allstar Patriots Dance & Gym will perform in the parade, and Santa will make his grand entrance at the end.
The tree lighting ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. outside the museum. Paul Russo, from Wayne Industries, donated a new Christmas tree from his property in honor and memory of his late father, Jack Russo.
“It will be a symbol of unity and festivity for decades to come,” said Lisa Kubany, Wayne Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Marketing and Events Director. “As it grows each year, it will bring together families and friends during the holiday season, creating a beautiful tradition that honors the memory of his father in the most extraordinary way.”
Aside from the tree lighting, the night will be filled with activities for the whole family.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be inside the museum from 6:30-8:30 p.m. where they will take photos with the kids and hand out gifts to every child.
The event will have hayrides, outdoor games, crafts, ice carvings, choirs and carolers, and costume characters. An interactive DJ from The Dance Academy in the Westland Mall will be at the event all night.
Several food trucks will also be at the event and Hill Crest Bible Church will provide cookies and hot chocolate.
There will be warming areas with fire pits, along with four porta potties available for the public.
“Last year was amazing and bigger than we’ve ever seen,” said Kubany. “A huge shout out to Hill Crest and the entire congregation for collecting toys to give to every kid.”
This is the seventh year in a row the Wayne Historical Society has planned Holiday Night. Hill Crest Bible Church has helped with the event for six of those years and provides the toys Santa gives to the children.
“This is my third year doing this, so from my first year to this year, it definitely has grown with what we have brought to the event,” said Kubany. “The museum and Hill Crest go above and beyond every year. There were fireworks last year, so there might be another surprise this year.”
The event is currently sponsored by the Wayne DDA, the Wayne Historical Society, Hill Crest Bible Church, the City of Wayne Department of Public Works (DPW), Kurt’s Caps, and both the Wayne Police and Fire Department. The Wayne Historical Society is open Wednesday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Thursday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
If you want to learn about events, fundraisers, or more information about the museum, you can visit the website at facebook.com/waynehistoricalsociety. Or call (734)722-0113.
The December Gold Box Giveaway will also be launched at the event. $50 gift cards will be given away every Friday in December (December 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th). You can enter the drawing daily at: Leo’s Jewelry, US12 Bar & Grill, Moonlit Mystic, Goody’s Pet Supply, or Downtown Wayne Makers Market.
For more information about the Gold Box Giveaway, you can contact Lisa Kubany at (734)658-9677 or email lkubany@cityofwayne.com.
Be sure to enter and you could be one of the four lucky winners!