The editors of the Black River Journal recently reached out to the Mr Local History Project with a simple request. They wanted to help tell the story of one of the region’s most cherished holiday traditions, the Basking Ridge Christmas Eve Community Sing on the town green. For generations, this gathering has brought families, friends, and neighbors together in the glow of the old tree and the sound of familiar carols. It is a moment that feels both timeless and uniquely local, and the Journal asked Mr Local History to share the history behind this treasured celebration for their readers.
Gatherings
The Basking Ridge Christmas Eve
Community Carol Sing
For over 100 years, residents, families, friends, and guests have gathered on the Town Green in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, to sing Christmas carols, wish good tidings, and then move on to their family traditions.
Everything started on December 24, 1924, when Basking Ridge resident and businessman Ray Moffet of Moffet Chevrolet took his Chevy truck to drive around town with his friends singing Christmas carols. Each year, Ray partnered with his friend John Carswell, and they spread their holiday spirit by traveling around town singing the night away.
In 1927, the event moved from a Chevy truck to the Village Green, where it has been held ever since. The Green is a small patch of grass at the center of Finley Avenue, across the street from 1 East Oak Street and in front of the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church. Moffet solicited 5 dollar contributions from local businessmen to pay for decorating a tree and providing music for the occasion. The event typically occurred at 8 pm, moving later to 7:30 pm, and now kicks off every year at 7 pm. A welcome addition in 1932 was an all-volunteer brass ensemble that led the carolers in song. Anyone can join to play. Just show up at Westminster Hall, Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church, at 6 pm with your instrument.
A similar event was held at Olcott Square in Bernardsville, led by William Van Houten and Charles Swain during the mid-1930s, but it did not last, leaving Basking Ridge to hold the area’s only Christmas sing. Resident Jim Felter has been the Christmas Eve Carol coordinator since 2006. Before 2006, long-time BRPC member George Fricke did it for 17 years.
Attendees sing nine songs the same every year, and the singing comes to a close with a generous round of ringing of the church bells from the Presbyterian and Methodist churches. Then the area’s church doors open for an early service, and neighbors or strangers wish each other a Merry Christmas and go on their way.
One of the most amazing observations of the event is that if you arrive at 6:30, you will probably be the only person there. At 6:45 pm, there are probably about 500 people there. By 7 pm there are literally thousands of people present. And as quickly as they came by 7:30 pm, the town center is almost deserted.
The Christmas Eve community sing is the oldest continuous Christmas Eve sing in New Jersey and is often called as close to Whoville as you can get. If you attend, you will see what we mean.
The Mr Local History Project’s mission is to promote and preserve local history with a twist. Based in the Somerset Hills, the project is an all-volunteer registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit that creates social and educational programs and activities that strive to engage and educate in fun new ways throughout our beautiful and historic Garden State. www mrlocalhistory org
The MLH Project is the exclusive reseller of the New Jersey Historic Wooden Keepsake Collection, honoring iconic buildings, properties, and fixtures that are part of the fabric of New Jersey’s past. Made in the USA by the world-famous Cats Meow Village, MLH’s newest limited edition keepsake celebrates the Basking Ridge Christmas Eve Caroling on the Green and is available at www.mrlocalhistory.org
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The Black River Journal is an independent community magazine created by people who live in the region and care deeply about its traditions. The publication is owned by a small team of local writers, photographers, and editors who believe that town and country life still matter and that every village crossroads still has stories worth telling. Their backgrounds range from journalism and publishing to environmental stewardship and community service, but they all share a passion for celebrating the character of the Black River Valley and the surrounding Somerset, Morris, and Hunterdon County communities.
Their mission is simple to preserve the rich sense of place that defines this corner of New Jersey and to highlight the people, events, landscapes, and traditions that give it life. Each issue blends local history with contemporary features, offering readers a thoughtful look at the farms, artists, small businesses, civic groups, and longstanding customs that make the region unique. The journal aims to inspire pride in local heritage, support community connections, and remind readers that meaningful stories are often found close to home.
Learn more about their work and publication – https://blackriverjournal.com/
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