A winter wonderland in Edison will be doing more than just entertaining the public – it will also help those in need.

The township and police department are joining forces to create the first Edison Winter Wonderland. It will feature 35 vendors in a marketplace, surrounding an ice rink. There will also be musical performances by local schools.

Organizers say that the goal is to provide a fun and family-friendly event for the community.

"They shouldn't have to go to New York or Philadelphia or PNC [Arts Center.] They should be able to come to Edison Township. You can have a family-friendly event,” says Edison Mayor Sam Joshi.

An illuminated holiday light path will surround the lake. There will also be a Toys for Tots drop-off site.

"We have a very working good relationship with US Marines Reserve…We support them whole heartedly every holiday season,” says Edison Police Deputy Chief Robert Dudash.

The Edison Winter Wonderland will run for the next three weekends – starting on Dec. 3.

The Toys for Tots drop-off spot is right at the entrance and will include a photo op station that the police officers created. There are other drop-off locations at the Edison Municipal Complex.

Edison Township collected more than 4,000 new and unwrapped toys last year and officials hope to beat that record this year.