Things to Do This Weekend in NJ December 17-19 – NJ Family
Christmas is getting closer, and if you haven’t seen a holiday show with the family yet, now’s your chance! Looking for some outdoorsy fun? Lace up your sneakers and don a Santa Suit for a 5K in Hoboken, watch some masters carve holiday artwork out of ice and take a family hike to enjoy the great outdoors together before all the relatives start arriving. It’s a beautiful weekend to make memories together!
ALL WEEKEND
The Nutcracker featuring American Repertory Ballet
State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
Friday – Sunday
This holiday favorite tells the magical story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle toy soldiers and larger-than-life mice, and travel through a whirlwind of dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets. Greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, Clara enjoys a suite of brilliant and joyful dances before opening her eyes to the familiar sights of her own home. Was it all a dream? This is the only American Repertory Ballet performances featuring a live orchestra!
Eagle Conservatory Presents: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Eagle Theater, Hammonton
Saturday – Sunday
Performed by Eagle Conservatory’s High School, Audition-Only Repertory Co. for two days only! The classic animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in this musical stage adaptation in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts Gang discover the true meaning of Christmas.
FRIDAY
Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas
New Victory Theater, NYC
Treasure a new holiday tradition with Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas! Based on Jim Henson’s beloved television special, this tuneful tale takes us to Frogtown Hollow where Ma and Emmet Otter risk what little they have to make each other’s holiday dreams come true. Featuring a lovable cast of performers with puppets from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, and a toe-tapping score by legendary songwriter Paul Williams, this very merry musical will warm the hearts of a new generation for winters to come.
SATURDAY
Viva Voce Sing Along
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island
Choir Viva Voce will host a sing along for those wanting to get in a festive mood before the holidays. All voices are welcomed to join in seasonal singing with the Viva Voce choir. The performance will take place inside the Staten Island Children’s Museum 4 – 5 pm.
Hoboken Annual Jingle Bell 5K
Pier A Park, Hoboken
All fitness levels welcome. You can challenge yourself to see how fast you can finish or have fun with friends while you run alongside the New York City skyline. The course is flat, fast, and all 5K runners will be officially timed. While Santa Suits are sold out, runners have the option of purchasing a shirt during the registration process.
PuchiCon Holiday Pop-up
Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck
Join for holiday-themed anime, gaming & cosplay related pop-ups! Vendors, artists and special guests will be in attendance. Enjoy games, karaoke and more!
Ice Carving at Turtle Back Zoo
Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
Watch a block of ice transform into an ice sculpture before your eyes at the Carousel patio. Demonstrations take place during the Holiday Lights Spectacular event. Holiday Lights admission is free. Bring donations of coats, toys and non-perishable foods for distribution to local organizations. This is the last day to see the amazing ice carving.
The 12 Tastes of Christmas
Tomasello Winery, Hammonton
Join Tomasello Winery for an amazing holiday dinner and wine event. Enjoy a gourmet six-course dinner masterfully created and perfectly paired by our in-house executive chef and winemaker.
SUNDAY
Handmade Holiday at the Woodland
The Woodland, Maplewood
Marketspace Vendor Events and The Township of Maplewood cordially invite you to shop this wonderful exhibit from local, talented artisans at Handmade Holiday at The Woodland in bustling Maplewood. Admission is free, and the event is family-friendly and open to the public.
Morris Choral Society Presents: Annual Holiday Concert
Morristown United Methodist Church on the Green, Morristown
The Morris Choral Society returns with its Annual Holiday Spectacular “Tidings of Comfort and Joy.” Under the baton of Music Director R. Wayne Walters, the chorus will perform holiday works including “O Magnum Mysterium” by Toma Luis De Victoria “God Rest You Merry Gentleman,” and the gospel rock favorite “Angels Was A-Shoutin’ on Christmas Morn.” The popular sextet Express Male will also perform seasonal favorites such as “We Three Kings,” “Here We Come A-Wassailing,” and “The Cradle Hymn.”
Family Winter Hike at NJBG
New Jersey Botanical Gardens, Ringwood
An easy, child-friendly hike in the Garden’s woodlands. Learn a bit about the plants and animals around you in a hike designed to fit the group. Wear sturdy shoes, meet at the Carriage House. Rain cancels and event is free.
Home for the Holidays! A Vanguard Family Concert
Vanguard Theater Company, Montclair
Vanguard Alumni come home for the holidays! It’s a concert, a reunion, a sing-along! Come dressed to impress and bring your holiday spirit and cheer! Attendees must show proof of COVID vaccine or a negative PCR test within 72 hours. All attendees must wear masks in the theater.
Salon Series: Mr. T and the Next Wave
Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts, Berkeley Heights
A concert series curated by Andrew Nitkin with cabaret-style seating on stage with the performers in the Wharton Black Box Theater which serves as the setting for an intimate concert. Leave your cares at the door and join us for an afternoon of jazz with the Tolentino Quartet.
Ice Sculpting on the Plaza
100 Cedarbridge Ave., Brick
Grab a hot cocoa and head to the Boardwalk to watch the sculptor chip holiday magic out of plain old ice.
ONGOING
Festival of Trees
Morven Museum, Princeton
Friday – Sunday
Visit Morven for the time-honored holiday exhibition, Festival of Trees. Enjoy the juried collection of ornamental trees and mantels displayed throughout the museum’s galleries, sure to put you in the spirit of the season.
Newport Skates
Newport Skates, Jersey City
Newport Skates, Jersey City’s only outdoor ice skating rink, is open for the 2021-2022 season. Skaters can once again enjoy beautiful views of the New York City skyline while zipping around the rink. Online ticketing is available through the Newport Skates website.
The Polar Express Whippany
1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany
Friday – Sunday
All aboard The Polar Express! Experience the magic of The Polar Express as you take a one-hour trip to the North Pole with the whole family. Experience the sights and sounds of the family-favorite movie while enjoying hot chocolate, Walker’s Shortbread, storytime and a silver sleigh bell surprise.
Christmas Light Spectacular
Allaire Community Farm, Wall Twp.
Friday – Sunday
Spend the evening with family and friends, under the wonder of the twinkling light display around the farm, as seen from our holiday hay wagon. Hayrides leave promptly according to ticket time. Please allow extra time in arriving.
Holiday in the Park
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Friday – Sunday
Take a ride on your favorite Six Flags rides surrounded by glittering lights. There will be shows, rides, food and even a Wine Fest for the adults. The Drive-Thru Experience starts November 15, so get ready for a ride full of holiday cheer and explore the magic of the season.
Holiday Light Spectacular
Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
Friday – Sunday
Take a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo this holiday season under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters. Celebrate the season of giving by bringing donations of non-perishable food items, new toys, and gently used coats.
Holiday Light Show
Shady Brook Farm, Yardley, PA
Friday – Sunday
This spectacular Holiday Light Show features more than 3 million lights illuminating acres of farmland. Encounter whimsical displays and familiar characters as you drive through in the comfort of your own car or enjoy the show on an open-air wagon ride (weather permitting).
Magical Talking Christmas Tree and Train Ride
Historic Smithville, Smithville
Friday – Sunday
If you are having trouble locating Mrs. Claus, you can always ask the Magic Tree. Next to the Smithville Train Station an over-sized Christmas tree is brought in from Santa’s private forest. This beautifully decorated Christmas tree awakens to talk with you and your children about the upcoming holidays. Right next to the Magic Talking Tree the Smithville Train has decorated it’s tracks for the holidays. For $3 per person, you can take a short ride on the outskirts of Smithville on this fun, whimsical train.
Bonfire and S’mores
Historic Smithville, Smithville
Friday – Sunday
Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the month of December you can join for s’mores around the campfire on the Greene. For a small fee you will purchase your own s’mores packet and stick and make delicious treats from 5pm – 8pm, weather permitting.
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
DiDonato Family Fun Center, Hammonton
Friday-Sunday
Take a train ride through millions of Christmas lights, meet and greet Santa and his elves in his workshop. Hear stories and take photos with Mrs. Claus. The event culminates with a present from Santa.