Our local area is filled with wonderful events to enjoy with family and friends during the month of December! Here is a list of some of the many things to do:
Holiday Lights Spectacular – 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. This month long free event at the Turtle Back Zoo includes Meet & Greet with Santa, Character Weekends, and Storytime With Mrs. Claus. Times and days vary, so check the calendar.
The Christmas Ice Caverns – This December, don’t miss The Christmas Ice Caverns in Fairfield. The Christmas Ice Caverns are an animated display where children can see dozens of storybook scenes in a Christmas themed setting. Disney characters sleigh riding in the snow, Santa’s candy factory, Santa’s reindeer feeding barn, and a life-size Nativity are just a few of the many featured displays. Jody’s Silk Florist and Patio Center, call for viewing hours.
Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn – In this musical based on the beloved Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire film, Jim Hardy leaves behind the hustle and bustle of showbiz for a quiet life on a Connecticut farm. Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn now through December 31
Maplewood Dicken’s Village – Maplewood Dickens Village is a festive gift from the business community to the local residents and visitors. Horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, concerts, refreshments, children’s activities, and more. Every Saturday until Christmas
Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green – This month long celebration will feature family activities, entertainment and Santa visits and photos each Saturday and Sunday at the Morristown Green from noon-7:00pm. Now through December 23
Kimono Refashioned Exhibition – This exhibition, which showcases more than 40 extraordinary garments created by more than 30 designers, highlights spectacular couture gowns, innovative men’s wear, shoes with a sense of humor and ready-to-wear that tells a story, as well as significant paintings, prints and textiles that reflect and resonate with these style trends. Newark Museum now through January 6, 2019
Menorah Lighting in Ricalton Square – The Maplewood Jewish Center will lead the annual menorah lighting in Maplewood, NJ at Ricalton Square in beautiful Maplewood Village on Thursday, December 6, 6:15 p.m. Enjoy singing, prayers, and hot cocoa
American Repertory Ballet’s Nutcracker – American Repertory Ballet brings the beloved classic Nutcracker to the SOPAC stage with Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, stunning new sets, thrilling choreography and a cast of more than 100. Don’t miss this classic holiday treat! Friday/Saturday, December 7 & 8. Ticket availability is limited
Holiday Celebration at the Springfield Gazebo – Don’t miss the annual Springfield Avenue Multi-Cultural Holiday Celebration at the Gazebo with the lighting of the menorah and the holiday tree. Enjoy the live music, storytelling, crafts, refreshments and photos with Santa and his friends. Saturday, December 8, 3-4:30pm
South Orange Hometown Holiday Celebration – A family friendly day with hot chocolate, an Elf parade, a chance to meet Santa and the holiday tree lighting in the Village Center. Santa will be at the South Orange Firehouse 1:30-4:30pm followed by the Elf Parade at 5:00pm leading to the tree lighting at 76 South Orange Avenue. Saturday, December 8
Carriages and Carolers – Enjoy holiday music and free horse and carriage rides through beautiful downtown Summit. The boarding location will be Lyric Park, located at the corner of Bank Street and Beechwood Road. Saturdays, December 8, 15, and 22 from 1:00-4:00pm
27th Annual Gingerbread Wonderland – Friends of Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown presents hundreds of gingerbread houses to marvel in their creativity. Vote for your personal favorite! Now through Sunday, December 9. Times vary by day
Maplewood Concert Band’s Annual Winter Concert – The Maplewood Concert Band, a community wind ensemble, will be performing their free seasonal concert on Wednesday, December 12 from 7:30-8:30pm at The Woodland
New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker with New Jersey Symphony Orchestra– This annual seasonal favorite, currently in its 48th year, enchants youngsters and grown-ups alike with splendid dancing, live orchestra, eye-popping special effects and a touch of holiday magic. MPAC Morristown, December 14-27
The Hip Hop Nutcracker – Celebrate the holiday season with a special hip hop version of the Nutcracker featuring rap legend Kurtis Blow as guest MC. NJPAC Prudential Hall Friday, December 14, 8:00pm
Kwanzaa Festival and Marketplace – Celebrate culture and community at NJPAC’s 19th annual Kwanzaa Festival and Marketplace featuring custom and cultural clothing, arts & crafts, music and two dance exhibitions. Friday, December 14 6:00-10:00pm and Saturday, December 15, 10:00am-10:00pm
Cookies & Canvas Holiday Art Party – A family friendly paint experience at Express Yourself Studios LLC on Springfield Avenue in Maplewood, starting at 11:00am. Paint a holiday canvas, but do remember to make a reservation for the group. Sunday, December 16
Cirque Dreams Holidaze – This critically acclaimed spectacle is a Broadway musical and a new cirque adventure wrapped into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family. Marvel at soaring acrobatics, gravity-defying feats and extravagant theatrical production numbers. Wednesday/Thursday, December 26 & 27 7:00pm
Winter Vacation Celebration – Embrace the spirit of the season with a day of indoor winter fun at the Morris Museum. Visit the exhibit, Community Helpers: Firefighters, then enjoy crafting and special surprises! Also, explore the Mega Model Railroad and participate in a Touch the Music workshop with Claudia Lemmerz. Morris Museum, Thursday, December 27, 11:00am-4:00pm
Singin’ and Dancin’ With The Stars – Ring in the New year with New Jersey Festival Orchestra! The orchestra’s quintessential New Year’s Eve celebration takes on a new dimension as Broadway vocalists are joined by Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Da’von Doane and friends to recreate the magic of MGM musicals and more. Westfield High School, Monday, December 31 7:00pm
First Night Morris 2019 – Ring in the New Year with First Night Morris County 2019, the biggest and brightest New Year’s Eve celebration in New Jersey. This family-friendly, alcohol-free and substance-free celebration takes place in 22 venues throughout the heart of Morristown. The program features 70 events: dance, theatre, music (rock, jazz, blues, classical, etc.), visual arts, world cultures, children’s programs and much more. Monday, December 31 4:45pm
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Have a wonderful holiday!
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