local happenings

Take a break from your holiday shopping and have some fun with your family! Here is a list of some of the fun, local happenings in our area over the next few weeks.

3rd Annual Chocolate Hike WeekendJoin us for a guided hike on the Arboretum’s grounds. Discover who is in the forest as we look of signs of our woodland friends. When we are done, warm up in the historic Stone House with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace. Please dress appropriately for an outdoor adventure in the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum. Saturday or Sunday, December 16-17 11:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm

Holiday Carriages and Carolers Join us for a free ride through beautiful downtown Summit. Enjoy the window displays, lights, and decorations in our downtown. There will also be music in town! Board the carriage at Lyric Park, at the corner of Bank Street and Beechwood Road Saturday, December 16 and 23 1:00pm

Holiday Light Spectacular Enjoy this family friendly outdoor event at the TurtleBack Zoo under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters. There are different themed activities each December weekend. Bring a donation of non-perishable food, toys or coats. Runs every night through January 2 5:00-9:00pm. Closed December 24 and 25

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play – A group of actors and technicians gather in a 1940’s radio station at holiday time to perform a live broadcast of “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Replete with Foley sound effects, commercials from the era, and sprinkled throughout with a generous dose of music and humor, this charming piece brings the famous story to life in a new way and fills the theatre with the inspiring spirit of the holidays. Visit the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey website for more information and ticket sales. Runs through Sunday, December 31.

Family Holiday ConcertThe New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra will hold their annual Family Holiday Concert at New Providence High School near downtown New Providence, and will feature performances from all three of NJIO’s orchestral ensembles, as well as a special guest, Australian ensemble Arts Alive. NJIO’s featured soloist will be the second-place winner of the Young Artist Concerto Competition, violinist Eilene Lee. Sunday, December 17th at 3:00PM

Ember December Ember vocal ensemble offers an interactive family event in the heart of Montclair for all to sing seasonal favorites, both sacred and secular. Children, in particular, are welcomed and will be given a special role in the Seasonal Sing. Purchase tickets on Ember’s website. Church of the Immaculate Conception in Montclair Sunday, December 17 5:00pm

8th Annual Winter Solstice Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Grow It Green Morristown and your community with an evening at the Early Street Community Garden. Learn more about the solstice, enjoy s’mores and songs by the fire, and renew your spirit with relaxing yoga poses.​ Early St. Community Garden, 17 Early St., Morristown Thursday, December 21 6:00pm-7:30pm

First Night Morris 2018For twenty six years, First Night Morris County has brought world-class entertainment to Morristown on New Year’s Eve. First Night Morris County proudly holds the title of New Jersey’s largest First Night® celebration. Visit the MPAC website for more info and ticket sales. Sunday, December 31 4:45pm

First Night Montclair Celebrate the New Year Montclair Style with music, food and fun. Bring your family and join us in our historic downtown as we ring in the New Year. Sunday, December 31 6:00pm – Midnight.

First Day HikesA hike is a great way to kick off the New Year. There is nothing like fresh air and an invigorating hike on the first day of the year. For New Year’s Day hike ideas, go to Best Hikes in NJ or check out one of the First Day Hikes that the New Jersey State Park Service is holding across the state on January 1. And for links to First Day Hikes for each of the 50 states, visit the American Hiking Society.

Birding for Beginners – Do you want to learn how to identify the birds that visit your backyard, but aren’t sure where to start? Join the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum to learn some backyard birding basics, and how to set up your own feeders to practice your skills. Sunday, January 14 9:30am

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