Writer: Ryan Gandolfo
2 min read December 2022— There’s no place like home for the holidays. But, when you do decide to venture out from the comfy confines of the house, here are several events taking place in North & Central Jersey to visit with family and friends.
Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green 2022
Is it really Christmas without attending a festival decked out with holiday lights and cheer? We didn’t think so. Head to the Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green to get a dose of holiday nostalgia by bringing the kids to take photos with Santa, partaking in holiday crafts and much more. The festival runs each Saturday and Sunday from noon to 7pm until Dec. 18 as well as Friday, Dec. 16 from 3-8pm. Activities are free, but a photo with Santa costs $15. Families can turn this into an annual tradition — if they haven’t already!
For more information, please visit here.
Christmas Trail with Santa in New Brunswick
If you’re looking for an easy, low-cost activity for the family, check out the Christmas Trail with Santa in North Brunswick. Taking place on Dec. 17 from 5-7pm, the trail includes special character sighters and free hot coca and cookies (in exchange for a donation to the North Brunswick Food Bank).
To register, please visit here.
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo
Possibly the two best things in the world — zoo animal characters and the holidays — will be on full display for family and friends at the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. Take a stroll under the sparkling lights of more than 50 winter and animal characters from Friday, Dec. 9 to Saturday, Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 24 and 25). Admission is free but donations of non-perishable food items, new toys and gently used coats are encouraged. Food options such as s’mores to pizza, popcorn and hot cocoa will be available.
For more information, please visit here.
The Night Before Christmas Holiday Reading
Everyone loves a great Christmas story, and if you’ve already watched every holiday-themed movie on Netflix and the other dozen streaming services, take some time to bring the kids for a special reading by Mrs. Claus and her friendly elf of the classic holiday poem The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore. Taking place at the Weehawken Free Public Library on Dec. 18 at 1pm, it’s time for a break from the screen and enjoy an entertaining public reading.
For more information, please visit here.
Elf Trivia
Admittedly not for the faint of heart, the Elf Trivia night at Hoboken’s The Shepherd & Knucklehead is the best way to spread Christmas cheer by jotting down holiday trivia answers faster than your peers. Kicking off at 8pm, this themed trivia night consists of five unique and challenging rounds and should be a great recap of the holiday season before the New Year begins.
For more information, please visit here.
