Writer: Joshua Andino
2 min read December 2021 — The skies get dark early, the hot chocolate is piping and a crisp air whistles through the night. It’s the holiday season across South Jersey. If you’re looking for something to do during those precious daylight hours or those cozy winter nights, here are five of the top things offered across South Jersey over the holidays.
Bordentown’s Holiday Train Show
Kicking our list off with family friendly fun in Downtown Bordentown, the Old City Hall Restoration Committee will once again be hosting its annual Holiday Train Display. Having debuted over the Thanksgiving weekend, the show is open from 3 to 8 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December. The collection, presented by Bordentown Mayor Joe Malone, Commissioner Zig Targonski, Nancy Targonski, Mikki Quinn, Bob Liberman and a number of other residents and enthusiasts features a variety of displays, models, and layouts. Thomas the Tank Engine will also be in attendance to help usher in the holiday cheer.
Admission to the Holiday Train Show is free. Donations to the Old City Hall Restoration Project are appreciated and assist the committee’s efforts to raise capital to offset costs to the city in continuing restoration projects of the historic landmark building.
Haddonfield Christmas Shopping.
Over in Haddonfield in Camden County, Santa and company are helping gift shoppers taking care of holiday wish lists throughout the month of December. With brilliantly displayed luminaries and candlelight to guide the way, carolers keep the sounds of the season in the air and carriage rides provide tours of the town and its beautiful streets. Gifts and friendly faces are to be found all throughout the charming city streets, along the main avenue of Kings Highway and side streets such as Mechanic Street, Ellis Street, Tanner Street, Haddy Lane, Kings Court and Haddon Avenue. With food, drinks, boutiques and a number of festivities to keep you going, make sure to take care of any gifting needs throughout December, until the 17th, with one last Candlelight Shopping event taking place just before Christmas on Dec. 23 for any last-minute shoppers.
https://downtownhaddonfield.com/events/candlelight-shopping-2021/
Holly Jolly Weekend at Valenzano Winery
Over in Shamong at the Valenzano Winery, they’re getting ready to be the final stop on your holiday shopping list, with vendors and holiday music helping set the scene to enjoy fresh-baked sweets and plenty of Valenzano wine. With a $5 wine tasting (and 15% off for wearing your best ugliest sweater), the Valenzano Winery may just be the best place to grab a table and your favorite bottle to enjoy the upcoming arrival of Santa Claus himself. Some may even say it’s better than your typical cookies and milk! The winery will be hosting its Holly Jolly Weekend from Dec. 18 at 11 a.m. until Dec. 19, at 4 p.m.
https://valenzanowine.com/events/91
Let it Snow, at Edelman Planetarium
For those looking for a more cerebral holiday experience (but no less filled with cheer), Gloucester County’s Edelman Planetarium at Rowan University will be hosting a number of holiday music shows over the winter season. Various artistic impressions and covers of a great many holiday tunes are brought to life under the dome. From bells and reindeer to nutcrackers and cookies, the whole family can enjoy the sounds of the season over at the Edelman Planetarium with shows on Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 16. While showtimes vary, with a number of dates available there’s more than enough time to bring the family together to appreciate a year gone by.
https://www.facebook.com/events/732258767144265/
New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Battleship New Jersey
Speaking of ending the year, what better way to reflect and celebrate than on the waterfront with America’s most decorated vessel, Battleship New Jersey, and the New Year’s Eve Fireworks display? Watching over the Delaware river and across the ship’s historic deck, feel free to enjoy live music, a variety of food concessions and a cash bar for adults. With a chance to fire a Gun Salute, standard admission is only $10, but for the intrepid admiral, Battleship New Jersey offers a $200 VIP tour beginning at 3:30 p.m., with a view of the fireworks over the ship’s navigation bridge – where captain’s orders were given and the commands received. The special experience is limited to 30 guests, so make sure to grab tickets while spots remain. Proceeds go to the on-going restoration of the battleship, now a nonprofit museum and memorial.
https://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/event/new-years-fireworks/?instance_id=686
