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UPCOMING CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN NJ
TRI-STATE AREA

DECEMBER 2009

Find things to do this Christmas Season in NJ! - Upcoming Holiday events NJ - Christmas Atractions NJ - Fun Christmas events NJ 2009! 

See our Upcoming Concert Calendar


December 1st through December 30th

What: Old Fashioned Christmas Puppet Show
Where:
 Village Green - Historic Smithville Village
The Brownstone Puppet Theatre & Museum invites children of all ages to experience the magic of Christmas through the fantasy of the puppet theatre. A Teddy Bear Tree & a Pinocchio Tree will welcome you to the decorated theatre & museum. The enchanting holiday production of “A Teddy Bear Christmas” features Annabelle Bear, dancing & skating bears, a magical Christmas tree & holiday music on the calliope. NOVEMBER 28 through DECEMBER 30 - FRIDAYS 4 P.M.- SATURDAYS 12 P.M. 2 P.M. 4 P.M.- SUNDAYS 12 P.M. 2 P.M. - PLUS CHRISTMAS WEEK PERFORMANCES! DECEMBER 26-30 12 P.M. 2 P.M.
http://www.brownstonepuppettheatre.com/specialsandmore.htm


December 1st through December 22nd

What: Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green
Where:
West Park Place at Park Place, Morristown NJ
The month-long celebration will feature various activities including a train ride around the Green, holiday concerts, and ice sculpting demonstrations. Of course, Santa Claus himself will be in his house and available to visit and have his picture taken with kids from one to ninety-two.
Click the link below for more details. Free Attraction!
http://www.morristown-nj.org/special_events.html


December 1st through December 24th

What: Haddonfield's Candlelight Shopping
Where:
 Downtown Haddonfield NJ (Not far from Camden) - (See Map)
Step back in time when shopping was pleasant. Merchants greet you with genuine feeling and the merchandise is distinctive and unique. The streets twinkle with white lights and luminaries, while the clop of hooves from a horse-drawn carriage mingle with the songs of strolling carolers and the sweet sounds of a dulcimer. The streets are filled with free events and entertainment. Candlelight Shopping Friday evenings, 6-9pm Carriage Rides, Santa, and a variety of Holiday Entertainers - Saturday & Sunday afternoons Carriage Rides, 12noon to 3pm & Seasonal Sounds, 12noon to 5pm.
http://www.haddonfieldnj.org/events.php

 


December 1st through January 3rd

What: Adventure Aquarium's Christmas Celebration
Where:
 
Adventure Aquarium - 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ
Meet and take photos with Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, as well as our newest Rudolph character, Bumble, and watch him light a 12-ft Christmas tree; take a fantastical ride on the Polar Express in our 4D Theater (powered by PSE&G); get down and boogie at Gill's holiday mascot dance party; delight in holiday treats; or watch as Scuba Santa dives in our 760,000-gallon Ocean Realm exhibit! FISHMAS at Adventure Aquarium is a family tradition you'll want to create and relive year after year!
http://www.adventureaquarium.com/upcomingevents.cfm

 


December 1st

What: Downtown  Freehold Christmas Tree Lighting
Where: Hall of Records Plaza - 1 East Main Street, Freehold, NJ 
The annual Christmas tree lighting marks Santa's arrival in the borough! 5 pm - 7 pm. In front of the Hall of Records. For more information please call (732) 462-3584.
http://www.freeholdcenter.com 

 


December 2nd through January 10th


What: Festival of Trees at Morven Museum
Where:
  Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton NJ
Morven’s annual holiday event where festive trees, artfully decorated by local businesses and garden clubs, grace each of Morven’s elegant galleries. Tickets: Adults $5 Seniors (60 & older)/Students $4. Call 609-924-8144 ext 106 for more information 
http://www.historicmorven.org/programs.html

 


December 4th through 12th

What: "It's a wonderful Life" The musical
Where: Main Street Theater -  3018 Bordentown Ave. Parlin, NJ
The perennial Christmas classic based on the Frank Capra classic motion picture that starred James Stewart. George Bailey, a downhearted man, is visited by his guardian angel and shown what the world would be like without him..
http://www.smstc.org/

 


December 4th

What: Downtown Toms River Tree Lighting
Where: Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Courtyard of Town Hall and Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library  presented by Downtown Toms River (Toms River Business Improvement District), Downtown Toms River:  732-341-8738. Live entertainment. 5 pm - 8 pm. For more information please call 732-341-8738.
http://www.DowntownTomsRiver.com

 


December 4th

What: 
Christmas Tree lighting in Mullica Hill NJ 
Where: S. Main Street, Mullica Hill, NJ 856-881-6800 
Celebrate the christmas tree lighting in Mullica Hill NJ
  
http://www.mullicahill.com/mullica-hill-new-jersey-calendar.asp?Page_ID=1111

 


December 4th

What: Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Christmas Tree Lighting
Where: Wildwoods Convention Center - Wildwood, NJ
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard, 1st & Central Avenues, North Wildwood. Christmas tree lighting, Santa Clause and refreshments. 5:30 p.m. Free. 609-522-4520r

http://www.wildwoodsnj.com/calendar.cfm?Mode=Results&coe_id=1120&KEYWORD=&ANYALL=PHRASE&MonthYearCat=12_2009

 


December 4th and 5th

What:
Family Holiday Celebration
Where: Wildwoods Convention Center - Wildwood, NJ
A family holiday tradition with an exciting holiday weekend filled with fun for the entire family! Attend Jaycees Christmas Parade on Friday night, followed by a tree lighting ceremony and parade awards ceremony at the Wildwoods Convention Center. Bring the family inside the Wildwoods Convention Center lobby on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. for free admission to Holiday-themed crafters, movies and entertainment. 609-729-9000.

http://www.wildwoodsnj.com/calendar.cfm?Mode=Results&coe_id=1058&KEYWORD=&ANYALL=PHRASE&MonthYearCat=12_2009

 


December 4th and 5th

What:
Holiday Festival of Lights
Where:
Camden Children's Garden - 3 Riverside Drive, Camden,NJ
Enjoy the Holiday Festival of Lights on Friday & Saturday Evenings - 5:30pm-8:00pm. (also December 11th and 12th --- December 18th and 19th and December 25th and 26th). Enjoy a magical holiday tradition on the Camden Waterfront. In the evening, stroll through the 4.5 acres of gardens that include over 100,000 beautiful holiday lights and animated light sculptures. See live butterflies in the Philadelphia Eagles Four Seasons Butterfly House. Meet Santa Claus, his elves and Garden Mascot Mum Bear. Enjoy Plaza de Aibonito, a heated Tropical Holiday exhibit, and learn about the Hispanic tradition of Three Kings Day.  Guests can ride the Carousel, Butterfly Spring Ride or the Arrow River Express Train Ride for an additional fee. Amuse yourself in an Enchanted Wonderland with animated scenes and model trains. Separate admission after 5pm.
For more information, please contact the Camden Children's Garden at 856-365-8733.
http://www.camdenchildrensgarden.org/events.html

 


December 5th

What:
 Holiday Harmonies
Where:
 
Red Bank NJ
Red Bank Business District, 12-3pm. Traditional carolers, choirs, brass bands, rock, folk, jazz & blues musicians bring holiday tunes to the sidewalks of Red Bank! FREE 
http://www.redbankrivercenter.org/events_d.cfm?event_id=339

 


December 5th

What: 
Candlelight Shopping in the Village in Mullica Hill NJ 
Where: S. Main Street, Mullica Hill, NJ 856-881-6800 
Come for an evening of shopping in Mullica Hill NJ
  
http://www.mullicahill.com/mullica-hill-new-jersey-calendar.asp?Page_ID=1111

 


December 5th and 6th

What:
 Pictures with Santa
Where:
 The Galleria, 2 Bridge Avenue.
Red Bank NJ
Kids young and old will enjoy Pictures with Santa taking place on Saturdays and Sundays through December 20th, from 12-4pm, at The Galleria, 2 Bridge Avenue. Photo packages are available by TSS Photography. 
http://www.redbankrivercenter.org/events_d.cfm?event_id=339

 



Find out where to cut your own Christmas Tree in New Jersey 


December 6 through 19th

What: The Surflight Theatre presents "A Musical Christmas Carol"
Where: Surflight Theatre -Engleside and Beach Aves, Beach Haven,NJ
A perennial holiday favorite of the Dickens Tale!
December 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20 at 2:00 pm
December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 at 7:30 pm 

http://www.surflight.org/Mainstage_Schedule.htm

 


December 6th through 27th 

What: A Chirstmas Carol
Where: 
McCarter Theatre Princeton NJ

Celebrate the season with McCarter's critically acclaimed production of Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol. Join Ebenezer Scrooge on a magical journey and experience the peace and goodwill of the season.
http://www.mccarter.org/ticketoffice/eventdetail.aspx?page_id=7&event_id=4767

 


December 10

What:
 Centerpieces and Wreaths
Where: Cook College/Rutgers Univer. 112 Ryders Lane, New Brunswick NJ 
Looking for techniques on how to create the perfect Centerpiece and Wreath for the Holidays?  Look no further.  Dr. Jack Sacalis will detail several different methods of designing a wreath, while Nicki Graff will take you step by step through the techniques necessary to create your own holiday boxwood ‘centerpiece masterpiece’. December 10th 2009 from 7 through 9PM. $65 fee.
http://www.rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/classes.html

 


December 12th

What:
 Holiday Harmonies
Where:
 
Red Bank NJ
Red Bank Business District, 12-3pm. Traditional carolers, choirs, brass bands, rock, folk, jazz & blues musicians bring holiday tunes to the sidewalks of Red Bank! FREE 
http://www.redbankrivercenter.org/events_d.cfm?event_id=339

 


December 12th

What: 
Santa Train Ride in New Jersey
Where:
 
Westfield NJ
The Jersey Central Chapter, in conjunction with Santa and Mrs. Claus, operates a Santa Claus Special for the kids.  This year the trip will run on Saturday, December 12, 2009. The train departs from Raritan at 8:30 AM and also from the eastbound platform (off South Avenue) of the Westfield Station in Westfield at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. There is no afternoon departure from Raritan. The trip features Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus along with a few of Santa's helpers. There are sing-a-longs, candy canes and coloring books for the kids. In addition, each car on the train features a drawing for a trainset; that's ten train sets per trip!

The train operates west from Westfield to Highbridge, NJ and back, a two hour trip. Santa pays a visit to each car and is more than happy to pose for pictures with the kids. http://www.jcrhs.org/santa.html

 


December 12th and 13th

What: Pictures with Santa
Where:
 The Galleria, 2 Bridge Avenue.
Red Bank NJ
Kids young and old will enjoy Pictures with Santa taking place on Saturdays and Sundays through December 20th, from 12-4pm, at The Galleria, 2 Bridge Avenue. Photo packages are available by TSS Photography. 
http://www.redbankrivercenter.org/events_d.cfm?event_id=339

 


More Cool things to do
this Christmas Season in New Jersey


HOW TO ROAST CHESTNUTS

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Select fresh chestnuts that are heavy, glossy and firm, with smooth shells.
3. Using a paring knife cut a small cross on one side of each shell to allow steam to escape and to make nuts easier to peel.
4. Place nuts in a single layer in a heavy oven-proof skillet or roasting pan. Roast 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Wrap hot chestnuts in a towel and squeeze to crush the shells. Keep nuts wrapped for 5 minutes before removing. Shell the chestnuts by removing both the hard outer shell and the thin brown skin inside. Careful not to burn your fingers.
7. Enjoy !


 


Places to go Snow Mobiling
in New Jersey

North

High Point State Park, Sussex (973) 875-4800
Ringwood State Park, Ringwood (973) 962-7031
Stokes State Forest, Branchville (973) 948-3820
Upper Greenwood Lake/Waywayanda State Park (973) 853-4462
Worthington State Forest, Columbia (908) 841-9575

South

Bass River State Forest, New Gretna (609) 296-1114
Belleplain State Forest, Woodbine (609) 861-2404
Lebanon State Forest, Lisbon (609) 726-1191
Warren Grove Recreation Area, Barnegat Township (609) 296-1114
Wharton State Forest, Hammonton (609) 561-0024


 





Christmas Fun in Bethlehem PA




The city of Bethlehem in Pennsyvania offers a world of festivities this holiday season. It is Less than a 90 minute drive from New York City and Philadelphia in eastern Pennsylvania, Bethlehem is nestled in the Lehigh Valley, at the foot of the beautiful Pocono Mountains. December glows with dozens of holiday attractions, but the biggest is Christkindlmarkt.

Christkindlmarkt 
Nov 27 through Dec 2th
Christkindlmarkt is considered the premier event in Bethlehem! Recognized as one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine, Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem showcases aisles of exquisite handmade works by the nation’s finest artisans, the heart-warming sounds of live Christmas music, delicious food, and more.

The event is also home to jolly, old St. Nicholas, who’s eager to greet children and hear their holiday wishes, and Germany’s Käthe Wohlfart, renowned for its authentic German ornaments, nutcrackers, smokers and collectibles. This old-world holiday craft market features over 175 artisans during its month-long run. The European-style event showcases juried crafts, an authentic German St. Nicholas, specialty food, live holiday music & children's activities. Admission is $8 for adults. For more information visit their website or call 610-861-0678

2009 Dates & Hours
Friday-Sunday, November 27-29
Thursday-Sunday, December 3-6
Thursday-Sunday, December 10-13
Thursday-Sunday, December 17-20

10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays


 Directions to Bethlehem PA


From New York City and Long Island
Take the Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel or George Washington Bridge to the NJ Turnpike South. Near Newark Airport stay to right and take Exit 14 (not 14 A, B, etc.). Take I-78 West to Pennsylvania.

From Northern or Central New Jersey
Take NJ Turnpike South, Rt. 287 or Garden State Parkway to connect with I-78. Take I-78 West to Pennsylvania.

From Southern New Jersey and Shore Points
Take NJ Turnpike North (or alternate route) to the East-West Turnpike (Rt. 276). Between Exits 25 and 26 take the PA Turnpike Northeast Extension (Rt.476). Take Exit 33 for the Lehigh Valley.





Things to do this Holiday
Season in New York City



November 1 - January 4 Daily
Ice Skating Rink schedule at Rockefeller Center
It wouldn't be winter without a spin around the New York City's most celebrated attractions. The world-famous Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center has become a quintessential New York City winter experience for generations. Here you'll find New Yorkers and visitors alike, skating amid the watchful eye of the gilded Prometheus statue and the unique urban backdrop of Rockefeller Center's sparkling lights. Watch the skaters glide by afterwards while enjoying a delicious meal, steps away, at Rock Center Café, The Sea Grill or Cucina & Co.

November 13 - December 30
Buy Tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular

November 7th - December 27th - Weekends only
Bronx Zoo Horse Drawn Carriages

 

 

 


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