40+ Things To Do In NJ This Weekend

Looking for something interesting, silly, strange, fun, holiday-ish or traditional to do this weekend? NJMom has your back. We’ve compiled a list of over forty events happening this weekend in NJ to enjoy with your family.

Wishing you a very happy holiday season no matter what you’re up to this weekend!

40+ Things To Do in NJ THIS Weekend

ATLANTIC COUNTY

Historic Smithville Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 20th at 9:00 am
Enjoy Saturday morning breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Cost: $13.95
Fred & Ethel’s Lanternlight Tavern
Route 9 & Moss Mill Road
(GPS: 1 North New York Road)
Smithville, New Jersey 08205
To register, call 609-652-0544 or visit historicsmithvillenj.com

The Nutcracker w/ The Garden State Philharmonic
Friday, December 19th – Tuesday, December 23rd at 7:00 pm
For the 32nd year the Atlantic City Ballet presents its production of The Nutcracker. And for third season has partnered with The Garden State Philharmonic to make this an unforgettable event. This beloved ballet tells the story of a little girl named Clara who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve.
Cost: $20 (Children 12 and under), $40-$55/Adults
Park Place & The Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
For tickets, call 609-348-0031 or visit acballet.org, or ticketmaster.com

Tropicana’s Holiday Musical Light Show
Shows are daily through Friday, December 26th, every hour on the hour, from noon until midnight.
This not-to-be-missed experience combines interactive lights with an inspiring array of beloved holiday musical selections from jazz to rock to international favorites. While you are at the Tropicana, also see the 25-foot Poinsettia Tree.
Cost: Free
Tropicana Casino & Resort Atlantic City
2831 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
For more information, call 800-843-8767 or visit tropicana.net

Christmas Fantasy With Lights at StorybookLand
Friday, December 19th – Tuesday, December 30th at 5:00 pm, (closed on Wednesday, December 24th & Thursday, December 25th)
Experience holiday magic right before your eyes with rides, attractions, snack bars and millions of lights at Storybook Land.
Cost: $22 – $25
6415 Black Horse Pike
(U.S. Routes 40 / 322)
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
For more information, visit storybookland.com

BERGEN COUNTY

Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 20th from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Enjoy a Saturday morning breakfast with Santa.
Cost: call 201-652-1070
The Office Beer Bar & Grill
32-34 Chestnut Street
(Between Franklin Avenue and Ridgewood Avenue)
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
For reservations, call 201-652-1070 or for more information, visit ridgewoodchamber.com

Visit Santa At His House
Saturday, December 20th from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Visit Santa at his house and enjoy some hot chocolate.
Cost: call 201-445-2600
Memorial Park @ Van Neste Square
East Ridgewood Avenue
Between Walnut Street and Oak Street
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
For more details, call  201-445-2600, visit ridgewoodchamber.com, or email info@ridgewoodchamber.com

American Girl Holiday Party
Saturday, December 20th from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
An afternoon filled with fun and music. Dress in your holiday attire, bring your own special doll (or Adopt-a-baby for the day), and be prepared for dinner 4:30pm.
Cost: $30/Child, $15/Adult
The Big Playhouse
316 Kinderkamack Road
Westwood, NJ 07675
For tickets, visit www.thebigplayhouse.com

BerenPac’s Christmas Carol
Sunday, December 21st at 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm
This Theatreworks production is a musical interpretation of the Charles Dickens classic.
Cost: Ticket prices start at $14
Bergen Performing Arts Center
30 North Van Brunt Street
Englewood, NJ 07631
For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com or for more information, visit bergenpac.org

CAMDEN COUNTY

Underwater Christmas Collaboration
Daily through January 1st 2015 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season during the Philadelphia region’s most unique holiday tradition: Christmas Celebration, featuring Scuba Santa®! Join us for our 8th annual holiday celebration under the sea, which also features beloved holiday characters Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster.
Cost: $25.95/Adults, $18.95/Children (ages 2-12)
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ
For tickets, visit adventureaquarium.com/tickets or for more information, visit adventureaquarium.com

ESSEX COUNTY

Sugar Plum Fairy Tea with The Ice Queen & Sister Princesses
Saturday, December 20th 12:00 pm & 3:00 pm
Adults & Children enjoy an afternoon with singing, dancing, craft activities & delightful treats.Each child takes home a picture with the characters & their own sugarplum fairy craft. Complimentary valet service at main entrance.
Cost: $50/Children, $40/Adults 16 & older, plus tax & 19% gratuity
The Dining Room at the Hilton Short Hills
41 JFK Parkway
Short Hills, NJ 07078
For reservations, call 973-912-4756 or for more information, visit myfairytaleparty.com

Holiday Lights at Turtleback Zoo
Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays through January 4th, 2015 at 5:00 pm (Will not occur on Wednesday, December 24th, Zoo will be closed Thursday, December 25th, Zoo will be closed during the day Thruway, January 1st, 2015 but will feature Holiday Lights at night)
Cost: Free; in-kind donations of canned goods, toys and pet food are encouraged.
560 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
For more information, visit turtlebackzoo.com

Holiday Lights at Turtleback Zoo: A Frozen Celebration
Featuring photos of Anna & Elsa throughout the display.
Friday, December 19th through Sunday, December 21st at 5:00 pm
Cost: Free; in-kind donations of canned goods, toys and pet food are encouraged.
560 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
For more information, visit turtlebackzoo.com

Papermill Playhouse presents “Elf”
Friday, December 19th through Sunday, January 4th, 2015, times vary depending on day
Based on the 2003 film starring Will Ferrell, Elf is the fantastical holiday musical for the entire family! This is the hilarious and joyous tale of Buddy, an orphan who is mistakenly transported to the North Pole and raised by Santa’s elves. Now, as a grownup, he embarks on a journey to discover his true identity. It’s a holiday treat for your whole family.
Cost: Tickets start at $36
Paper Mill Playhouse
22 Brookside Drive
Millburn, NJ 07041
For tickets, visit tickets.papermill.org or for more information, visit papermill.org

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Friday, December 26th at 6:00 pm
Saturday, December 27 at 2:00pm & 6:00pm
The original animated television classic comes to life! Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season with a sleigh full of hits: “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Silver and Gold” and “The Most Wonderful Day of the Year.”
Cost: $29.50-$49.50
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
1 Center Street
Newark, NJ 07102
For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com and for more information, visit njpac.org

Sweet Honey in the Rock: Celebrating the Holydays
Saturday, December 20th at 7:30 pm
In celebration of Kwanzaa, the revered African-American a cappella women’s ensemble performs blues, jazz, gospel and R&B, with excursions into symphonic and dance theater
Cost: $29-$69
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
1 Center Street
Newark, NJ 07102
For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com and for more information, visit njpac.org

Max and Ruby in the Nutcracker Suite
Saturday, December 20th at 1:00 pm
It’s Christmas Eve, and Ruby is busy trimming the tree, while Max is chasing the delicious scent of Grandma’s freshly baked gingerbread cookies! A knock at the door reveals a huge parcel from their Great Uncle Drosselmeyer. As the package is unwrapped, Ruby realizes that each new toy is from the story of the Nutcracker Ballet, including a Nutcracker doll! As Grandma reads the story of the Nutcracker, their imaginations whisk them away to a magical land where they become characters in the beloved ballet. Dancing, singing and delicious treats follow, as the bunny pair experiences the wonder and excitement of the classic Nutcracker story. Whether it was the sweets, or their lively imaginations, the bunny siblings head off to bed with visions of candy canes dancing in their heads!
Cost: $19.50 – $59.50
The Wellmont Theater
5 Seymour Street
Montclair, NJ 07042
For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com and for more information, visit maxandrubyontour.com

HUDSON COUNTY

The New Infinity Climber at Liberty Science Center
Liberty Science Center’s new Infinity Climber is a suspended multi-story play space that dares you to climb, crawl, and balance your way through pathways as high as 35 feet above the atrium floor. With multiple routes to explore, Infinity Climber is a thrilling climbing gym for the 21st century.
Cost: Included in General Admission, $25.75/Adults, $20.75/Kids, $22.75/Seniors
Liberty State Park
222 Jersey City Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07305
For tickets, visit lsc.org/ticket-information and for more information, visit lsc.org

Faux Snow Laboratories
Sunday, December 21st through Wednesday, 24th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Faux Snow Laboratories needs new scientists and you’re hired. An industry leader in the synthetic snow industry, work with your trainer to master real-life lab equipment such from balances and beakers to pipettes and graduated cylinders to produce their all-time best seller—FAUX SNOW!
Cost: Included in General Admission, $25.75/Adults, $20.75/Kids, $22.75/Seniors
Liberty State Park
222 Jersey City Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07305
For tickets, visit lsc.org/ticket-information and for more information, visit lsc.org

Snowflake Village
Sunday, December 21st through Wednesday, December 24th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tinker in the snow. Design and build massive snowflakes using PVC and contribute to our large-scale snowflake display. Work as a family to help your budding inventor make their thoughts a reality. With thousands of possibilities, we bet that no two will be alike.
Cost: Included in General Admission, $25.75/Adults, $20.75/Kids, $22.75/Seniors
Liberty State Park
222 Jersey City Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07305
For tickets, visit lsc.org/ticket-information and for more information, visit lsc.org

The Annual Grand Menorah Lighting
Sunday, December 21st, Doors open 3:40 pm
4:00pm: The return of the Small Wonder Puppet Theater with ‘The Chanukah Story’ and a brand new show! Fun music; pizza will be served.
5:00pm – Grand Menorah lighting outside City Hall, 94 Washington Street
Sufganiyot (donuts), Levivot (Latkes), dreidels, and wild glow in the dark glasses.
Sponsored by Chabad Hoboken and United Synagogue of Hoboken
115 Park Avenue
Hoboken, NJ 07030
For more Information visit, hobokensynagogue.org

Nimbus Dance Works Nutcracker
Friday, December 19th at 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 20th at 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 21st at 1:00 pm
Drawing on Nimbus Dance Works’ strong local ties and the company’s mission to integrate top-caliber dance directly into the community, Nimbus’ Jersey City Nutcracker utilizes a cast comprised of top professional dancers as well as members of the community, including youth from Nimbus’ programs in Newark and in the Jersey City Public Schools, as it is performed each year in Jersey City and Newark. First selections were performed in 2010, and the complete production will be unveiled over a period of three years. Jersey City Nutcracker has been created by a collaborative team including Samuel Pott (choreographer, Artistic Director, Nimbus Dance Works), Alysia Souder (librettist/playwright), Irene Borngraeber (scenic designer), and Jennifer Bentley (costume designer). Though containing elements of the original E.T.A Hoffman folktale and set to Tchaikovsky’s renowned orchestral score, Nimbus’ Jersey City Nutcracker presents an adapted narrative set in a contemporary urban environment.
Cost: $10 – $25
Frank R. Conwell Middle School #4 Auditorium
107 Bright Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
For tickets, visit brownpapertickets.com or for more information, visit nimbusdanceworks.org

HUNTERDON COUNTY

Schaefer Farms Holiday Light Show
Friday, December 19th – Tuesday, December 23rd from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Bring your family for our drive through light display. View thousands of colorful farm and holiday themed lights from the comfort of your own vehicle. Twinkling and glowing for your enjoyment from Thanksgiving through New Years.
Cost: $12.00/carload, $17.00/passenger van, $27.00/ busload.
1051 County Route 523,
Flemington, NJ 08822
For more Information visit, schaeferfarms.com

MERCER COUNTY

Titusville’s Washington Crossing State Park
Friday, December 19th at 7:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Titusville’s Washington Crossing State Park is the famous site of George Washington’s crossing the river, this resulted in a battle that changed the tide of the Revolutionary War. On this tour you also get to learn about the park and the historic sites of the Nelson house, the Stone Barn and Johnson Ferry.
Cost: $10, includes refreshments
355 Washington Crossing Pennington Road
Titusville, NJ 08560
To register, call 609-737-2515

A Holiday Sing Along With Lasers
Saturday, December 20th at 11am or 1pm
This is the New Jersey State Museum’s Planetarium first ever holiday sign-along with lasers. Children along with loved ones get to sing their favorite holiday songs, projected onto the dome of the planetarium.
Cost: $7 adults, $5/ kids (12 and under), $5/groups of 15+
205 New Jersey 29
Trenton, NJ 08625
To register, visit newjerseystatemuseum.org

NJ Youth Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ 
Sunday, December 21st at 10:30 am
This classic story is fully narrated, which makes it perfect for the whole family!
Cost: $4
160 Nassau Street
Princeton, NJ 08542
To register, visit thegardentheatre.com.

Princeton Brass Band: A Holiday in Brass
Sunday, December 21st at 2:00 pm
The Princeton Brass Band’s holiday concert has become an annual sensation – last year was a complete sell-out.  So give yourself a holiday treat and celebrate the holiday in style – complete with our special Happy New Year segment with bells and whistles. It’s the last great concert of 2014.
Cost: $15 adults; $7 students
To register, visit rider.edu

Story Time at New Jersey State Museum
Saturday, December 20th & Sunday, December 21st at 2:00 pm
Follow Art and Max to learn about paint, watercolor and line drawings on an art-making adventure. Families will engage in art-making and gain tools to explore the Fine Art collection. This is a great way to engage your children in the focused observation of art.
Cost: free for kids 12 & under
205 New Jersey 29
Trenton, NJ 08625
No registration needed, open all day

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

American Reporertory Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”
Friday, December 19th at 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 20th at 1:00 pm & 4:30 pm
Sunday, December 21st at 1:00 pm & 4:30 pm
State Theatre NJ
15 Livingston Avenue
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Cost: Tickets start at $32
For tickets, visit americanrepertoryballet.org

7th Annual Holiday & Craft Show
Saturday, December 20 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Holiday Craft and Vendor Show event will have, Door Prizes, music, handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry, stuffed animals, artwork, photography, handbags, make-up and perfumes, soaps, candles, children’s gifts, knitted and crocheted items, handmade chocolate creations, and gift baskets, just to name a few! Over 100 vendors
Cost: Free
East Brunswick High School
380 Cranbury Road
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
For more information, visit treazurescapes.com

MONMOUTH COUNTY

Scrooge
Friday, December 19th at 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 20th at 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm
The holidays just wouldn’t be complete without the miserable miser, Ebenezer Scrooge. Our lavish production, filled with beautiful moments, has been selling out for over thirty years. It is a perfect way to get “into the spirit” of the true meaning of Christmas. The Community House is never more beautiful than at Christmastime. Bring the entire family. We promise it will make wonderful memories. Favorite numbers include Thank You Very Much, I Hate People, December the 25th and Happiness.
Cost: $22.00 – $30.00
Spring Lake Community House Theatre
300 Madison Avenue
Spring Lake, NJ
For tickets, visit seatadvisor.com

Visit with Santa
Saturday, December 20th & Sunday, December 21st from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Come to Longstreet Farm and enjoy an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas. Children can visit with Santa, then take a walk to the farmhouse and have a cup of cider. Be sure to bring your camera.
Cost: Free
Longstreet Farm
44 Longstreet Road
Holmdel NJ 07733
For tickets, visit monmouthcountyparks.com

Christmas Light Show
Saturday, December 20th from 7:00 & 8:30 pm
The Christmas Light Show on Woolley Road in Wall Township returns for the 2014 season bigger and better than ever, building on last years spectacular effects including new pyrotechnics and fog. Last years event was a tremendous success, with an attendance over 12,000 people.
Cost: Free but please consider bringing a donation to benefit Challenged Youth Sports. We recommend $20 for a family of 4 and $10 for individual adults or couples.
2744 Belmar Boulevard
Wall Township, NJ 07719
For more information, visit thechristmaslightshow.com

Holiday Lights Spectacular
Monday, December 22nd, Tuesday, December 23rd, Monday, December 29th, Tuesday, December 30th, Thursday, January 1st, 2015 at 5:00 pm
Live Nation is proud to announce the return of the Holiday Lights Spectacular to PNC Bank Arts Center for the 2014 Holiday Season. From November 20th through January 4th, come with your friends and family and be overjoyed with holiday spirit! Boasting over 150 light displays and 2.5 miles of holiday scenery, the BuyDig.com Holiday Lights Spectacular creates a magical winter wonderland in the heart of New Jersey.
Cost: $25/Car
PNC Bank Arts Center
Exit 116, Garden State Parkway
Holmdel, NJ 07733
For tickets, visit concerts.livenation.com

MORRIS COUNTY

New Jersey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
Friday, December 19th at 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 20th at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm
Sunday, December 21st at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm
Monday, December 22nd at 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Tuesday, December 23rd at 7:00 pm
Wednesday, December 24th at 1:00 pm
The annual tradition returns in this seasonal favorite that enchants youngsters and grown-ups alike with splendid dancing, a full orchestra, eye-popping special effects and a touch of holiday magic.
Cost: $25-$29
Mayo Performing Arts Center
100 South Street
Morristown NJ 07960
For tickets, visit mayoarts.org

The Growing Stages presents “The Story of The Nutcracker”
Friday, December 19th & Saturday, December 20th at 7:30 pm
The Growing Stage’s original adaptation transforms the classic holiday ballet into a fully formed theatrical production laced with the music of Tchaikovsky.  The mysterious Uncle Drosselmeir brings his niece, Clara, a very special gift, a Nutcracker.  After the family has gone to bed, Clara sneaks downstairs to see her gift.  As the clock chimes twelve, the adventure begins!  Clara and the Nutcracker, who is really a prince, journey through the Land of Sweets, battle an army of mice, sail on the Lemonade Sea, rescue the Sugar Plum Fairie and finally reclaim the Prince’s crown from the Dowager Mouse Queen and her inept son.  It’s a delicious holiday treat for the entire family!
Cost: $20/Adult, $15/Child, $15/Senior.
The Growing Stage · The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey
7 Ledgewood Avenue
Netcong NJ 07857
For tickets, visit growingstage.com

A FairyTale Princess Christmas
Saturday, December 20th at 11:00 am & 4:00 pm
The Princesses of Wonderland gather for a Christmas party in the North Pole, only to find that Santa and the elves are missing – and Captain Hook and his Pirates might be to blame. Tinker Bell to the rescue! Directed by Stan Barber and Richard Boyer.
Cost: $15
Pax Amicus Castle Theatre
23 Lake Shore Road
Bud Lake, NJ
For tickets, visit paxamicus.com

Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 20th at 10:00 am
Sunday, December 21st at 10:00 am
Children can visit with Santa and his elves, enjoy a breakfast snack then stay and play all day! Each child receives a special gift from Santa! Don’t forget to bring your wish-list for him to see! Parents remember your camera for photo ops with Santa!
Imagine That Museum!!!
4 Vreeland Road
Florham Park NJ 07932
Cost: $13.99/Adult, $15.99/Child
For tickets, visit imaginethat.corecommerce.com

Mega Model Trains
Tuesdays – Saturdays 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Until March 2015
Train enthusiasts will marvel at the spectacular 288-square foot interactive model train display. Popular features include “Thomas and Friends Model Train” and the Polar Express Model Train.
Cost: $10/Adults, $7 Children (3-12), Free/Children(0-3),
Morris Museum
6 Normandy Heights Road
Morristown, NJ 07960
For more information, visit morrismuseum.org

Warren County

The Polar Express
Saturday, December 20th at 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm, & 8:00 pm
Sunday, December 21st at 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, & 6:00 pm
“All Aboard” The Polar Express at the Delaware River Railroad Excursions..
Inspired by the run-away hit movie produced by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. and the award winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, this holiday favorite comes to life as you and your family take a ride on The Polar Express.
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, families are sure to enjoy their trip  complete with hot chocolate and cookies served on board the train. Passengers will then be entertained by a reading of the Polar Express. Santa will greet the children and each child will receive their own sleigh bell, just like in the movie, to those who BELIEVE.
Experience the joy of singing songs with our roaming hobos, be amazed at our Juggling Chef and make your wishes in person to Santa himself!
Cost: visit 877trainride.com
99 Elizabeth Street
Phillipsburg, New Jersey 08865
For more information, visit 877trainride.com

A little beyond the New Jersey border….

A Very Furry Christmas
Through Dec 31st
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place® is a festive, family-friendly celebration with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street® friends in Langhorne, PA. The park is transformed into a one-of-a-kind Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, festive decorations and whirling rides including the new Cookie’s Monster Land featuring five rides, a three-story net climb and a soft toddler play area. Guests will enjoy special Christmas shows, savory Christmas menus, super holiday shopping and a visit with Santa in his Furry Workshop.
Cost: Tickets start at $24
Sesame Place
100 Sesame Road
Langhorne, PA 19047
To register, visit sesameplae.com

Kids Ride Free for the Holidays on NY Waterway
Promotion is valid until Sunday, January 4, 2015
Children 12 & under can ride free on the following terminals; Edgewater, Port Imperial, Lincoln Harbor, Hoboken/14th St. and Belford.
Cost: Free two child limit with each paying adult fare. No physical ticket required for a child.
For more information, visit nywaterway.com

Holiday Train Show at The New York Botanical Garden
Until Monday, January 19, 2015 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Marvel at model trains zipping around New York landmark replicas in the warm Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, stroll the spectacular grounds, enjoy hands-on holiday fun for the entire family, and get your holiday shopping done, too!
Cost: $28/Adults, $16/Children (2-12), Free/Children (under 2), $26/Seniors, Free/Members
New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10458
For tickets, visit nybg.org

Big Apple Circus
Friday, December 19th at 6:30pm
Saturday, December 20th at 12:30 pm & 4:30 pm
Sunday, December 21st at 12:30pm & 4:30pm
Fly away to our magical All-New Show, METAMORPHOSIS. Be transported to a realm of enchantment and illusion, a dreamscape domain where no one sits more than 50 feet from ringside, and nothing is impossible! You will be thrilled by the Flying Trapeze, the razzle-dazzle of the Rolla-Bolla, the dynamo of the Diablo, the risky rhythms of the Risley team, the cunning conjurors of the Quick-Change, and the incredible flexible limbs of the Contortionists. See and hear the musical merriment of our featured clown and camels, horses, playful pooches and more. Come immerse yourself in the wonder, joy and astounding magic of METAMORPHOSIS! The show runs 2 hours with intermission.
Costs: Tickets start at $25
Lincoln Center
Damrosch Park
62nd Street
Between Amsterdam Avenue and Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10023
For more information, visit bigapplecircus.org