The holiday season has officially begun, and there’s a lot of joyful things to do to get your whole family in the spirit this week. Check out the festive science-themed activities at the Holiday Adventure at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, take a break from online and do some in-person holiday shopping at the outdoor Holiday Fair Pop-Up Shop in Middletown, or stop by to see the big guy at a Meet and Greet with Santa in Monroe.
Featured photo via @libertysciencecenter
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Holiday Adventure at Liberty Science Center
December 3rd and 4th from 10 AM – 4 PM, December 5th and 6th from 10 AM – 5 PM
Don’t miss out on a chance to learn some incredible science facts this holiday season. The Liberty Science Center has tons of snow and holiday-themed activities that kids won’t be able to stop talking about. Take a spin on the Sock Skating Rink (an ice rink made of synthetic ice), wander through the Snowflake Maze, learn about the science of snowflakes, or be awed by the astronomy shows in the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, with so much more in store.
$25-35 per adult, $20-30 per child (aged 2-12)
Liberty Science Center
222 Jersey City Boulevard
Jersey City
Holiday Fair Pop-Up Shop
December 4 from 5 PM – 9 PM
Take a peek into this pop-up shop, which will feature a bunch of unique vendors offering lots of cozy styles and special gifts (there’s even a gift wrapping station). After, celebrate with a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a hot chocolate bar, a Christmas movie, and more.
$5 per person, $15 for All Access Pass, $25 for All-Access Pass for 2 kids
Middletown Sports Complex
214 Harmony Road
Middletown
Santa Visit at Brock Farms
December 4, 2 PM – 6 PM
Santa Claus is coming to town for a quick stop at Brock Farms for the whole family to see. Check out the lights and festive decor—it’s also the perfect place to look for wreaths, Christmas trees, bows, and special decorative touches.
Free
Brock Farms Home & Garden World
4189 US Highway 9
Freehold
Deck the Town Hall Drive-Thru
December 4 from 5 PM – 7 PM
Although there’s no in-person tree lighting this year, the elves in Lawrence Township are still decking the halls. In this drive-through event, you’ll see twinkling light displays, and littles will get some delicious Christmas treats (and maybe even see Santa along the way). Please bring an unwrapped toy, which they will donate to a local charity.
Free, with an unwrapped toy donation
Lawrence Township Recreation Department
2207 Lawrenceville Road
Lawrenceville
Meet & Greet with Santa
December 5 from 10 AM – 5 PM
All will be merry and bright when you see Santa Claus at Countryview Farm Nursery. Kids will be excited to see jolly St. Nick, who will be at the Christmas tree grove on his sleigh, waiting eagerly to hear what they want for Christmas. There’ll also be hot cocoa and a food truck, so you can warm up while checking out the nursery’s greenhouse.
Free
Countryview Farm Nursery
601 Buckelew Avenue
Monroe
Scrooge 2020
December 6, 7 PM – 9 PM
The whole family can enjoy a classic outdoor production of the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, put on by the Spring Lake Theatre Company. The classic holiday performance will warm everyone, and the ticket price includes hot chocolate and cookies to munch on (and don’t forget to bundle up). The production will be shorter than usual, but just as joyful.
$35 per ticket
Spring Lake Theatre Company
300 Madison Avenue
Spring Lake
Holiday Craft Show and Tree Lighting
December 6, 10 AM – 4 PM (craft show), 5 PM (tree lighting)
During the day, shop this outdoor craft show filled with homemade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and more. Browse until you see something that catches your eye. Later on, stop by for the annual holiday tree lighting, a display where everybody will feel the magic of the season.
Free
Borough of Seaside Park
1 Municipal Plaza
Seaside Park
