As November transforms into December, get ready for holiday music, hot chocolate, and holiday cheer all around this week. Drive through the dazzling lights and holiday decorations at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, shop outside from area makers and vendors in the Winter Village at The Red Mill Museum in Clinton, or spend a night at home by cozying up to the NJPAC performance of A (Virtual) Christmas Vacation with the Griswolds.
Featured photo via @2ndrulecoffee
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Ferone Family Christmas Light Show
Begins November 26 from 5 PM – 11 PM
Don’t miss the opening weekend of this light show, featuring music and an interactive spot it game that you can download to your phone and play during the show. Watch the light show from your car (where you can tune into FM 88.1 to hear Christmas carols), or put on your masks and safely watch the show outside from a distance. The show is free, but donations are being collected for the Children’s Hospital of Toms River.
Free
184 Yellowbank Road
Toms River
Christmas Walkthrough Experience
November 27 at 12 PM – November 29 at 5 PM
Your family will be walking in a winter wonderland that’s full of surprises. From vintage figures to more modern characters like the cast of Frozen, you and your kids will be delighted by the holiday magic. At the end of the walkthrough, you’ll be greeted by Santa himself, and who knows what kind of Christmas magic he’ll create?
$11 per adult, $9 per child
Maple Leaf Farms
525 US Highway 9
Manalapan
Outdoor Movie Night
November 27 at 5:30 PM
Pile the family in the car for a holiday showing of the updated classic, The Grinch. Kids and adults alike can laugh at the Grinch’s antics as he tries to take away the town’s Christmas magic. Stay in your car or BYO chairs to sit on under their heaters. Food will be available to purchase at 5:30 PM, and the movie will begin at 6 PM
Free
Long Hill Chapel
525 Shunpike Road
Chatham
Orchard of Lights
November 27 at 9 PM – November 30 at 8:30 PM
The entire family will be in the holiday spirit as you drive along 32 acres of twinkling lights in festive displays. At the end of your journey, warm up and make delicious s’mores by the fire pit, or enjoy hot cocoa and other festive treats in the retail farm market. Get a memento of the occasion by taking pictures with Santa and don’t miss the singing reindeer on your way out.
$35 per car
Demarest Farms
244 Wierimus Road
Hillsdale
Winter Village at the Red Mill Museum
November 27 – November 29, 10 AM – 5 PM (sessions are in 90-minute time slots)
Experience the joy of the winter season (and support the Red Mill Museum) at this festive outdoor craft market, featuring over 30 vendors. In order to accommodate social distancing, tickets are required for a 90-minute shopping session and will also feature a food truck and firepit Biergarten (yes, please). As you shop for gifts in the open-air stalls, kids can tour the museum and admire the 11th Annual Festival of Trees.
$10 per person, includes admission to the museum
56 Main Street
Clinton
Long Branch Holiday Bazaar- This event has been canceled
The famous holiday bazaar moves into an outdoor tent this year, and will still have all your favorite vendors. After you browse the vintage, handcrafted and artisan items, you can warm yourself up with some special holiday food and drinks, snap a photo in the vintage selfie stations and admire the decorations. You’ll even have a soundtrack of holiday and musical performances at the outdoor market and while you roam the Pier Village.
Free
Asbury Park Bazaar and Pier Village
1 Chelsea Avenue
Long Branch
NJPAC Presents: A (Virtual) Christmas Vacation with the Griswolds
November 28 at 8 PM
If National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is fave in your house or you want to introduce your kids to it, check out this online salute to this classic holiday film. Stars Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo will come together to share memories and secrets from the movie and give a behind the scenes look into the entire franchise. VIP ticket holders will have a chance to join a live one-minute video chat with Chevy and Beverly.
$25 per household
Virtual
Crafting with Mrs. Claus
November 29, 10 AM
Mrs. Claus is taking a break from baking all the Christmas cookies to give all kids a holiday craft activity. Register to reserve your free kit, which will be available for pick up through November 28 at the Pottery Barn Kids at the Marketfair Shopping Mall. On Sunday, fire up the laptop, and have the kids follow along with Mrs. Claus to make a festive ornament (and she’ll put in a good word with Santa).
Free (registration required)
Kits can be picked up at
Pottery Barn Kids at the Marketfair Shopping Mall
3535 US Highway 1
Princeton
