Whether you want to enjoy the winter weather or cozy up on the couch, there are plenty of activities to do this Christmas week that’ll keep you in the holiday spirit. Watch a virtual performance on your laptop of Yuletide Tales from Cape May with the East Lynne Theater Company, see the lights twinkle with holiday music at The Holiday Light Show on the Lake in Historic Smithville, or drive in for a classic Christmas movie showing of Home Alone 2 in Monroe.
Featured photo via @historicsmithvillenj
Psst! We love seeing your social-distancing New Jersey adventures. Be sure to tag your photos with #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured in our round-up next week.
Yuletide Tales from Cape May
Accessible until December 30th through YouTube
“Yuletide Tales” will be showing holiday stories, carols, and traditions that the whole family can enjoy. There will be short story readings and classic Christmas carols such as “Jingle Bells” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” mixed in by singers. Any donations towards the event will go to frontline workers to thank them for their tireless service.
Free, but donations are appreciated.
East Lynne Theater Company
Virtual
Christmas Caroling at the Museum
December 22nd from 6:30 PM – 8 PM
Gather up the fam and head to the Hoboken Historical Museum for traditional caroling to spread Christmas cheer (this year requires masks and social distancing). There’ll be a quick warmup at 6:30, and then the excitement begins at 7. Kids and adults alike will be able to feel the holiday spirit as they sing beloved carols on a chilly night.
Free
Hoboken Historical Museum
1301 Hudson Street
Hoboken
Virtual Basic Yoga
December 23rd and December 30th at 10 AM
To relieve the end of such a hectic year, what better way to relax than through a family yoga session? This session is for beginners and experts, combining basic moves with challenging ones to allow everyone to stay in their comfort zones but try something new.
Cherry Hill
Virtual
Christmas Concert in Manasquan
December 23rd from 3 PM – 5 PM and 7 PM – 9 PM
Join Chris Pinnella from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and his eight-piece band to listen to your favorite holiday hits. Heartwarming songs like “O Holy Night” and “The Christmas Song” will be combined with rollicking tunes “Let It Snow” and “This Christmas.” With a max capacity of 125 and socially-distant seating, you can enjoy this concert and the magic of the season.
$38 per adult and $29 per child (for regular admission)
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive
Manasquan
Inside Outside Upside Down Nutcracker
December 24th at 5 PM
Crack open the laptop—and gather round to watch this “Inside, Outside, Upside Down Nutcracker” virtual show premiering on Christmas Eve. The whole family will enjoy seeing Clara’s adventures in The Land of the Sweets, as well as the time and dedication it took to produce beautiful choreography and costuming. Proceeds from donations will go towards a local food bank.
Free, but donations are recommended.
The Pennington Studio
Virtual
Holiday Light Show on the Lake
December 24th – December 27th from 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
You’ll be captivated by the colorful, glimmering Christmas trees that float on Lake Meone in Historic Smithville. As soon as the sun sets, a light and music show will get glowing, perfectly highlighting the Christmas trees. This show is accessible from anywhere in Historic Smithville and an event not to be missed.
Free admission
Historic Smithville
615 E Moss Mill Road
Smithville
Rahway Winter Wonderland Pop-Up Series
December 26th from 12 PM – 4 PM
The final day of this pop-up is full of Christmas surprises for the whole family—listen to live carolers, sip some warm cider, browse the outdoor markets, and scope out the giveaways. With music, costumes, festivities, and delicious baked goods, the spirit of Christmas will be right here.
Free admission
City of Rahway
1 City Hall Plaza
Rahway
Drive-In Movie: Home Alone 2
December 26th from 5 PM – 9 PM
Everyone can laugh along at the hijinks that Kevin McCallister gets up to in this cozy drive-in movie setting. Along with your standard concessions, you can enjoy treats from the Balle Balle Bowls food truck stationed at the makeshift theater. For an additional cost, you can even rent a fire pit and sit upfront to fully experience the magic of the movie while staying comfy and warm.
$15-25 per person
Persis Indian Grill
146 Applegarth Road
Monroe
Eating for Luck: New Year’s Cooking Class
December 26th from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
As the New Year approaches, who couldn’t use a little extra luck? Chef Angie will teach you how to make three dishes (black-eyed pea salad, air fried smoked pulled pork, and instant pot greens and bacon) to expand your recipe booklet and bring you good fortune in the new year. In this educational video, kids and adults can learn cooking basics and new and exciting traditions.
Free
Home Chef Angie
Virtual
