The thrill of the holidays is upon us! Enjoy this special time of year indoors or outdoors, giving to others and surrounded by the ones you love at one (or many!) of these free events in New Jersey throughout the month of December.
photo by Stacy Mae Photography.
1. Positive Behavior Supports
Tuesday, December 1, 12pm – 1:30pm
There is often a cycle of failure for students with behavioral challenges. This workshop will focus on interventions for students who exhibit challenging behaviors like aggression, self-injury and tantrums. Identifying the function of behavior will be discussed with an emphasis on educational strategies.
Newton, NJ 07860
via library.shu.edu/walshgallery
2. USCO: WHENTHEN
Tuesday, December 1 through Friday, December 11
This exhibition, curated by Jeanne Brasile, features original and recent artworks from the period between 1965 to present, assembled by Michael Callahan and Gerd Stern, two of USCO’s founding members. USCO’s work combines a number of sensibilities to critique contemporary culture by melding aspects of beat poetry, happenings and multi-media in assessment of mainstream values, intended to open their audiences to spiritual and mystical realities. Their work consists of light projections, kinetic sculpture, sound scapes, performance, paintings, prints, and film collages.
South Orange, NJ 07079
3. Katie Truk: Wishful Intentions
Tuesday, December 1 through Saturday, December 12
Wishful Intentions” was created by Hamilton, N.J. artist Katie Truk who works entirely with wire and pantyhose. Her installation will remain on view through December 12, 2015. The public is invited to an opening reception for “Wishful Intentions” as well as “Plus One” curated by Wes Sherman and “The Thing Itself” curated by John Yau.
Bedminster Township, NJ 07921
via shopshorthills.com/holidays
4. Short Hills Mall Ice Palace
Tuesday, December 1 through Thursday, December 24
This interactive holiday display will showcase scenes from the new movie, plus a 30-foot Ice Palace with falling snow, a light show and other activities for the entire family. Interactive globes will feature graphics of the entire Peanuts gang enjoying a snow day ice-skating and Snoopy taking to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis, The Red Baron. Adults and children alike will be able to compare their icy hand print to that of Snoopy and Woodstock, see how they measure up to Snoopy and Charlie Brown, and have their photo taken at Snoopy’s dog house. End your magical journey at the Ice Palace with a visit to Santa and, of course, a special gift.
Short Hills, NJ 07078
5. Annual Tree Lighting
Tuesday, December 1, 6pm–8pm
Come down to town hall on December 1, 2015 at 6:30 for our annual tree lighting ceremony. Scouting groups and the Bloomfield High High School and Middle School concert choirs will sing carols. Santa may stop by!
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
via facebook.com/thetuckertonseaport/
6. Festival of Trees
Tuesday, December 1 through 31, 8am-5pm
The Festival of Trees will take place on the grounds of the Seaport here in Tuckerton. This special event will feature holiday trees decorated by local nonprofit organizations. Each tree would be accompanied by a donation jar. Guests to the Seaport will vote on their favorite tree through their donations. The Seaport will recognize the organization receiving the most donations. All participating organizations will keep the donations placed in their tree’s donation jar. We welcome the opportunity to spread some holiday cheer and help fellow nonprofits raise additional funds during the holiday season, while also being able to host new guests to Tuckerton Seaport.
Tuckerton, NJ 08087
7. Jersey Cares Coat Drive
Wednesday, December 2, 7am – 7pm
Morris Animal Inn will be collecting coats to donate to the annual Jersey Cares Coat Drive (http://www.jerseycares.org/Jersey_Cares_Coat_Drive). You can give back by bringing in any men’s, women’s, children’s coats or winter accessories to help those less fortunate keep warm this holiday season.
Morristown, NJ 07960
via facebook.com/events/1710427975845919/
8. Quarter Auction Charity Event
Wednesday, December 2, Doors open at 5:30
Quarters for a Cause supports a different local charity every month. It’s a cross between an auction, raffle and a home party all wrapped into one. 20+ local vendors will be auctioning off 50+ prizes for 1-4 quarters per item!
Alpha, NJ 08865
9. Late Nights at the Geology Museum – New Brunswick @ Rutgers Geology Museum
Wednesday, December 2, 5pm–9pm
Visit the Rutgers Geology Museum on Wednesday, December 2nd for the monthly late night event. Come explore some of the planetary features of our solar system and beyond! Rutgers University Geologists will be present to guide you through this tour of the galaxy. Demonstrations, arts and crafts and educational activities will be set up around the museum for this event and people are welcome to come and go as they please. We encourage all ages to come participate and learn something new!
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
via sovillagecenter.org
10. Pop ‘N Shop Holiday Pop-Up Store
Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday – December 3, 4, 5, & 6, 2015 – Noon to 8pm
The South Orange Village Center Alliance (SOVCA) is looking for local craftspeople, artisans and vendors to sell their products at our upcoming Holiday pop up store, Pop ‘n Shop. Pop ‘n Shop is a temporary retail outlet that will sell finely crafted jewelry, apparel, accessories, art and gift items made by many of our area’s finest local artisans and craftspeople.
South Orange NJ, 07079
via facebook.com/DowntownBordentownNJ
11. Holiday Shop & Restaurant Window Decorating Competition
Friday, December 4 – December 31, All Day
The businesses of historic Downtown Bordentown City glow with lights and decorations for the annual Window Decorating Competition. Enjoy a stroll through our ‘Little City with a Lot of Charm’ during the Holiday Season and Vote for your favorite window! The Shops and Restaurants of Bordentown City glisten for the Holiday Season as they compete in the 4th Annual Window Decorating Competition. The competition kicks off on Friday, December 4th and wraps up on December 31st!
HOW TO VOTE: Each participating Business will have a ‘Vote’ decal in their window and a Ballot Box in their business with ballot forms. VOTE ON FACEBOOK – simply go onto facebook.com/downtownbordentownnj to cast your vote by liking the photo of the window or windows that you like! WHY VOTE- The stakes are high for the local businesses because the winners receive digital advertising credits for 2016!
Bordentown, NJ 08505
12. Crafts in the Warren Tech 2015
Saturday, December 5, 9am – 4pm
Please join us for 6th Annual Warren County Technical School Craft Show. Over 150 of the area’s finest crafters and artisans will come together for this one-day juried event to display their unique handmade items. Run by the Warren County Technical School PTA, all proceeds from this event are to benefit scholarships and programs for students.
Washington, NJ 07882
via premiumoutlets.com/mall/jackson/stream/strolling-santa-3820065
13. Strolling Santa
Saturday, December 5, 12, 19, 1pm – 4pm
Visit with our Strolling Santa every Saturday from 1-4pm. Bring your camera and your wish list.
Jackson, NJ 08527
via apbazaar.wix.com/apbazaar
14. Asbury Park Bazaar Pop-Up Holiday Market
Saturday, December 5, Noon-5pm
Skip the mall; come to Convention Hall for the most unique holiday gifts you can find! The Asbury Park Bazaar & Market at Fifth Avenue bring you the 3rd annual Holiday Market at Convention Hall. The event features a curated roster of vendors, artists and local shops selling gifts and handmade goods including jewelry, accessories, art, photography, home goods, furniture, vintage, food, & much more! Enjoy: Live music, holiday performances, and special events every weekend by the giant Christmas tree with fake snow falling all around you! Warm Up at our glühwein, hot cider and hot chocolate tent or enjoy many other delicious holiday treats and festive cocktails at The Anchor’s Bend. Interested in giving back this holiday season? The Asbury Park Bazaar will benefit the AP Toy & Coat Drive. Bring a toy or lightly used coat and help someone in need this holiday season!
Asbury Park, NJ 07719
15. Hoboken City Hall Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, December 5, & Sunday, December 6, 11am – 5pm
3 floors, featuring artwork & unique handcrafted gift items by local crafters & artisans including: jewelry, art, note cards, jewelry boxes, silk felted & leather bags, hand knits: scarves, shawls, hats, sweaters, blankets & more, candles, soaps & body products, organic honey products, locally harvested herbal teas, photography, holiday ornaments, hair accessories, pictures frames, mirrors, stuffed dolls, essential oils, fashion for women & children, quilts, artisan food products, and much more.
Hoboken, NJ 07030
via mayslandingmerchants.com/dickens-of-a-holiday.html
16. Dickens of a Holiday
Saturday, December 5
Dickens of a Holiday event begins with a breakfast with Mr. & Mrs. Clause at 8AM at the Masonic Lodge on Mill Street. Then stroll the War Memorial Park where crafters and food vendors offer a wide variety of items for sale. There will also be craft shows at the library and church. Children can visit with Santa, ride the train, and listen to our storyteller reading holiday stories. A snowball toss benefits the local food bank. Holiday music fills the air as you enjoy a delightful day!
Mays Landing NJ, 08330
17. ELF Party!
Saturday, December 5, 11am
Come dressed in your favorite holiday attire for activities and a viewing of the movie ELF.
Middlesex, NJ 08846
18. MILK & COOKIES
Saturday, December 5, 10am – 12pm
MILK & COOKIES is a lively, interactive, and FREE series featuring storytelling, music, puppetry, and more. Recommended for children ages 3-8 and their families, Milk & Cookies invites young people to discover the joy of watching, listening, and interacting with the arts. The 6 events (3 in the fall and 3 in the spring) are offered once a month, on select Saturdays at 10am and 12pm. Free milk and cookies are distributed to children (while supplies last).
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
19. Holiday Festival (Friends of Lord Stirling Stable)
Saturday, December 5 & Sunday, December 6, 10am–4pm
Take a hayride to see Santa Claus, ride a pony, decorate ornaments, and enjoy many other activities. Find that perfect gift at the Silent Auction, which benefits the School Horse Retirement Fund. Fees vary; admission, parking, hayrides & pony rides are free.
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
20. Hooray for Hanukkah!
Sunday, December 6, 1pm – 3pm
Listen to Hanukkah stories, create holiday snacks and enjoy hands-on Hanukkah crafts with Rosie Hymerling. Then, top the afternoon off with an interactive performance with Cantor Scott Borsky.
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
via jbr.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1139292
21. 2015 Jingle Bell Run/Walk
Sunday, December 6, 8am-9:30am, Race Begins @ 9:30am
Jingle Bell Run/Walk is a fun, festive event for the whole family! Put on your reindeer antlers and your running shoes and come join us for some holiday cheer. Be apart of the race or just come out and support!
Metuchen, NJ 08840
22. The Sounds of Christmas
Sunday, December 6, 1pm -3pm
Enjoy the welcoming warmth of the Longstreet Farmhouse with the backdrop of wistful music as Larry Mosser and Mary Nagen play Christmas carols on the hammered dulcimer and fiddle.
Holmdel, NJ 07733
via petsmart.com
23. Paws for the Camera
Sunday & Monday’s December 6-7th & 13-14, 12pm-4pm
Bring your pets dressed in their holiday best to any PetSmart store & get a FREE digital photo keepsake! Capture the moment with our photo backdrop. Visit any PetSmart store & look for the holiday photo area. Connect with the associate with the iPad & give your name & email. Choose from 3 digital overlay designs & pose with your pets! Smile! Your holiday photo will be emailed right to your inbox! Don’t forget to share your holiday photo with your friends & family
Find your local PetSmart!
24. Second Fridays by the Bay
Friday, December 11, 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Second Fridays by the Bay celebrate the best of the Delaware Bay throughout the year on the second Friday of each month. A new exhibit debuts each month featuring an area artist, with a gallery reception offering complimentary food and beverage. Lectures on the theme of the month take place in the museum. Children are welcome and can participate by making take home crafts they make based on the theme.
Port Norris, NJ 08349
25. Wildwoods Family Holiday Celebration
Friday, December 11 & Saturday, December 12
Continue a family tradition with an exciting holiday celebration filled with fun for the entire family! Attend the Jaycees Christmas Parade on Friday night at 6:00 p.m., followed by a tree lighting ceremony and parade awards ceremony at the Wildwoods Convention Center at 7:15 p.m. Bring the family inside the Wildwoods Convention Center lobby on Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. for FREE admission to holiday-themed crafters, photos with Santa, entertainment and much more!
Wildwood, NJ 08260
26. Christmas Holiday Shoppe. Soup Fest and Children’s Storytime
Saturday – December 12, 10am – 3pm
The Cranford United Methodist Church is happy to announce its 5th annual Christmas Holiday Shoppe and Soup Fest. This is a charming local venue for kids and adults alike to do their holiday shopping. Over 45 vendors will offer a large variety of merchandise, crafts and gifts. There is sure to be something for everyone in the Christmas Shoppe! For the second year in a row, ten fabulous homemade soups will be available as part of a Soup Fest at lunchtime. Come early – these soups sell out quickly! Baked goods and lunch will be available for purchase, too. Also, this year author Laura Sassi will present Children’s Story Time with puppets will be every 20 minutes from 10:30am to 12:30pm, so bring your children. With the help of a couple of skunk puppets and a rooster, she will be sharing her debut picture book GOODNIGHT, ARK, as well as her new holiday book GOODNIGHT, MANGER, both published by Zonderkidz, a HarperCollins Company, and illustrated by New York Times bestselling illustrator Jane Chapman. Books will be available for purchase for her to sign and personalize just in time for Christmas! The Cranford High School Madrigals will also perform.
Cranford, NJ 07016
27. ALJ High School Holiday Flea Market & Gift Show
Saturday, December 12, 9am-5pm
There will be exhibitors displaying an array of quality merchandise such as handbags, sports collectibles, jewelry for all ages, clothing, dollar items, gift items, gloves & scarves, toys, perfumes, antiques & collectibles, garage/tag sale items all at bargain prices.
Clark, NJ 07066
via jerseycityindependent.com
28. JC West Side Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, December 12, Noon-6pm, & Sunday, December 13, Noon-5pm
The first ever JC West Side Holiday Craft Fair will be held at the Gallo Center in Lincoln Park, Jersey City, NJ!
Jersey City, NJ 07306
29. Winter Solstice Celebration
Sunday, December 13, 11am – 2pm
Winter Solstice Celebration is a fun-filled winter celebration for families with guided nature walks, winter-themed games and activities, arts and crafts, pictures with Santa, vendors, and refreshments.
Toms River, NJ 08753
30. Newton Pride Foundation
Saturday, December 19, 10am – 4pm
Last Minute Christmas Shopping, Unique Handmade Crafts, Baked Goods, Flowers, Pictures with Santa (10am – 1pm) Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest (1pm) Raffle and Caroling by members of Newton Schools Choirs.
Newton, NJ 07860
Did we miss a FREE event in NJ that you know about? Share it in the comments below!
