A Wind in the Willows Christmas
Dec. 7–Dec. 29
Joan and Robert Rechnitz Theater, Red Bank
732-345-1400
Two River Theater Co. invites audiences of all ages to experience the magic of a world-premiere musical, based on a classic of children’s literature. Mole is on the hunt for a place to call his own, and joins Water Rat, Mr. Toad, and Mr. Badger as they discover that home is where your friends are.
The Laurie Berkner Band Holiday Celebration
Dec 14, 2 pm
State Theatre, New Brunswick
732-246-7469 x545
Children’s music superstars and preschool television favorites The Laurie Berkner Band perform live in a special Holiday Celebration Concert! Families can sing along with traditional holiday tunes and festive seasonal songs from the album A Laurie Berkner Christmas. The concert will also feature some of The Laurie Berkner Band’s biggest hits from their best-selling albums and popular videos.
Holiday Express Benefit Concert
Dec. 19, 7:30 pm
Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank
732-842-9000
Now in its 21st season, Holiday Express is a traveling Christmas party and benefit concert, bringing music, friendship, help, and hope to those too often left out in the cold at the most special time of the year. More than 50 musicians and singers perform everything from “White Christmas” to “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” (with the Grinch himself in attendance!)
Home for the Holidays
Dec. 7, 7 pm
The Presbyterian Church, Westfield
908-232-9400
Celebrate the beginning of the festive season with Maestro David Wroe and the New Jersey Festival Orchestra (formerly Westfield Symphony Orchestra). Home for the Holidays is an annual family festival that sparkles with wintertime favorites, holiday joy, sing-alongs, and surprises for all ages.
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
Nov. 22–Dec. 22
Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays and Sundays at 4 pm
The Growing Stage, Netcong
973-347-4946
This presentation, recommended for the entire family, is a musical stage adaptation of the 1964 TV special. Set in a magical, holiday world in and around the North Pole—populated by talking snowmen and flying reindeer—this production features well-known Christmas songs and evokes the enduring spirit of Christmas.
The Snow Queen
Dec. 14, 7pm; Dec. 15, 2 pm
Kendall Hall at TCNJ, Ewing
609-771-2775
The Snow Queen is an original ballet that tells the story of a young girl’s courageous journey to rescue her beloved from the evil Snow Queen. In addition to the enchanting, spirited music and the unique, exciting choreography, The Snow Queen features projection artwork as its backdrop to engage audiences of all ages.
Mooseltoe
Dec. 1, 1:30 and 4 pm
MPAC, Morristown
973-539-8008
The Moose is back by popular demand! Meet a Moose with an impossible dream – to fly with Santa’s reindeer! Enjoy the whimsy and magic of the holiday spirit in this enchanting holiday “moosical.” Ages 4-8
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Dec. 16, 2 pm
Kelsey Theater, West Windsor
609-570-3333
Inspired by the timeless poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and by the real life of its author, Clement Moore, this hilarious musical introduces Santa in a particularly beneficent light. Appropriate for K-5.
Snow White’s Christmas
Dec. 15, 2 pm
Shea Center for Performing Arts at William Paterson University, Wayne
973-720-2371
‘Tis the season to be jolly! Celebrate the holiday with Snow White, the handsome prince and of course those seven dwarfs. Snow White’s Christmas is a modernized adaptation with a twist to the timeless fairytale – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Employing comedy, music and a special message on friendship, patience and diversity, Snow White’s Christmas is sure to get you in the holiday spirit
Angelina Ballerina
Dec 15, 1 pm
bergenPAC; Englewood
201-227-1030
Angelina and her friends are planning an absolutely positively spectacular holiday dance pageant – the best in all of Mouseland! When a mix-up prevents the pageant from going on, Angelina and her friends work together and discover the true spirit of the holidays.
Max and Ruby in the Nutcracker Suite
Dec. 13, 3:30 and 6:30 pm
SOPAC, South Orange
973-275-1114
Max & Ruby bring to life a wonderful tradition this holiday season as they take to the stage their most magical performance yet! Inspired by one of the greatest musical scores ever composed – Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite – the beloved bunny siblings star in Koba Entertainment’s brand new musical production.
Holiday Express: Benefit Concert
Dec. 11, 7:30 pm
New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark
973-642-8989
This rock-and-soul concert features the Jersey shore’s most philanthropic musicians, performing holiday hits to benefit those less fortunate.
The Nutcracker
Every little girl and boy should experience the magic of the Nutcracker ballet. Catch this holiday favorite at the following NJ venues:
Algonquin Arts Theatre; Manasquan; 732-528-9211; Dec. 14-15
bergenPAC; Englewood; 201-227-1030; Dec. 7-8
Count Basie Theatre; Red Bank; 732-842-9000; Dec. 14-15
Hamilton Stage; Rahway; 732-499-8226; Nov. 23
McCarter Theatre; Princeton; 609-258-2787; Nov. 27, 29-30
MPAC; Morristown; 973-539-8008; Dec. 13-15, 19-24
Patriots Theater at the War Memorial; Trenton; 609-984-8400; Dec. 7
SOPAC; South Orange; 973-275-1114; Dec. 1
State Theatre; New Brunswick; 732-246-7469; Dec. 21-22
The College of New Jersey; Ewing; 609-396-7616; Nov. 30- Dec. 2, Dec. 7-8
The Theatre at RVCC; Branchburg; 908-725-3420; Dec. 13
A Christmas Carol
This classic story reminds us that the holidays are a time of kindness, forgiving, and charity. Here’s where you’ll find Scrooge this year:
bergenPAC; Englewood; 201-227-1030; Dec. 21
Paper Mill Playhouse; Millburn; 973-376-4343; Dec. 13-15
The Theatre at RVCC; Branchburg; 908-725-3420; Dec. 15
McCarter Theatre; Princeton; 609-258-2787; Dec. 6-29
Read on for more holiday fun: