Local Holiday Happenings Dec. 14–16

With Christmas less than two weeks away, holiday festivities are in full-swing. Here are some of the many great events and activities happening in communities all around the Garden State this weekend, December 14-16:

 

Collingswood: Parade of Lights, 7:30pm. Fire trucks and floats strung in glittering lights will travel from Zane Ave. to Homestead Ave. (at the Collingswood Post Office, 970 Haddon Ave.) Santa will be on the final truck to greet children and spectators. More info: 856-854-1043. 

 

What's the lineup for Saturday?—>

 

Bayonne: Santa Strolls Down Broadway! From 12:00pm to 3:00pm Santa will stroll Broadway between 17th and 30th Streets handing out candy canes and stopping for pictures – bring your camera! Also taking place is the Most Creative Ornament Contest. Registration begins at 12:00pm and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be selected at 1:00pm. Bring your decorated ornaments to the Fire House Rec. Center (597 Broadway). More info: 201-436-5057.

 

Chester: Merry-Monster Truck Rides for Kids from 1:00 to 4:30pm, Downtown Main Street. Free with print-out available here. At 12:00pm in Downtown Main Street Archie Cobblepot The Clown will be performing a show with magic and comedy, and will also create balloon sculptures.

 

Maplewood: The Dickens Village display of historical mini houses are open for viewing from 1:00 to 4:00pm (Ricalton Square at Maplewood Avenue). Also: breakfast with Santa at 9:30am, visits with Santa from 1:00 to 4:00pm, holiday music at 1:00pm, Jack's Petting Zoo from 1:30 to 3:30pm and horse and wagon rides from 1:30 to 4:00pm. Carolers will be strolling throughout the village as well. All events are free.

 

Morristown: Visits with Santa from 12:00 to 3:00pm and 4:00 to 7:00pm, as well as Electric Train Rides from 1:00 to 7:00pm, Gingerbread House Making from 1:00 to 3:00pm and a Snowflake Craft from 4:00 to 7:00pm.

 

Princeton: Holidays in the Village (Lawrenceville Main Street, Weeden Park) has a tree lighting, as well as visits with Santa, music, refreshments, and a crafts fair. More info: 609-219-9300.

 

Ridgewood: There are Trolley Rides through the business district from 12:00 to 4:00pm. Also from 12:00 to 4:00pm, kids can visit Santa at his house in Memorial Park, at Van Neste Square. All events are free. More info: 201-445-2600.

 

Summit: Holiday Carolers will be performing throughout downtown from 12:00 to 3:00pm.

 

Westfield: "Dickens" attired Yuletide Carolers will be strolling downtown from 1:00 to 2:00pm and The Watson Highlanders Bagpipe Band will perform downtown from 2:00 to 5:00pm. More info: 908-789-9444.

 

Don't forget about Sunday!—>

 

 

Chester: Holiday Acapella Carolers will be singing throughout downtown historic Chester from 1:00 to 4:00pm.

 

Maplewood: The Dickens Village display of historical mini houses are open for viewing from 1:00 to 3:00pm (Ricalton Square at Maplewood Avenue), and Santa will be there, too.

 

Morristown: Visits with Santa from 12:00 to 3:00pm and 4:00 to 7:00pm as well as Electric Train Rides from 1:00 to 7:00pm.

 

Summit: Holiday Carolers are downtown from 12:00 to 3:00pm.

 

And we've got more holiday fun at NJFamily.com! Check out our picks for dazzling Holiday Lights, the best places to take Santa Pictures in NJ as well as our huge events calendar, filled with incredible events like A Natural Holiday in Bernardsville and A Winter's Tea in Moorestown.