While you wait for Santa’s arrival (and if you’re lucky enough to be done with your shopping), there’s lots of festive fun to be had. Be sure to check for time and weather updates before heading out.
WEEKEND
Novena de Aguinaldos: The Christmas Novena
Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Ridgefield
Thursday – Sunday
Celebrate an authentic Colombian Novena for Christmas. Each night there will be Colombian food, a Christmas sing-along, traditional worship on the Countdown to Christmas, and toys for kids.
Christmas Underwater
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Thursday – Sunday
Splash into the spirit of Fishmas with Scuba Santa, who will be diving daily in Ocean Realm among sea turtles, sharks and stingrays. Take a winter stroll through the new and improved Snowtunda, which will sprinkle snow-like flurries. Don’t miss the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree, down below the aquarium’s shiver of sharks.
Holidays at MarketFair
MarketFair, Princeton
Thursday – Sunday
There are many holiday activities, including photo opportunities with Santa for children and pets, performances by various bands and choirs, cookie decorating, pet adoptions and gift-wrapping services.
Christmas Village
LOVE Park, City Halls Courtyard and North Broad, Philadelphia, PA
Thursday – Sunday
You’ll feel like you’re in Germany instead of Pennsylvania as local and international vendors set up in traditional wooden booths, offering holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry and high-quality arts and crafts.
A Christmas Carol
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
Thursday – Sunday
Joel McKinnon Miller (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Murphy Brown, Big Love) is cast as Scrooge in this year’s presentation of “A Christmas Carol.”
American Dream Holiday Cheer
American Dream, East Rutherford
Thursday – Sunday
There will be photos with Santa; holiday-themed attractions at Nickelodeon Universe, Toys R Us and The Rink; and Spin to Win Thursday and Friday from 5-7 pm, and Saturday from 1-3 pm, for great prizes.
North Pole Experience
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Friday – Sunday
Through the North Pole Portal, you will be transported to the Crystal Clear Lake Ice House, where you will receive a piece of magical North Pole Ice that activates Rudolph’s nose when he is flying high above on Christmas Eve. Hourly, Eddie will tell the full story of the magical ice and why it works. A visit with Santa will also be included in your journey. Once you return from the North Pole, you can walk Laurita’s Holiday Photo Trail, order hot chocolate and cookies, and sit by the bonfire.
A Visit to Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Friday – Sunday
Take a guided journey through a gingerbread wonderland where you will help Mrs. Claus with her holiday baking. You’ll be given an activity sheet to explore her garden, where candy canes and surprises are around every corner. Shop the baked goods at DiLena’s Dolcini bakery. As a bonus, if you book a Sunday ticket, you’ll get an exclusive offer from one of Westfield Garden State Plaza’s onsite restaurants to use for dining in on any Sunday during December.
Ridgewood Holiday Market
16 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood
Friday – Sunday
The Ridgewood Guild, Femmebot and True Ascend curated the first-ever holiday market in Downtown Ridgewood. Shop and support small businesses and vendors selling jewelry, clothes, crystals and more. Santa will be available for photos on the December dates.
Artists’ Winter Chalets
Hinds Plaza, Princeton
Friday – Sunday
Shop directly from artists and makers to find unique, handmade giftables for everyone on your list.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Saturday – Sunday
On Saturday, Steve Berger will perform Christmas carols. On Sundy, sit down for a holiday playlist from Rick Winow. Order off the menu and taste some wine. Shop for gifts and Laurita merch in the market!
FRIDAY
Felt Christmas Ornament Workshop
Galastella Studio, Hoboken
Adults can BYOB and then spend the evening making ornaments for their Christmas tree using felt and embellishments.
Classics and Carols Concert
Community Middle School, Plainsboro
The Princeton Symphonic Brass will perform Christmas carols, Christmas classics, Hanukkah music, and more.
Candlelight Concert: Holiday Special
Newark Symphony Hall, Newark
The concert is an hour of Christmas music you listen to while surrounded by candlelight, with an emphasis on “The Nutcracker.”
SATURDAY
The Polar Express
LeVoy Theatre, Millville
After you watch the movie about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, you can meet Santa and then have some cookies and hot chocolate.
It’s A Wonderful Life
LeVoy Theatre, Millville
This classic holiday story follows George Bailey as he wishes he were never born, and then is shown what that would be like by his guardian angel Clarence.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker With MC Kurtis Blow
NJPAC, Newark
NJPAC’s original holiday mash-up remixes Tchaikovsky’s ballet with supercharged hip-hop dance (and some surprises).
Die Hard
LeVoy Theatre, Millville
It’s debated every year about whether or not Die Hard should be considered a Christmas movie. New York City policeman John McClane is visiting his estranged wife and two daughters on Christmas Eve and joins her at a holiday party in the headquarters of the Japanese-owned business she works for. But the festivities are interrupted by a group of terrorists who take over the exclusive high-rise, and everyone in it. McClane realizes that there’s no one to save the hostages — but him.
‘Twas the Weekend Before Christmas
Downtown Metuchen
This is the last weekend before Christmas and one of the busiest shopping weekends, so be prepared for last-minute shoppers and diners.
Kwanzaa Family Festival
NJPAC, Newark
Free family activities, including dance and drumming classes, face painting, storytelling, and arts and crafts workshops will be held throughout the campus. You can join classes by Umoja Dance Company and Zawadi African Dance & Drum. A highlight of the day’s celebration will be a Kwanzaa candle-lighting ceremony and a vibunzi — a tradition of honoring young people with an ear of corn (or, in this case, fresh fruits and vegetables) to represent the hope for the future they bring. In addition, the Arts Center’s annual Kwanzaa Marketplace, featuring local crafters, artists, and merchants, will fill two floors of the Arts Center.
Shadow of the ’60s
The LeVoy Theatre, Millville
This holiday tribute to Motown covers music from The Supremes, Marvelettes, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Mary Wells, Martha Reeves, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Four Tops, Jr. Walker & The Allstars and more. Add in the music of Christmas such as “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Silent Night” and more, all done in the style of Motown.
Snowman Splash Holiday Party
Five Star Swim School, Cherry Hill
Your child will enjoy swimming with fun holiday floats, party games, and holiday cookies. Feel free to bring your holiday pajamas to change into after swimming. The kids will be decorating a craft that you can take home.
Boardwalk Basketball Classic Tournament: Battle of the Boards
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
High school boys and girls basketball teams from South Jersey will compete in a basketball tournament.
Holiday Hayrides
Cherry Grove Farm, Lawrenceville
Take a winter hayride around the farm; you’ll see the famous cows while you sip on hot chocolate and sing Christmas carols. Dress warmly and bring a blanket. Warm up and shop in the farm store afterward. 
GALASTELLA STUDIO
Felt Christmas Ornament Workshop for Kids
Galastella Studio, Hoboken
Kids ages 10-17 will design and embroider their own felt Christmas ornaments, following step-by-step instructions.
Celebrate the Holiday Season
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Terhune Orchards turns into the North Pole with its special Winter Wonderland. Choose the perfect Christmas tree and wreath. Warm up by the bonfire with hot chocolate. S’mores kits and holiday cookie decorating kits will be available. Santa makes very special visits on December 9 and 17 and will take free pictures on his sleigh.
Christmas On The Farm
Acres at Magnolia, Farmingdale
The farm will be filled with Santa sightings, farm animals, wreaths and a variety of special events.
iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Santa will be onsite every day from 11 am to 6 pm for photo ops.
Stories With Santa
Renault Winery, Egg Harbor City
Santa will read a classic Christmas story while kids snack on milk and cookies. Kids will also get a special prize from Santa which includes a Christmas coloring book and a pack of crayons. After the story is read, feel free to take pictures with Santa.
Off-the-Wall Holiday Market
West Windsor Arts, Princeton Junction
Work will be original and handcrafted by the artist. The focus is on the maker: their story, what makes their process unique, the history of their craft, their sustainable practices, and any other aspect of their business that helps customers understand who they are.
Here’s what’s open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. And don’t forget to book your dinner reservation!
MONDAY, CHRISTMAS DAY
Game Day Experience
Live! Casino & Hotel, Philadelphia
Watch the Giants versus Eagles matchup while dining and betting within steps of the stadium. There are 2,000 slot machines and more than 130 table games, including a dedicated poker room. Place your bets on the game at the FanDuel Sportsbook and Lounge and grab a beer at Sports & Social; or indulge in a Philly cheesesteak at Live!’s 10th Street Market, including the newly opened infamous Geno’s Steaks. After the game, eat at the holiday-decorated The Prime Rib, or catch the 49ers game on Sports & Social’s 52-foot LED screen. If you want to stay, the hotel offers 200 upscale rooms and suites with views of the Philadelphia city skyline and Stadium District.
ONGOING
Makerspace Saturday
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, Madison
First Saturday of every month
Whether you are looking for a kid-friendly project or for something creative to do after spending time at the museum, drop by Makerspace for hands-on activities in a new collaborative workspace geared toward kids ages 5 -12. Kids will build with LEGOs, paint, make jewelry, experiment with engineering and coding robots, and more.
Main Memorial Park Flea Market
Memorial Park, Clifton
Second Saturday of every month, March – December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Tours of Crane House & Historic YWCA
Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
Every Sunday
Take a self-guided tour to learn about the women of the Historic YWCA and the Crane family at your own pace. Take some time to walk through the gardens and meadow on site.
Wayne PAL Antique Collectibles Show and Vintage Flea Market
Wayne PAL Athletic League Complex, Wayne
First Sunday of every month, through April
The show features over 150 vendor tables in two large rooms and the front lobby where you can find vintage and sterling jewelry, glassware and Lenox, toys and trains, antique and collectible dolls and action figures, vintage postcards and photos and artwork, military, political and sports memorabilia including cards, magazines and newspapers, vintage coins and watches, classic rock CDs and more.
Frank V. Marina Flea Market
Frank A. Vincent Marina, Kearny
Second Sunday of every month, March – December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Patriots Week
Trenton
December 26-31
There will be many activities to explore Trenton’s most notable historic and cultural sites while celebrating these historical dates that changed the course of the Revolution. The itinerary includes the Battles of Trenton Re-enactment, the Patriots’ Pub Crawl, and the Colonial Ball, as well as lectures, historical tours, puppet shows and more.
Boardwalk Basketball Classic Tournament
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
December 26-31
The largest holiday co-ed basketball tournament in the country will feature about 1,000 high school boys and girls basketball teams from the South Jersey and Delaware Valley areas. The tournament kicks off with a special Battle at the Boards high school basketball showcase event on Saturday, December 23. The event will feature boys and girls games involving area schools such as Cape May Tech, Lower Cape May, Middle Township, Ocean City, as well as tournament co-hosts Wildwood and Wildwood Catholic, and many more from South Jersey and the surrounding areas.
Holiday Adventure
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
December 26 – January 1
Check out all the cool science exhibits, plus the LSC Winter Train Ride, the sock skating rink, the holiday dance party, live science shows, the Mariah Carey Holiday Laser Show, the Laser Wonderland show, or any of the planetarium shows in the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium. Meet penguins from Jenkinson’s Aquarium on December 27 and 28, and hawks and owls from the Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge on December 29 and 30. Check out The Science Behind Pixar, which goes behind the scenes of making your favorite Pixar movies.
Festival of Trees
Environmental Education Center, Basking Ridge
Through December 28
Several rooms will be decorated with trees in a variety of themes. Note: the festival is closed Dec. 22-25.
Winery Visit
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays-Sundays, through December 30
Weather permitting, walk through the historic apple orchard. During cooler weather, seating is inside the wine barn with fire pits, outdoor heaters, and hot mulled wine. Tasting flights of Terhune wines to sample are available for adults. All ages can have fun with s’mores and hot cocoa kits. The Barn Door Café will sell lunch, while cheese plates and chips & salsa baskets are available at the winery. Live music will be on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
The Village at Anne Ellen Holiday Lights Display
Anne Ellen Tree Farm, Manalapan
Wednesdays-Sundays, through December 30
You’ll be surrounded by over 100,000 Christmas lights as you take the hayride from the farm market down to the holiday lights display. Visit Santa’s house, the train room, the life-sized igloo, the gingerbread house, the old school tree lot, the wall of lights, the post office, the cherry blossom field, and the maple sugar shack. There’s a shooting range where you can aim at holiday-themed targets using Orbeez ammunition. New for this year is Santa’s Coal Mine, where you’ll enter the mine’s tunnels to see the coal that fuels Santa’s sleigh – and is the same coal reserved for those on Santa’s naughty list. Also new is the Candy Cane Factory, where you’ll see the elves on the machines hard at work.
Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Select dates, through December 30
The 10th annual winter extravaganza includes a mile-long drive-thru course of magical displays of light, featuring everything from fully enclosed light tunnels and a majestic wreath arch to whimsical scenes of bears skating, dancing trees and more. After the drive, pull up to the Christmas Village, where you and your family can shop, eat, take a photo with Santa and make s’mores. Double S Smokehouse will cook BBQ. After dinner, stop by the Ice Cream Shop and Hot Chocolate Bar (where there will also be Irish cream, Sambuca and other liquors for adults).
Winter Wonderland Trail
Indian Acres Tree Farm, Medford
Through December 30
Your night begins with a stroll through the woods filled with fun snowmen and trees made with upcycled materials from the farm. You’ll pass by illuminated boxes with miniature scenes, including a Fairy Garden. Further down the trail, you might stumble upon a secret gnome village. The path flows out of the woods and into the live Christmas tree fields, where you can waddle past a penguin igloo town, “fly by” Birdhouse Row —but watch out for a runaway toboggan! Make your way into the White Pine field to experience a tunnel of lights snowing down on you. When you’re done, stop by the bonfires for hot chocolate and s’mores.
Phare Circus’ White Gold
Stage 42, New York, NY
Through December 30
The story is based on a book about Buddha’s life, and shows how the rice grain is important in Cambodian culture and commerce. The stage show is complete with acrobats and Cambodian circus acts.
GLOW! Light Show and The Dazzling District
217 Berlin-Cross Keys Rd., Washington Twp.
Through December 31
This lights display is epic – and so epic that the family moved it offsite from their house, and won an episode of The Great Christmas Lights Fight TV show this season! The video game-themed lights drive-through and walk-through also feature a 45-foot LED snowman, Ferris wheel, carnival games, food trucks and time with Santa.
Spring Lake Christmas Train Village
313 Washington Ave., Spring Lake
Wednesdays – Sundays, through December 31
See the beautiful displays that will make you feel like you are traveling via rail through a winter wonderland.
December to Remember
Crystal Springs Resort: Grand Cascades Lodge in Hamburg and Minerals Hotel in Verona
Through December 31
Activities include photos with goats, a live Nativity scene, gingerbread house decorating, mini tree decorating, ornament paint & sip, an elf scavenger hunt and dive-in holiday movies. Adults can hang out at Frosty’s Cantina, learn how to mix holiday drinks and take a tour of the massive wine cellar.
December in Smithville
Historic Smithville
Through December 31
Throughout the month, come by for the Light Show on the Lake, holiday train rides, the Magic Talking Tree, Hospitality Night on December 2, Girls Night Out on December 7, breakfasts with Santa, s’mores on the green, lots of holiday shopping, and tons of holiday lights.
Winter WonderLights Holiday Lights Drive-Thru
Middlesex County 4-H, East Brunswick
Through December 31
More than 1.5 million lights are animated to some of your favorite holiday tunes. This year there are two new 30-foot trees in addition to the eleven 20-foot trees, a new tunnel, three magical tunnels, a tribute to first responders and U.S. Armed Forces, and tons of larger-than-life holiday-themed displays.
Winter Wonderland For The Holidays
New Brunswick
Through December 31
Activities include a gingerbread house decorating contest, ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, a Hungarian Christmas market, the Rutgers Big Chill 5K, theater performances at The State Theatre, selfies with Santa, a community Kwanzaa celebration and New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Coastal Holidays By The Sea
Pier Village, Long Branch
Select dates, through December 31
Weekend events include rides on the Carousel, visits with Santa and holiday princesses, a juggling elf and stiltwalker show, Hanukkah pup photos and fireworks on NYE.
Deck the Hall – Festival of Trees
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City
Through December 31
Walk through the lobby to see beautifully decorated trees that have been sponsored by residents, businesses and local organizations.
Pink Wonderland
Bounce Sporting Club, New York, NY
Through December 31
This isn’t just a bar; there will be immersive decor, specialty cocktails, live DJs and other entertainment and themed photo ops, all pink, of course.
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
Select nights, through December 31
Take a winter stroll through the zoo under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters. On select nights there will be visits with Santa, ice sculpture demos, Grinch Weekend and Princess Weekend.
Maccabee Bar
Ollie’s, New York, NY
Through December 31
A Boston bar owner is coming back to NY to share her Jewish heritage with holiday lovers, opening a Hanukkah-themed pop-up bar for the season.
Holiday in the Park
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select dates, through January 1, 2024
There will be millions of dazzling lights around the theme park when it is transformed for the holidays. There will be treats, a full lineup of holiday entertainment, visits with Santa and lots of photo ops – plus, many of your favorite rides will be open.
Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland
Van Saun Park, Paramus
Select dates, through January 1, 2024
There will be outdoor ice skating, games, a beer and wine garden, ice bumper cars and weekly Bergen County-based live entertainment. December 2 is the tree lighting, December 13 is the menorah lighting and December 27 is the kinara lighting.
Christmas in Cape May: Winter Wonderland
Congress Hall and Beach Plum Farm, Cape May
Through January 1, 2024
The hotel fully transforms for the season and features family fun like Breakfast with Santa, Santa’s Workshop activities, outdoor igloos, a festive train ride around the property, a carousel on the front lawn, a Vendor Village, and holiday farm-to-table dinners at Beach Plum Farm.
Lightscape
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, NY
Select nights, through January 1, 2024
Walk through a trail of 1 million lights that decorate the grounds of the garden, and listen as they dance to songs by Taylor Swift, Elton John, Mos Def and more.
Big Apple Circus: Journey to the Rainbow
Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park, New York, NY
Through January 1, 2024
More than 30 artists from all over the world will perform in costumes specially designed for the show, and there will be a live orchestra of eight musicians.
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Dilworth Park at the West Side of City Hall, Philadelphia, PA
Through January 1, 2024
Celebrate the holiday season with more than 50 local vendors from Philadelphia and the tri-state area.
Koziar’s Christmas Village
Bernville, PA
Through January 1, 2024
Situated on a farm in the middle of Berks County, PA, are acres of land and barns that are decorated for Christmas. Walk along guided paths to see the train sets, storyboards, huge inflatables, Christmas scenes and Ferris wheel. There are beautifully decorated gift shops and snack shops where you can admire the scenery while warming up.
The Candy Cottage of Christmas Magic
Rockefeller Center, New York, NY
Through January 2, 2024
Start inside the trunk of a giant Christmas tree during this immersive experience, and then you’ll be given a map to scurry around Rockefeller Plaza looking for the ingredients for Christmas magic. When you’re done, head back to the cottage for a sweet treat that includes a personalized message.
Winter Lantern Festival
American Dream, East Rutherford
Thursdays – Sundays, through January 2, 2024
More than 1,000 handcrafted Chinese lanterns and lights will be on display. The lanterns are made with hand-painted silk cloth and LED lights. There will be gorgeous displays of Chinese myths, legends and zodiac-inspired lanterns designed as an animal kingdom, a sea world and a theme park. Look for mammoths, polar bears, penguins, and a 50-foot-tall lantern display of Sun Wukong. You can also make your lantern and dress up in traditional Chinese attire.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park, New York, NY
Holiday shops open through January 2, 2024
The Rink and The Lodge, open through March 3, 2024
The rink is the largest, free ice skating rink in New York. You can relax at The Lodge, where you can eat and drink while watching skaters from the rinkside or overlooking the gigantic Christmas tree. The Holiday Shops by Urbanspace Markets is another huge draw and boasts more than 180 new and returning merchants in an open-air holiday market.
Festival of Trees
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center and Amboy Bank, New Brunswick
Through January 6, 2024
The trees on display will represent several countries and cultures and traditions from around the world. During the opening reception on Dec. 3, there will be special holiday musical performances, including by the Hungarian Scouts of New Brunswick, and refreshments.
Historic Smithville & Village Green
Smithville
Through Jan. 6, 2024
This quaint South Jersey shopping town gets all decked out for the holidays with a talking Christmas tree and “dancing” trees on Lake Meone, plus a train ride, s’mores by the bonfire and tons of boutiques for shopping.
Newark Winter Village
Mulberry Commons Park, Newark
Wednesdays – Sundays, through January 7, 2024
Spend time on-ice go-karting, ice skating, playing carnival games, renting a heated private igloo or getting food from local vendors.
Festival of Trees
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Wednesdays – Sundays, through January 7, 2024
Take your time walking through the museum’s elegant galleries, where Christmas trees, mantels and porches will be decorated for the holidays by local businesses, garden clubs and non-profit organizations.
Threading Memories
Art@Bainbridge, Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton
Through January 7, 2024
Korean-born artist MiKyoung Lee hosts her first solo museum exhibition. The exhibition features richly textured large-scale sculptures and wall-mounted works and explores themes of domesticity, family ties, and how we process memory and experience.
Holiday Lights at The Bronx Zoo
Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY
Select nights, through January 7, 2024
The zoo comes to life at night with immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns and animated light shows. This year, there will be new lantern displays showcasing the wildlife of New York’s ocean waters and wetlands, plus a new interactive experience celebrating bioluminescent creatures.
A Very Furry Christmas Celebration
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Select dates, through January 7, 2024
The theme park will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, rides, decorations, and entertainment and activities. A
music and light show takes place at the 30-foot 1-2-3 Christmas Tree. There is a Sesame Street Christmas Parade with floats and performances. Santa’s Grand Illumination and Santa’s ‘Twas the Night Celebration will be in addition to special celebrations for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, plus New Year’s Eve fireworks to close out 2023.
A Longwood Christmas
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Select dates, through January 7, 2024
The beautiful landscape includes 1,100 acres of flowers, plants and trees. The 2023 theme is retro, with a nostalgic feel and throwback decorations to your favorite toys as a child. Everywhere you look, inside and outside, will be decorated for the season with bright lights and glittery tinsel.
Antique Toy Train Show
The Museum of American History at Deptford, West Deptford
Thursdays-Sundays, through January 28, 2024
The show will feature O and O-27 gauge toy trains from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Lionel, Marx and American Flyer engines, with adjoining cars, will race against each other on two platforms.
Holiday Tea
The Mathis House, Toms River
Select dates, through January 31, 2024
Visit this gorgeous Victorian B&B with beautifully decorated tea rooms on the first floor, plus a year-round Christmas store in the attic. During the holiday season, come by for a special afternoon holiday tea or themed events like Friendsgiving Dinner, Scones With Santa, Most Wonderful Crime of the Year Murder Mystery and several holiday open houses.
Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
Through March 2024
The famous ice-skating rink returns to Rockefeller Center in NYC for its 87th season. While you’re watching the skating, or when you need to take a break from the ice, you can warm up inside the special skate chalets on the South Esplanade. This year will be the first time you can enjoy alcoholic beverages in the chalets, with a soon-to-be-announced menu of drinks by Other Half Brewery, served alongside a menu of après-skate bites. Skating runs through March but the chalets will be rentable from November 4 to January 14, 2024. Details on Family and Kids Day and opportunities to take photos with Santa will be announced.
Newport Skates
Jersey City
Through March 15, 2024
JC’s only outdoor ice skating rink is not only available for open skating but for lessons and parties, too.
Roosevelt Park Family Skating Rink
Roosevelt Park, Edison
Through March 31, 2024
There is open skating as well as skating lessons.
Night Forms
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton Twp.
Through April 7, 2024
You will have nighttime access to the art and horticulture throughout the sculpture park, which will be illuminated in an immersive experience.
The Science Behind Pixar
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through May 5, 2024
Learn all about the science behind Pixar’s animated films. Kids can try a bunch of hands-on experiences like making a short film, creating a robot friend for “WALL·E” and designing a new movie set using props from “Monsters University.” Learn what animation rendering is, then practice it by rendering a scene from “Inside Out.” Create a digital sculpture from an artist’s sketch. Use lights to solve challenges similar to the ones Pixar faced in creating underwater scenes with virtual light in “Finding Nemo.”
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