Ready for the three-day weekend? Whether you’re looking to see a show, take a nature hike or honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. there’s plenty for the family to see and do in our beautiful state.
ALL WEEKEND
Disney on Ice
Prudential Center, Newark
Thursday – Monday
Audiences will be a part of the magic of Disney as Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse leads a parade of more than 50 beloved characters starring Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and featuring an ensemble of Disney Princesses including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana. The wintry wonderland of Disney’s Frozen also comes to life with Anna, Elsa, and the hilarious Olaf, as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all.
Into The Woods
The Vanguard, Montclair
Friday – Sunday
A red cape, a strand of golden hair, a golden shoe, and a white cow. The search for these four items send a baker and his wife through the woods on a magical journey to reverse an evil spell. This magical tale of love and adventure has profound messages for us all: The world can be frightening and dangerous. It is also miraculous and hope-filled. As we emerge from the year we’ve all had, this message could not be more important.
Terhune Orchards Winery in Winter
330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
This winter the winery will be open Saturdays & Sundays with indoor and outdoor seating. The seasonal hot mulled wine is a wonderful way to warm up. Sample a variety of wines with a tasting flight or enjoy wine by the glass. The fire pits will be going all weekend. All ages can enjoy s’more kits and hot cocoa.
The Little Star That Could
NJ State Museum Planetarium, Trenton
Saturday – Sunday
“The Little Star That Could” is a story about Little Star, an average yellow star in search for planets of his own to protect and warm. Along the way, he meets other stars, learns what makes each star special and discovers that stars combine to form star clusters and galaxies. Eventually, Little Star finds his planets. Each planet is introduced to audiences with basic information about our Solar System.
FRIDAY
Museum Crawl: Teatro-Museo Dalí in Figueres, Spain
Virtual event
Explore the work of Salvador Dalí with a virtual visit to the Teatro-Museo Dalí, a jewel of the Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí in Figueres, Spain. Fiona Mata, Coordinator of the Centre for Dalinian Studies, guides us in this special tour. This Museum Crawl will be offered in English and some Spanish.
Evening Guided Tours: Turret II Battleship NJ
Battleship New Jersey, Camden
Join a knowledgeable tour guide in a 90-minute, family friendly, walking tour that takes guests through the five stories of one of Battleship New Jersey’s massive 16″ gun turrets. Visitors will get to stand in the armored gun house where the gun captain oversaw reloading procedures, explore the magazines where 1-ton shells and thousands of powder bags were stored and pull the triggers in the plotting room where primitive but effective computers aimed the guns over the horizon.
SATURDAY
Winter Nature Walk at Teetertown
Teetertown Preserve, Port Murray
Warm up in winter with a nature walk at beautiful Teetertown Preserve! Participants will look for signs of wildlife, see how plants are surviving the winter and enjoy a walk around the fields and ponds at Teetertown. Dress to be outside for the duration of the program.
Teen/Tween Winter Survival Day
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts, and Recreation, Ringwood
Get ready to learn new outdoor skills and put them to the test as we compete to survive the harsh winter weather for our teen Survival Day! Fires will be lit, shelters will be built – and one team will triumph. Dress warm for this fun outdoor day of wilderness skills! Ages 11-16.
The Disco Nights
MPAC, Morristown
Get down and boogie to the greatest hits of the disco era, like “Stayin’ Alive,” “Le Freak,” “I Will Survive,” “Hot Stuff” and “It’s Raining Men.” The Disco Nights perform the music of The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Chic and more in this “outta sight” musical adventure that brings to life the glory days of Studio 54 and Saturday Night Fever!
Polar Bear Plunge for the Special Olympics at Wildwood
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
The Polar Bear Plunge at Wildwood, presented by Law Enforcement Torch Run, is a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations and businesses to support Special Olympics New Jersey athletes by jumping into the frigid Atlantic waters during January.
Scoop on Sloths at Jenkinson’s Aquarium
Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Point Pleasant Beach
Did you know that two-toed sloths spend most of their lives hanging upside down from trees? Meet Wally and find out why they do that and more!
SUNDAY
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live Presents: Neighbor Day
MPAC, Morristown
Daniel Tiger invites you to an interactive musical adventure as he and his friends explore their much-loved Neighborhood of Make-Believe. Through the show’s familiar themes and music, the neighbors share stories of friendship, helping others and celebrating new experiences in this live theatrical production filled with singing, dancing, laughter and “grr-ific” surprises. Ages 3-6.
Family Woodland Hike
New Jersey Botanical Gardens, Ringwood
Join NJBG hike leaders on an easy, child-friendly hike in the Garden’s woodlands. Learn a bit about the plants and animals around you on a hike designed to fit the group. Wear sturdy shoes, meet at the Carriage House. Snow/rain cancels. Free.
MONDAY
A Day of Service In Nature
Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, Princeton
Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by helping to continue work on the Riparian Restoration Project: Restore the Lakeshore! at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. Volunteers will work under the guidance of Natural Resources and Stewardship Director, Anna Corichi, to identify and remove invasive plants species, such as burning bush (Euonymus alatus) and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora). Participants will also install deer-exclusion caging around native tree and shrub saplings to protect them.
Celebrate the Art & Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton
Join the Arts Council of Princeton to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This free event will include a grab-and-go bagel community breakfast and family-friendly art making.
10th Annual Scotch Plains Fanwood MLK Day of Service
Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA, Scotch Plains
Families are welcome to join the Scotch Plains/Fanwood community to learn, remember, celebrate and volunteer. There will be in-person and online opportunities for all ages.
National Day of Service at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
On this important day of service to remember Martin Luther King, Jr., it is a perfect time to reach out and warm the hearts of all those people who have helped us during this difficult time. Families can stop by the Arboretum (on the patio outside the Stackhouse Education Center) to pick up supplies to create Valentine cards that will be delivered to essential workers in the community.
ONGOING
Newark Winter Village
Mulberry Commons Park, Newark
Wednesday – Sunday
Experience the beauty of Newark at the Winter Village, a stylish open-air festival overlooking beautiful downtown Newark with curbside eats, ice skating and marketplace. Enjoy food and hot beverages from selective local businesses inside a cozy heated private pod or igloo.
Newport Skates
Newport Skates, Jersey City
All weekend
Newport Skates, Jersey City’s only outdoor ice skating rink, is open for the 2021-2022 season. Skaters can once again enjoy beautiful views of the New York City skyline while zipping around the rink. Online ticketing is available through the Newport Skates website.
Night Forms: dreamloop by Klip Collective
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton Twp.
Thursday – Sunday
Grounds For Sculpture announced a two-year partnership with Klip Collective to present a distinctive after-hours multisensory experience. The Night Forms series will directly interact with a selection of contemporary artworks and signature horticultural features across the park’s 42 acres, furthering the nonprofit’s commitment to creating unique experiences bringing art and nature together.
Holiday Light Show
Shady Brook Farm, Yardley, PA
Friday – Saturday
Shady Brook Farm’s spectacular Holiday Light Show features more than 3 million lights illuminating acres of farmland. Encounter whimsical displays and familiar characters as you drive through in the comfort of your own car or enjoy the show on an open-air wagon ride (weather permitting).
Let it Glow: A Lantern Spectacular
Bergen County Zoo, Paramus
Thursday – Sunday
Come and enjoy an enchanting stroll through the zoo. These larger than life lanterns are amazing to see in person. With over 30 scenes, these hand-made artistic wonders are each more breath-taking than the last.
2nd Annual Winter Wonderwalk
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
The grounds of Cape May’s only Victorian House Museum, the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., have been transformed for the holiday season. Winter Wonderwalk is an exciting new addition to the decorated estate. Walk the grounds and view these fun & whimsical display of winters past. Anyone can register! Individuals, families, community groups, businesses and school classrooms are all welcome to participate.