Baby, it’s cold outside, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had this weekend in the Garden State! See a show, snuggle up with a slinky reptile at the Super Pet Expo or head to Grounds for Sculpture for a nighttime exhibit that will dazzle your senses. Planning on staying in and being cozy on Sunday? Don’t miss a virtual Valentine’s Day wreath making class that’s fun for the whole family.
ALL WEEKEND
Rent 25th Anniversary Tour: The Farewell Season of Love
MPAC, Morristown
Friday – Sunday
For a quarter of a century, RENT has inspired us to choose love over fear and to live without regret. This Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning phenomenon has become more than a musical – it’s a cultural touchstone and a source of joy and strength for millions. RENT’s 25th Anniversary “Farewell Season of Love” is your final chance to experience this celebrated touring production – so don’t miss it!
Super Pet Expo
New Jersey Convention Center, Edison
Friday – Sunday
Pet-loving and inquisitive children will welcome a visit to the 21st Super Pet Expo. They can bring along their dogs to participate in races, hold reptiles and amphibians, see hundreds of butterflies pollinate plants, walk along an alley with alligators and feed a giant tortoise. They’ll watch parrots perform and a cat and a crab show as well as learn how best to care for their animal friends.
Rob Paulsen in Animaniacs Live in Concert!
Wellmont Theater, Montclair
By popular demand, voice legend Rob Paulsen is set to star in Animaniacs Live in Concert! Rob is the voice of Yakko in “Animaniacs,” Pinky from “Pinky and the Brain,” Raphael (and Donatello) from “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Yakko from “Animaniacs,” and Carl Wheezer from “Jimmy Neutron.” He has an Emmy, Annie and Peabody Award.
FRIDAY
Our Town
Kelsey Theater, West Windsor
Thornton Wilder’s timeless “Our Town” explores the universal themes of life, death and everything in between through the eyes of a small New England town at the turn of the 20th century.
Shakespeare ’70 brings us an “Our Town” for our times, featuring an ensemble cast, the play posits the question: “Do human beings realize life while they live it? Every, every minute?”
SATURDAY
Read and Explore: The Gingerbread Man
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Terhune Orchards’ Read and Explore Program is a winter education series, following the popular seasonal Read and Pick Program. During the first Read and Explore program we will read The Gingerbread Man and learn about the origin of all the ingredients – where did they come from? Then each child will decorate a big gingerbread man cookie to take home.
Abandon Ship! @ Battleship New Jersey
Battleship New Jersey, Camden
Students and their parents can experience a guided tour of the Battleship and a classroom-style lesson. This month focuses on what to do if the ship experienced catastrophic damage. Students will be challenged to shore a door and stop flooding, find their life raft, and try on a World War II era life jacket and helmet.
Nature on the Move: Adaptations: How Do Animals Stay Warm in the Winter?
Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold
The Nature on the Move van, filled with hands-on nature activities, is coming to Turkey Swamp Park! Just look for our colorful van near the Shelter Building parking area, and a Park System Naturalists will present a 45-60-minute interactive program.
School Choice Week School Fair
Saint Peter’s University, Jersey City
Bring the kids and learn about New Jersey’s great school options at the first School Choice Week School Fair. It will be a fun-filled day with Face Painters, DJ’s, Balloon Artists, The Amazing Sprout U School Choice Dancers, Tasty Snacks and Beverages, a Cool Photo Booth and More. Dozens of schools and cutting-edge new education options to choose from at this family- friendly event.
American Patchwork Quartet
Sitnik Theatre, Hackettstown
Highly acclaimed artists Falu Shah (vocals), Clay Ross (guitar/vocals), Clarence Penn (drums) and Yasushi Nakamura (bass) showcase the dynamic diversity of contemporary culture by reimagining timeless songs from America’s past.
A Night of Comedy by Ginger Ninja Productions
Investors Bank Theater, Succasunna
Join for a Comedy Night, with The Legendary Wid, who has appeared on Stand-Up Spotlight, Make Me Laugh, and Caroline’s Comedy Hour. Also appearing on this show is John Kensil (Comedy Central, Good Morning America) and host Matt Dolan (NYC Underground Comedy Festival).
SUNDAY
Jersey Shore Winter Comic Book Show
Toms River Elks Lodge, Toms River
Come check out this comic book festival featuring vendors with old and new comics, sport and non-sport trading cards, toys, action figures, Funko Pops, anime, Pokemon, manga, movie posters, steampunk and crafts.
Hunt Berry Duo
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Westfield
Celebrated baroque cellist and violist da gamba Shirley Hunt, in a duo performance with leading fortepianist Shirley Berry, will be featured in concert at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The general public is invited to attend this live, in-person Steeple Concert, which will also be live streamed.
Valentine Wreath Making Virtual Workshop
Learn how to create a fun handmade fluffy ribbon wreath for Valentine’s Day. This is a great family friendly activity for adults and kids taught by Cheryl, owner of Cheryl’s Sparkly Creations. Participants can opt for taking the class with a DIY Kit or choose to receive a shopping list. This class is appropriate for adults, children aged 8 and over. A parent and young child can work together on this craft. This is also a fun activity for a company event.
Guided Nature Hike
Cheesequake State Park, Matawan
This 1.5 -2 mile guided nature hike is great for kids ages 8 and older. Dress for the weather. Dogs allowed on leash. Call day of event for weather cancelation.
ONGOING
Newark Winter Village
Mulberry Commons Park, Newark
Thursday – 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 multi-sensory 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.
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.
Harbaugh Village
Tuesdays – Sundays
Mullica Hill
Harbaugh Village was founded by Steve Harbaugh after years of attracting local and national visitors to his holiday display and toy drive at his home in South Jersey. Now, it’s not just about the holidays. Harbaugh Village is a year-round attraction for communities in South Jersey and beyond. Bring your family, friends, and loved ones to enjoy endless entertainment, attractions, local vendors, event spaces and more!
