Halloween is behind us which means there are a ton of holiday events on tap, from markets to Santa meet-and-greets. If it feels too soon to get your holiday spirit on, check out a boat tour, Donut 5K or Green Fair and much more this weekend in NJ.
ALL WEEKEND
Oak Knoll Royal Boutique
Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child, Summit
Thursday – Saturday
This three-day shopping event brings together more than 50 vendors offering a selection of jewelry, handbags, clothing, toys, gifts, home furnishings and more.
Disney on Ice Presents Frozen and Encanto
Prudential Center, Newark
Kids and adults alike will love seeing Anna, Elsa, Mirabel and the Madrigal family live, as well as fan favorites Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy skate along during this fun presentation.
Harvest Moon Nights
Alstede Farms, Chester
Friday – Saturday
The selection of fall activities offers harvest moon hayrides, nighttime corn maze fun and more. Pick your own pumpkin, enjoy live entertainment, sip fresh pressed cider, and head to the ice cream window until 9 pm.
i am the utterance of my name: Divining Mary Magdalene
Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum, Morristown
Friday – Sunday
From the creators of “The Other Mozart” comes a new music-theater piece about the web of clashing myths, beliefs, symbols and decrees surrounding the life of Mary Magdalene.
Jack O’Lantern Experience
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Friday – Sunday
Savor seasonal food and drinks, go on carnival rides, try pumpkin picking and painting then take a stroll through more than 6,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns.
Great Pumpkin Festival
Heaven Hill Farms, Vernon
Friday – Sunday
Try not to get lost in the 10-acre corn maze so you can set aside time for other fall activities like the spider web crawl, hay crawl, pig racing, obstacle course, Lincoln Log builder and Monster Slingshots.
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Saturday – Sunday
Kids can trick-or-treat around the park, see Halloween-themed shows and parades, participate in the interactive Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt and take pictures with characters dressed up in their own costumes.
FRIDAY
Matthew Perry Book Signing
Hyatt Regency, Princeton
Although the in-person meet-and-greet with “Chandler Bing” is sold out, you can still sign up for a virtual link to listen to Matthew Perry talk about his new book.
Beers on the Boards
Martell’s Tiki Bar, Point Pleasant
Choose from two sessions of this craft beer festival. All-you-can-eat buffet included. Live entertainment by Matt Baker during the day, and Pour Boys Trio at night.
Silversun Pickups
Wellmont Theater, Montclair
Take in a performance by Silversun Pickups, supported by Eliza & The Delusionals.
Deck-to-Deck Tour
Battleship New Jersey, Camden
Explore over 100 years of naval history and ingenuity up close through guided tours of three of America’s ships: The Battleship New Jersey, Submarine Becuna and Cruiser Olympia.
Eric D’Alessandro
MPAC, Morristown
New York native Eric D’Alessandro draws his comedy from his creative mindset as well as his big Italian family.
Shopping Day Fundraiser
Pretty Pink Rooster Boutique, Bedminster
Shop jewelry, accessories, clothes and gifts today and a percentage of proceeds go to Mrs. Wilson’s to provide housing, treatment and life skills training to women in recovery from substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Harry Potter Show
Brunswick Square Mall, East Brunswick
All witches and wizards can see Madeleine The Magician perform magic spells. Represent your house with colors/clothing of your choice.
SATURDAY
Cow Parade
Cherry Grove Farms, Lawrenceville
The stars of the show, the cows of Cherry Grove Farms, will be adorned with flowers and bells and parade around the farm. The afternoon of fun also includes face painting, hay rides, games, races, a flower truck from Sprouts, lots of food trucks, music from This Old House Band, artisan local vendors, an owl and hawk from Birds and Bees Farm and butterflies from Monarch Journey.
Duck Donut 5K & 10K
Duke Island Park, Bridgewater
Get your sweat on and celebrate your accomplishment with a Duck Donut and a sweet Duck Donut medal while helping to support St. Ann’s Classical Academy of Bridgewater/Raritan. Bring your family – including the dog!
Super Jersey Comic Expo
Bell Works, Holmdel
A small team of comic and pop culture enthusiasts put together this expo, which will have more than 100 tables of comics, artists, vendors selling collectibles, and more. Dress up in costume for professional cosplay photos. Plus, have a chance to meet some of your favorite comic book artists.
Craft & Vendor Fair
Dr. Wm Robinson Museum, Clark
Start your holiday shopping as more than 60 crafters and vendors fill the event space. Vendors include Avon, Color Street, Touchstone Crystal, Scentsy, Tupperware, baked goods, dog treats and food for sale by the museum.
Santa’s Arrival PJ Party
Cherry Hill Mall, Cherry Hill
Wear your favorite holiday PJs and enjoy holiday entertainment and activities with Santa including cookie and hot chocolate stations, crafts, games, special performances and character visits.
Becker Barn Sale
The Becker Barn, Roseland
Shop a variety of donated antiques, collectibles, household items and furniture. Everything must go because of preparations to renovate the space into a museum and media/community center.
From the Chambers
Syriac Community Hall, Paramus
The Bergen Philharmonic will perform live music played by small groups during the early days of the pandemic. It kicks off its 87th season with Maestro Yoon Sang Timothy Cho on the conductor’s podium. The performance includes Young Artist Competition winners Serin Park, violinist; Christy Choi and Yireh Choi, cellists; Heejung Yang, associate violist of the BPO; and Maestro Cho on violin, performing Cherubini’s String Quintet.
El Dia de los Muertos
Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton
Honor the Day of the Dead with Mariachi, dancers, food, and hands-on projects inspired by traditional folk art.
Healthy HeARTS Festival
Appel Farm Arts and Music Center, Elmer
This day-long family-friendly festival will begin with a 5K race and 1 mile walk around Appel Farm’s campus, and continue with sustainable artmaking, wellness activities, craft vendors, live music, food trucks, and local wine and beer.
Untold Stories of Storied People
Grassroots Community Space, Jersey City
Through this project that engages dynamic storykeepers and tellers from across NJ to develop and share the untold stories that define and contextualize their lives, 10 BIPOC artists will share stories, poetry, music, dance and visual art.
Green Energy Fair
Westfield Train Station, Westfield
Join the Westfield Green Team and learn about alternative energy options; view and test drive the latest electric vehicles (EVs), e-bikes and e-scooters; and kids ages 8-15 can build and bring their own solar-powered derby car to the fair to compete for various prizes in the Solar Car Derby. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with live music, giveaways and food.
Nikki Briar Band
Readington Brewery & Hop Farm, Neshanic Station
There will be no cover charge to hear CMA Nashville recording artist Nikki Briar and her country band.
Fall Family Day: String Fling
Carnegie Hall, New York, NY
Kids ages 3–10 will explore string music from around the globe. In the free, daylong open house children, can learn about the different sounds of string instruments, play games, listen to lively performances and dance their heart out.
Kingsway Education Foundation Holiday Craft Show
Kingsway Regional High School, Woolwich Twp.
For the 20th year there will be over 180 vendors showcasing their handmade crafts, both indoors and outdoors, including kettle korn, Kingsway’s Jazz Band, Santa Scorch, concessions and a bake sale.
Red Storm Drum and Dance Troupe
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Red Storm Drum and Dance Troupe will share the history of Native American culture through stories and and music.
Songs in the Key of Wonder
Investors Bank Theater, Succasunna
James Austin Jr. Trio, with special guest Dermel Warren, will perform “Songs in the Key of Wonder,” showcasing select classics by Stevie Wonder.
Rahway Craft & Art Fair
Rahway Recreation Center, Rahway
Start your holiday shopping by browsing original handmade crafts and art made by 60 vendors. There will be quilts, stained glass, clothing, soy candles, organic body lotions and oils, greeting cards, handbags, jewelry and more items to choose from, including original art like paintings, drawings, cartoon character prints, etchings and linocuts.
Artists in the Park
Runnemede Lake Park, Runnemede
Bring your family to the renovated nature trail and observe artists at work.
Art in the Park
Hanson Park Conservancy, Cranford
Children, teens and adults can learn about natural dyes and create beautiful art. There will also be sheep shearing and spinning demos, art stations and displays by local artists.
SUNDAY
Broadway at the Commons
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Don’t miss the American Theater Group, Somerset County’s only professional theater, and the Nancy Ringham’s Studio performing an afternoon of songs from favorite Broadway musicals.
Taste of the Hills
Spring Brook Country Club, Morristown
Taste food and wine from the best restaurants and wineries in the area, plus bid on 130+ auction items and 30 raffle baskets. The event benefits Atlantic Health’s Adult Day Center in Basking Ridge.
Thanksgiving Wreath Making Workshop
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
In this class you will learn how to make a wreath using materials like mesh, ribbon and Thanksgiving-themed embellishments. Your instructor will walk you through step by step on how to make your wreath, and will give you ideas on how to design your wreath.
Antique and Collectibles Show and Vintage Flea Market
Wayne PAL building, Wayne
Shoppers can browse a huge selection of antique, vintage and collectible merchandise such as jewelry, glassware and Lenox, toys and trains, antique and collectible dolls and action figures, postcards and photos and artwork, military, political and sports memorabilia including cards, magazines and newspapers, coins and watches, classic rock CDs and so more.
Leonia Chamber Musicians
Presbyterian Church of Leonia, Leonia
Classic favorites, including the music of Haydn, Reger and Mozart, will be performed by professional musicians.
Community Book Fair
Montclair Kimberely Academy Middle School, Montclair
The local community is invited to browse a large selection of books for all ages, plus enjoy storytelling, face painting, activities with the Montclair Art Museum Truck and more.
Family Fun Football Sundays
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Come out with the kids and enjoy games, food and football. There will be half-off video and virtual reality games at the arcade, valid with a SURF Card. From 3 – 5 pm there will be special character appearances plus free face painting. There will be food and beer specials at the bar for adults.
ONGOING
Whippany’s Polar Express
November and December
Relive the classic story “The Polar Express” on a one-hour trip to the North Pole. Conductors in costumes will punch your golden tickets, and hosts will serve cookies and hot cocoa while you hear the classic tale. Santa boards the train during the ride and gives each guest a silver sleigh bell to commemorate their ride.
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
November and December
Kids of any age can experience a train ride through millions of Christmas lights. Walk through a holiday village, meet Santa and his elves in his workshop, chat with Mrs. Claus, listen to stories, take lots of photos, receive a present from Santa, stop by to see everyone’s favorite snowman, snack on cookies and visit the toy market.
The Spitfire Grill
Vanguard Theater Company, Montclair
Thursdays – Sundays, Nov. 3-20
This musical is about second chances, as a young woman just released from prison decides to start her life anew in a small town where she helps to save the town’s only restaurant from going under.
Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 5 – 13
Come to the historic apple orchard for Terhune wine, light fare, relaxing music and friend-filled afternoons, plus enjoy live music from local artists each week; styles range from jazz and blues to folk and rock.
AWA Pawliday Market
Animal Welfare Association, Voorhees
Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 5 – Dec. 18
Every Saturday and Sunday, shop from different vendors that cater to the special pet in your life.
Jersey Shore Ghost Tours: Red Bank
Red Bank
Fridays, through Nov. 11
Take a lantern-lit tour throughout the borough, starting at The Dublin House, where Red Bank’s most well-known ghost resides.
Jersey Shore Ghost Tours: Keyport
Keyport
Saturdays, through Nov. 12
Take a lantern-lit tour along the waterfront to hear ghost stories of this Jersey Shore town.
Nature Explorers Fall Series
Lorrimer Sanctuary, Franklin Lakes
Saturdays, through Nov. 12
Each week, kids can participate in a different activity such as meeting reptiles, pressing apple cider, creating crafts from nature and going on a mammal scavenger hunt.
Scarecrows of the Sea
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Every day, through Nov. 13
Check out these “seaworthy” scarecrows designed like pirates, penguins and mermaids that were handcrafted by aquarium employees!
Bear Mountain Sightseeing Cruise
Pier 83, New York
Weekends, through Nov. 13
Call this a floating festival: climb aboard a Circle Line boat for an Oktoberfest party that will bring you to Bear Mountain, where you can sightsee or hang out at the amusement area.
Little Ones Nature Series
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Fridays, through Nov. 18
Preschoolers and their parents will be outdoors participating in storytime, activities and crafts.
The Golden Girls Murder Mystery
Resorts Casino, Atlantic City
Select Saturdays, through Nov. 19
Sophia, Dorothy, Blanche and Rose are planning a party – but they realize one of their guests has murderous intentions. Cast your vote for who the killer is. Plus, play other games and try to get a selfie with all four cast members.
Outdoor Walking Tours
Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton
Saturdays and Sundays, through Nov. 20
Princeton University is home to one of the country’s most significant collections of 20th- and 21st-century public sculpture. Join a free, hour-long walking tour led by a museum tour guide and discover the campus’s outdoor artworks, including Henry Moore’s bronze Oval with Points, monumental geometric screens by Louise Nevelson, and more.
Sunday Farmers Market
Garden State Plaza, Westfield; in the parking lot between Macy’s and Route 17
Sundays, through Nov. 20
Garden State Plaza is the site of weekly Sunday farmers markets. Expect food vendors, food trucks, music, activities for kids and a car show from 9 am – 2 pm.
Exhibitions
Passaic County Arts Center, Hawthorne
Every day, through Nov. 27
When visiting, make sure to check out several exhibits that will be on view: “My Own Witness: Rupture and Repair” by Donna Bassin, an award-winning photographer, artist, author and filmmaker; “Texture in Nature” by Susan Zulauf, a NJ-based artist; a traveling exhibit from New York University entitled “Stereotypes in U.S. Popular Culture;” “In Cemento Veritas” by Mario Loprete; and “Sonic Peaks” by Payton MacDonald.
The Embankment On My Mind
NJCU Harold B. Lemmerman Gallery, Jersey City
Weekdays, through Dec. 16
The original art is inspired by a grassroots preservation initiative for transforming Jersey City’s treatment of open space and an emerging trail system. Sixteen botanical artists depicting local flora join 28 artists with wide-ranging responses to the site, a massive stone rail embankment in the downtown.
Sensory-Friendly Tours
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown
Third Saturday of the month, through December
Families and care partners with neurodiverse children and teens can visit the historic house and explore the new garden sensory pathway through sight, sound, touch and smell.
Weekend Wine Tasting
Weekends, through Dec. 31
Tomasello Winery, multiple locations
Plan a relaxing evening sipping wine at any of their five locations in the South Jersey region. Choose from a wide variety of award-winning wines and bubblies, accompanied by assorted cheese boards and truffles. Wine Tastings are available every day, but reservations are strongly recommended for a weekend wine tasting.
Gold in Motion
Hall des Lumières, New York
Every day, through Dec. 31
This digital art center showcases entirely new, custom-curated experiences based on the work of different world-renowned artists, starting with the debut exhibition, Gustav Klimt: Gold in Motion.
Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience
Pier 36, New York, NY
Through Jan. 1, 2023
Travel back 3,300 years to learn the story of King Tut, and walk through nine different galleries that discuss his rule as a child pharaoh, his family, the discovery of his tomb, the mysteries surrounding his early death and his journey to the afterlife. This celebrates the 100th anniversary of King Tut’s tomb discovery, which was on Nov. 4, 1922.
NYC Winter Lantern Festival
Staten Island, Queens, Long Island, NYC
Various select dates, through mid-January
Each location has a different variation of the festival, but features more than 10,000 LED lanterns created by more than 100 artists, along with live performances and on-site food vendors. Some of the LED lights can reach up to 30 feet high across a total of 60 acres!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Exhibit
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through Jan. 16, 2023
Known as the “heroes in a half-shell,” Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Donatello will share life lessons and team-building skills with their crime-fighting tactics in “Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer.” You’ll be transported to the underground home of the Turtles where you’ll get to see what happens in their secret hideaway. There will be lots of STEM-type activities to challenge your kids.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, Yorktown, Westchester, NY
Through Jan. 22, 2023
Fans can walk along a lit trail as they take in sights and sounds inspired by the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series. It’ll feel like you’re walking through a movie set. Make sure you try the steak and ale pie and sausage rolls, Aragog’s Lair Cupcake and Deathly Hallows Sugar Cookies for dessert, and washed it all down with Butterbeer.
Stand Up! 10 Mighty Women Who Made a Change
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
Through Feb. 12, 2023
Celebrate the debut picture book of “Stand Up!” by Brittney Cooper, professor of women’s, gender and sexuality studies and Africana studies at Rutgers University, with illustrations by Cathy Ann Johnson. The exhibition features illustrations of all the images in the book, as well as preparatory materials, by Johnson, on public view for the first time. “Stand Up!” is on view in the Zimmerli’s Duvoisin Gallery, dedicated to showcasing original artwork for children’s books.
Trail Riding Program
Mercer Meadows Equestrian Center, Pennington
Saturdays, through mid-May 2023
Kids (and adults) 12 and up can go on a leisurely 45-minute horseback trail ride around the Mercer Stables property. No riding experience is necessary.
Check out these cool Christmas markets, too, some of which open up this weekend. And next week is Veterans Day so see if there are any specials or promos that apply to you or your family.