Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day weekend! There are so many things to do with your little loves and your main squeeze. Head over to Howell Living History Farm to experience an old-fashioned Valentine’s Day or join in one of the fun workshops happening this weekend to make a sweet treat or cards. Let’s not forget it’s also Super Bowl weekend! If you haven’t figured out what to serve, check out this recipe that even the kids will eat or make plans to head out to one of these awesome spots to watch the big game.
ALL WEEKEND
Valentine’s Day at American Dream
East Rutherford
Friday – Monday
Walk through an arch filled with dangling hearts and pose for an immersive social media experience while you enjoy performances throughout the weekend. Then join for “Date Skate” at The Rink and enjoy Valentine’s Day themed décor and music while you glide on the ice. The candy chute will make your weekend even sweeter and there will be a resident live DJ bringing the beat!
Downtown Haddonfield’s ‘Love Haddonfield’ Valentine’s Day Event
Friday, Saturday & Monday
The Partnership for Haddonfield (PfH) unveils a weekend full of romantic experiences that are sure to be heart-warming. From spectacular shopping and dining choices to cozy horse-drawn carriage rides, to public vow renewals, Downtown Haddonfield will serve as the perfect backdrop for romance this Valentine’s Day weekend.
Valentine’s Weekend at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge
Medford
Saturday – Monday
Cedar Run includes the Woodford Nature Center, a Wildlife Housing Area with nearly 60 native residents and a Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital that sees more than 6,000 wild animals each year. Children ages 12 and under will receive free admission when they bring in a handmade valentine for one of the resident animals.
Historical Valentines at Historic Walnford
62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold
Saturday – Sunday
Discover how penmanship has changed as you view letters and Valentines from the 18th and 19th century. Create a valentine of your own or write a letter to a friend using historically inspired materials. For ages 10 & up.
Looking for a sweet activity for your sweeties? Why not try maple sugaring?
FRIDAY
Galentine’s Day
Tomasello Winery, Lambertville
This one’s for the girls! Grab your best friends and come spend Galentine’s Day sipping and swirling at Tomasello Winery! Enjoy a traditional tasting including 5 wine samples of your choice, and two gourmet chocolate truffles for just $15.50 per person. Seating is limited, reservations are required.
Valentine Cake Pop Making Virtual Workshop
The Eclectic Chic Boutique
Learn how to make your own fun and delicious cake pops in your own kitchen. A great activity for couples and families for Valentine’s Day. Taught by Cheryl of Cheryl’s Sparkly Creations. Participants can opt for taking the class with a DIY Kit or choose to receive a shopping list.
Scenery
Kelsey Theater @ Mercer County Community College, West Windsor
Set in the star dressing room of the Belasco Theater, this comedy focuses on a pair of successful New York veteran actors, married for 20 years. The pair is facing both the decline of their craft’s popularity and the evolution of their relationship as they prepare for and execute the opening night of a play neither has the heart for. This theatrical romp lets us laugh at and examine our definitions of art, marriage, and partnership.
Sons of Mystro
Stockton Performing Arts Center, Galloway
Sons of Mystro are two brothers, Malcolm, 23, and Umoja, 20, who were born in South Florida to a Jamaican father and Barbadian mother. They use their violins to interpret reggae classics, American pop songs and their own creations accompanied by a DJ & a drummer. They are winners of the Emerging Artist under 21yrs Old award at IRAWMA (International Reggae and World Music Awards). Their debut recording, “Reggae Strings” is available now wherever music is streamed or sold. Mentored by Black Violin, these artists’ stars are on the rise.
SATURDAY
Old-Fashioned Valentine’s Day
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell
The air may be chilly, but the farm’s wintery landscape is the perfect setting for a heartwarming Valentine’s Day ride. On Saturday February 12, couples can take a romantic spin in a two-seater sleigh or carriage pulled by a team of light workhorses.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Metuchen Town Plaza
Celebrate Lunar New Year in Downtown Metuchen with the Metuchen Downtown Alliance and the Metuchen Human Relations Commission. Learn about the culture and history of this special day, dance with Lion Dancers and enjoy crafts and stories to celebrate the day throughout local businesses!
Family Fun Day: Lunar New Year
Liberty Hall Museum, Union
The Year of the Tiger began on February 1st and the museum is celebrating by making lots of crafts, from dragon puppets to “porcelain” plates, that emulate traditional Chinese craftsmanship and icons. Americans have adored Chinese imagery since before the Revolution (what people in the past called chinoiserie), but there are many traditional Chinese symbols that have been used in New Year’s festivities for hundreds of years. Come craft and learn and begin the New Year with lots of good fortune and prosperity!
Pop Up Next Door Presents: Black History Month
1169 Elizabeth Avenue, Elizabeth
Support black-owned businesses while enjoying food, live music, vendors and more at this celebratory event.
Winter Tree ID: It’s Nuts
Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton
Families, children under 12 and nature lovers are invited to participate in fun activities to learn more about trees. This program is free and will be held outdoors.
Small Explorers: The HeaArt and Soul of Music
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
This month in the Small Explorers program join for a reading of “The Jazz Man” by Karen Ehrhardt, Pictures by R.G. Roth. We’ll explore the galleries to find instruments and art having to do with music and dance. Make your own instruments and try out your music and dance skills. You are in for a trip around the world to experience the HeArt and Soul of Music!
Asbury Park Valentine’s Bazaar
Asbury Hotel + Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, Asbury Park
Shop incredible local and regional vendors selling goods and gifts hand made with love. Come shop & stroll at both pop-up locations at The Asbury Hotel and Grand Arcade of Convention Hall. Vendors will be selling gifts ranging from handcrafted jewelry, art, home goods, and chocolates for your Valentine’s Day sweetheart. Take Instagram-worthy Valentine’s Day photos at our Photo Station designed by A Lovely Party. While you shop and stroll, enjoy delicious food and libations at Asbury Hotel and Seahorse in the Grand Arcade.
Penguin Pointers
Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Pt. Pleasant
Meet one of the aquarium’s famous feathered friends while learning about them and their wild cousins. Limited number of participants, ages 5 and up only. Price of program includes general admission for the day and exclusive access to view the aquarium from 5-5:30 aquarium. Program begins 5:30 sharp.
Looking for more stuff to do inside when it’s cold out? Check this out.
SUNDAY
Russian Ballet
New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark
Russian Ballet Theatre announces a breathtaking new production of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake that will travel to 52 cities across the United States, with four local stops in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Ballet fans will have the unique opportunity to enjoy this update on a classic. Prima Ballerina Olga Kifyak will dance the lead roles of Odette (The White Swan) and Odile (The Black Swan) – a unique and bold casting choice for the American 2022 tour.
Silver Starlite Orchestra
Investors Bank Theater, Succasunna
The Silver Starlite Orchestra has been playing in the New Jersey/New York area for over 40 years! This show will feature the beautiful and talented singer, Corinn Springer and talented musicians who have played with many of the greats, such as the Count Basie Band, the Lionel Hampton Band, the Ringling Bros. & Barnum Circus and the Midiri Brothers.
Vintage Valentines Plus Story Time and Craft
Miller-Cory House Museum, Westfield
Love is in the air as the Miller-Cory House Museum presents “Vintage Valentines.” The writing of romantic notes and letters for St. Valentine’s Day was very popular in colonial America. By the mid-1800s, the first mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards were sold, and an industry was born. The program features a display of vintage valentines, some dating to the 1800s, a children’s Valentine’s Day craft and story time. The well-curated museum shop will also be open.
Made plans for Valentine’s Day yet? Get some ideas right here!
ONGOING
Skating on the Square
Thursday – Sunday (through Feb. 27)
Hulfish St., Princeton
You’re invited to make lasting memories and start new traditions this holiday season at Palmer Square’s “eco-friendly” outdoor synthetic skating rink! Located on Hulfish Street Behind the Nassau Inn Hotel.
WinterFest Ice Skating at Cooper River
Thursday – Sunday (through Feb. 21)
Cooper River Park, Cherry Hill
WinterFest Ice Skating is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners at Cooper River Park near the corner of Cuthbert Blvd. and Park Avenue in Cherry Hill.
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. *Show extended to April 3!
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. 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!
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center Maple Sugaring
Chatham Twp.
Weekends until March 12
Learn how to identify and tap maple trees, collect sap, and make real maple syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. This year, the program will be held entirely outdoors, so dress for the weather. Spiles and syrup will be available for purchase, while supplies last. For ages 5 & up.
