It’s Teacher’s Convention Week in NJ! There are great activities you can do with your kids when they are off on Thursday and Friday. Plus, Veterans Day is Friday so make sure you attend a ceremony to honor their sacrifices for our country. There are also opportunities to meet Santa for early Christmas photos or head to a display of holiday lights.
ALL WEEKEND
Disney on Ice Presents Frozen and Encanto
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City
Thursday – Sunday
Fans will sing along with favorite characters Anna, Elsa, Mirabel and the Madrigal family while embracing world-class ice skating, aerial acrobatics and more. As Olaf and Mirabel narrate the tales, audiences will learn that everyone has their own gifts, magical or not, and being true to yourself and loving those around you is what makes you special.
Art Fair 14C
Jersey City Armory, Jersey City
Thursday – Sunday
The fourth edition of Art Fair 14C welcomes hundreds of regional, national and international artists, galleries and arts organizations under one roof. Thursday night is a private VIP reception, but Friday – Sunday come by during public hours. Vets and military personnel will be admitted free during the weekend.
Scarecrows of the Sea
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Thursday – Sunday
Check out these “seaworthy” scarecrows designed like pirates, penguins and mermaids that were handcrafted by aquarium employees. Final weekend!
The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Friday – Saturday
Celebrate the holidays with the entire family as you watch some of the most incredible illusionists on earth, with a holiday twist.
50-Year Retrospective House Gallery
Stockton
Friday – Saturday
Stockton artist Mike Mann will hold his 50-year art retrospective show in his gallery. Mann is primarily a plein air artist who usually travels by bicycle to paint local scenes.
Bear Mountain Sightseeing Cruise
Pier 83, New York
Saturday – Sunday
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.
NJ VegFest 2022
Meadowlands Expo Center, Secaucus
Saturday – Sunday
Try samples of yummy vegan and plant-based meals from local chefs, and check out vegan products, plant-based fashion, live music and good times.
Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
Come to the historic apple orchard for wine, light fare, relaxing music and friend-filled afternoons.
FRIDAY
Fire a Salute
Battleship NJ, Camden
Celebrate Veterans Day by making a donation to fire a salute from the battleship.
Family Folktale Day
Morris Museum, Morristown
Start with a feature presentation of “Stone Soup” performed by the Pushcart Players. Continue the day exploring the galleries that include Native American art, photos of Rock ‘n’ Roll legends and dinosaurs.
Holiday Sip and Shop
Kevin Kelly Salon, Keyport
Sip on signature cocktails and eat hors d’oeuvres while getting a head start on your holiday shopping. A portion of the proceeds will help the children from the Collier group home celebrate Christmas.
Magic Camp
Morley’s Magic Theater, Butler
In this three-hour drop-off camp, every student will learn how to perform over a dozen incredible pocket magic tricks at a real magic shop.
SATURDAY
Santa’s Arrival PJ Party
Moorestown Mall, Moorestown
Santa’s coming to town! Take all your good little boys and girls to the HomeSense Court to welcome Santa with a fun-filled PJ party. Put on your favorite holiday pajamas and enjoy the entertainment and activities.
STEM Saturday with John the Science Guy
Oakland Public Library, Oakland
Kids can take part in three experiments: Storm in a Glass, Layers O’ Liquids and Invisible Extinguisher.
Christmas at the Farm
Riamede Farm, Chester
Set amidst the beautiful apple orchards and in the vintage barn, this free event features over 25 hand-picked local vendors, food offerings, a pie tasting and plenty of holiday cheer. Riamede will also host a pie tasting station where you can sample and pre-order Thanksgiving pies.
Santa’s Arrival
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
The New Jersey Youth Chorus and Regal Trumpeters will signal the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus The Village Carolers will stroll the center singing your favorite holiday tunes.
Barn Dance
Riamede Farm, Chester
Professional square dance caller Ed LaPlante will give easy-to-follow lessons inside the vintage barn on the farm. A family-friendly event, guests can BYOB and a picnic blanket to enjoy an evening of music and fun, with food offerings provided by Summer Daze food truck.
Recycling with Roger Raccoon
Burlington County Agricultural Center, Moorestown
Meet Roger Raccoon, who will show you live worm specimens and help you build your own wind turbine to take home.
Fall Dessert Charcuterie Board Workshop
The Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
Learn how to take graham crackers, Oreos, pretzels and Rice Krispie Treats and make them decadent with chocolate, sprinkles and other toppings. You will learn how to properly melt chocolate, dip the treats and decorate using a piping bag and toppings. There will also be instructions on how to jazz up your fruit.
Sauce for the Goose
Princeton
This one-day market is an opportunity to purchase handmade gifts directly from local artisans and crafters working in ceramics, textiles, jewelry, fine art and more.
The New York Bee Gees Tribute Show
Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center, Carteret
The New York Bee Gees Tribute Show is comprised of some of Long Island, New York’s, most versatile and talented players.
Fall Run Saltwater Fly-Fishing Clinic
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch
A Park System Naturalist will present a demonstration and discussion that will address gear, line and leader set-ups, flies, reading water and creating a plan of attack. Bring your own gear to try it out on your own!
“Fall in Love Again” concert
The Byron Barn, Plainsboro
Jersey Harmony Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, is back in person singing a collection of popular songs that range from upbeat to inspirational. After the show, you are invited to stay for complimentary light appetizers, desserts and socializing.
Diwali – Festival of Lights
Manchester Public Library, Manchester Twp.
Find out how your Indian friends celebrate this special festival. Listen to stories and enjoy traditional music and dancing. Make unique holiday decorations or learn to cook desserts. Enjoy a display of traditional festival decorations and an elaborate visual presentation about the festival and traditions connected with it. Join in a magical lighting ceremony.
Winterfest by the Sea
Ocean City Civic Center, Ocean City
This holiday shopping extravaganza includes craft vendors, food vendors and a strolling Santa and the Grinch.
Holiday Crafts and Drafts
Jersey Shore Brewing, Hackettstown
This is a crowd-favorite handmade market held in the warehouse tasting room, so you’ll get to shop from local artisans while sampling some beer.
Walk Talk Taste Tour
Valley Road/Bellevue Avenue area, Upper Montclair
Discover the food and stories that make Montclair unique on this 3-hour food tasting and historical walking tour. Indulge in a wide array of sweet, savory and vegetarian foods from different restaurants, including comfort food delights, sweet treats and Mexican favorites.
Brunswick Eruption
North Brunswick Township High School, North Brunswick
FRC Team 25-Raider Robotix will host its 20th Brunswick Eruption one-day off-season FIRST robotics tournament, with 40 teams of high school-aged students competing against each other. If you bring safety glasses you can tour the pit up close.
Veterans Day Celebration with the Libby Prison Minstrels
Ocean County Library, Brick Twp.
The Libby Prison Minstrels celebrate our veterans through songs, humors and stories. The organization represents Union officers who were POWs in Richmond’s most famous prison during the American Civil War. Several officers in Libby Prison formed a band to entertain the weary, sick and forsaken souls of their comrades.
Princess and Pirate Day
Cape May County Zoo, Cape May
Get the kids decked out in their best dress-up costumes and come to the zoo for activities, a craft station, games, entertainment, animals, an inflatable pirate ship and more. Coronation ceremonies and Disney Trivia will be held by your favorite princesses along with pirate Kaptain Kristian and his crew.
Small Explorers: Oceans & Sharks
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Your kids will read “Swimmy” by Leo Lionni and then explore the shark exhibit and learn about the creatures in the ocean. Make your own sea creature and check out the shark teeth.
Family Saturdays: Collage
Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton
Explore the current Taplin Gallery exhibition Retrieving the Live and Art of James Wilson Edwards and A Circle of Black Artists through drop-in art-making workshops. The workshop will introduce children to the collage world through techniques including quilting, graffiti and clipping to develop their imagination.
Prison Museum Open House
Haunted Burlington Prison, Mt. Holly
Seven prisoners were hanged in the courtyard, a double murder occurred in the basement and countless numbers of others have died from other reasons inside the prison walls. Their spirits linger and their energy can be felt throughout the building. Take a self-guided tour of the museum and see for yourself during the prison’s open house, featuring New Jersey Paranormal.
SUNDAY
“Nutcracker Suites” and Tea Party
Mill Ballet Event Center, New Hope, PA
Spend a fun-filled afternoon enjoying a selection of sweets, coffee, tea and hot chocolate during a tea party with the characters from “The Nutcracker.” The afternoon includes autographs and photos with your favorite characters, a special dance performance, storytime by the Sugar Plum Fairy and a “Nutcracker”-themed dance class!
Kidz Cook
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
ShopRite Kidz Cook is a caregiver-and-me program that introduces children to a diversity of healthy foods, explains cooking concepts and helps build dexterity with cooking utensils. Young cooks will practice using kitchen utensils, measuring, chopping and mixing during this session, where they will make a chickpea, apple and cheese salad.
The Chocolate Expo
New Jersey Expo & Convention Center, Edison
Enjoy the sweet treats of chocolate samples, baked goods, specialty foods and wine and liquor as the expo returns to Edison.
Robot-Building Class
Gymboree JC, Jersey City
Kids ages 6-10 years old will get to build and take home their own whimsical robot. No experience is required so bring your creativity!
Dream a Little Dream
SOPAC, South Orange
As part of the Cabaret in the Loft Series, you can listen to Ginna Claire Mason perform “Dream a Little Dream: An Evening Inspired by Doris Day.” You’ll be treated to an evening filled with Day’s standards and showtunes, including “Whatever Will Be, Will Be” and “Dream a Little Dream of Me.” She’ll be joined on stage with several special guests.
Sew a Cross Body Bag Workshop
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
Kids and adults can learn how to make their own unique cross body bag using your sewing machine. Your instructor will teach you how to set up your machine for this project, how to choose fabrics and how to assemble your project.
Cider Making
Howell Living History Farm
Help the farm staff press this year’s apple harvest into cider. Sample some fresh cider and talk about other uses for cider on the farm.
Tree Bingo
Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton
Outside, practice your tree ID by collecting real leaves to use as game pieces. Learn your leaf shapes in this family-friendly bingo game. Prizes will be awarded.
Craft & Vendor Fair
Vernon Twp. Fire Department Co. No. 1, Vernon Twp.
More than 30 local artisans and vendors will be showcasing jewelry, art, sewn creations and many other types of handmade items during this seventh annual craft fair.
Forest Bathing
New Weis Center for Education, Arts and Recreation, Ringwood
From the Japanese shinrin-yoku, the practice of forest bathing means to immerse oneself in the forest and soak in the atmosphere through the senses. The walk will be at an easy pace and focus on connecting to nature through short, guided meditations and breathing exercises in the forest. At the end of the walk, sample a tea made from pine and spruce needles foraged on the Weis property. There will be separate sessions for families and just adults.
Steeple Concerts
St. Paul Episcopal Church, Westfield
Saxophone virtuoso and recording artist Jonathan Wintringham will be joined by pianist Michael Djupstrom and cellist Clancy Newman.
ONGOING
The Big Apple Circus: Dream Big
Lincoln Center, New York, NY
Every day, Nov. 11 – Jan. 1. 2023
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Big Apple Circus’s first performance under the big top in 1977. This year’s show features five new acts as well as returning fan favorites Ringmaster Alan Silva, comedic daredevil Johnny Rockett and highwire legend Nik Wallenda and family. There are also several new acts joining this year, including 12-year-old dog trainer Veranica from Florida, The Kiriku Brothers from Ethiopia, TanBA the Japanese clown and many more. If you get a VIP package, you can meet the multi-talented performers and learn some circus tricks of their own.
Santa at the Commons
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Every day, Nov. 12 – Dec. 24
Visits with Santa Claus filled with holiday magic await everyone in the family!
The Village at Anne Ellen
Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm, Manalapan
Wednesdays – Sundays, Nov. 12 – Dec. 30
Light up the night with a new interactive walk-thru Christmas experience. Your night begins with a hayride through the Christmas tree fields. You will then be dropped off at the start of a series of immersive walking trails. Inside the village you will find many unique displays, from mesmerizing lights to incredible photo-ops. You will also find an array of interactive exhibits such as the post office where you can write and send your letters to Santa, plus a massive interactive wall of lights. Don’t forget to check out the life-sized gingerbread house and igloo.
“The Nutcracker”
Villa Victoria Theater, Ewing
Select dates, Nov. 13 – Dec. 4
The Roxey Ballet version of the classic Christmas tale features more than 200 costumes worn by 150 professional and pre-professional local dancers and actors. Special performances include a Nutcracker Suites and Tea Party on Nov. 13, a sensory-friendly performance on Nov. 26 and a special matinee for school groups on Nov. 28.
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.
“Seussical: The Musical”
Brooks Performing Arts Center, Bound Brook
Fridays – Sundays, through Nov. 20
Whether you’re a longtime Dr. Seuss fan or a kid just starting to read his books, follow the entertaining adventures of Horton the Elephant who must protect his friends in the tiny world of Whoville from the naysayers of the Jungle of Nool.
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.
The Spitfire Grill
Vanguard Theater Company, Montclair
Thursdays – Sundays, through Nov. 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.
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.
AWA Pawliday Market
Animal Welfare Association, Voorhees
Saturdays and Sundays, through Dec. 18
Every Saturday and Sunday, shop from different vendors that cater to the special pet in your life.
Christmas Light Spectacular / World’s Largest Dreidel
Allaire Community Farm, Wall Twp.
Select dates, through Dec. 23
Take in the twinkling lights surrounding the farm as seen from a tractor-pulled holiday wagon, making sure you keep your eyes peeled for a 30-foot tall dreidel. Christmas plants, baked goods, hot chocolate, hot cider and more will be available for purchase inside the market.
Santa Photo Experience
Menlo Park Mall, Edison
Every day, through Dec. 24
Sign up for photos with Santa before he heads back to the North Pole. Other events during the month include Caring Santa photos for kids with special needs (Dec. 4), pet photos on Dec. 11 and storytime every Tuesday starting Nov. 15.
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
Select dates, through Dec. 30
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.
Whippany’s Polar Express
Select dates, through Dec. 31
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.
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.
Start planning your Thanksgiving meal and either find a place to cater or make your reservations at a restaurant is open on Turkey Day.
