All Weekend

Paper Mill Playhouse Presents Elf (Millburn, NJ)
The beloved movie comes to life on stage as a fantastical musical for the whole family. Enjoy Buddy’s journey from one of Santa’s elves in the North Pole to the grownup world, where he discovers his true identity.

A. Casola Farms’ Winter Wonderland (Holmdel, NJ)
Celebrate the season with carriage rides, a live animal nativity scene, crafts and a visit from Santa.

The Polar Express (Phillipsburg, NJ)
Hop on board the Polar Express at the Delaware River Railroad Excursions, inspired by the hit movie. The train ride is set to the motion picture soundtrack and includes hot chocolate, cookies and a visit with Santa.

NJ Ballet Company Presents the Nutcracker (Morristown, NJ)
Experience this 40 year tradition by New Jersey’s Ballet, with splendid dancing, colorful costumes and scenery, special effects and a touch of holiday magic, performed at the Mayo Center for the Performing Arts.

Somerset County 4-H Festival of Trees (Bridgewater, NJ)
Festivities include local musicians, crafts, an ugly sweater contest, Santa and handmade ornaments for sale. Bring your pet along for a Santa photo.

Saturday, December 13th

Gingerbread House Workshop (Union, NJ)
Decorate your own special gingerbread house, with candy canes, gumdrops and more at this popular Liberty Hall event.

Casino Pier Holiday Party (Seaside Heights, NJ)
Celebrate Christmas at the shore, with an ugly contest, snowman contest, crafts, games and a visit from Santa. The free events include a candy cane toss, pin the nose on Rudolph and candy cane limbo.

Christmas Sing-a-Long (Holmdel, NJ)
Stop by Longstreet Farms for an old-fashioned holiday sing-a-long with pianist Rick Garland.

Sunday, December 14th

Max & Ruby in the Nutcracker Suite at iPlay America (Freehold, NJ)
Nick Jr. favorites Max and Ruby take the stage in the Nutcracker Suite musical. Max and Ruby’s imagination takes them away to a magical land where they become characters in the Nutcracker, with singing, dancing and holiday fun.

Chanukah Cookie Decorating (Oakland, NJ)
Show off your creativity at the Academies of Gerrard Berman Day School while decorating cookies for Chanukah.

Sensitive Santa for Children with Autism (Jamesburg, NJ)
Children with autism and special needs have the opportunity to meet Santa in a calm environment, with no loud noises and distracting lights. Reservations are necessary to ensure a private experience.

Breakfast with Santa (Stirling, NJ)
Chow down with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the St. Vincent de Paul School, plus make holiday crafts, enter a raffle and receive a complimentary photo with Santa.

Check out our GO NJ List, with our top picks of awesome things to do for kids in the upcoming month; GO DECEMBER is full of family fun!

And don't forget: We have additional activity listings in our Event Calendar. And if you are heading into NYC for the weekend make sure you visit the New York City Mommy Poppins events calendar to get the latest on all the fun to be had NYC-style.