Weekday Event Picks for NJ Kids: Christmas Holiday Hunt, Solstice Celebration, December 14-18
It’s hard to believe winter’s around the corner with this almost-balmy December weather. Take advantage of this unseasonably mild late-fall with some outdoor fun. Get outside for holiday festivities that include Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights, Manalapan's Holiday Concert & Christmas Tree Lighting and Red Bank’s Twelve Days of Christmas Holiday Hunt. Outdoor nature activities are also in the spotlight with Growing in the Garden and Winter Solstice Celebration. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!
Monday, December 14th
Northern NJ:
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights (West Orange)
This is a must-see spectacular for my family. Explore the zoo decked out in lights at night, with brilliant holiday displays throughout the property. Take photos with costume characters as well. Admission is FREE but unwrapped toys or donated coats are appreciated.
Jersey Shore:
Physick Family Christmas House Tour (Cape May)
Celebrate Christmas Victorian-style at the Physick Estate. Take a tour of the beautifully-decorated mansion, plus learn about old-fashioned Christmas traditions.
Tuesday, December 15th
Northern NJ:
Growing in the Garden (Morristown)
Find out “who is in the pear tree,” which is this week’s theme at Macculloch Hall’s preschooler program. Activities include story time, an art project and a walk in the garden. Pre-registration is required.
Southern NJ:
The Shoemaker and the Christmas Elves (Millville)
Levoy Theatre presents the adventures of two Christmas elves sent to the North Pole to work for Santa in this family-friendly holiday production. There are two performances during the day.
Wednesday, December 16th
Northern NJ:
Sweet Treats Decoration (Edgewater)
Little ones are invited to whip up some goodies at My Kinder Club. Program is for ages 2+, and fee includes materials plus open play.
Jersey Shore:
Holiday Concert & Christmas Tree Lighting (Manalapan)
Manalapan celebrates the season with a fun-filled night of festivities, including a concert, tree lighting and Santa.
Thursday, December 17th
Central NJ:
A Christmas Carol (Princeton)
Follow Scrooge’s journey through Christmas past, present and future in this holiday classic, on stage at McCarter Theatre. Show runs through December 27th.
Jersey Shore:
Twelve Days of Christmas Holiday Hunt (Red Bank)
The hunt is on for Twelve Days of Christmas items, hidden throughout downtown Red Bank. Look for hints in store windows, and enter to win prize packages. FREE
Friday, December 18th
Central NJ:
Holiday Party with the Autism Think Tank (Warren)
Bounce on over to the Bounce Factory for a holiday celebration, geared towards children with special needs. The fun includes bouncing, plus a visit from a sensory sensitive Santa and elves with toys. Pre-registration is required.
Northern NJ:
Winter Solstice Celebration (Chatham)
Rejoice in a celebration of the winter solstice at Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center. Participants will sit by the campfire and listen to stories, with roasted marshmallows and hot cider on hand. Pre-registration is required.
