Weekday Event Picks for NJ Kids: Tree Lightings, Nutcracker, December 7-11
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in New Jersey, with local holiday celebrations throughout the state. Enjoy tree lighting extravaganzas in Galloway, Stone Harbor and Cranbury, plus a Festival of Trees in Basking Ridge. Warm up at some museum events this week, including MAM Park Bench and Morris Museum’s Tot Tours. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!
Monday, December 7th
Northern NJ:
38th Annual Festival of Trees (Basking Ridge)
Somerset County’s Environmental Education Center presents a collection of beautifully adorned holiday trees, decorated by various community groups and individuals. Be sure to stop by the Snowflake Cafe for homemade treats while you’re there.
Jersey Shore:
Galloway’s Annual Tree Lighting (Galloway)
Stop by Galloway’s Municipal Complex for a busy evening of holiday fun, with cookies, hot chocolate, caroling and lighting of the tree. FREE
Tuesday, December 8th
Northern NJ:
Preschool Walk: Oh Deer (Chatham)
Little ones are invited to take a walk through the Great Swamp’s forest in search of a real-life Bambi. Follow up the hike with a deer-themed craft. Pre-registration is required.
Jersey Shore:
Stone Harbor Tree Lighting (Stone Harbor)
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Stone Harbor’s Borough Hall, where festivities include caroling, trolley rides, tree lighting, cocoa and photos with Frosty. FREE
Wednesday, December 9th
Northern NJ:
MAM Park Bench (Montclair)
Kids are invited to learn about museum culture at Montclair Art Museum’s monthly workshop. The program includes a museum tour, a craft and storytelling in the galleries.
Jersey Shore:
Juggling Through December (Manalapan)
The kids will have a ball at Monmouth County Library Headquarters when they learn how to juggle and create three juggling balls. Pre-registration is required. FREE
Thursday, December 10th
Central NJ:
Cranbury Christmas Lights (Cranbury)
Check out NJ’s largest Christmas tree, plus 120,000 holiday lights, by North Main Street in Cranbury. The spectacular display features lights that “dance” to 20 songs. FREE but donations are welcome.
Northern NJ:
Tot Tours (Morristown)
All Aboard! is the theme of this month’s toddler program at Morris Museum. The fun and interactive workshop includes storytime and an art project for ages 2-5 with a caregiver. Pre-registration is required.
Friday, December 11th
Northern NJ:
New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker (Morristown)
You won’t want to miss this captivating performance of the holiday classic, housed at the Mayo Performing Arts Center and accompanied by music from New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. The show runs through December 13th.
Jersey Shore:
Storytime & Holiday Book Signing (Holmdel)
Visit Holmdel’s Barnes & Noble for a free storytime with local author Paul Czajak, who will share his book Monster Needs a Christmas Tree. Signed copies will be available for purchase. FREE
photo: Scotch Plains menorah
