Holiday Open House (Pennington)

The Cats Meow, Princeton High School's all-female a capella group, will be featured at the Holiday Open House at the Buttinger Nature Center, as well as holiday goodies and simple seasonal crafts for kids. December 2, 5pm to 7pm. FREE. For more information: 609-737-7592

Special Needs Teen Night (Scotch Plains)

Join the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA Staff for Autism Family Times with Brianna and Peer Mentors for a night of music, dancing, snacks, board games and winter crafts.  Membership to the Y is not required. Participants  will be asked to fill out a Limited Membership Application. December 2, 7pm to 9pm. For more information: 908-889-8880x123

Family Holiday Extravaganza (Berkeley Heights)

The Y loves a good party! The Summit Area YMCA will be welcoming the holidays with festive music, giveaways, seasonal treats, games, and family fun at the Family Holiday Extravaganza. Free for members; fee for non-members. December 2, from 7pm to 8pm.  For more information: 908-464-8373

Gingerbread House-Making Workshop (Roseland)

Stop by Garibaldi Hall of the Essex County Environmental Center and let the staff help you get started on your own Gingerbread masterpiece.  For inclusion in the contest, all gingerbread projects must be completed by 1 pm. Some materials provided, but you are encouraged to bring your goodies. December 3, 11am to 1pm. FREE. For more information, call: 973-228-8776.

Holiday Bazaar and Pancake Breakfast (New Vernon)

Do some holiday shopping at the Harding Holiday Bazaar; while you're there, enjoy a yummy pancake breakfast. December 3; breakfast: 9-11 am, bazaar: 9 am-4 pm. FREE. For more information, email: info@hardingholidaybazaar.vpweb.com

Peppermint Boutique Craft Fair (Clark)

Mother Seton Regional High School is holding a fair that will feature more 100 crafters, including Victorian handcrafts, Christmas decorations, and floral arrangements. Even better: the kitchen will be open all day. December 3, 9am to 4pm. For more information: 732-382-1952.

Gingerbread House Workshop (Union)

Liberty Hall Museum is hosting a fun day of full of candy canes, gumdrops and gingerbread house-making. December 3, 10-11:30am. Registration required. For more information: (908) 527-0400.

Elf on the Shelf: An Elf Movie Special Author Signing (Westfield)

Meet and greet with Westfield resident, Kenneth Waddell, the co-author and co-executive producer of the new "The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf Movie Special". He will sign copies of the movie and share stories on how the story came to be.  December 3, 11am to 1pm. For more information: 908-233-3535.

Nature's Choice (Mountainside)

As fall comes to a close, brave the brisk weather and take a hike to discover the winter adaptations of the plants and animals in the Watchung Reservation at the Trailside Nature and Science Center.  December 3, 10am. Donations suggested. For more information: 908-789-3670.

5th Annual Green Gift Fair (Roseland)

Go green this holiday season with sustainable and alternative gifts from the fifth annual Green Gift Fair at the Essex County Environmental Center. While you shop, kids can make handmade, recycled cards and other holiday crafts. December 3, 11am to 4pm. FREE. For more information: 973-228-8776.

Civil War Christmas (Morristown)

See the gorgeous decorations, toddle through the upstairs gallery Christmas exhibit, "ooh" and "ah" at the Thomas Nast Christmas images, and check out tours of the period rooms at the Macculloch Hall Museum. December 3 and 4, 12pm to 5pm.

A Very Special (Holiday) Special (South Orange)

Head to the Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre for a unique send-up of old-fashioned holiday variety shows including spoofs of holiday songs, comic sketches and improv, and lots of good old-fashioned fun.  December 2 and 3, 8pm.  For more information: 973-378-7754

Winter Holiday Festival (Basking Ridge)

Take a hayride through the woods at the Lord Stirling Stable to visit Santa at his house and take a photo with him. Seasonal music, pony rides, treats, and a silent auction. December 3 and 4, 10am to 4pm. For more information: 908-766-5955.

For even more events, check out our Events Calendar or if you're planning an event, submit it to our calendar!