The Nutcracker Touch the Music Workshop (Jersey City)

Experience the magic of The Nutcracker story through the Touch the Music Workshop at Three Little Birds in Jersey City.  Along with music from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet, Touch the Music will introduce and explain instruments such as the violin, harp, Glockenspiel, among others.  December 10, 10:30-11:15 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., $34 for one child,  $45 for two children, $60 for three children. For more information: 201-528-3212

Seussical Jr. (Metuchen)

Join Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, and other Dr. Seuss characters in the Forum Theatre's rendition of Seussical Jr. The eccentric characters will take you on a musical journey from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.  December 9 and 10, 7:00 p.m. Admission prices vary.  For more information: 732-548-5600.

A Christmas Carol (Branchburg)

Check out The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College's Christmas Carol with Humbuggy Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and all the memorable characters that make Charles Dicken's enchanting story a treasured holiday event. December 9, 7:00 p.m.  Ticket prices vary. For more information: 908-725-3420.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas (West Windsor)

The anticipation of Santa's arrival, made famous in Clement Moore's timeless poem, is brought to the stage by The Kelsey Players. December 9, 7:30 p.m. Cost: $10. For more information: 609-570-3333.

Morris Choral Society Holiday Spectacular VIII (Morristown)

Enjoy the sounds of the holidays, including sing-a-longs and surprises from the Morris Choral Society.  December 9, 8:00 p.m. For more information: 973-971-3706.

Winter Workshop (West Orange)

Get into the holiday spirit and make presents for the animals at Turtle Back Zoo--even a lowly monkey deserves a gift, right?  December 10, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Free with admission. For more information: 973-731-5800.

Holiday Drop and Shop (Pt. Pleasant)

Kids can get a behind-the-scenes tours, chances to get up-close with animals, play games, watch movies, and make crafts while you finish your holiday shopping. Or start it. December 10. Ages 5 and up. $10 per hour for first child, $5 and hour for each additional sibling. Registration required. For more information: 732-899-1659.

Trash to Treasure: A Holiday Workshop (Summit)

Celebrate a greener Christmas with recycled gifts (not necessarily regifted!) Children create one-of-a-kind gifts and decorations from recycled materials at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum. (Also can be used for a little extra shopping time--we love them). December 10, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. For more information: 908-273-8787.

Celebrate Chanukah with Special Treats (Short Hills)

Share this holiday with a grown-up, and have some fun making special treats, including potato latkes, homemade applesauce, mine stone soup, and dreidl cookies at King's Supermarket Cooking Studio in Short Hills. December 10, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Registration required. For more information: 973-258-4009.

Kids Day (Morris Plains)

Meet the Berenstain Bears, and enjoy fun outdoor winter games and activities at Kids Day at Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms.  December 10, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Admission fee; Free for members. For more information: 973-540-1165.

Whoville Feast (Union)

Celebrate a Whoville Feast at Liberty Hall with all the Who classics: Roast-beast on a Bun, Seuss Spuds and Cindy Lou Who Cider are just some of the Grinchy grub being served.  December 11, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. Registration required. For more information: 908-527-0400.

Hello Kitty Tea Party (Maplewood)

Up for girly fun? Make Hello Kitty purses, have a tea party, decorate your own cakepop, and play purr-fect games at Parteaz in Maplewood.  Be festive and wear something Hello Kitty (socks? t-shirts? underwear? Doesn't matter).  December 11, 1:30-3:00 p.m  Registration required. For more information: 973-447-0616.

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical (Rahway)

Based on the book by Mo Willems, Knuffle Bunny celebrates trials and tribulation that can only come when a beloved stuffed animal gets left alone at the laundromat. The show, like the book, is full of adventure, and this version has gigantic singing laundry! December 11, 3:00.  Ticket prices vary.  For more information: 732-499-8226.

Celtic Harp for a Winter's Day (Madison)

Take in the beauty of the season with harpist Odarka Stockert who will entertain an audience at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts in Madison . December 11, 2:00. Registration required. For more information: 973-377-2982x14.