All Weekend

The Santa Claus Christmas Express (Wall Township, NJ)
A holiday tradition for 30 years, this festive train ride with Santa is the perfect pre-Christmas activity for train lovers! Santa will hop on board the Christmas Express at the NJ Museum of Transportation and will visit with each child as the family enjoys a beautiful ride through eastern New Jersey.

A Christmas Carol (Princeton, NJ)
Celebrate the season with McCarter’s critically-acclaimed production of Dickens’ classic tale, A Christmas Carol at Princeton University. This timeless story follows Ebenezer Scrooge on a magical and transformative journey through past, present, and future as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas and generosity of spirit that embodies the holiday season.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Netcong, NJ)
Last season’s holiday blockbuster is back for another holly, jolly run at The Growing Stage. The family-friendly production tells the timeless story of a true misfit who becomes a beloved hero. With Johnny Marks’s classic songs and the enduring Christmas spirit of the 1964 television special, Rudolph will definitely get the family into the holiday spirit.

Saturday, December 14th

Teddy Bear Tea (Morristown, NJ)
Head to the Bickford Theatre this Saturday for a delightful Teddy Bear Tea. Guests will be treated to scrumptious treats, a festive performance and a special visit from Santa, who will bring a gift for each child. They’ll be plenty of opportunities for holiday photos!

Brunch with Santa (Camden, NJ)
The Camden Children’s Garden hosts awesome activities for every season and holiday and Christmas is no exception! This Saturday, enjoy a delicious Tortilla Press buffet brunch with your jolly host, Santa. After everyone in the family is full, snap some photos of the whole gang with the Big Man himself.

Kwanzaa Children’s Festival (Newark, NJ)
The NJPAC is hosting a free day of Kwanzaa activities. Check out hands-on workshops designed for the whole family that includes African dance, storytelling, arts & crafts and drumming. There will also be a Children's Book Fair, an Arts and Crafts Village featuring face painting, spirit masks, sekere crafting, Kwanzaa wish scrolls, and more!

Green Gifts (Roseland, NJ)
If your kids need a little guidance in the gift giving department this year, sign up for the Green Gift workshop at the Essex County Environmental Center. Children will have fun and stay engaged as they learn about sustainable and alternative gifts, while making something special for their loved ones. A variety of kids' crafts will be offered.

Christmas Lantern Tours (Farmingdale, NJ)
Get in the spirit of the season with a Christmas inspired Lantern Tour through NJ’s historic Allaire Village.  Experience traditional Christmas 19th century activities such as baking gingerbread, musical performances and join the Villagers with singing all of your favorite carols by the fire!  

Sunday, December 15th

Sensitive Santa Visits (South Plainfield, NJ)
Nicky B’s Café & Pizzeria wants children on the autism spectrum and those with special needs to be able to enjoy the same traditions as all kids! Children are invited to visit with Santa in a magical, festive environment but without distracting lights, loud noises and overwhelming crowds.

Santa at Van Vleck Gardens (Montclair, NJ)
Head to the picturesque Van Vleck House & Gardens to meet Jolly Old St. Nick. A professional photographer will snap photos and Santa’s elves will help the kids with a variety of Christmas crafts. Guests are welcome to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Junior-League sponsored holiday

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

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.

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