Laurie R
Laurie Rein is thrilled to have made a career of digging up activities (especially free ones!) for her twin daughters. Prior to working with Mommy Poppins NJ, Laurie wore many hats in the television industry including gigs as an NBC page, NBC copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show and research manager for CBS. She is currently the Events Editor for Mommy Poppins NJ and can be reached at njevents@mommypoppins.com
Latest posts by Laurie
Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey in December? Christmas lights and holiday activities are among our top picks this month.
The last month of 2023 boasts full-on holiday fun in the Garden State, and we can't wait to see the holiday lights at drive-thrus and walk-throughs like Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights in West Orange. Santa Claus is also all over town in December– catch him at festive events like his stroll through Chester.
Find more top December fun in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey, like our guide to the top New Jersey Christmas Towns.
There's no shortage of opportunities for your little elves to pose for pictures with Santa in New Jersey when the big guy comes to town this Christmas season. We've rounded up our favorites, and there are events all over the state listed below for you to snag that photo op.
For even more seasonal activities, check out our Holiday and Christmas Activities Guide for NJ Kids, where we've rounded up our favorite places to have breakfast with Santa and plenty more holiday must-do's for New Jersey kids.
Make the most magical time of the year even more special with a visit to one of New Jersey's spectacular Christmas light displays. At holiday lights drive-thrus, you stay toasty in your car and journey through a sparkling course. At others, you can stretch your legs as you wander past holiday lights and experience the magic up close.
Whichever you choose, pile the kids in the car with some snacks, crank up the holiday tunes, and journey out to see one of these impressive holiday light displays.
Find must-do holiday activities and more ways to be merry in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families.
Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this Thanksgiving Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.
Thanksgiving has arrived, so gobble up all the fun and festivities this long weekend has to offer. Seasonal drive-thru holiday light shows kick off the weekend, including the Skylands Stadium Light Show, and Santa makes his grand arrival at tree-lighting celebrations, including the one in tree lighting in Morristown.
With the holidays just around the corner, the long weekend is the perfect time to venture into NYC to check out the holiday sights, including the enchanting Santa's Winter Wonderland. If you prefer to keep it closer to home, take a drive to see New Jersey's Best Christmas Light Displays. Find more holiday fun in our Guide to the Holidays for NJ Families.
If your kids want to spend quality time with "the big guy," consider a breakfast with Santa on one of his visits to New Jersey. Kids enjoy delicious food and share holiday wish lists with St. Nick at these events.
And, of course, there will be time for some adorable photos. Read on for our roundup of where to have breakfast with Santa in New Jersey this holiday season.
Want more time with Santa? Book your ticket on a Christmas train ride, and find more seasonal activities in our Holiday Fun Guide.
Free turkey meals in New Jersey offer help to families who may not have the financial means to enjoy the Thanksgiving meal they deserve. Many churches, soup kitchens, and charities throughout New Jersey offer free turkey giveaways or full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season.
Read on for details on where to find these services, and if you're fortunate enough to have a full pantry and pocketbook, keep in mind that many of these nonprofits need help now more than ever, so consider reaching out to donate.
In addition to helping families fill their Thanksgiving table, we've also rounded up a collection of resources and organizations ready to supply free toys for the upcoming holiday season.
Looking for the best holiday activities and Christmas events in New Jersey? Read on for our top picks in the Garden State in 2023.
Make your list—and check it twice—because we've got all the details you need for annual must-do holiday experiences and top Christmas events in New Jersey. These Christmas events and holiday activities in New Jersey are sure to get everyone in the seasonal spirit over the next few weeks.
Bookmark this page—we'll update it with fun new happenings as we learn about them. You can also stay up to date with all the family-friendly fun in our Family Activity Calendar and find more Christmas events and holiday hoopla in our seasonal Holiday Guide for New Jersey Families, which includes the best Christmas train and Polar Express rides in New Jersey.
Pages