Taking photos with Santa is the perfect way to create lasting memories for the holidays. Get into the festive spirit by making a trip to visit the big guy at Bridgewater Commons! The kids will love having the chance to tell Santa Claus what’s on their wish list; plus, your pictures will make for excellent holiday cards! Skip the line by making reservations to see Santa. Reserve Monday – Wednesday through December 5 and save $5 on your photo package. Plus, receive a FREE personalized video with any purchase of a premium photo package. Standard Package: $39.99 Includes 1 5×7, 1 4×6, 4 wallets, digital downloads, and a free short video! Premium Package: $49.99 Includes 3 5×7, 3 4×6, 4 wallets, digital downloads, and a free premium video! Regular Hours:  Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM-8:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 PM-6:00 PM Special Hours: Monday – Saturday (11/26-12/14): 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Monday – Saturday (12/15-12/22): 9:00 AM-9:00 PM Sunday (12/23): 9:00 AM-9:00 PM Christmas Eve (12/24): 9:00 AM-5:00 PM     Photos with Santa is sponsored by Gymboree

Visit Frelinghuysen Arboretum’s Gingerbread Wonderland Craft Show. A candy lover’s dream, now in its 27th year! Marvel at the creativity and skill displayed at this festive and charming exhibit featuring 150+ edible masterpieces crafted by local schools, scout troops, and families. With past creations from Hogwarts, to enchanted gardens, pirate ships, and Santa’s Workshop, this is a must see for all ages. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite! This event is sponsored by The Friends of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum. Monday – Thursday & Weekends: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Fridays: 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Complete your holiday shopping with ease at the 9th Annual Gingerbread Wonderland Craft Show. Check out local artists and crafters’ beautiful and affordable handmade creations, perfect for that special person on your list. Craft Show is Weekends Only: December 1, 2, 8 & 9 – 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Date: Friday, November 30—Sunday, December 9 Time: Monday – Thursday & Weekends: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Fridays: 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Location: Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 East Hanover Avenue, Morris Township. Cost:$2 per person gains entry to both the Holiday Craft Show and Gingerbread Wonderland. Children under age 2 are FREE. Contact:973.326.7601. Groups of […]

Inspired by the hit movie, this holiday favorite comes to life as you and your family take a trip on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Whippany from Nov. 16 through Dec. 30. 2018 Season Pricing Coach Class Value: $45 Adult, $40 Child (2-11)  Standard: $55 Adult, $50 Child (2-11) │ Peak: $65 Adult, $60 Child (2-11) First Class Value: $65 Adult, $60 Child (2-11)  Standard: $70 Adult, $65 Child (2-11) │ Peak: $75 Adult, $70 Child (2-11) Tickets for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride are not refundable For ticketing assistance please contact our reservations office at 973-419-6255 For times and tickets, visit the website.

SAVE THE DATES! Holiday Lights Spectacular is back at the Turtle Back Zoo. Friday, Saturday, Sunday: November 16- 18, November 23-25, November 30- December 2 Every Night: December 7 – 31 Closed: December 24 & 25 5pm to 9pm Free Admission *Celebrate the season of giving by bringing donations of non-perishable food items, new toys, and gently used coats. Take a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo this holiday season under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters. What to see: Meet & Greet with Mrs. Claus *option to purchase professional photos Friday, November 16 – Sunday, November 18 @ party gazebo Meet & Greet with Santa Claus *option to purchase professional photos Friday, November 23 – Sunday, November 25 Saturday, December 1 & Sunday, December 2 Saturday, December 8 & Sunday, December 9 Saturday, December 15 & Sunday, December 16 Saturday, December 22 & Sunday, December 23 @ party gazebo Character Weekends! Superheros- Friday, November 30 – Sunday, December 2 Princesses – Friday, December 7 – Sunday, December 9 Home for the Holidays- Friday, December 14 – Sunday, December 16 @ picnic pavilion Ice Carver Friday, November 23 & Saturday, November 24 Friday, December […]

Enjoy Apple Cider Making at the Great Swamp. It’s the perfect fall family tradition! Make delicious, homemade apple cider using an old-fashioned, hand-cranked cider press, and learn fun facts about the amazing apple. Best of all, enjoy the fruits of your labor, and sample the fresh cider. Saturdays & Sundays:  November 10, 11, 24 & 25 Date: Saturday, November 10—Sunday, November 25 Time: 1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. Location: Great Swamp OEC, 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham Township. Cost: $3 per person age 3 & up. Contact: 973.635.6629.

Holiday in the Park is back for select days from November 17 -January 1 at Six Flags Great Adventure. It’s the most magical time of the year filled with enchanting experiences that will help create those special family fun outings again and again. Our breathtaking winter wonderland features a variety of delightful and interactive activities to help capture the holiday spirit. There are always festive surprises at Holiday in the Park. The elves are making the plans and will be sharing them soon. Check back to see what’s waiting for you under the tree. Special attractions only available during Holiday in the Park. Embrace the holiday spirit! From visiting with Santa to amazing shows, our Holiday Attractions are unique and only available during Holiday in the Park. Please note, some activities may require an additional fee.

Celebrate an early 19th Century Thanksgiving with the villagers of James P. Allaire’s Howell Iron Works Company! The historic homes, craft shops, and retail buildings will be open to welcome you for a special “Day of Thanks.” Starting at 11 am, special program at the historic chapel, craft demonstrations (Blacksmith, Tinsmith, Carpentry, Leather-Making and more), cooking at the Manager’s House over its 18th century open hearth, and other special activities for adults and children. Bakery, General Store, and Enameling Building’s Museum Store open for early holiday shopping. Additional early 19th century period cooking and other activities to “give thanks” will be spread throughout the village! As a fundraiser for the Historic Village at Allaire, there is a $5 charge for adults and $3 charge for children Ages 5 through12. Please join us for this special Fall day and thank you! DATE AND TIME Sun, November 18, 2018 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST Add to Calendar LOCATION The Historical Village at Allaire 4263 Atlantic Avenue Wall Township, NJ 07727

From Palmer Square Princeton: Come kick-off the holiday season on the Green at Palmer Square and watch as we light all 32,000 lights atop our 65-foot-tall Norwegian Spruce Friday, Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. Take a walk about town and catch the nightly musical performances and an appearance by the one, the jolly, Santa! Experience Palmer Square, more than great shopping!   Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm Location: Palmer Square | 40 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542

New Providence’s Holiday Festival will take place in downtown New Providence Nov. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m., at a new location this year: Springfield Ave., Adams Shopping Center parking lot, and part of the Village Shopping Center parking lot will be closed for the event on Friday night. Streets and businesses will be open the next day with specials and offers for Small Business Saturday. The annual Christmas Walk, an evening gathering traditionally held on the Friday after Thanksgiving in the downtown area, will be part of the Holiday Festival. The festival will feature Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade along Springfield Ave. and through the Village Shopping Center; various customs and celebrations from around the world; and Friday night fireworks!  This huge event will take place in downtown New Providence (New location: Springfield Ave. and Village Shopping Center) and will offer treats, activities, entertainment, giveaways, and more!  The event is followed by Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24.  See NP Business Community website for details.

The annual Madison Christmas Parade is one of the most beloved Madison holiday traditions. This year’s celebration will be held Friday, November 23, 2018 at 5:30 PM – 8 PM Each year throngs of people gather on the route down Main Street to enjoy the parade and tree lighting sponsored by the all-volunteer Madison Christmas Committee.    

The 2018 Collingswood Holiday Parade will be held on Saturday, November 24th beginning at 10 am running along Haddon Avenue beginning at Zane Avenue. Named Best Main Street Experience by South Jersey Magazine, the parade features lively seasonal entertainment, including marching bands, dancers, holiday characters, giants on stilts, floats, mummers, live music—even sports mascots like the Phillie Phanatic. The parade, packed with bands, dancers, entertainers, floats and more, will begin at Zane Avenue at 10 am and continue to West Linden Avenue, through the heart of historic Collingswood. Cars from the Original Garden State Corvette Club and dozens of other antique and historic autos and motorcycles will drive down the parade route. The Phillie Phanatic and other Philadelphia Sports mascots will ride along also. Dance to marching bands, Mummers, string bands and oldies tunes to keep warm. Be sure to get a good spot to wave to Grand Marshal Sue Serio, Weather Anchor, FOX 29 News! Enjoy the holidays in Collingswood with a full listing of events and festivities here.

WizardCon is an event for all ages, allowing witches and wizards to come together to celebrate the books, movies and characters they love. We will be offering several spellbinding activities throughout the day such as potion classes, costume contests, food trucks, photobooths, themed drink specials at participating bars, live music and several surprises! All proceeds from this event will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern NJ, The Greater Newton Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Newton! When: Sat, November 24, 2018 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM EST Location: Spring Street Newton, NJ 07860 Tickets: Ages 3 and under :free Ages 4-17: $10 Ages 18+: $15 Ticket prices lower for Newton residents.