12 Events That’ll Spark Holiday Joy
December in our counties is filled with family fun, from concerts and crafts to films and First Night parties.
Bundle up, everyone—December is in full swing, and the month is full of cozy cheer! From bright displays to Festival of Lights, our corner of New Jersey is buzzing with ways to celebrate.
You can catch the spirit by starting at any of our counties’ malls. Santa is ready to take photos with you and your crew at The Mall at Short Hills and Rockaway Townsquare, for instance.
More ways to have fun? Whether you’re chasing holiday magic or just looking for a great way to spend time with family and friends, we’ve rounded up some of the best local happenings to kick off the season.
Essex County
- Dec. 14: Maplewood’s Durand-Hedden House & Garden hosts its Open House and Gingerbread House Contest. Take part in this annual tradition and see spectacular gingerbread houses made by amateurs and professionals alike. The fun begins at 1 p.m.
- Dec. 17: Join some of Broadway’s biggest stars for Broadway Rocks Cancer, a benefit concert at South Orange Performing Arts Center. The 7 p.m. show will feature performers from Broadway shows like The Phantom of the Opera, Legally Blonde, Hamilton, Aladdin and more. Get your tickets online.
- Dec. 18: Check out Newark’s New Jersey Performing Arts Center where you can see a special screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, including a live conversation with “Clark Griswold” himself. Chevy Chase and his wife Jayni will stop by to share behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the making of the movie and take audience questions. The movie starts at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, head over to njpac.org.
- Dec. 20: Montclair History Center opens up the 229-year-old Crane House for the ever-popular Winter Wonderland Open House. The Garden Club of Montclair decks out the house in festive period decorations, and the past comes to life. Enjoy a self-guided tour at your own pace, cozy up by the hearth and discover the rich history of holiday food traditions. Doors open at noon.
- Dec. 27: Learn how to make your shoes truly unique at the Newark Museum of Art’s hands-on Fresh Kicks: Upcycle Your Sneakers Workshop. Led by style and maximalist expert Libre’ Ojeda, known for her work with luxury brands such as Versace and Dolce & Gabbana, you’ll learn how to personalize your sneakers with creative flair in the style of artist Aminah Robinson. Bring your own sneakers; all other materials provided.
- Dec. 31: Ring in the new year at Montclair Brewery’s annual New Year’s Eve Party. Stop by beginning at 8 p.m. to celebrate with friends, family, great brews and bites and more!
Morris County
- Dec. 12–14: Pick up something for everyone on your list in Morristown at one of the best holiday craft markets in the state. Holiday Craft Morristown is back for another year, bringing over 174 craft artisans from all over the country for you to browse. Check out original fashions and jewelry, ceramics, fine art and more, plus gourmet food and beverages. The fun starts at 4 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
- Dec. 12, 19, 26: In Morristown, see Frelinghuysen Arboretum’s mansion done up in its holiday best at the annual Festival of Trees. See festive Christmas trees decorated by scout troops, artistic families, floral designers and garden clubs, all lit up and twinkling inside of the 134-year-old historic building. The festival opens at 10 a.m. each day.
- Dec. 13: Lace your sneakers, bundle up and look forward to something sweet at the Morris Hot Cocoa 5K and 10K in Parsippany-Troy Hills. Run this scenic course, and at the finish line, you’ll be rewarded with delicious bundt cakes and a warm cup of cocoa. It’s also for a great cause: This race supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Everything starts at 10 a.m.
- Dec. 20: Head over to Morristown’s Morris Museum and listen to The Water Gap Jazz Orchestra as they play through Duke Ellington’s iconic “Nutcracker Suite” in addition to its own “Grinch Suite.” Not only does this 17-piece band include some of the top musicians in the area, but it also will be joined by Nancy Reed on vocals and Duke Ellington’s grandson, Edward Ellington II, as narrator. There will be two shows, one at 3 p.m. and one at 7 p.m.
- Through Dec. 21: Take the kids to The Growing Stage in Netcong and see Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer live! An adaptation of the beloved 1964 TV special, this show is filled with all your favorite characters—Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph himself. Multiple seatings are available.
- Dec. 31: First Night Morris celebrates its 34th anniversary, featuring more than 20 venues and 80 performances. Check out the group’s website for the complete lineup.
Share your favorite holiday photos with us on Instagram @morrisandessexmag.
